More than drinking, more than drugs, more than crime or cancer, suicide is now the second leading cause of death in Canadians 15-24 years old. On Sunday August 1, 2010, Michael Schratter, a Vancouver teacher and social columnist will embark on a one year global journey, cycling 40,000 km, crossing 6 continents and 30 countries, in an effort to bring awareness to mental illness and help shatter the stigmas that surround it. All gross proceeds raised during the campaign will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division.

From the road, Michael will be sharing his story and those of others, talking to students and the public to open the discussion of mental health in classrooms. “Canada’s youth suicide rate is already the third highest in the industrialized world” says Michael. “We must do everything we can to ensure these kids have solid support networks and above all, a sense of freedom to discuss mental health.”

Documenting his travels through the campaign blog along with twitter and facebook, followers will be able to witness first-hand every crack and cranny of this grueling expedition. “As much as the blog is to document my progress, above all it’s a platform for people to break their own silence,” says Schratter. “Creating a safe place for people to take a stand, and share their own struggles is the first step in empowering those affected by mental illness. Through education and understanding we can strip the stigma” he finished.

As someone who understands the pain and debilitating fear of discrimination that accompanies mental illness, Michael has vowed to do his part to help dispel the misconceptions from which stigma arises. In a campaign to rid the shame and bring reassurance to those affected, this endeavor is more than cycling trip; it is an international movement for personal rights.

Raising awareness, expectations, and funds, Michael Schratter will help shatter the stigma that is literally killing our youth.

(From Pamela Groberman’s press release)

We will have 15 sessions between 45 and 60 minutes’ length.

The topic is “Breaking Our Silence. Setting us Free.” We would like to examine how silence hurts mental health, and, even more importantly, how using our voice helps us achieve and maintain mental health.

We are looking for session leaders who speak from personal or professional experience with mental health or mental illness.

We will have 9 slots for prearranged speakers (e.g. approved by the selection committee), and will keep 6 slots open for “Mental Moose” – a continuation of the unconference tradition of MooseCamp at Northern Voice. During Mental Moose, participants who are interested in leading a session can pitch them on Saturday morning with a quick 30-second talk. Everyone will then vote on which sessions will be presented, and the winning sessions will be scheduled.

Also, we would like to experiment with having one or two virtual sessions. Do you live in New Zealand and would like to present? Are you unable to leave your children and your dogs alone in rural Quebec but have an important story to share? If you have the technical know-how, let’s talk about using technology to bring you right into our conference here in Vancouver.

Would you like to present? If so

• please contact us and send us a short proposal, containing
• your name(s) and email,
• an overview over what you would like to discuss (100-200 words), including how your talk relates to the topic of “Breaking Our Silence. Setting Us Free.”
• a bio (30-100 words)
• indicate your social media presence (e.g. your blog, twitter address, etc.)
• tell us a little (30-100 words) about your personal and/or professional experience with mental health and mental illness
• indicate whether you’d like to present in real life or whether you propose a virtual session

This call for speakers is open during all of May 2010 – which, incidentally, is Mental Health Month.