The movement to overcome the stigma surrounding mental illness in Canada is making progress, but it is slow going.
According to the recently released second annual Ipsos Canadian Mental Health Check-Up, more Canadians are talking about their mental health than last year – 35 per cent, compared with 31 per cent – but they remain the minority.
At the same time, more people were classified as ‘high risk’ this year – 35 per cent over 33 per cent in 2015. They cite social norms, peer pressure, and culture as the main barrier to managing their mental health.
Five years ago, CMHA began hosting Ride Don’t Hide cycling events to help empower people to overcome the stigma of mental illness. The Ride Don’t Hide movement follows the lead of Vancouver school teacher Michael Schratter, who cycled solo around the world in 2011 to, as he said, banish stigma “one pedal at a time.”
This year, people on bicycles will take up Schratter’s example in 30 events across the country on June 26, raising money for mental health programs.
CMHA hopes to attract more than 8,000 riders, who will raise more than $1.5 million for mental health programs.
The local ride in Nanaimo begins and ends at Maffeo Sutton Park. There is a short ride on the waterfront for families with young children, a 16.5 km ride for beginners/family and a 52.3 km route for more experienced riders.
After the ride, the day includes a short program, barbecue, entertainment and prizes for the highest fundraisers. For more information, please visit www.ridedonthide.com.