w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Fr id ay , N ov em be r 5 , 2 01 0 3 0 By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER As society attempts to breakdown the stigma attached tomental illness, talking about that illness, such as depression or a bipolar disorder, has been a sensitive topic reserved for certain circles. Once a month for the past 20 years, Equilibrium has been one of those circles. And while the peer support group may be attempting to break the stig- man, it has not forsaken its mandate, to offer an inner circle. Equilibrium is a local peer sup- port group run by and for people deal- ing with depression or a mood disor- der, and their families. Everyone who attends has a story to tell, said Ron Dallimore who organizes the monthly meetings for some 180 people who attend meet- ings sporadically. There can be from 20 to 60 people at any given meeting and participants ages range from 20 to 70 and older. Theres no cost, registration or reservation required to attend the meetings, which are held on the sec- ond Tuesday of every month (except during July and August) at 7:30 p.m. ( doors open at 7 p.m. ) at Evangel Pentecostal Church, 1450 Rebecca Street (across from Hopedale Mall). Sharing experiences and informa- tion are powerful tonics in dealing with such stigmatized illnesses. We use the word I all of the time and avoid the word should, said Dallimore. Understanding, empathy, advice and education are the cornerstones of Equilibrium. For the formal part of the meet- ings Dallimore seeks out guest speak- ers and informational videos that pro- vide insights into treatments and therapies. For the remainder of the night the gathering divides into three groups: those with depression, mood disorders and family so that each group can talk, share and compare on similar topics. Over the years volunteer leaders like Dallimore have accumulated an extensive lending library of books, articles and videos to arm members with more information. Twenty-one years ago, Janet Chyc and her husband Hank searched des- perately for a group like Equilibrium. Hank was a newly-retired 55-year- old civil engineer when he spiralled into a deep depression that put him in hospital for three months. Seeing the stress, anger and frus- tration it caused Janet, Hanks psychi- atrist Dr. Karl OSullivan put her in touch with Violet Preston, a nurse whose husband had bipolar disorder. There was nothing in Oakville as far as support, said Janet. By October 1991 Equilibrium was Equilibrium tips the scales against stigma LivingOakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN Phone: 905-337-5560 Fax: 905-337-5571 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com PHOTOS BY GRAHAM PAINE FINDING EQUILIBRIUM: Equilibrium is marking 20 years of offering peer support for those affected by depres- sion and bipolar disorder. Below, from left, Dr. Karl O'Sullivan, Equilibrium founders Janet and Hank Chyc and Glenn Speakman who took over after the Chycs retired with appreciation plaques. Above, left, Equilibrium organizer Ron Dallimore and OSullivan, right. See Equilibrium page 31 We use the word I all of the time and avoid the word should. Ron Dallimore, Equilibrium