Canucks and Kevin Bieksa Re-launch Mindcheck.ca

Kevin Bieksa and the Vancouver Canucks have re-launched the website Mindcheck.ca in his former teammate and good friend's memory.  For those who don't know, Rick Rypien suffered from Depression for most of his life and the only person on the Canucks team that he confided in was Kevin Bieksa.  They played together in Manitoba Moose and then up here for the Canucks.

Their friendship took off once Rypien was able to confide in Bieksa.  Kevin was a great friend to Rick and helped support him in any way he could and tried to get him help when it got bad.  He even asked Rick to live with him and his wife for a couple years in Vancouver when he was on leave from the Canucks so he wouldn't be alone.   It looked like things were turning around for Rick as he signed with the new Winnipeg Jets team last year in the summer.  In an interview with Rypien, he expressed his desire to play again for Winnipeg as that is where he played for the Moose.  He was looking forward to the new season.  Shortly after that interview, Rypien was found dead in his home.  He had committed suicide.  Kevin flew in for his funeral.  He was Rick's pallbearer.

The Canucks organization with Kevin Bieksa have started this initiative for youth that are suffering or think they may be suffering from this illness.  Mindcheck.ca is a website where you can do quizzes on your mood and anxiety levels to help ascertain if you are indeed at risk and need help.  It has information to assist you in getting that help if needed.  I checked it out myself and did the quizzes.  They are quite accuate.  If you think you may be suffering from depression, please go to Mindcheck.ca and get the help you need.  Mental Health is such an important thing, especially among youth.

Take the Pledge and help raise the awareness of Mental Health.

Here is Kevin Bieksa's touching interview about his friend, Rick Rypien.

You can also purchase the "37 Ryp" T-shirt from any Canucks Team Store.  The proceeds go towards the education of mental health awareness. We are lucky to live in a city where a great organization like the Vancouver Canucks have stepped up to raise awareness that affects so many. Thank you Kevin Bieksa for being the spokesperson for the PSA and sharing your experiences with the illness and your loss.  Bieksa is not only a great player but also a great friend and human being for doing this.  This is why we love our Canucks.