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Unmasking Mental Illness

August 23, 2012 By Lee 2 Comments

It’s Thursday, and yes I missed my Worthy Wednesday shout out, or did I.  Technical difficulties, time spent with family and me not being as organized as I usually am had led me to post today, Thursday – instead of Wednesday and that’s okay.

I received a tweet a few months ago:
hey @SimpLee_Serene would you like to be featured in my UNMASKED series?

This began a beautiful online friendship, that is blossoming with mutual respect, vulnerability and acceptance.  Sara Gorguen unmasks mental illness on a daily basis.  She is a tireless advocate and is a Community Correspondent for the Partner’s For Mental Health – Not Myself Today Campaign.  Our friendship blossomed as finalists in the Faces 2012 Campaign, and we were both there for each other when we were unsuccessful.  As we went through our own struggles of rejection, and hurt, a deeper connection was built.

I have watched Sara, this beautiful 24 year old woman from the East Coast of Canada, truly and tirelessly with such devotion and passion, advocate for mental illness.  Her UNMASKED series on her blog Saratonin, highlights people travelling through mental illness.  What I love about Sara is her courage, resiliency and determination.  She journey’s through her depression honestly and openly, allowing others to feel not so alone.  I’ve also watched her support and lift up another incredible mental health advocate Casey, who I featured in the Not Myself Today blog post earlier this year, to see this compassion and caring, fills my heart with the hope that there are people in this world that truly and deeply care.

All you need to do is go over to her About page to see this beautiful woman shine bright in her honesty.  You can also visit Sara on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Sara is worthy, and she is definitely being the change she wishes to see in the world.

 

Worthy Wednesday is about celebrating that you are worthy, we are all worthy, and that you are enough.
Every Wednesday Lee gives a SimpLee Serene Shout Out to an individual or organization being the change they wish to see in the world.

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In Crisis? Help is a Phone Call Away

August 15, 2012 By Lee Leave a Comment

What many people don’t know is that help, support and a compassionate ear is a phone call away.  I know because a call to a 24 hour crisis line saved my life 8 years ago.

“It is Friday October 22, 2004 and I know I cannot keep going; it has to end.  The darkness is unbearable, the sadness and desperation all encompassing.  This is my first real thought of suicide and I am filled with relief that I can choose to end this, though I am consumed with fear.  I begin to put a plan in motion: I make my way slowly to the pantry and I grab every pill bottle I can hold.  I retreat to the safety of my bedroom and, crying hysterically, I begin to open all the bottles.

“No you can’t do this… what about the girls?  What about Neil?  If you do this it will destroy them.  Well, I’m already doing a good job of that right now.  Wouldn’t they be better off without me?”  I argue with myself, the inner turmoil unendurable.

For a brief moment my thoughts are rational.  What am I doing?  I can’t do this!  In a frenzy of anger, resentment and hatred toward myself, I gather up all the bottles, return them to the pantry and find the Yellow Pages.  I stumble back to my bedroom, collapse on the bed and, weak and exhausted, without any hope I open the phone book to the front page and call the 24-hour Crisis Line 403.266.HELP (4357) provided by Distress Centre.  As a woman answers, I feel an uneasy knot in my stomach, but soon her calm, soothing voice reassures me.  She is caring, helpful, listening attentively, not judging me, all the while asking questions gently.  For the first time, I feel that someone really understands and cares.”
An Excerpt from A Quiet Strong Voice.

 

Today’s Worthy Wednesday Shout Out goes to the organization that not only saved my life, it has been saving lives in Calgary and surrounding areas for over 40 years.  Distress Centre is a charitable organization that truly cares, that lives and breathes their mission and has an amazing, passionate and committed team of staff, board and volunteers.

Working closely with the Distress Centre team over the past couple of years has truly been a gift.  If you go look at their website you will see in the NEWS section how much they have shown gratitude, caring and love for the many initiatives I have lovingly created to bring awareness and funds to this incredible organization.

On September 13th, Distress Centre is having their annual Breakfast fundraiser.  A wonderful opportunity to connect, and learn about this valuable resource that many are unaware of.

