#WhyIRide – Kyle’s Story

My name is Kyle Patterson from Calgary, Alberta and I have suffered from mental health issues for most of my 25-year life.

Anxiety and depression took over my life at one point and there is no worse feeling than that. A lot of my anxiety came from food allergies and I would always be on edge or afraid of having an allergic reaction.

This led to me missing classes and social events for many days in a row.

Depression followed soon after. I missed out on countless opportunities in my life due to this.

There would be days and sometimes weeks when I didn’t have the strength to leave my own bedroom.

This all being said, things are going better for me due to the support of family and friends.

These are the reasons I got involved with Ride Don’t Hide.

These are the reasons I fight for others.

**Kyle also had the opportunity to walk from Vancouver to Calgary last summer in support of mental health awareness with all proceeds going to CMHA Calgary.

Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.