Jonathan Toews wants to make a difference, he wants people to start talking about mental health. His passion is inspired from his own struggles with his mental health as well as the struggles his family has faced. Jonathan will be hiking Ontario’s Bruce Trail in four separate 24hr hikes to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Jonathan is a seasoned hiker/runner and cyclist who believes in the positive benefits of physical exercise in the battle against mental illness. He is looking for passionate individuals to join him on his hike. Even if it’s just for a few hours, your contribution will be appreciated.
Mental illness impacts virtually every Canadian family, millions of individuals and strikes all socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Of those who develop depression or anxiety, only about 20% will receive adequate treatment. Astonishingly, 97% of people reporting their conditions also report that their work, home life and relationships have suffered as a result of their illness or those of a family member. Around 91% of Canadians with children say that their depression often or sometimes interferes with family life and 47% say that their depression interferes with their relationship with their spouse or partner.
Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent, substantially impair and individuals’ ability to cope with daily life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide.
There are approximately 4,000 suicides in Canada every year – 11 people each day. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians aged 15 to 24 and 16% of all deaths for the age group 25 to 44. These startling facts are why this campaign is so important and why so many Canadians join Defeat Depression events or volunteer to organize an event in their communities.
