Editor:
I look at Marilyn and see healthy vibrancy, watch her ooze a playful, joyful passion for life. Yet, behind the beauty of Marilyn Monroe we know there was a woman struggling with mental wellness and her very existence.
I knew and lost someone with the same radiance and beauty of spirit. I know from personal and shared experience the struggles of mental wellness and the toll they can take on one’s life.
It was during a time that my own existence was being put to the test that I lost my friend. I had gone from being a woman who was physically strong, athletic, active in life, opening my own massage studio (finally!) to a woman whose body was falling apart, weakened by pain, unable to do the most menial of tasks. It was due to a hit and run, rear-ender accident that my life took a dive.
With my body in such a state, my mental state also took a dive into severe anxiety and depression. I was eventually diagnosed with post-concussive disorder and PTSD. I felt like a loser. I felt lost. I felt desperate. Exhausted. Broke. Broken.
The road to mental wellness is not easy. There is no road map. Help is expensive and not necessarily easy to navigate or even to find, especially when mentally unwell.
I was fortunate to have close family and friends in this community. They helped me with menial tasks, driving to appointments, keeping a roof over my head and food in my belly. They were there to pull me out of reclusive despair. Because of my fortune, I was able to put all my resources towards healing. Without them (and my team of therapists), I’m certain I would have been homeless and without a hope. Big love to my family and friends.
We are not all so lucky. Why Oscar’s Eve?
It turns out that there would have been a hope for me because our community is home to the Arrowhead Clubhouse. Arrowhead offers help to adults struggling with mental wellness. Membership is free. Those in need of help are welcome.
There is nothing easy about asking for help with mental wellness. It takes bravery and a certain level of despair (in my experience). Oscar’s Eve is a night to celebrate community members who support those who are struggling and those who continue the struggle towards wellness.
I know there are many parties on Feb. 25, but I hope you’ll join me for Oscar’s Eve. Everyone is invited. Three hundred tickets sold would mean $10,000 to Arrowhead. There is no capacity, so let’s fill Trail Bay Centre. Let’s celebrate together for spirits like Marilyn and my dear friend so that accessibility and information for mental health improve. Come out and support the Arrowhead Centre. Come out and support the Rotary Club of Sechelt (the organizers of this event). Come because it’s an opportunity to dress up. Come because it’s going to be fun.
Come for the great prizes. Come for the music. Come to dance with Marilyn.
Jena Eros, Roberts Creek
