Why do we need to walk?

"All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come." Victor Hugo, History of a Crime

I'm still feeling frustrated that my plan to walk/march for mental health research is something that would be beyond what I can presently do. I so wish someone would take this on because I think it would have a huge stigma busting impact.

Why am I so passionate about this right now?

I am showing some mild symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and am worried about it. The meds I've been taking have been great, but are amongst those that can cause this awful side effect. And I've been thinking of what the alternatives would be. Olanzapine was always good for me, but causes weight gain and has been the direct cause of diabetes for many. Much more research needs to happen to find more acceptable drugs.

I've for many many years been frustrated about the puny amount of money going into mental health research - puny when you compare it to cancer and heart research. The direct reason for this is the stigma. When no one is willing to talk about it, nothing gets done.

A walking relay across Canada - and for our American neighbours, a walk across the US - would draw attention to it. It would draw attention to the need for research dollars; and it would draw attention to the needs of those who live with mental illness. I'm sure if someone took the initiative to work on this, he or she would get lots of support from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Pastor Don spoke on Sunday about "The Power of a Shared Vision." He said, "Vision is the ability to see what should be and to imagine what could be."

I have a vision of great groups of people - people who live with mental illness and those who support them - marching across Canada in relay fashion. Starting in Vancouver and moving east, passing a talking stick from one to the other, speaking out about their needs. By the time we reach the east coast, I believe the public will have learned a lot and funds for research would have been raised. Each group will encourage the next. We will be encouraged to come out from the shadows.

I have a vision that one day mental illness will be talked about more and there won't be so much stigma. Those who suffer from the illness won't need to also suffer from shame. More of us will go for help. More help will become available.

Can you see it? Can you - will you - share in my vision?

Pastor Don quoted Peter Senge from The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization: "A shared vision is not an idea, but rather a force in people's hearts that is unrivalled in its power to transform and accomplish."