SPECIAL BLOG POST - I'm a statistic...are you one, too?

I am a statistic. 

No. I'm not a Nobel Peace winner, I haven't won a Women of Distinction award, and my TikTok video hasn't gone viral. In my wildest thoughts I didn't imagine being a statistic and I definitely didn't think I'd be a part of the one I am. Sometimes in life (it's rare that you'll hear me say this), you don't have a choice.  

I am one of the one in five Canadians who experienced a mental health problem or illness in any given year.

I've started to share my story for many reasons with three reasons being that:

1. It's freeing for me. I live in my authenticity and my mental illness is a part of it.
2. There's strength in numbers and knowing that you're not the only one. I don't want anyone to feel as though they're alone. 'Alone' with a mental health problem or illness is a horrible feeling.
3. I'm a perfect role model to break the stigma because looking at me and my professional and personal life, I don't 'look' like a person with a mental illness. Let's stop pretending that we know what 'those people' look like. 

It's Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10) and World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10). Do at least one big thing this week to take care of your mental health and do one thing to support someone in taking care of theirs. 

Let's live in our authenticity together and create a climate that welcomes others to live authentically, too. Start today.

If you feel the urge right now to reach out to me to chat, do it. I'm not a counsellor, but I've got a great ear, I've learned a few things in life I'd happily share with you, and I want you to live the fierce life you deserve.

(By the way, stop looking. I never made a TikTok video;))

Michele@TheLiveFiercelyCoach.com 
www.linkedin.com/in/micheledcameron 
​@thelivefiercelycoach.com