Making a difference for mental health

By Corey Hirsch

Back in 1994, most people probably looked at me and thought, “This kid is living the dream.” I was 21 years old and had backstopped Canada to an Olympic silver medal in February. A few months later, I was skating around Madison Square Garden, hoisting the Stanley Cup as a member of the New York Rangers. Life couldn’t get any better, right? Think again.

On the inside — in my mind — I was a mess.

I was paralyzed by horrible, dark thoughts that felt like they would never go away. I didn’t know what was happening to me – and the NHL was not a place where you could admit you had a mental health issue. If I had a knee injury, the process was simple. I’d have my injury assessed, then get a treatment plan and be told when I could play again. But the NHL had no treatment plan for mental health back in those days.

When I finally reached out for help, I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It was such a relief to know there was an explanation for why I was feeling this way. Since sharing my story, I’ve gotten amazing support from the hockey community. Most importantly, I’ve heard from many young kids who are experiencing mental health issues, asking for help.

That’s why I decided to work with CAMH to make a difference for mental health. I’m spending time talking with young people, their parents, teachers and coaches about how to change the way mental health is addressed. In May, I spoke at CAMH’s Difference Makers Symposium. It was incredible to see so many people come together to focus on mental health.

To me, the single most important thing any of us can do is educate our children about mental health. We need to encourage them to talk to someone about how they’re feeling. We need to teach them how they can be there for their friends who are suffering. Most of all, we need to show them that they are not alone and that help is out there.