“Listening is fundamentally what we do at Distress Centre. 24 hours a day, we are there to listen and be there for people in crisis.” yes they do.

If you can’t attend, I ask you to share this, consider donating or even just ensuring that 403.266.HELP (4357) is in a visible place in your home.

Distress Centre offers so much more than a 24 hour crisis line, they are there for any degree of distress.

Distress Centre is a non-profit social agency that delivers 24-hour support, counselling and resource referral services to Calgary and the surrounding area. Our agency is built around the belief that anyone can experience crisis. It’s not up to us to define what the crisis is—it’s different for everyone. We don’t judge. We’re here to listen and connect you with the help you need.

Everyone has a right to help when they need it. To ensure support is accessible and available, we offer services 24 hours a day, free of charge. Our programs act as a gateway to professional help, peer support or a network of social agencies. Whatever the problem may be, a call to Distress Centre is often a first step towards a solution.

 

If you are not in Calgary, you can also access global 24 hour crisis lines by visiting www.befrienders.org

 

As you can see – Distress Centre is being the change they wish to see.  Thank YOU Distress Centre for saving my life and many others.

 

Worthy Wednesday is about celebrating that you are worthy, we are all worthy, and that you are enough.
Every Wednesday Lee gives a SimpLee Serene Shout Out to an individual or organization being the change they wish to see in the world.

 

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Passion and Dedication to Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness

August 8, 2012 By Lee Leave a Comment

It takes a great deal of passion and dedication to reduce and hopefully remove the stigma of mental illness.  It also takes a ton of persistence, perseverance, patience and letting go.  Usually I leave the Worthy Wednesday shout out to highlighting others who are courageously being the change they wish to see in the world.  This week, I am going to focus on Going Blue 4 U, and everything that goes on in the background that many may not be aware of.

Going Blue 4 U, began in 2011 from a tweet.  It was also inspired by the amazing work of the Blue Bloggers formed by Cristi Comes of Mother Unadorned.  The tweet with Lauren Hounslow was the catalyst of putting a stake in the ground and moving forward.  No one could have envisioned the speed in which it took off, the thousands of people’s lives positively affected and the many who now knew about 24 hour crisis lines available across Canada, including Distress Centre in Calgary.

What Goes on in The Background with GB4U?

A ton of work goes on in the background to create an awareness campaign, that is armed with the mission of building awareness for mental illness.  It’s not just a pretty logo, a facebook page, or a fundraising page.  The current fundraising campaign we have is to raise much needed funds to move forward as a registered non-profit foundation.

To date, $5,913 has been graciously donated with generosity and support from 65 people.  These funds have already been allocated:
Trademark and Business Licensing:    $   955
Non-Profit Foundation Application:  $1,355
Promotional Video:                                   $1,500
Logo and Brand Design:                           $    500

We still need assistance to begin ordering our BLUEkits – kits that will include t-shirt, bracelets and other promotional items to share with everyone.  These items will also be available separately.  The large task of creating a software program for the back end of the www.GoingBlue4U.ca will not be ready in time for the September 30th.  What we do need is to update the website, as well as convert it to a wordpress site, which allows us to easily post blogs and shares stories of courageous people Going Blue 4 U.

A founding Advisory Committee has been formed, and in the beginning stages of implementation.  We are proud and honoured to have two Honorary Advisory Committee members on board.
Sterling Eddy, Executive Director/CEO, Distress Centre
Bill Wilkerson,  Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health

Numerous articles, appearances on local TV stations, appearances on local radio and the sharing and caring of many caring, supportive and passionate individuals and small businesses has been a source of FREE and tireless campaigning.  There is no price tag that can be put to such selfless support, time and energy.  For me personally, GB4U is the philanthropic arm of SimpLee Serene, along with my supportive husband Neil, this is our commitment to giving back to the community, it is something we are very passionate about.  I do not in any way benefit financially from this endeavour, actually it has cost our family dearly – with personal funds and time.

