In July 2017, the staff and clients at L.E.A.R.N. decided to create the multimedia collection known as “the anthology.” The chosen theme of the print edition is the journey of recovery and the work is divided into three chapters created by L.E.A.R.N. clients: 1) Chaos and Crisis, 2) Hope and Support and 3) Independence and Empowerment. The aim of the project is to help reduce stigma associated with mental illness by accomplishing the book’s title, Shedding Light On The Shadow.

 

The collected writings, photos, visual art and music were done by clients and family members of the Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition at CAMH. They represent the genuine expression of each artist, based on their own unique experiences living with and/or supporting those with mental illness.

The readers will find a wide variety of content inside that fits the chosen themes. Hopefully, this anthology will open the reader’s eyes, and the listener’s ears, to the truth that recovery is possible for everyone, no matter how ill they currently are, or have been in the past.

We sincerely hope that our perspectives on recovery are helpful to anyone living with, or supporting someone, with a mental illness. Our hope is that more people will see the truth that mental illness is not untreatable, and shouldnot be taboo. It is a common illness, which can be treated and improved. We believe that readers will see that people living with mental illness have much to offer this world, and that there are many of us. Hopefully, this volume will inspire you to add your own page to the journey of recovery, and to shed light on the shadow.

Sincerely,
Meshach Harvey
L.E.A.R.N. Client