Light Up Purple On World Mental Health Day

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and Friday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. It is also the 2nd Annual “Light Up The World Purple” day to recognize the importance of mental health wellness and the de-stigmatization of the issues that surround mental illness.

Wikipedia says over 25% of people ages 18 and older – about one in four adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental health issue in any given year. The stigma surrounding mental illness is a major barrier that prevents many people from seeking the mental health treatment they need.

Amanda Todd

Amanda Todd was a teen in Port Coquitlam, BC, who, after many years of bullying and cyber-abuse, on October 10, 2012, lost her battle against depression and the mental health issues that beset her. For Amanda, and others like her, the online harassment and bullying can greatly contribute to spiraling decline into hopelessness with dire consequences. The feeling of isolation that these victims face is overwhelming, but as the statistics above bear out, they are by no means alone.

Light Up Purple

In honour of Amanda Todd – and in acknowledgement of all those who face this adversity every day – on World Mental Health Day, we are “Lighting Up Purple”. On Friday, my website background and Social Media avatars will be purple, and I’ll be tweeting the hashtag #LightUpPurple.

Please join me in showing your support and bringing attention to mental health, its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. Join the discussion, and help remove the stigma from receiving and discussing mental health care.

For more information on Amanda’s story and to find out ways that YOU can “Stay Strong”, please visit: AmandaToddLegacy.org/

Follow Carol Todd (Amanda’s Mom) on Twitter, at @C_Todd

Follow the Amanda Todd Legacy Society on Twitter, at @AToddLegacy

There is also great information against cyber-bullying on Twitter, at @SSCyberbullying

In Surrey, you can find contact information for the Fraser Health Services.