Walk With Me Project aims to ‘normalize’ conversation about mental health

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When Karen Hammond’s husband died by suicide almost 11 years ago, she promised her children it wouldn’t be in vain.  

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The lifelong Port Rowan resident, well known in the small community for operating Doerksen Country Store, a family-owned business for more than a century, was committed to being upfront about her husband’s death at age 49. 

“This is for George,” Hammond said through tears at the end of the second annual Walk With Me Project information event at the Port Rowan Community Centre on Sunday.  

Determined to help remove the stigma of mental illness, Hammond was open about her husband’s suicide at his funeral. 

“The funeral home was packed,” she said. “There were 500 people at the visitation. I had so many people come up to me afterward. All these suicide and mental health stories started coming up.” 

Not long after, Darlene Fros, acquainted with Hammond because their children went to school together, offered her a free massage therapy session – and the women got talking. That led to Fros, also a photographer, taking pet pictures with proceeds going to various local organizations offering mental health initiatives and, eventually, the creation of the Walk With Me Project.  

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About 80 people turned out on Sunday for their second educational event, which included representatives from the Norfolk Family Health Team, Canadian Mental Health Association and South Coast Wellness. 

“This is a world that affects us all,” Fros told attendees. “Maybe members of your family you may not be aware of.” 

Local paramedic Jenny Townsend shared her story of struggling with mental health issues and addiction. 

“I’ve lived with serious poor mental health and come through it,” she said. “Talking to other people is one of the most important things to do. We have to normalize it.” 

Townsend said her mental health spiraled after being diagnosed with cancer and separating from her husband. She started drinking to cope. She said her former boss pulled her aside and told her he was concerned. 

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“It took a long time and a lot of ebbs and flows to get back on track,” said Townsend. “We’re not born with coping skills. We develop them. Your brain is an organ that requires assistance.” 

Statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association indicate that, in any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness. By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, one in two have or have had a mental illness. 

About 4,000 Canadians, of all ages and backgrounds, die by suicide each year.  

Townsend urges people to reach out to those who are struggling, to listen non-judgmentally, and to “normalize the conversation.” 

“People don’t want to be fixed; they want to be heard.” 

Lill Petrella, team lead of mental health promotion and education for the local offices of the Canadian Mental Health Association, said it’s not uncommon for people to race past her booth at public events. 

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“The stigma is so engrained,” said Petrella. “There is no shame in living with mental health issues. We want people to reach out for service.” 

A young man who attended Sunday’s event came to the front of the community hall and shared his story of mental health and addiction and homelessness.  

“I relapsed 15 or 20 times, but people never gave up. Having people listen was the best part. Try not to tell people what to do but what you can do for them.” 

Fros said she and Hammond will continue to fundraise and make donations through the Walk With Me Project. She said they may hold a similar event next year or consider other ways to offer support. 

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