Rakesh Kumar began his mission to spread awareness about borderline personality disorder (BPD) by walking across Canada.
He started his walk on June 1, passed through Kenora in mid-September, and has now reached Terrace Bay. His plan is to finish the walk by the end of November or December, once he arrives in Toronto but nothing is set in stone.
“I struggled with BPD, borderline personality disorder. I’ve been struggling for like around 15 to 18 years. I was back home in India, Punjab and I didn’t know. I was blaming it all [on] myself because there’s a lack of awareness about mental health,” he says.
Kumar moved to Canada in 2019 as an international student. When he was diagnosed with BPD at a Toronto hospital, he felt relief.
“…I got the idea from Terry Fox and other people. Okay, I can do something like that to encourage people, to change someone…”
When he started his journey, he had only 25 cents in his pocket. But people have been kind enough to provide food and shelter along the way.
“Its the people, I’m not the one who’s moving because I find kindness everywhere I go. Somebody feeds me, somebody gives me shelter,” he says.
“That’s how I’m moving.”
Kumar has received emails from supporters saying BPD isn’t being talked about enough, and that his actions are encouraging.
To follow Kumar’s journey, check out his social media on Instagram or TikTok at @healingwitheverystep.
Trigger warning: The interview contains references to addiction and suicide.
-
Talia Saley is the Lake Morning Show host for 89.5 The Lake in Kenora. She grew up in Toronto but lived in South Korea for six years, and loves sharing stories about her mixed culture and food. She loves all things Pokémon, K-pop and rom-coms. Talia enjoys talking about topics that are important to you and is always eager to hear your stories!