Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The issue of mental health has been front and centre at a couple of Yellowknife schools this week.

Talking About Mental Health, or the TAMI Project, is back in town for the second year running and is part of the Mental Health Commission of Canada's anti-stigma initiative called "Opening Minds".

Mike Pietrus from the Mental Health Commission of Canada is the director of the initiative and he said getting the message out to youth right now is the most important thing.

“The early onset of mental illness actually begins, or as been shown in the majority of cases, to start in the early adolescent years,” he said. “The important thing is to help teenagers recognize that there may be mental health issues and they can seek help. Also just as important is to make sure that they support each other as well.”

One of those who told their story was Megan Lummiss from Ontario and she says hopelessness was one of the feelings she suffered during her dark days.

“I did attempt to take my life because of that feeling of hopelessness and despair,” she said. “Not knowing who or where I could go for help, so at times it got pretty dark, that’s for sure.”

The presentations were made to grade eight students at St. Joe's and Weledeh.

CJCD Mix 100 News
 

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