Although we are $19,000 short of our campaign target with only 8 days to go, I am working hard at ensuring the 2012 Awareness Campaign will go ahead on September 30, 2012 in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week.

 

What are the Challenges we Face?

The challenges we face are great.  Yet in the face of challenge is always the opportunity to rise above.  Lessons to be learned – trying new things, and never giving up.  Quite honestly, there have been many times I have fallen to the floor in tears of frustration and overwhelm.  And then, someone shows up, to lift me up, and say “don’t give up Lee, we believe in you and GB4U.”

Challenges show up in so many facets:

  • Messages of “enough already, I’m sick of hearing about GB4U”
  • People not donating as they feel it’s not worthy to donate to administrative costs
  • People unable to share – not because they don’t want to – because they fear being judged themselves if anyone puts two and two together that they have a mental illness.
  • Being turned down for sponsorship, large donations and grants because we don’t have our non-profit status yet.
  • It’s summer, many people are away enjoying vacation and off line.
  • The largest challenge – the very stigma we are working hard to reduce

 

How Can You Help?

We have 8 days to raise $19,000 to launch our 2nd campaign.

If 1,300 people donate $15 (for 1 in 5) we will reach our target.
It’s easy
1. Visit the www.katipult.com/gb4u watch the video and learn more about what we’re doing.
2. If you feel inspired, click the DONATE link. (we have filed for non-profit foundation status – unfortunately at this time we are unable to provide a tax receipt.)
3. Copy you’re REFERRAL code and share away. There are incentives for top referrers.
Share it on your social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, email, blogs.
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/goingblue4u like, comment and share this quickly growing community page.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/goingblue_4_u use hashtag #GB4U 

Please help us put a colorful spin on the blues, and let’s stand up for the quiet voices of mental illness.

If you are doing something to support GB4U ie. dye your hair, paint your nails, wearing blue, please share your story and any pictures by contacting me HERE

 

 

Worthy Wednesday is about celebrating that you are worthy, we are all worthy, and that you are enough.
Every Wednesday Lee gives a SimpLee Serene Shout Out to an individual or organization being the change they wish to see in the world.

 

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Let’s End the Silence of Mental Illness

August 1, 2012 By Lee 2 Comments

There isn’t any cause more powerful than something you are passionate about, and that’s exactly what Linda Kiernan has done to end the silence of mental illness.

I had the honor of meeting Linda through facebook.  My friend Kim Page Gluckie commented on a post and I happened to see it on my facebook feed.  In 2009, I had the opportunity to emcee for Jack Canfield, that evening I hosted a VIP party for 24 women.  Janet Attwood graced us with her presence, and a beautiful evening of connection followed.  Since that evening in 2009, I have wanted to take The Passion TestTM.  I looked at seeing Kim’s comment as a sign that now, finally three years later, here was my opportunity.  Finally I did, and it was divinely timed.  Linda helped me ground my “why” and move forward with clarity and focus.

As the Going Blue 4 U (GB4U) fundraising campaign began to take hold, Linda stepped up.  With passion and purpose she began to step into her why?  Linda organized a sold out private screening of I AM to raise funds for GB4U.  Thanks to her commitment, hard work, and big heart, $590 was raised on that beautiful evening.  To witness such dedication I knew there had to be a deeper reasoning for her support, I wasn’t surprised to hear that mental illness has impacted her in a deep way.  I asked Linda to be a part of the GB4U Advisory Board and asked Linda her why?:

I started to support Going Blue 4 U without much conscious decision at all; it was as though I didn’t choose it, it chose me.

Before I knew it, I was sharing on Facebook, organizing a fundraiser and committing to dyeing blue streaks into my hair.  Really, you’re going to do what?  I was swept away in a wave, and swimming with this wave seemed like the most natural and obvious thing to do.

It wasn’t until after this frenzy of activity stopped that I asked myself one of the most powerful questions we can ask ourselves, “Why?”  Why was I so naturally impassioned to support GB4U?

