"My memories from Derek go back at least 10-12 years, despite that I am nineteen years older than him, the elements of maturity, trust and consistent character, has been more than a quality. I am very proud of our committment and engagement of our relationship. Always ready to pass along his knowledge and experience, making my life rich and meaningful and doing so against adverstiy. We both have a condition. A mental health one. And for my friend it has been the battle of bipolar disorder and anxiety.
We both share the love for music, which brings us even closer with the strongest bond. Derek keeps among his hands the best of cards. He is the joker, the starter on new ideas and comments, and always in the best of moods and in these ways he confronts his disorder. He is pretty much connected with our community as a responsible employee at Thompson Community Center. He is a wonderful human being ready to pass on his readings from many self-help books.
Getting to know Derek is like winning the lottery. It is also an on-going process.
The result of his enthusiasm for life in general, the attitude and his optimism and view directing his life, and for me to share his gifted personalitiy, makes me and many others very lucky to know him.He is a good tenor sax player. He is always ready to improvise and for that matter and strive for the right notes. Derek is truly living life fully with bipolar."
Jose Campillo, Best friend of Derek
"A few months back I worked with Derek, I found him very inspiring, humble and probably one of the kindest people I have met in my journey of life. He not only listened and explained to me how Bipolar has never restricted him from his day to day adventures, but I will also remember our talks that have changed my way of thinking in regards to this disorder. You... Derek are going to help many people, don't ever give this up, or forget who inspired you in your journey."
Your Friend, Anthe
"Derek is my friend, coworker and fellow yogi. He reminds me that life’s challenges can lead to meaningful changes and opportunities for growth. Derek is compassionate, non-judgmental and dedicated to helping others overcome barriers as he did. His story is one of hope! Achieving goals after overcoming obstacles says a lot about one's determination and character. He inspires youth, adults and seniors through his community work.
Over time, Derek has advised me according to many of his readings. We have been each other's cheerleaders and confident about themes like 'staying in the moment' and 'detaching from expectations' while striving for our goals. We all have unique journeys and it’s motivating to know that IT IS possible to overcome barriers and live life fully despite hardships. Sometimes good things start with a struggle. We don't even
have to hit "rock bottom" per se. For some, it may happen that way, for others, there may be changes made before that point hits. When we make the decision to change behaviours that are no longer working well for us we are on the road to a more fulfilling
life. What comes afterward is hugely rewarding because it comes from meaningful work/self-reflection. Derek’s advice is very practical and he
helps me think of a problem in a new way. Practicing acceptance (not to be confused with resignation), compassion for others but also for ourselves, letting go of unhelpful stresses/worries that do not serve us, perseverance, acknowledging our blessings (gratitude), etc. are some of my favorite themes from his list of readings. Oh, and we are not alone. There is always someone to understand us and talk to in stressful times. I have not experienced bipolar but 10 years ago I experienced depression and today I am better than
if I hadn’t. It's because of all the self-care that I did based on the principles Derek and I
talk about. I also took my healing into my own hands. The system does not/cannot help everyone and it is up to us to decide if we want to overcome the limits that have been placed on us by life events, circumstances or disease. 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental illness.
We don’t have to suffer silently or alone. That is another reason why I support this website – to bring awareness to mental health issues.
Derek thanks for sharing your story and helping people. Great list of suggested readings! Most of all, thanks for the personal talks that
encouraged my own self-reflection on my current path to being a counsellor."
~Sasa
We both share the love for music, which brings us even closer with the strongest bond. Derek keeps among his hands the best of cards. He is the joker, the starter on new ideas and comments, and always in the best of moods and in these ways he confronts his disorder. He is pretty much connected with our community as a responsible employee at Thompson Community Center. He is a wonderful human being ready to pass on his readings from many self-help books.
Getting to know Derek is like winning the lottery. It is also an on-going process.
The result of his enthusiasm for life in general, the attitude and his optimism and view directing his life, and for me to share his gifted personalitiy, makes me and many others very lucky to know him.He is a good tenor sax player. He is always ready to improvise and for that matter and strive for the right notes. Derek is truly living life fully with bipolar."
Jose Campillo, Best friend of Derek
"A few months back I worked with Derek, I found him very inspiring, humble and probably one of the kindest people I have met in my journey of life. He not only listened and explained to me how Bipolar has never restricted him from his day to day adventures, but I will also remember our talks that have changed my way of thinking in regards to this disorder. You... Derek are going to help many people, don't ever give this up, or forget who inspired you in your journey."
Your Friend, Anthe
"Derek is my friend, coworker and fellow yogi. He reminds me that life’s challenges can lead to meaningful changes and opportunities for growth. Derek is compassionate, non-judgmental and dedicated to helping others overcome barriers as he did. His story is one of hope! Achieving goals after overcoming obstacles says a lot about one's determination and character. He inspires youth, adults and seniors through his community work.
Over time, Derek has advised me according to many of his readings. We have been each other's cheerleaders and confident about themes like 'staying in the moment' and 'detaching from expectations' while striving for our goals. We all have unique journeys and it’s motivating to know that IT IS possible to overcome barriers and live life fully despite hardships. Sometimes good things start with a struggle. We don't even
have to hit "rock bottom" per se. For some, it may happen that way, for others, there may be changes made before that point hits. When we make the decision to change behaviours that are no longer working well for us we are on the road to a more fulfilling
life. What comes afterward is hugely rewarding because it comes from meaningful work/self-reflection. Derek’s advice is very practical and he
helps me think of a problem in a new way. Practicing acceptance (not to be confused with resignation), compassion for others but also for ourselves, letting go of unhelpful stresses/worries that do not serve us, perseverance, acknowledging our blessings (gratitude), etc. are some of my favorite themes from his list of readings. Oh, and we are not alone. There is always someone to understand us and talk to in stressful times. I have not experienced bipolar but 10 years ago I experienced depression and today I am better than
if I hadn’t. It's because of all the self-care that I did based on the principles Derek and I
talk about. I also took my healing into my own hands. The system does not/cannot help everyone and it is up to us to decide if we want to overcome the limits that have been placed on us by life events, circumstances or disease. 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental illness.
We don’t have to suffer silently or alone. That is another reason why I support this website – to bring awareness to mental health issues.
Derek thanks for sharing your story and helping people. Great list of suggested readings! Most of all, thanks for the personal talks that
encouraged my own self-reflection on my current path to being a counsellor."
~Sasa
