Winnipeg organization hosts rally to mark Action Anxiety Day

'What we're hoping to do is draw attention to the work that we do, as well as the fact that one in four Manitobans will manage an anxiety (disorder) in their lifetime.'

This Action Anxiety Day, one advocate is reminding people managing an anxiety disorder that they are not alone with a blue and orange rally.

Scott McFadyen, executive director of the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM), said the rally will take place on Monday between 4 and 6 p.m. at 4 Fort Street.

McFadyen said the ask is for attendees to wear blue and orange — the colours of Anxiety Canada.

“What we’re hoping to do is draw attention to the work that we do, as well as the fact that one in four Manitobans will manage an anxiety (disorder) in their lifetime, so people aren’t alone.”

He said the mental illness is indiscriminate, impacting people from all walks of life.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, that anxiety disorder figure hits home. It’s your neighbour. It’s your sibling. It’s the love of your life,” he said. “Today is something that impacts everyone.”

While everyone’s journey is different, McFadyen said, the first step may look like calling your doctor — adding he didn’t act on his anxiety until he was 49 years old.

“It does have to come from within you: You do want to come out of that darkness,” he said. “My first step was going to the doctor and getting a referral, and waiting a bit of time and being patient, and trying medication that didn’t work, and then medication that did work.”