The third 80/20 theme I would like to comment on is how vital it is to have a strong support system. From my own experience, I can say with confidence that your family, your friends, your partner and the medical professionals in your life can play an essential role in your recovery. Living with a mental illness, especially during the disorienting and frightening initial discovery period, is among the hardest challenges a person will face in their lives. As with every major life challenge, we can’t do it alone.

When I first experienced severe symptoms of bipolar disorder I found solace, guidance and strength in my loved ones. I also learned that I couldn’t rely only on them – it was important that I seek out quality medical care and other resources, as well. I met with a psychologist to explore any possible emotional root to my depression and, when it was clear that I was dealing with something physical, I sought the advice of a psychiatrist. This ultimately led to my diagnosis of bipolar and successful treatment with a mood stabilizer.

During this time, I also discovered AMI-Quebec and the many resources that they have to offer. AMI-Quebec’s Education Program courses and voices of recovery like MikesStory.com helped me to accept my illness, to learn how I could live with it, and to maintain hope that I would recover.

If you or your loved one is living with a mental illness, whether it is a new diagnosis or long-term, I hope that you can accept help from every possible source of support in your life. It can also make a significant difference if you proactively seek out help from doctors and from organizations like AMI-Quebec. I believe that your effort alone will be a step towards wellness.

It was for me.

Be well,
Jason Finucan

The second 80/20 theme I would like to comment on is the need for role models. The simple truth is that were it not for Mike Santoro acting as a role model, I would not be involved as a member of the anti-stigma effort, nor would I be a spokesperson on living well with a mental illness.

As I began to accept my bipolar disorder, I registered for AMI-Quebec’s Mood & Thought Disorders course. My hope was to learn more about my illness so that I could better manage it. In the third class, a spokesperson was brought in to tell his story of living with mental illness, and to share how he had managed to recover and live well despite the many challenges.

That speaker was Mike Santoro. He was the first person who I had heard speak from experience of what it was like to face the harsh reality I was now facing; he wasn’t a doctor, a nurse, a family member or a friend who was trying to relate to me. He had been there, and he had made it through. I came away having made two decisions. First, I was going to find a way to get better – if Mike could do it, so could I. Second, as soon as I was sure of my wellness I would offer my services to AMI to speak about my experiences. And less than a year later, that is exactly what I did.

It is important to understand that what Mike did for me first was give me hope that I could get better. He also showed me a wonderful way to take this terrible experience, what at times felt like a curse, and turn it into a powerful and positive force.

Mike was a role model to me, and I hope that I can be a role model to others. If anyone is inspired by me or Mike or any other, I hope they will go and share their story or offer their time as a volunteer to any one of many mental health organizations.

As a community, we have the power to make an incredible difference.

Be well,
Jason Finucan

When Mike Santoro released the 80/20 DVD, like every other member of his network I gladly purchased and viewed it right away. Now that some time has passed, I believe that this important project warrants further discussion. It is for this reason that I have watched the DVD again and am writing a short article on 10 of the themes that resonated with me.

The first 80/20 theme I would like to comment on is that consumers need to stand up for their rights. To me, this issue is truly central to any effort intended to improve the experience of those who suffer from a mental illness. I believe we have more momentum now than ever before, and more work is being done to educate about mental illness and to reduce stigma. However, much of this will be lost when a person living with a mental illness chooses to self-stigmatize or accept stigma from others.

If one chooses to accept poor treatment by their doctors, their family, their friends or co-workers, the efforts of the community surrounding them are lost for that moment.

I speak from experience and, in a way, I am speaking to myself. From 2003 to 2005, when I was suffering from the symptoms of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, I denied my illness. I hid it from my family, friends and colleagues, I refused to take medication for the first year of symptoms and in general I suffered far more stigma of my own making than from any other.

Since I can’t change how long it took me to find a place of acceptance, peace and clarity, I share my story with you. I sincerely hope that I can help you, or your loved one, find this place sooner than I did.

Be well,
Jason Finucan