New Book Celebrates People Living with Mental Illness

Toronto, ON – To celebrate 25 years of offering support to people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario has released a special coffee table book featuring personal stories of hope, healing and recovery. The book, called “Dancing in the Rain”, tells the struggles and triumphs of people living with a mood disorder in their own words.

“We want the book to break through the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds mental illness, and be a source of inspiration for those who are working towards recovery,” said Karen Liberman, Executive Director, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. “People living with mood disorders and their families go through many peaks and valleys; the going can get really tough. The personal stories in this book offer hope and show that recovery is possible.”

The personal stories come from across Ontario, including Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Niagara, Toronto and Midland. “I was so pleased to be asked to be part of this wonderful book,” said Laura Coughlin, founder and volunteer facilitator of a family support group in Kitchener-Waterloo. “Sharing my daughter’s experience helps me keep her memory alive.”

“Dancing in the Rain” will be launched tonight at a special event featuring all of the people in the book, with some people reading excerpts of their stories. “It’s really a great honour to be able to tell my story,” said Peter Brown, President, Mood Menders’ support group in Hamilton. “I’ve been through a lot of very difficult times, and here I am today helping others with their mood disorders. I hope that my story will help others get treatment, find support, and recover.”

The book is available for purchase by donation on the Mood Disorders Association’s website at www.mooddisorders.on.ca.

The “Dancing in the Rain” launch happens tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Paese Restaurant (3827 Bathurst Street, near Wilson).

About the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (www.mooddisorders.on.ca): Informed by the lived experience, the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario serves communities through providing: awareness, education and training; family and youth clinical support; recovery programs; and, peer support.

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For more information, or to arrange interviews with the award recipients, please contact:

Jennifer Foulds, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, (416) 486-8046 ext. 232; (647) 771-5815 (cell)