Youth mental health is so important to me, because I know first hand what it’s like to struggle as a young person.
My connection to YSB happened in the summer of 2014, when I was 18. That was exactly when I felt like there was no light, like I was looking up from the very bottom of a mountain. My mom saw a change in me at that time too and told me, ‘You need to talk to someone to understand what’s happening’. I had never thought about my mental health before, as I was so used to telling myself ‘just get back up and go”.
Talking to a YSB counsellor gave me an entirely new perspective. I still had to do the work, and that was the hardest thing. I think that’s the biggest transition for youth and adults – knowing that it’s up to you.
There’s still stigma but, having a mental health challenge doesn’t make us weaker. I learned to accept what I was going through, and accept myself as a result.
My name is Samuel Brazeau, and on March 5, 2021, I’m challenging myself mentally and physically to raise awareness and funds to support other young people who are fighting just like me.
I will be running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. Every dollar raised will support YSB’s youth mental health programs, like the ones I accessed at the hardest time of my life. I hope you will support me in this challenge and thank you for wanting to help youth in our community who need us now.
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Please note for donations of $20.00 or more, a tax receipt will automatically be issued and emailed to you. YSB Foundation Charitable number # 84053 4853 RR0001.