I realized this cause was giving voice to something that had been silenced within me most of my life.  It spoke to the place in my heart where I hold my Mom, the woman who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and severe depression.  She was intermittently institutionalized and experienced a myriad of procedures and experimental drugs, all designed to make her better.  It didn’t work.  As a child, I don’t know how I felt about this.  All I know is we didn’t talk about it.

How would her life have been different if it would have been safe and accepted to talk about her illness; if she was met with acceptance, openness and compassion?  How would her life have been different if there wasn’t so much shame?

As an adult, I experienced the “baby blues” after the birth of my first child.  These blues stayed with me for many years.  The stigma and pattern of silence was so well established that I suffered in isolation.

Yet, there was something bigger that lived within; something that fueled my energy to find answers.  I considered a whole person approach to healing.  I researched and studied areas spanning from nutrition and exercise, to spirituality and personal development.

This is how I found The Passion TestTM; the number one tool being used world wide  to help people identify and live their passions.

What are passions?  Passions are those inner callings that give our life meaning, healing and purposeful forward movement.  A life guided by passion is not just for the rich, beautiful and powerful.  It is the birthright of us all, and I dedicate my life to this truth.

When people are blue or depressed there can be a disconnect from the very things that could potentially support their well-being.  It is common to feel detached from life, apathetic and stuck.  The greater the disconnection, the more depression is fed.

The Passion TestTM is an elegantly simple process that works to reestablish connection.  It builds clarity, certainty and focus.  It gives the mind something meaningful and positive to anchor on to.  In my whole body approach to finding wellness, The Passion TestTM was the tipping point that allowed me to move forward in life with greater purpose.

Supporting GB4U has helped me realize my “why” behind all I did and helped me fully claim my history.  For many years I journeyed mostly alone and in silence, which made the road so much longer and, at times, lonely and painful.

I dedicate my work to my Mom who remained in silence.

Let’s end the silence; let’s end the shame.  Enough.

 

I Am Private Screening for GB4U at Self Connection Books

So as you can see Linda is clearly being the change she wishes to see in the world: ending the silence of mental illness.

 

Worthy Wednesday is about celebrating that you are worthy, we are all worthy, and that you are enough.
Every Wednesday Lee gives a SimpLee Serene Shout Out to an individual or organization being the change they wish to see in the world.

 

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Believing that Better is Possible After Suicide

July 25, 2012 By Lee 2 Comments

The unthinkable right, believing that better is possible after suicide?  Not the case for Jaclyn Olsen, Founder of Diffusion Solutions.  I had the absolute joy and honor of meeting Jaclyn earlier this year.  Doing so, I can honestly say has brought a tremendous amount of love, inspiration and beauty into my life.

When I asked Jaclyn why she was so passionate about Going Blue 4U, she shared this with me:

Going Blue 4 U is close to my heart as I had a struggle for years with anxiety and depression silently due to stigma. Sadly, April 16th 2002, my Dad chose to end his life.

I did not realize the magnitude this would have as an effect in my life, my family’s lives and those who loved him so very much. Suicide has been labelled a selfish disease because it only thinks about its self. My dad thought about everyone else, all the time. He just wanted the pain to end, for all of us.

At the time and for a few years after – myself and different members of my family struggled to cope and keep the depression at bay. We still didn’t talk about it. We didn’t know how to. Through the years I’ve worked with some amazing counselors and have used this experience to find my voice, and work on creating a platform of conversation.  A few years ago I chose to use the loss of my Dad as a motivator.  His life was not going to be in vain.

Recently when aligning with Going Blue 4 U, my Mom shared that my Dad’s parents had wanted to say his death was a heart attack.  People in our family don’t commit suicide.  Thankfully my mom knew this wasn’t an option.

I think of my Dad everyday and I miss him. My Dad was not the man who ever thought of leaving a legacy.  He worked hard & loved his family. That was his legacy. This in another chapter.  A family that can talk about suicide & mental health.

He would have hated the blue hair…

You are so very loved!

 

As I dug deeper, uncovering more about this radiant young woman, I kept finding myself in awe.  I am inspired by her generous heart, her contagious smile and her love for her family.  On her 28th birthday this April she undertook a Birthday Project – 28 Random Acts of Kindness, in one day – her birthday.  This speaks volumes about the vision she has:  Believe in better. Diffusion Solutions was born out of the desire for better; better families, better communities, better relationships.

