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