Issue 5: Emily - Miss Teen Golden Heart 2nd Runner Up

With roughly 20% of the Canadian Youth population experiencing the impacts of Mental Illness and Disorders, and with Canada's Youth Suicide Rate being the third highest Internationally; the time for Mental Health/Illness Advocates is NOW!

For this pageant queen, her passion towards Mental Health Awareness began four-years-ago when she received her diagnosis of an Anxiety and Depression Disorder. At the beginning of her journey, Emily experienced difficulties navigating around her diagnosis; being consumed with understanding who she was and where she fit in with this NEW reality. Attempting to reach out and connect with her peers, Emily discovered that she wasn't alone. As she discovered that her peers were also experiencing similiar uncertainty towards understanding what Mental Health/Illness actually was.

After this discovery, Emily embarked on her journey towards her 'REAL WHY'; through the power of her voice and social media, Emily aims to educate youth on the importance of taking care of their Mental Health, as well as what it means to have a diagnosis of a Mental Disorder/Illness.

Through her experience, Emily has learned that while struggling with Mental Health it is increadibly important to ask for help; there has always been this stigma towards seeking support through times of difficulties, almost seen as a form of weakness. Now more than ever, it is important to talk about living with the impacts of Mental Illness as ending the stigma can easily save a life of someone struggling. Her biggest advice is to always remember that you are NOT a burden, you are just as important, and that you matter. Surround yourself with people who bring a positive experience to your life, because these people will give you the strength and guidence you need to overcome any obsacle that come your way.

Emily's mission is to make Mental Health a topic that society is no longer scared to discuss, as creating opportunities for discussions surrounding Mental Health can help individuals struggling begin their journey of self-discovery. Emily aims that her voice will inspire others to start their journey with positivity and support to ensure that their story doesn't start out with the feeling of lost or confusion like she experienced!