Ty Hunter opens up about his mental health
Ty Hunter is best known as the dynamic and upbeat lead singer of the nationally acclaimed and Juno-nominated band the Hunter Brothers. He is now revealing some behind-the-scenes looks at his struggles with a mood disorder as a new way to impact listeners.
Ty, the youngest of the five Hunter brothers from Shaunavon, SK, will be the keynote speaker at More Joy Regina on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Jan. 22, where he will bring his songs, as well as his struggles to the audience in his first-ever speech on the subject of his mental health.
“Since opening up, I have had multiple people tell me about family or friends of theirs who have been suffering or have died from mood disorders - so I think the question truly is ‘why wait’ to share my story if I’ve been given the resources and tools to make it through what could have been a more devastating outcome?” said the award-winning singer who will give a 45-minute talk followed by a special acoustic performance of several Hunter Brothers hits.
“I believe I was given a gift in being able to make it through the dark, because I could then tell people about the light on the other side.”
More Joy Regina will feature mental health speakers, as well as booths from provincial mental health organizations in order to give attendees concrete coping tools. Froese says January is very hard on mental health making in-person experiences like More Joy Regina even more important.
“Mental-health providers in the province will be there to tell you about their services, you can pet a therapy dog, make a take-home stress kit and just authentically connect with others who understand depression and anxiety,” said More Joy Movement founder Christalee Froese. “Our goal is to provide mental health information but in a fun way that leaves people feeling hopeful and joyful.”
There is help … 80% of depression sufferers can be treated effectively. At More Joy Regina on Jan. 22, our goal is to put you touch with the free resources available in Saskatchewan. Register at morejoy.ca with code: JOY35 for $35 tickets. Free childcare is provided onsite.