Hello everyone, my name is Cam Farrell. I grew up in the small town of Petawawa, Ontario—a close-knit community where life was simple but often shrouded in silence when it came to mental health. Like many, I struggled with my own mental health challenges. I noticed that as I drifted away from the outdoor activities and sports that once defined my days, my mental well-being suffered. In search of solace, I turned to cycling—a passion that not only reconnected me with nature but also became my sanctuary.
My journey took a challenging turn during the pandemic. On June 7th, 2021, I lost my second cousin, Carter Schoonderwoerd, to suicide at just 19 years old. Carter was a beacon of light—a talented, joyful soul with an incredibly bright future. His untimely passing shattered my world and drove home a painful truth: mental health struggles affect us all, often in unexpected ways.
During this period, I was already years into the process of seeking professional help for my own mental health only to face another harsh reality. In our small community, where specialized mental health resources are scarce; I was misdiagnosed and prescribed medications that were never truly suited for me. My family doctor, the only option available, tried his best, but without the expertise of a specialist—a physiatrist—I found myself caught in a cycle of incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatments. This experience opened my eyes to a systemic issue: in underfunded Canadian communities, the stigma around mental health, combined with limited access to proper care, leaves many of us with more questions than answers.
Determined not to let these challenges define me, I channeled my frustration and grief into action. I founded "Miles for Minds" as a way to advocate for better mental health support in smaller underfunded communities like mine. I decided to embark on an over 1800 km solo ride from the Halifax, Nova Scotia to the Ottawa Valley. Along the way I will stop in small towns to share insights on mental health, spark honest conversations, and shine a light on the need for proper care and resources.
Living in a smaller Canadian community, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges associated with accessing appropriate mental health care. The stigma surrounding mental health often leads individuals to seek assistance from primary care providers, such as family doctors, who may not have specialized training in psychiatry. This situation can result in misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments. For instance, studies have shown that misdiagnosis rates for psychiatric disorders in primary care settings can be alarmingly high, with some disorders being misdiagnosed up to 98% of the time. Additionally, the limited availability of mental health professionals plus huge costs for these services in these areas exacerbates the challenge, as residents may have reduced access to specialized care. This underscores the critical need for improved mental health services and resources in rural communities to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
Initially, my goal was to embark on a cross-Canada cycling tour, driven by my love for long-distance rides and a desire to traverse the diverse landscapes of our beautiful country. As I delved deeper into training, immersing myself in cycling metrics and pushing my physical boundaries, I realized that this journey held a greater purpose. Cycling had provided me with direction and solace during challenging times; it became clear that I could channel this passion to make a tangible difference in the realm of mental health.
Inspired by Canadian icons like Terry Fox and local heroes such as Ruby Pilatzke and Luke Cyr I founded "Miles for Minds." This 100% non-profit initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for mental health services in underfunded Canadian communities. To lead by example, I am contributing a minimum of $2,000 to kickstart the campaign, with the aspiration to at least double this amount through collective efforts and sponsorships. However, my ultimate goal is to amplify this cause and raise as much as possible to support underfunded mental health initiatives nationwide.
Training for this endeavor involves dedicating a minimum of 13 hours per week on the saddle, fueled by a diet rich in peanut butter, pancakes, Greek yogurt, flatbreads, pastas, and, of course, generous servings of ice cream—a nod to cycling champion Tadej Pogačar's (affectionately known as "Pogi") favorite indulgence.
Through "Miles for Minds," I hope to honor Carter's memory, share my personal journey, and contribute to a future where mental health is prioritized, and no one feels alone in their struggles. Join me on this ride towards awareness, understanding, and change.
