Manitobans rallying to break stigma surrounding anxiety disorders
A stretch of downtown Winnipeg is set to get a little bit more colourful in an effort to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding anxiety.
The Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) is hosting a Blue and Orange Rally Monday outside its offices at 4 Fort Street.
Participants will dress in blue and orange and take to the streets, be it by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, to mark Action Anxiety Day.
“We wanted to bring attention to the fact that one in four will manage an anxiety disorder in a lifetime. This includes doctors, lawyers, professional hockey players – it doesn’t matter what your profession is,” said ADAM executive director Scott McFadyen in an interview with CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.
McFadyen said ADAM, a peer-support organization for people struggling with anxiety disorders, has been busy since the onset of the pandemic, particularly with inquiries from young people and seniors.
The organization employs people who have also managed anxiety, themselves.
McFadyen has encountered four or five periods of excessive worry in his lifetime.
“For me, anxiety is something like sweaty palms, excessive worry - not for a day, not for two days, not for three days, not for a week, not even for a month. Sometimes it went on for years,” he said.
“In my case, it wasn’t until the age of about 49 where I decided to be proactive with my health.”
McFadyen said those struggling with anxiety should visit their general practitioner or a walk-in clinic for help. From there, they will likely be referred to a specialist.
In addition to the clinical side of treatment, there are numerous resources and programs available through non-profits like ADAM.
He urges people not to wait to get help.
“We’re all pretty good at masking how we’re feeling and carrying on,” he said.
“But it’s the all of the above treatment option, in that this is yourself that you’re talking about. Pursue all options to feel better.”
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted in Ontario double homicide: DOJ
A Canadian former Olympic snowboarder who is suspected of being the leader of a transnational drug trafficking group that operated in four countries is wanted for allegedly orchestrating the murder of an 'innocent' couple in Ontario in 2023, authorities say.
Ontario school board trustees under fire for $100K religious art purchase on Italy trip
Trustees with an Ontario school board are responding to criticism over a $45,000 trip to Italy, where they purchased more than $100,000 worth of religious statues.
A photographer snorkeled for hours to take this picture
Shane Gross, a Canadian marine conservation photojournalist, has won the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Tobacco giants would pay out $32.5 billion to provinces, smokers in proposed deal
Three tobacco giants are proposing to pay close to $25 billion to provinces and territories and more than $4 billion to some 100,000 Quebec smokers and their loved ones as part of a corporate restructuring process triggered by a long-running legal battle.
More Trudeau cabinet ministers not running for re-election, sources say shuffle expected soon
Federal cabinet ministers Filomena Tassi, Carla Qualtrough and Dan Vandal announced Thursday they will not run for re-election. Senior government sources tell CTV News at least one other, Marie-Claude Bibeau, doesn't plan to run again, setting the stage for Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet in the coming weeks.
Robert Pickton's handwritten book seized after his death in hopes of uncovering new evidence
A handwritten book was seized from B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton's prison cell following his death earlier this year, raising hopes of uncovering new evidence in a series of unprosecuted murders.
Former members of One Direction say they're 'completely devastated' by Liam Payne's death
The former members of English boy band One Direction reacted publicly to the sudden death of their bandmate, Liam Payne, for the first time on Thursday, saying in a joint statement that they're 'completely devastated.'
Israel says it has killed top Hamas leader Yayha Sinwar in Gaza
Israeli forces in Gaza killed top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year's attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel's most wanted man.
Indian government employee charged in foiled murder-for-hire plot in New York City
The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges Thursday against an Indian government employee in connection with a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.