Despite recent leaps and bounds to overcome generations of stigma, mental illness is still largely considered a taboo topic of conversation.
The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates 15 per cent of women experience depression at some point in their lives, while one in eight Canadian women have sought help for their mental health or substance abuse problem in the past year.
To help swing open the doors on this quiet minority, the Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don't Hide cycling event is happening this Sunday (June 23).
Beginning at Ogden Point, Ride Don't Hide participants have the option of a 7 kilometre, 18 km or 29 km route through James Bay, Fairfield and Oak Bay.
Canadian Olympic gold medal rower Adam Kreek will be taking part, along with Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver, Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen and local author Michelle Mulder.
More than 600 cyclists are already taking part, and organizers are still taking last-minute registrations.
Visit ridedonthide.com or call 250-216-4228 for more information.