SMH Day at the University of Victoria Oct.27, 2010

Message from Rotaract UVic Co-President Laura Tebb

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. We realize that we are at a critical age for mental health diagnoses. People are gradually becoming more open towards talking about mental health, but not as much as we would like to see. We support Stand Up for Mental Health because we agree with them that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing with the SMH Comics really helps audiences to feel closer to them and better understand their struggles and triumphs. We believe that it is so important to embrace and support people who have a tendency to become marginalized for not fitting into an idealistic population and Stand up for Mental Health is effectively doing this! They understand the issues associated with mental illnesses first hand and as a result can really help to break down stigma and prejudice surrounding it. We believe in a welcoming environment for all members of the community and hope that someday University of Victoria students and students around the world will openly talk about mental illness without being judged.

Having seen several SMH shows and knowing how powerful they are, I can honestly say to you that you will miss out on something very important if you don't go to this show! Mental health issues can affect anyone, and the more you know about it know, the better you will be prepared to deal with it when it affects you personally.

And, really, a good laugh never hurt anybody!

I hope you all enjoy the show on Oct 27th and come to support Stand Up for Mental Health as much as we do!

Sincerely,

Laura Tebb, Co-President (2010/2011)
Rotaract Club of Victoria