We are extremely proud to introduce to you Trisha Cull, winner of the Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance and Stigma-Free Society Scholarship. Registered in the Inter-professional Mental Health & Addictions (IMHA) post-graduate program at Camosun College, Trisha will use this money to help pay for her tuition and books, something she wasn’t sure how she was going to pay for prior to being awarded this scholarship.

These scholarships are given to inspirational individuals who are passionate about eliminating stigma and who strive to make a positive change in the field of mental health.

Trisha’s Story:

Trisha had her first depressive episode when she was 16-years and diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder twenty years later. For years, she felt inadequate and weak for not being able to overcome her mental illness on her own and lived with a significant amount of stigma – some self-imposed and the rest from an abusive partner. Trisha also suffered from bulimia, self-medicated with alcohol and drugs, and struggled with low self-esteem much of her life.

Hope, strength and courage gradually replaced the stigma she experienced, lived and eventually overcame. She is grateful for both her failures and victories along the way as they have given her insight into what so many others experience and have helped shape the person she has become. Trisha no longer settles for abusive partners and recognizes her own strength and bravery.

At 46 years old, Trisha has published a memoir that details her journey with mental illness. She is already making a significant difference in the field of mental health and will continue to do so throughout her education and life.

Trisha aspires to work with youth, specifically, she is working towards becoming a mental health support worker for youth struggling with eating disorders. Trisha would also like to pursue an MA in counselling in the near future.

A message from Trisha:

When asked what message she would like to give to others Trisha said,

“If you are struggling, reach out and get help. It takes incredible strength to seek help, you have to be very brave to do that, especially in a society where there is so much stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. It is okay to ask for help. You are not alone.”

Congratulations on your scholarship, Trisha! We are excited to see the amazing work you are going to do in the field of mental health and to help reduce stigma. We are beyond proud to announce you as one of our scholarship winners. Good luck to you in school and your future endeavors!

Thank you to the Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance for making these scholarships possible.

Author, Cosette Leblanc, Stigma-Free Intern, Adler University