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By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

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Speak Up

Mark Henick has a lot on his plate.

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Alexandra Davis Photo

Mark Henick is taking the helm of the Canadian Mental Health Association, New Brunswick division.

The 22-year-old is a fifth-year psychology and philosophy student at St. Thomas University and the president of the university's student union. Now he's taking on a new role as the youngest president to lead the Canadian Mental Health Association, New Brunswick division.

Henick was elected to the position at the New Brunswick chapter's annual general meeting in Edmundston.

He said he isn't worried about adding the leadership of the association to his responsibilities.

"I'm confident in my abilities," he said. "I've been involved in mental health advocacy for a long time."

Henick started on the road toward becoming a mental health advocate after struggling with depression during his early adolescent years. Since then, he has formed his own mental health foundation, spoken and written about mental illness and served on the board of directors for the New Brunswick chapter for the past two years.

Having dealt with mental health issues on a personal level, Henick said he will bring a unique perspective to the position.

"That experience will help inform my decisions," he said. "I'll be able to better develop programs for people with mental illness because I can relate to them."

He said that while he may be young, he's well-equipped to handle the role.

"My age may be an issue for a few select people," Henick said. "That has never deterred me in the past."

He said he believes his youth could work to his advantage, allowing him to take a new approach toward the future of the New Brunswick chapter.

"I want to lead the CMHA in a different direction," he said. "In New Brunswick, we really haven't taken a public stance when it comes to mental health advocacy. I want to give the CMHA a more up-to-date face by bringing us into social media and gaining corporate sponsorships."

Mike Murphy, executive director of the New Brunswick chapter, said in a news release that this is an excellent opportunity to expand and improve the association.

"I am very much looking forward to working closely with our new president to further promote mental health in our province," Murphy said. "Mark brings energy, expertise and a passion to the position that can only help the association as well as the citizens of New Brunswick."

It's a two-year term and Henick said he intends to make progress over that time.

"Nationally, the CMHA is the go to institute when it comes to mental health," he said. "I'd like to see that happen on a provincial level as well, both from an advocacy and a service point of view."