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Michael Armstrong receives his award from Ernst & Young representative, Stephen Shea, Partner, Director of IT Risk Management for Canada and emcee Andy Barrie. |
Toronto, Ontario
Extraordinary gift for inspiring others, despite obstacles
Michael Armstrong was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 20 but it took another 23 years before he received the correct diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. Despite Michael's diagnosis, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree, obtained a law degree, articled and was called to the bar. Psychotic episodes have often interrupted Michael?s career plans. When it became clear he could not get work as a lawyer he was undeterred, and did a number of other things including teaching Grade 13 law as a supply teacher. He also acquired his Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate from the University of Toronto.
Michael comes from a loving family who have been supportive of him over the years and helped him keep his life on track. He recalls one occasion when his father drove him on a cold, wintry night to what was then the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry for admission. As his father left the hospital he walked past a homeless man on the sidewalk and broke down in tears, realizing that this could be his son. Michael later said "it wasn?t your Michael, but it was somebody's Michael."
Although Michael is very close to his family, he made the choice about eight years ago to move to a supportive living environment within the Catholic Worker community. Here, he has many friends close by who are there to offer help when he needs it. If Michael is in the hospital, he knows that support will be with him at all times. He struggles financially and would like one day to not have to worry about buying a pair of shoes, yet manages to be content with making ends meet.
Michael shares his stories publicly to connect with people who would otherwise stigmatize mental health problems. He has worked with very challenging youth and his optimism and confidence allowed him to successfully build relationships with them. He has also trained police officers to better understand people with mental health problems.
One of his most recent achievements is the publication of a book of meditations called Stable in Bedlam in which he has begun to reach a new audience. He is currently investigating his potential in the field of motivational speaking.
His journey has been extremely tortuous and at times chronically painful. His determination has permitted Michael to enjoy an extremely productive life. Michael's nominator has great respect for him. He says Michael?s life has been varied and productive and that he generously and unselfishly continues to help those in need. His lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring and demystifying the stigma of mental illness with the view of recovery is indeed outstanding.
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This page was last modified on February 5, 2003 9:31 AM .
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