For years, John experienced a debilitating paranoia that eventually led to the breakdown of a happy home and brought his successful professional life to an end. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder just days after his 40th birthday, John realized that he had likely lived with his illness most of his life.
With the support of his psychiatrist, John eventually found a treatment plan that worked for him and has gone on to do tremendous work in the mental health community. John was instrumental in revitalizing the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Pictou County branch and helped found the IWK’s Mental Health Advisory Committee. He also played an instrumental role in developing mental health standards for the province. Now, he speaks publicly about his experience with his mental illness as well as the stigma and prejudice he has faced.
In 2007, John established the Digby Clare Mental Health Volunteers Association, a registered charity that has raised more than $100,000 to promote mental health and to help people living mental illnesses in the Digby community.
“Though I have been researching stigma for over 15 years, and have participated many anti-stigma initiatives locally, nationally and internationally, I have rarely met someone with John’s dedication and verve.”
- Professor Heather Stuart, Queen’s University
Nominators: Joan Trim, Susan Comeau & Darlene Doucet, Digby Clare Mental Health Volunteers Association