Mental Health Week kicks off with a great time in Waterloo

Mike MacDonald had the room laughing to kick off CMHA Waterloo Wellington’s Mental Health Week lineup.

MacDonald, a celebrated Just For Laughs performer, brought his routine to Waterloo’s CIGI campus on Monday evening — bringing levity to what can often be a serious topic in mental health.

MacDonald shared candid stories about suicidal thoughts and how if it wasn’t for his manager reaching out to him and connecting him by phone to Dr. Drew Pinsky, he might not be alive today. MacDonald says his manager helped him get to a mental health facility in California where he was diagnosed with bipolar manic depression.

The Ottawa native has been candid about his mental health struggles in interviews, as well.

“The focus should be about how important it is to get help,” MacDonald told the Ottawa Citizen.

“A person like Robin Williams who had the money, the access, he had all the ability to get help. If it’s that tough for someone like that, imagine how tough it is for someone who doesn’t have the money, doesn’t have the support system.”

@CMHAWW @WhiteCabana What a fun night with @TheRealMikeMacD ! Don't let your silence be deafening!!! #GetLoud during #mentalhealthweek pic.twitter.com/rzp4137mB8

— iBikeInKW (@iBikeInKW) May 2, 2017

Find more of CMHA WW’s Mental Health Week events here.