A young man is cycling his way across Canada, raising awareness about mental health.
23-year-old Ryan Martin, from Guelph, Ontario began his trip in Tofino, B.C. on May 14th.
He left Meteghan this morning, travelled through Yarmouth then to Pubnico.
Ryan has been living with anxiety and depression for years, and most recently, was diagnosed with Type 2 bipolar disorder.
He tells Acadia News, he got sick and tired of keeping his mental health struggles to himself.
“Then I realized that this would be a huge opportunity to help other people who are struggling and help them become comfortable talking about what they’re going through.”
Ryan says the response from people he’s met has been incredible.
“As soon as they hear someone else open up, they get exposed to that person’s story and what they’re doling about it, they in turn feel much more comfortable talking about their problems and become inspired to take action.”
Ryan also will travel to Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties.
His journey will end in St. John’s.
Ryan has already surpassed his goal of raising $100,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Here is a link to his web page: https://www.mindcycle.ca/
(photo courtesy Ryan Martin)
