Finding Strength in Community: Shaun’s Story

A few years ago, Shaun Indian was at his lowest point – struggling with extreme anxiety and depression after decades of “burying” his feelings.

“I took pride in being able to bury stuff and not have to deal with it,” he admits. “But after 40 years, it all came crashing down.”

Shaun spent more than seven months off work, rarely leaving the house and working through years of unprocessed trauma in counselling. Recovery started small – walking to the end of the block or calling an old friend.

“It sounds simple now, but at the time, those were huge battles. If you stack enough small victories together, they eventually become milestones.”

Then a friend invited him to the Fort William Curling Club’s Power of Hope Curling Bonspiel, a fundraiser for local mental health initiatives. At first, it was just a way to get out of the house. But when organizers needed a speaker, Shaun stepped forward, determined to share his story and break the stigma he once believed in.

“I used to be the guy who would say, ‘Just man up and get through it.’ Now I want to prevent people from making the same mistakes I did.”

Shaun’s message is simple: BETTER is POSSIBLE.

“There’s so much of my personal journey where it didn’t feel like that,” he says. “So, to be able to stand here now and say it out loud – it’s something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

To date, Power of Hope has raised nearly $85,000 in support of local mental health services, but it’s not just about fundraising. Power of Hope is about raising awareness, building connections, and showing people they’re not alone.

“It’s about giving people hope,” Shaun says. “And hope can change everything.”

Thanks to Shaun’s vision, the first-ever Power of Hope Golf Tournament will be held September 20, combining a day of fun, community, and purpose to fund mental health initiatives, including support for programs and services within the BETTER is POSSIBLE areas of impact.

Learn more and register: https://fortwilliamcurlingclub.com/index.php/events/bonspiels/index.php?option=com_eventbooking&view=event&id=23