Even in the day and age of readily accessible information, stigma still clings to the conversation about mental illness.

To promote mental health and create change Morden began celebrated Mental Health week from May 7 till May 12.

On Tuesday Kevin Rempel, 2014 Paralympic bronze medallist who helped earn gold in the 2013 World Championships, came to Morden to give his presentation 'How to Be the Hero In Your Own Movie'.

He spoke to over 500 kids at Ecole Morden Middle School in the morning and around 100 people at the Access Event Centre that evening.

After his accident in 2004, Rempel was left an incomplete paraplegic. During this time he dealt with depression and contemplated taking his own life. Rempel says he wants people to know that it is important to take responsibility for your life and ask for help.

"Taking responsibility for your situation, taking things one step at a time and never giving up. We may not be responsible for what's happened in our lives but we're definitely responsible for what we do about it. It doesn't mean it has to be a big monumental thing but simply asking for help."

Learning to walk again and working through the depression was a monstrous challenge says Rempel. Even though he can walk and has worked through the worst of his depression he remains vigilant in his mental health.

Rempel adds he was honoured by the opportunity to speak in Morden and says seeing a community come together to have important conversations about mental health is remarkable.

Over the week Morden followed the mantra of 'inspired, active and education', holding several activities and educational workshops to inform people about mental health and illness.

Recreational programmer for Morden Stephanie Dueck says the week was held in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association which has designated the first full week of May for mental health awareness.

She notes the activities and educational workshops offered an opportunity to learn about the resources that are available for mental health and help engage people in physical activity.

Dueck says research shows physical activity and what we eat has an impact on our mental wellness.