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Jim's Story
Jim Malone’s struggle with mental illness dates back as far as he can remember.
“What drives me is getting to interact with other people.
It’s really all about people helping people.”
Jim accepting his award at Let's Keep Talking 2017.
Self-esteem issues altered his life immeasurably. In 1989 he was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. He lived through a particularly difficult time in 2006. By 2007, he was no longer able to maintain fulltime work.
Jim exemplifies that, with treatment, people living with mental illness can and do get better. Thanks to a combination of psychotherapy, ECT and good self-care, Jim is living well today. He accepts his diagnosis as part of his recovery.
Jim’s passion for contributing to his community knows no limits. He is best known for his work with the “Upstairs Kitchen Club” – a peer support group for individuals living with anxiety and depression. He maintains a Facebook group for the club, and is active in seeking grant money to provide learning materials for its members. Many members say Jim has changed their lives for the better.
“What drives me is getting to interact with other people,” says Jim. “It’s really all about people helping people.”
Jim serves as a member of organizations such as the Clinical Pathways Project, developed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority, as well as the Dalhousie Health Mentors Program. He has also facilitated the Speakers Bureau at the Healthy Minds Cooperative.
Organizations such as the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Bipolar Peer Support Alliance have called on him to teach their members about wellness and recovery by sharing his personal story.
Jims says practicing mindfulness has helped him a great deal. He knows bad days are temporary in nature and he has come to accept them as part of the cycle.
We were incredibly proud to honour Jim with our 2017 Let’s Keep Talking Outstanding Senior Award. Rounding out the list of 2017 honourees is: Outstanding Individual, Stephanie Reidy; Outstanding Youth, Amanda Higgins; Outstanding Caregiver, Shelia Morrison and Outstanding Healthcare Provider, Nicole Robinson.
When it comes to people helping people, Nova Scotians truly have reason to be proud!
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