Hello.

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Andrea, this is my site Mental Madness. I started this site as a place people living with mental health challenges could collectively share art, creations, content with each other in a safe, friendly, and non-judgemental space. There are other places like this out in the internet-sphere, please check them out. This is a new project. First my Why?

I live with mental health challenges and when I was at the depths of my illness, I was alone, isolated, and felt no hope. It may be difficult to understand this – I wanted to disappear or be invisible. My life was falling apart and my brain was breaking. At the suggestion of my therapist, I signed up to join an Art Collective. One afternoon a week, get together with some other women and create. I learned a lot, and going to that group was a great tool to help my journey to wellness.

The Art Group was a Peer Support group. I had no idea what this meant. I went to use the supplies, and eat free snacks. After 6 months, I was pretty clear I was in the right space and knew how I wanted the next chapter in my life to look.

I became and continue to practice as a Mental Health Peer Support Worker. Certified in the Province of Ontario and Accredited by Peer Support Canada (waiting on the result). This work fills me up and helps me stay well. I have recently ventured into Board work and committee work at the provincial level. My vision is one of professional peer support for all those in need. Peer Support is upheld by standards, that are quantitatively and qualitatively measured. Id my dream came true and I won a big lottery tomorrow – I would expand this work into a charity and run homes for women and men leaving abusive partners with a turn no one away policy. I would build or retrofit houses for them to live in, not just a bed in a shelter. For the mom who is broke and desperate to leave, the addicted wanting to be clean with no place to go, for the sick waiting for treatment with no one to care for them. That is what I would do. A place for girls and young women to become the best they can be by offering opportunities to try new skills, courses, have fun, and find mentorship. This is my dream. What’s yours?