It is a worthy pursuit in life to be able to find a way to incorporate something you love doing with an effort for a cause that helps people. As a cyclist, weekend warrior, I’m well aware that there can be challenges and dangers along the path: potholes, things that have fallen out of trucks, people who are driving vehicles and aren’t paying attention.
As someone who has spent a career analyzing and transferring risk, I’m also well aware of the risk when I clip in. I choose to engage in these pursuits because of the enjoyment I get from: outdoor adventures and activities that promote physical and mental health and social interactions and relationships – an opportunity to clear the head and gain new perspective; the feeling of accomplishment after a long, hard ride; the enjoyment from doing this with a group of great friends and the many opportunities to meet new friends along the road and trails who share similar passions and interests.
We are at a time of year when our awareness of mental health, illness and military service is heightened. As a country, we turn our attention and reflection on: those men and women who serve, served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom. I think about the men and women who put their names on the line, regardless of age, and opt for military service for a variety of reasons: patriotism; the opportunity for education through and after service; the want of a family of brothers and sisters with whom they serve; the need for discipline; or, they simply believe, deep within their being, in serving their country and serving others – and that serving others is what they have been called to do – it is who they are. Yes, the reasons why run the gamut of human experience, purpose and need. Yet, many do not anticipate the psychological cost of deployment, conflicts, war and the human impact on themselves, their friends and loved ones.
Those who return from military service, return with their share of stories, friendships forged and friends lost, lives saved and taken, justice served and witnesses to rampant injustice. These brave men and women were perpetually exposed to the darkness and light of life – they served with their allies; opposed, resisted and fought transgressors; and, protected the most vulnerable, those in need, those living in dire circumstances.
While I have never participated in military service I have personally experienced mental illness and have often thought of military veterans, their families and loved ones and what they must go through, trying to adapt from the world of conflicts, war and trauma to a much different world. A world of comparative peace and pleasures: restaurants, movie theatres, the great outdoors, family and friends, farmer’s markets and soccer games, ,… The speed with which our soldiers are transferred from conflicts, war zones to civilian lives must be disorienting and absolutely overwhelming.
The statistics for returning U.S. and Canadian forces are both alarming, stark and sobering.
“In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war zone Veterans—including war-service Veterans and peacekeeping forces—will go on to experience a chronic condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience at least some of the symptoms associated with this condition,” according to Veterans Affairs Canada. “PTSD is a psychological response to the experience of intense traumatic events, particularly those that threaten life. It can affect people of any age, culture or gender.”
Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) recently completed its second annual National Ride for Mental Health (RMH) in which more than 500 cyclists from every province and territory rode to bring awareness to the mental health needs of Canadian veterans and first responders. The cyclists, their donors and event sponsors raised $300,000 to support Wounded Warriors Canada’s mental health services.
The power of a community of cyclists, weekend warriors, gathering together to shine a light on an issue, raise awareness and needed funds is amazing. Pedaling in action and for action, is tremendously powerful. The community of cyclists, weekend warriors, is strong and the decision to use our passion as a means to help is growing.
“As our Veterans and First Responders persevere through the difficulties they encounter, knowing our citizens care about, and respect, those who serve, inspires and motivates those who proudly wear a uniform, building their resilience and affirming their dedication to duty and their unwavering commitment to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and maintain safe communities and a secure Canada,” said Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique, who is an avid cyclist.
He added that the Ride for Mental Health provides a goal that challenges veterans and participants physically and psychologically and “provides us with a closely knit support network of riders that build esprit de corps that extends well beyond the ride, and ultimately improves our overall well being.”
https://www.toronto.com/community-story/7514280-markham-cyclist-shares-painful-story-of-depression/
Neil Mitchell 