Unmasking mental health: Matthew's mission to breaking the stigma

Matthew Mendonca, Warehouse Material Handler at DC60 in Ajax, Ontario, felt a mix of relief and determination when he learned of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme: "Unmasking Mental Health." Initially, Matthew joined his distribution center’s ABLE pillar because he wanted to advocate for those with mental illness in his life. With an Autistic younger brother, deaf great-uncle and mentally ill uncle, he knew he had to be a voice for change. Specifically, recalling his Uncle Marc's life and how it was profoundly affected by the stigma of mental illness pushed Matthew to make a difference. 

In the mid-70s, his uncle Marc's diagnosis came at a time when mental illness was heavily stigmatized. Growing up, Matthew heard of Marc's isolation and dehumanization, which fueled his desire to change how society treats those with mental health conditions. To Matthew, unmasking mental health meant dismantling the barriers of stigma and promoting understanding. “When something remains in the dark it continues to be mysterious and misunderstood. The only way to change this is to bring it into the light and share it with others.” 

Now, Matthew faced his own mental health challenges, diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder. This deepened his empathy and understanding of Marc's battles. A pivotal moment occurred when Marc needed a medication update and feared hospitalization due to past traumatic experiences. 

Matthew, having a recent hospital experience, reassured Marc that practices had evolved since the 70s. He spent hours talking to his uncle, sharing his own experiences, both good and bad, and listening to Marc's harrowing stories from the past. In 2023, Marc spent some time in a hospital and Matthew often came to visit him. "Thank you for treating me like a person," Marc said, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Matthew. From that moment, Matthew committed to advocating for those who couldn't articulate their needs. He began sharing his experiences and openly discussing his diagnosis to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles. 

For anyone struggling with mental health, the first step towards getting help is always the hardest. The process is going to be uncomfortable but advocating for yourself is the biggest step you can take. Whether at work, with your family or with your doctor, don’t be afraid to speak up. “No one can give you all the answers, you know yourself better than anyone else.” 

Matthew knew the journey to speaking up about mental health wouldn't be easy. Stigma and ignorance were deeply ingrained. But he was committed to chipping away at those barriers, one conversation at a time. He believed that by sharing his story, by advocating for change, and by treating everyone he met with empathy and understanding, he could help create a world where mental health was no longer a mask to be hidden, but a reality to be embraced. He wanted to help create a world where everyone, like his Uncle Marc, could be seen and valued for who they truly were, not defined by their condition. And that, to Matthew, was what "Unmasking Mental Health" was all about.