Support struggle with depression
Donation protected
Hi guys,
My name is Mike Ravenwood, a physiotherapist currently practicing in Vancouver Canada.
As many of you would be aware, Movember is extending its support and awareness to those suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Until recently, my personal exposure to mental illness had been limited – now, someone very dear to me is suffering from mental illness, and I would like to use this opportunity in 2016 to help raise awareness and funds to support him.
My friend has been battling undiagnosed depression and anxiety for several years. He avoids confronting situations, has profound difficulty in processing and expressing his feelings, and is extremely anxious. As part of his struggle with this condition, he has in the past turned to alcohol and then recreational drug use in an attempt to calm himself and deal with his problems. Over the past few years, this has led to more serious drug abuse and he has been regularly taking methamphetamine. He has become reclusive, suspicious and has a completely altered sense of what it is in his best interests.
Without wishing to label him further, he is now considered to be addicted to this drug.
He has experienced various responses along the lines of “waste of time trying to help”, “he made his bed, time to lie in it” etc. However this person has reached out for help and is making a huge attempt to resurrect his life. He has accepted advice and help from the family members that haven’t already given up on him, attended counselling sessions and has been exploring detoxification programs.
The biggest challenge that my very close friend faces now is continuing on. He is currently in limbo without a job and no money/savings, and no food. He is on a mandatory 3-week minimum waiting period for social welfare, and has an even longer period to wait to get into a detox program, having family at a distance both geographically and emotionally.
Coming down from and beating drug addiction is no easy feat, let alone whilst battling mental illness without support. This poses a great risk for relapse and ultimately the destruction of his life.
I am taking up the challenge of Movember again this year with the added challenge of an alcohol and caffiene-free month in November. I have created this crowdfunding page to contribute towards food, accommodation, doctor’s visits, private counselling and to assist a family member or close friend to take unpaid leave to support him.
If you are in a position to donate any amount to this fund, large or small, to help this person get his life back on track, it would be greatly appreciated. Your support could really change his life.
I will personally match 50% of all donations to the Movember cause up to a maximum of $2000.
If you are not in a position to donate, you could still be an enormous help by sharing this page around your friends and family via social media. Of course if you are able to donate to both causes that would be even better.
I appreciate you taking the time to read the story of someone who is so important to me. An even bigger thanks go out to those who have already pledged support and given me the confidence to set this up.
You can also check out the progress of my Mo on this link:
http://mobro.co/Ravenmo
Kia Kaha
If you don’t know much about mental illness, or its reaches please have a read of some experiences here: https://ca.movember.com/programs/mental-health
My name is Mike Ravenwood, a physiotherapist currently practicing in Vancouver Canada.
As many of you would be aware, Movember is extending its support and awareness to those suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Until recently, my personal exposure to mental illness had been limited – now, someone very dear to me is suffering from mental illness, and I would like to use this opportunity in 2016 to help raise awareness and funds to support him.
My friend has been battling undiagnosed depression and anxiety for several years. He avoids confronting situations, has profound difficulty in processing and expressing his feelings, and is extremely anxious. As part of his struggle with this condition, he has in the past turned to alcohol and then recreational drug use in an attempt to calm himself and deal with his problems. Over the past few years, this has led to more serious drug abuse and he has been regularly taking methamphetamine. He has become reclusive, suspicious and has a completely altered sense of what it is in his best interests.
Without wishing to label him further, he is now considered to be addicted to this drug.
He has experienced various responses along the lines of “waste of time trying to help”, “he made his bed, time to lie in it” etc. However this person has reached out for help and is making a huge attempt to resurrect his life. He has accepted advice and help from the family members that haven’t already given up on him, attended counselling sessions and has been exploring detoxification programs.
The biggest challenge that my very close friend faces now is continuing on. He is currently in limbo without a job and no money/savings, and no food. He is on a mandatory 3-week minimum waiting period for social welfare, and has an even longer period to wait to get into a detox program, having family at a distance both geographically and emotionally.
Coming down from and beating drug addiction is no easy feat, let alone whilst battling mental illness without support. This poses a great risk for relapse and ultimately the destruction of his life.
I am taking up the challenge of Movember again this year with the added challenge of an alcohol and caffiene-free month in November. I have created this crowdfunding page to contribute towards food, accommodation, doctor’s visits, private counselling and to assist a family member or close friend to take unpaid leave to support him.
If you are in a position to donate any amount to this fund, large or small, to help this person get his life back on track, it would be greatly appreciated. Your support could really change his life.
I will personally match 50% of all donations to the Movember cause up to a maximum of $2000.
If you are not in a position to donate, you could still be an enormous help by sharing this page around your friends and family via social media. Of course if you are able to donate to both causes that would be even better.
I appreciate you taking the time to read the story of someone who is so important to me. An even bigger thanks go out to those who have already pledged support and given me the confidence to set this up.
You can also check out the progress of my Mo on this link:
http://mobro.co/Ravenmo
Kia Kaha
If you don’t know much about mental illness, or its reaches please have a read of some experiences here: https://ca.movember.com/programs/mental-health
Organizer
Mike Ravenwood
Organizer
Vancouver, BC
