Courage: It Couldn’t Come At A Better Time

There’s a Tragically Hip song called Courage. As a Canadian, in addition to loving hockey, it is also expected that I love The Hip. Of course that is a stereotype and in reality, not every Canadian loves hockey and not every Canadian loves The Tragically Hip. I just happen to be one who does.

On the subject of stereotypes, it appears to me that whenever there is media coverage pertaining to individuals with mental health challenges, it is usually in a negative context: Someone somewhere has done something bad…and was known to have mental health problems. The impression the reader is often left with is that people with mental health difficulties are unpredictable and dangerous. It is a stereotype that is hard to shake.

In writing The Killer Trail, my primary objective has been to entertain the reader. At the same time, I have taken steps to ensure that I do not reinforce this negative stereotype. My hope is that the character Paul Butler provides a more realistic and accurate portrayal of an individual living with a mental illness.

In terms of portraying a positive message about mental health, you would be hard pressed to find a better example than the Coast Mental Health Foundation. The Coast Foundation “Courage To Come Back” awards is presented to recipients who have overcome significant obstacles and give back to their communities. The Vancouver Province is in the midst of providing profiles of the six recipients of this year’s award, which will be presented in May.

The “Courage To Come Back” initiative is a great example of acknowledging and celebrating the strengths and courage of individuals living with mental health challenges.

It couldn’t come at a better time.