DJay McGrath says “It’s OK to not be OK”
By Joan Janzen
The grade 7-12 student body at North West Central School in Plenty were treated to a talk by guest speaker DJay McGrath. DJay’s speaking engagement at Plenty is his first as a local mental health advocate, where he shared his journey through the hockey system, mental health and addictions.
DJay is no stranger to the Plenty area, as his grandparents, Larry and Sandra Horysh live there. His mom, Kelly, grew up in Plenty, and his dad grew up nearby in Dodsland.
Students from North West Central School in Plenty with DJay McGrath (centre). PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Grade 7-12s at North West Central School in Plenty were treated to guest speaker, Kindersley’s DJay McGrath last week. He spoke about his journey through the hockey system, mental health and addictions. His message focused on speaking up and letting people know if you are struggling. DJay is pictured here with his grandparents, Sandra and Larry Horysh, who live in Plenty. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
“Ever since I opened up about my story and started a TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram page, I guess my story is being heard,” he said. Now he is being sought after as a public speaker, as he shares his past history, not only with hockey, but addictions, depression, stress, and pressures that led to a dark time over the past ten years of his life.
The semi-retired hockey player’s message focused on speaking up and letting people know if they’re struggling. “I discussed how I kept all my feelings, depression and addictions inside,” he said. “My story is raw; there is no point in me hiding my feelings anymore.”
DJay’s favourite motto is “it’s OK to not be OK,” words that are very personal because he confesses, “speaking up about my problems saved my life.” Now that DJay has been sober for seven months, he’s decided to share his story publicly because he believes “mental health isn’t talked about enough.”
Whether DJay’s speaking to students or having fun with them at the outdoor rink in Kindersley, it’s obvious he genuinely cares for kids. “I want to help people; I want to help kids,” he said. “I tell my story how it is, raw and real. It needs to be heard, especially in this younger generation.”