“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”

Brock University student Brett Straus, 23, keeps that Deepak Chopra quote on his computer desktop. It reminds him that no matter what challenges life throws at him, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Straus, 23, will share his story of struggling with anxiety during Speak Out Night Wednesday, Nov. 4. Two undergraduate students and two graduate students, one who will also give a parent’s perspective, will share their experience with mental illness during the event.

“I wasn’t suicidal but I was questioning the point of life. I thought I’d be like that forever,” he says.

Looking back, Straus knows he was always an anxious person. But, it wasn’t until he started university that his fears started to overwhelm him.

“As my responsibilities increased, so did my anxiety,” he recalls.

After suffering two concussions in as many years, Straus was forced to finally deal with his anxiety. It had started to manifest in panic attacks. He knew he needed help.

He dropped out of university and underwent rehab for two years, mainly to deal with the side effects of his concussions, including disorientation, light sensitivity, confusion and depression. A side benefit, he says now, was being forced to work through his anxiety.
“I didn’t have a choice but to dive into my disorder and deal with it,” he says.

Straus has now been off medication for five months and he’s back at Brock studying business.

“It was chaotic and led to great change,” he says of the tough two years. “It was the most uncomfortable time of my life – but the best thing that ever happened to me.

“I’m not allowing fear to control my life.”

Straus will encourage others to reach out for help during his talk Wednesday.

“You have to be the one to face it but you have people to lean on the entire time,” he says.

The event takes place from 7:30-9 p.m. at Pond Inlet. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. If you can’t make it, a livestream is available at http://brockvideocentre.brocku.ca

The event is aimed at raising awareness, lifting the stigma around mental health issues and encouraging people to seek help if needed.

The event – organized by Student Health Services, Personal Counselling-(SDC), Active Minds, Student Justice Centre, Canadian Mental Health – Niagara, BUSU and the GSA – is an open and free event to both students and the community.

During the event, Student Health Services and Personal Counselling-(SDC) will launch Brock University’s new mental health website, an extensive site for everyone, with detailed information about mental health and wellness for students.