Whether it's through a family member, friend, or co-worker - mental illness affects us all. 1 in 5 Canadians will actually experience it first-hand at some point during their life, according to statistics. But only half of those who suffer from serious depression will seek medical help.
Edmonton radio and TV personality Wade Sorochan admits he's battled depression and anxiety since he was a child. Like many others, though, he kept his mental illness a secret; and he did it for decades, all while interviewing celebrities and making listeners laugh as "Tone Arm" on the then-top rated 'Bill and Bill' show with Bill Matheson.
"It takes a lot of energy to hide something like that. And I was using up a lot of energy on the radio, hiding behind that," says Sorochan.
Over a span of 20 years, the broadcaster suffered five mental breakdowns, which he describes as a "total shutdown."
"You just can't function at all, you don't have any energy to get up out of bed in the morning, you can't do any normal tasks, it's...like somebody just unplugged you," he explains.
Then after years of what Sorochan says felt like a rollercoaster ride, a friend convinced him to see a doctor for medication and counselling. If he hadn't done that, Sorochan believes things could have gotten much worse.
"Worst thing is to go into isolation - because you shut out those who could encourage you and realize what you're going through - and that wouldn't have been good news. I would have gone deeper and deeper into depression and probably would have had a tragic result."
This past month, Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced a national Mental Health Strategy that will include funding for more mental health programs and services. Many, however, believe that the first step in dealing with mental health issues needs to be breaking down the stigma that surrounds them, as it often prevents people from getting help. Having dealt with that stigma himself, Sorochan is now trying to help others with a mental health initiative that he developed called PATH (Positive Action for Total Health).
"The truth is, if we create a society that's more understanding with mental illness, then people who are struggling will feel more comfortable coming forward," he says. "The onus isn't really as much on the person who is suffering to take that first step to get help, the onus is on society in general to create that atmosphere to allow them to feel safe to admit that they have an illness, like any other illness."
He adds that like any other illness, the longer mental health issues go untreated, the more tragic the consequences can be. Sorochan also stresses that those who suffer from a mental illness should know that it is not a character weakness, and they're not alone.
You can download Sorochan's free mental health guide from his website.
If you're feeling depressed, in addition to talking to a professional or a loved one, you can also check out the site 'Not Myself Today,' or call the Distress Line at 780-482-HELP.
With files from Su-Ling Goh, Global News
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