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Young woman speaks about depression in pursuit of change continued from p.9 for three days. Heffernan said her father became frustrated and wanted her to see a therapist. She believes he did not understand that she wasn't being lazy, she simply did not have the energy to get herself out of bed. "Sometimes people talk about struggling with depression. For me, struggling is something like trying to put on a pair of jeans after putting on a few pounds," said Heffernan. "Fighting depression is more like fighting a war. My depression felt like a great pain coming from somewhere deep inside of me, somewhere between my chest and my stomach. "The pain was so intense that I could barely breathe and I wanted to throw up, but so weighty that I sometimes physically couldn't get up. It was so horrible that I had little hope that anything could be good or pleasurable or happy. The pain was a void, a pit deep inside of me that was completely empty and it grew bigger and bigger, consuming any interests and any of the emotions that I had." At that point, the Oakville native said she began experiencing suicidal thoughts. She wondered if anyone would care if she were dead and how many people would come to her funeral. Heffernan said her mother made appointments for her to speak with therapists and her family doctor. None proved helpful, she said. Speaking out about depression Finally, the student spoke to a doctor who specialized in youth and adolescent medicine. That doctor prescribed the young woman Prozac and recommended she see a private psychologist, the combination of which helped immensely. While Heffernan says she hasn't experienced severe depression in two years and is much happier now, she still finds it necessary to take her medication and visit her psychologist to keep her sad feelings under control. "I speak out about depression now for many reasons. I want to create a greater awareness about mental health issues, particularly depression. "I want people to understand that mental illness is no different than physical illness. Just because it is invisible and we can't see it doesn't make it any less legitimate," said Heffernan. "I also know that by talking about depression I can help decrease the stigma surrounding it. This way people who need help will feel more comfortable getting it. Finally I want to make sure nobody ever hurts as badly as I did." Heffernan said people should know there is a variety of supports and resources available and just because a few don't work, as happened in her case, people should not give up hope as the next thing they try may be what helps. In addition to the personal story, the Youth Mental Health Expo also promoted the Great Oakville Pursuit, which will take place Friday, May 10. The pursuit will see nine teams from Flynn's Oakville Provincial Youth Advisory Committee engage in a race across town to raise awareness of youth mental health issues. 11 | Friday, May 3, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com grow everything Guaranteed to Walk for MD at Coronation Halton Region will be moving its muscles to make an impact in the fight against muscular dystrophy this Sunday. The annual Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy will be held at Coronation Park in Oakville in support of the thousands of children, teens and adults affected by neuromuscular disorders in Canada. Taking part in the event for the third year will be the 2013 Walk Ambassador, Bill Lavergne. "My family and I have participated in all of the Halton Region walk events. We wanted to become involved to raise funds and draw attention that many Canadians suffer because of this disease," Lavergne, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of 53, said in a news release. Muscular dystrophy is a group of progressive muscle disorders that weaken the muscles that control body movement. These disorders can have devastating effects -- over time, many people are unable to walk, speak or ultimately breathe, while for some the disorder is fatal. The family-friendly event will include activities for kids, food and refreshments and a raffle. Participant registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk, wheel and roll will follow at 11 a.m. Proceeds will support various programs including funding equipment, assistive living devices and support services for individuals and families faced with financial hardships, information and advocacy initiatives, and fund research to one day find a cure. Muscular Dystrophy Canada receives almost no government funding and relies on donor dollars. For more information or to register online, visit www.walkformusculardystrophy.ca. 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