Volunteer Spotlight

Mary Jo - One page feature courtesy Bipolar Disorder Magazine
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In The Spotlight

Mary Jo Au is a 49 year old wife and mother of two currently residing in St. Catharines, Ontario. In 1987 she was diagnosed with having Bipolar Affective Disorder. With the expertise and support of a dedicated and compassionate psychiatrist she learned how to effectively manage the disorder.

With love from her friends and family and owing to her deep spiritual roots Mary Jo was able to pull herself out of the darkness and loneliness associated with having a mental illness to lead a productive, exciting and fulfilling life.

Today she is an active and contributing member of her community. Encouraged by her desire to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma, she joined Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in September 2007. She is an enthusiastic public speaker offering presentations to various groups and organizations. By sharing her story Mary Jo wants people to know that she has been able to embrace this condition as a gift and that she has accomplished a great deal in her life.

Hopefully her positive outlook, openness and compassion for others suffering from a mental illness will encourage others to come out of isolation and also share their story. She would like society to become more tolerant, accepting and understanding of people living with a mental illness.

She is a positive role model and a source of great promise to those people who may be suffering in silence.