Defeat Depression: Maritimers gather to raise funds for mental health services

Maritimers came together in Dartmouth, N.S., Saturday in an effort to raise funds for mental health services.

Maritimers came together in Dartmouth Saturday in an effort to raise funds for mental health services.

About 50 participants braved an unusually chilly May morning for the Defeat Depression Walk around Sullivan’s Pond.

According to organizers, the walk aims to empower Canadians to take action against mental illness, dismantle stigma and support mental health programs through activities like walking, personal challenges and community events.

Proceeds from this year’s walk will once again support Healthy Minds Cooperative, a charitable organization in Dartmouth that advocates for better access to mental health services.

“We know sometimes that we have highs and lows, and all of us have depressed feelings, that’s normal, but when it starts to get in the way of things we’d like to do or that we need to do in our day to day life, that’s when we might want to explore if we need some extra supports,” said executive director Alison O’Handley.

The Defeat Depression Campaign is now in its 15th year. It is a national mental health movement led by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.

Last year’s event in Dartmouth raised close to $15,000 and organizers said they hope this year’s will raise even more.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Carl Pomeroy

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