My name is Ryan Painter. I'm not just a School Trustee and CEO, I'm a mental health advocate.

I've lived with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder for years, but like so many I lived in silence.

It was until my near-suicide attempt at 22 that I realized I needed help. I began to consult with doctors and counsellors and started learning about these challenges that I was dealing with and the numerous strategies to help push back against what I was experiencing.

In 2017, I took my campaign to the next stage by becoming very public about my experiences, speaking at events and sharing my story on social media and in print. I realized that as much as I was struggling, I was immensely privileged in my life and had a special responsibility to all of those who continued to suffer in silence. So, I spoke out about my experience and became to publically advocate for greater mental health supports and services, specifically 10 days of paid sick leave. This followed the well-worn path of many labour unions and workers rights advocates who have been championing paid sick leave.

I'm taking part in supporting the UW ClimbUp campaign because we need to continue the work of talking about mental health, the need for an increase in supports, and access to things like paid sick leave.