Winning battles, but continuing the war on stigma surrounding mental health

Mary Deacon says we have come so far in terms of erasing stigma surrounding mental health, but we still have far to go.

Deacon chairs the Bell Let's Talk campaign, which since 2010 has raised over $86 million for mental health programs in Canada.

The University of Guelph graduate was the keynote speaker at the Guelph Chamber of Commerce Inspirational Women luncheon Friday at the Delta Hotel.

Where we are now in the discussion of mental health is "day and night" compared to just a few years ago, Deacon told the roughly 125 people gathered.

"It's become part of so many parts of our community and our society," she said of the ability to address and speak openly about mental health issues.

"When one person says something about mental health and discloses a story ... other people tell their story," she said. "What you see now is that everyone is telling their story."

Student wellness, first responders, corporations, work place mental health initiatives and government response has all made talking about mental health the right thing to do.

It has become this thing that nobody would talk about to "something that is cool now," she said, meaning "cool" in a positive sense.

"Talking about mental health has become part of our community."

But further reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is paramount to getting more people help, she said.

Next week is Mental Health Week in Canada.

"Stigma is the reason that two thirds of people with mental health issues do not seek treatment. The fear of repercussions," she said.

After graduating from the U of G with a math and music degree, she fell into the world of fundraising, first with the World Wildlife Federation, later with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, then with the Canadian Association For Mental Health.

A few years ago Bell came calling, asking Deacon to spearhead the Let's Talk campaign.

It wasn't just a job and something she was good at, it was a chance to make a difference for Deacon on a very personal level, having lost two brothers to suicide.

She calls it her "life's work."

Deacon said she is buoyed by the way young people have embraced the Let's Talk campaign.

"They really get it," she said. "I see great hope for the future with the next generation in regards to what society will be like in terms of mental health awareness, acceptance and support.

"It all starts with talking. Turn to those that you love, trust and care about. Confide in them and allow the people in your community to support you."

She told he audience to remember three things: "Language matters, be educated, be kind."