What past life experiences, physical traumas or genetics do you believe have had an effect on your mental health?

This is what I believe – a lot of un-diagnosed illness in my family; the biggest factor of which came from trans-generational trauma, inflicted from colonisation.  Me personally, my initial impact and effects of concussions and head trauma from an early age impacted my mental well-being.

How did the effects on your mental health appear in terms of symptoms?
My initial symptoms came in the way of suicidal ideations – there was a negative internal dialogue telling me to take my life.

When and why did you decide to ask for help to get relief?
It was a process.  I was first diagnosed back in 2011 but I still kept it all under wraps. There was fear of judgement etc., so I didn’t speak about it. It wasn’t until my suicide attempt in 2012, when I was admitted into a psych facility, that I confronted it head on. It was then that I made the decision to mentally be the best I could be. I didn’t make my journey public until 2014 when short film The Enemy Within was released.

What methods helped you individually get/feel better?
Four simple values that I have used since I was a kid: Love, Respect, Humility & Care/Compassion.  It is these values that have been passed down culturally for 65,000 years. As a First Nation man, I am connected to culture and the values it possesses, and this keeps me well. Exercise is also a major component to me staying well.  Besides the scientific backup, when I am functionally active, I am mentally at my best.

Why did you decide to go public with your story? Who were/are you hoping to help and how?
I went public, as I wanted to share a much bigger message.  Going public wasn’t just about me and my story of depression, dark times & suicide, it was and is now about helping a larger audience who go through similar rough times. I am just trying to share a message of hope and healing.  Like the rest of the Alliance, I believe in mental health/wellness on a spectrum, when it’s lived traumas over time.  But in my case, I do refer to my condition (bipolar) and those of people who have similar disorders as a mental illness, because these particular complication are an inherited ones, passed down.

How did people react when you went public with your story?
I was amazed at the amount of people experiencing the same mental hurt I was. In me speaking out, it gave others a courage to speak also. When we speak about our problems, it releases and aids our mental pain and creates hope and healing.