Politicians share past struggles at Mental Health Day event
Edmonton politicians Scott McKeen and David Shepherd spoke out about their personal struggles with mental health at a World Mental Health Day event Saturday.
McKeen, city councillor for Ward 6, spoke of his anxiety disorder and depression.
“At one point of my life, it was not good,” he said. “The amount of anxiety I was dealing with daily eventually spiralled into a very, very black depression.” He said he credits support and medical help for helping him get mentally well.
McKeen said one of the most critical elements in addressing mental illness is providing access to safe, secure and affordable housing. The City of Edmonton has a goal to house almost 3,000 homeless people and end homelessness in a decade.
Shepherd, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Centre, recounted that nine years ago he felt “helpless, hopeless and utterly alone.” He credited Cornerstone Counselling Centre and the day treatment program offered through the University of Alberta Hospital for helping him recover through his own “personal mental health journey.”
“We’re all here today because we recognize that we still a lot of work to do,” Shepherd said, referencing the recent auditor general’s report on mental health, which identified many areas in which the province needed to improve.
Cornerstone Counselling sponsored the Be a Part of the Bigger Picture event, held at the Expo Centre. The theme for World Mental Health day this year is “Dignity in Mental Health.” Speakers at the Edmonton event, including Fire Chief Ken Block and Heather Sweet, NDP MLA for EdmontonManning, spoke about destigmatizing mental illness.
“The government of Alberta is taking action right now to reform our mental health system through the mental health review,” said Sweet, who was a social worker for 10 years. “We are seeking input from a broad cross-section of stakeholders on all aspects of addiction and mental health services.”
Be a Part of the Bigger Picture acknowledged Beaumont for becoming the first Alberta community to adopt Partners for Mental Health’s Right By You campaign, which aims to improve mental health and prevent suicide among youth.
The morning event also honoured Edmonton’s first responders — including Edmonton Police Service and Fire Rescue Services.
“There is no more stressful job than that of the first responder,” said McKeen.