Shelburne's mental health walk inspired by efforts of Evelyn Goodwin

Hundreds of people are expected to participate in a walk for mental health in Shelburne, N.S. Saturday morning in an event that is largely due to the efforts of a former nurse who is trying to end the stigma around mental illness.

Evelyn Goodwin retired 22 years ago, but she's the first to tell you that she hasn't stopped working.

"I saw the need for a self-help group for mental health," she said. She started a monthly care and share meeting for those with depression.

"It has just mushroomed since then. Every year I think, 'well maybe I can back off a little bit,' but it's getting bigger instead of smaller."

The group met once a month for years, but recently they switched to twice a month.

"There's some people who are really in need of more than one night a month."

Community event

Three years ago, Goodwin decided she needed to do even more, and organized the first mental health walk. It's not a fundraiser, simply a day of raising awareness. 

"I've found after the first two walk-a-thons that I've had, it has helped a great deal. People are coming forward now and saying 'yes, I know someone with depression: my mother, my brother, my sister.' I believe after looking around, there's not a family that isn't affected directly or indirectly with a mental health disorder."

Goodwin wants people to realize that mental health is an illness, not a weakness. 

"It's to get people aware that if someone is suffering from a mental disorder, to help them, don't ridicule them. Give it the respect that any other illness deserves."

Inspiring others

Goodwin's efforts have now spread to nearby communities. Similar walks will be held in nearby Barrington and Lockeport next week.

She publishes her phone number in the paper every week and accepts calls at all hours from those who need someone to talk to. 

"We've saved a few. We've saved a few."