 

Jaclyn’s Birthday – 28 Random Acts of Kindness

# 1 Wash Someones Car

# 2 Make Someone Feel Special – give a kidlet a manicure

# 3 Practice Gratitude - for all those times my neighbors hauled out my trash bins in the winter while Duncan was away

# 4 Take Time to Talk to a Senior

#5 Spread some Joy – sprinkling coins at the local playground

# 6 Invite a stranger to go in front of you at the grocery store

# 7 Brighten Someones Day –  after sharing what we were doing, our cashier shared with us in her thick maritime accent that is her husband had not passed away last year with cancer, today would have been her 35th wedding anniversary

# 8 Laugh Until Your Sides Hurt - Have fun returning grocery carts at a local market

# 9 Feed the Soul – gave a $10 gift card to a Mom with a little child.

# 10 Encourage a Local Team –  We chose to encourage the local beer league baseball team with ice cream bars.  As we were walking away we overheard them say, “Did that just really happen?!”

# 11 Help Someone Disabled

#12 Clean up Your City - Ollie loved this one. Went to the Mahogany dog park and picked up poop

# 13 Take Care of Four Legged Friends – offered water to thirsty puppies leaving the dog park at Mahogany Dog Park.

# 14 Remind Someone They Matter – dropped off tulips at the community seniors home at Mackenzie Towne Revera Seniors Home.

# 15 Snacks on Me – quarters in the candy machines at the local Dollar Store

# 16 Thank a Hero – swung by Stn 30 to thank our Firefighters at Mackenzie Towne Fire Department

# 17 Lift a Spirit – gave the nurse 5 balloons to give to the 5 kids who needed them the most today at Alberta Children’s Hospital

# 18 H.O.P.E  - Helping Other People Excel – treats for the wonderful nurses on the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Alberta Children’s

# 19 Lend a Hand – it’s the little things that matter

# 20 Caring is Sharing – taking time to share a special treat

# 21 Say Thank You – after years of working in a crisis field, I know that little sentiments such as saying thank you often go unspoken. For my partners in the trenches, thank you at Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

# 22 Remind Someone of Their Value – a heartfelt note to a woman at the local women’s shelter along with a $25 gift card to a local salon. I left the card with one of the counselors & encouraged them to give it to the women who needed it the most today at Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

# 23 Give to Those in Need – put some groceries in the food bank drop box at Superstore

# 24 Notes of Encouragement – a dozen notes of encouragement placed through out books at the local Indigo

# 25 Help Fill Some Hangers – cleaning out the closet for the local Goodwill

# 26 Support a Friend - Natasja Fischer is an amazing local entrepreneur;Transformationalist, Professional Organizer, Speaker, Coach, Stager, Hair Stylist

# 27 Leave a Generous Tip – for those who make a difference

# 28 Count Your Blessings - You are so very loved… XOXO

 

Dream Big – Believe in Better

And it keeps going, Jaclyn has created the Dream Big – Believe in Better Series.

Dream Big is the inital session in an ongoing monthly community series aligned to speak to families and teens who desire better in their lives and relationships. By focusing on family engagement, we believe this creates a platform of support. A common ground to explore, formulate and grow.  Each presentation is designed to open the doors of communication, make you think & inspire greatness through change. Plus a few giggles too…

Jaclyn has arranged for three very enthusiastic, motivated and inspiring speakers to talk about the value of dreaming. Finding their dreams, believing in them and aiming higher.

Attendance is FREE with a donation to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank (donation collection at the theatre).

Reserve your seat HERE for this amazing event on August 22, 2012 at Cardel Theatre.

 

So as you can see Jaclyn is clearly being the change she wishes to see in the world.

 

Worthy Wednesday is about celebrating that you are worthy, we are all worthy, and that you are enough.
Every Wednesday Lee gives a SimpLee Serene Shout Out to an individual or organization being the change they wish to see in the world.

 

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