You're never too old to find your voice: York Region senior speaks out against mental illness stigma

1 of a 3-part series following journeys to mental health

yorkregion.com
May 24, 2023

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, YorkRegion.com spoke with three people about their personal experiences and insight into how we can all support each other on the road to wellness.

Rebecca Shields, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association York/South Simcoe, praised them for bravely speaking out.

“Hearing their stories will help people in our community see they’re not alone,” she said. “I hope it will inspire more individuals to talk about their mental health concerns and create safe spaces for ongoing discussions ... vital to fighting the stigma that prevents so many people from getting the help they need.”

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Jon Gertler used to think of himself as “Nowhere Man.”

The sad thought hit him a few years ago, when he found himself in Hillcrest Mall surrounded by holiday-happy people, walking around in a daze, alone and invisible.

Gertler doesn’t think of himself that way anymore.

The change happened on the second day he visited Community Connections, a drop-in social hub led by the CMHA that offers an opportunity to connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.

He walked into the room and heard, “Jon!”

A woman in a wheelchair, someone he’d met on his first day, was happy to see him back again.

“It was the first time I felt I was part of something,” he recalls. “Somebody finally cared.”

That was 22 years ago. Now, at age 79, he has found his voice, his safe place, and his mission: to combat stigma.

“I’ve had mental illness all my life,” the Thornhill resident says. “I suffer from depression. I take my medication every day. But if you saw me on the street or we talk, you can’t tell.

“People hear mental illness and they get scared, thinking we’re crazy, but we’re not.”

Taking part in Community Connections programs like an annual camping trip, getting help with finding housing and chatting with others at the drop-in gave him a safe space to express himself, he says.

“I find it really good when I can sit down at a table and talk to everybody and not worry about being judged.

“There have been times when I felt really down in the dumps and I’ve gone and can talk to somebody and it’s made me feel a lot better.”

He now attends the hub three days a week, in Aurora and Markham, and acts as a facilitator helping with programs and welcoming newcomers.

“I wanted to give back. Whatever I give, I feel like I could give more.”

Gertler has noticed stigma seems especially troublesome for seniors.

Tammy Downton, CMHA case manager specializing in geriatric care, agrees.

“It’s a huge issue that needs to be brought to the forefront because ... everybody says they have dementia or Alzheimer's but a lot of times, their mental illness might have started a lot earlier in life.”

But for those who grew before mental health was an open topic, it’s still tough, she says.

“They don’t want to bring it up. They’ve been conditioned their whole life that if you talk about it, then you’re crazy.”

Gertler hopes that by speaking out about his journey, others will realize they’re not alone, there is support and they don’t have to try to hide it.

"I feel like I’m making up for the time I lost.”