My name is Melvin, a Singaporean currently serving in Canada Church.

I was diagnosed with chronic depression on the same day Robin Williams died, Aug 11, 2014.

The statistic in Canada shows that every day, there are 12 suicides due to mental illness, and in Singapore, the report by SOS shows that there is an increase in the percentage of suicide due to mental health.

It is not easy for a pastor to share with the congregation about the suffering, as compared to those who suffered from cancer, heart attack or any disease. However, why must one sickness be different from the other?

I am thankful for the understanding of the congregation, and the diocese who allow me time and space to seek proper treatment, which leads to my recovery.

However, I understand that depression in Singapore is still shackled with a negative connotation, not many people talk about it openly, and therefore, many pastors or church workers just suffered in silence.

My main purpose of this drive is to raise awareness and to raise the necessary funds to help them in seeking professional help.

I will be embarking on a pilgrimage walk for over 100km in Spain. My aim is to raise 2000 for every kilometre of the walk. The money raised will be given to LCCS (Lutheran Community Care Services) to administrate.

All the money will cover the programme that helps people to journey through depression. None of it will be used for the pilgrimage I am talking about.