A
s she began to open up about her
impacts all of us in one way or another. Her goal is
addiction, Mary admits that she was
to make enough noise and educate others in order
astounded to learn of the number
to end the stigma around mental health. Mary
of Canadians who suffer from mental health
acknowledges that it is a disease that never ‘goes
and addiction and the lack of government
away’. However, it is one that can be managed
support to address the issues. She believes that
through the proper care, professional Mental
misconceptions have aided in the abandonment
Health resources, love and support.
of so many, such as that “addiction is a choice that
weak-willed, substandard people make.”
secret. Mary Walsh celebrates her sobriety. She
doesn’t know what her life would be like had she
According to Mary, only 1 in 10 Canadian
Alcohol addiction is no longer her best-kept
children who seek out assistance for mental
not stood up to her demons so many years ago. She
health issues receive any help at all. The reality,
is still working and loves to put smiles on the faces
Mary says, is that mental health and addiction
of her audiences. Busy putting the final touches on
is being dealt with in the legal system instead
her soon-to-be published novel, Mary is excited to
of where it should be dealt with, in the medical
produce a Christmas movie that is near and dear
system. Mary advocates that it is time for
to her heart.
Canadians to “up our game” and “address the real
issues of mental health.”
Talk, is to shed much needed attention on the very
real struggles that people with addiction face. She
Knowing all too well the power that addiction
Mary’s mission as an ambassador for Bell Let’s
has over one’s life and seeing how lives can be
hopes that through her story those suffering in
destroyed by substance abuse, Mary is adamant
silence will seek out the resources they need to
that access to care is essential in this fight that
come out on the other side of darkness.