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I am a mother living with bipolar disorder, advocate, and mental health educator. 

According to the Royal Ottawa Hospital’s research on youth mental health, “more than half of adult depression manifests before the age of 14, and over 70% of adults with depression report having symptoms by the age of 18.”

As a child who experienced the rapid decline of my own mental health, I understand just how difficult it can be to live a healthy, happy life. 

Youth suicide rates are highest in Canada, accounting for 24% of all deaths between the ages 15-24.

This is not OK.

Many Ottawa students have accessed support through the Royal Ottawa Youth Psychiatry Program, and because of the incredible staff, they obtained the best treatment possible. Students were able to transition back into our schools healthy and ready to learn. 

The Royal Ottawa works in partnership with the Ministry of Education and local school boards. Their specialized mental health teams, including special education teachers and mental health workers like myself, support youth who are experiencing complex mental health conditions or illnesses.

Students and young adults are at risk for developing mental health disorders, and when left untreated, it can severely impact their quality of life. Additional funding is essential for medical professionals to conduct further research-informed treatment, which can lead to early intervention and prevention.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and the Desjardins Charity Challenge raise funds for frontline organizations and charities who are in need of donations to support thousands of people. With your help, we raised over $1300 for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health in 2022, and I hope to give more this year. 

"Donations are essential to the advancement of mental health research and the discovery of new, more impactful treatments for mental illness. When you give to The Royal, you are helping to ensure that we continue to deliver on our commitment to providing the very best possible care for our patients and their families. Give to The Royal and help us to get more people better, faster." - The Royal Foundation for Mental Health

We need you to make a change. 

#endthestigma 

Kristel