Darren Neuberger took to the stage at McKenna Hall Monday for the annual Mayor’s Luncheon to kick off Canadian Mental Health Week, and he had a powerful message for the gathered crowd: Break The Silence.

Break the Silence is the title of the book he co-authored with Ramona Iida and Geoff Brown.

Neuberger, after the luncheon, talked about returning to his hometown, as he now resides in Lethbridge. He explained there is a stigma, and people have a tendency to try to hide the conversation about mental health or avoid it all together.

“We know it’s there, but pick up that rug, and sweep it under that rug, that’s gotta stop, because we’re seeing it too often now, especially with the youth,” Neuberger said.

Before he spoke at the luncheon, he talked to the students at Weyburn Comprehensive School.

“They’re thinking about it, and I asked them some very tough questions, and they responded to it, so hopefully they will just start asking for help, that’s the biggest thing,” Neuberger said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it’s not being weak or being a loser, it’s being strong and courageous actually.”

As one of the co-authors of the book, he said there has been positive news, with more than 500 copies sold. The book tells the stories of people from Weyburn and area who have had to deal with challenging times with their mental health.

There’s always a buzz around the book, and having local stories, and having it for a local organization, it definitely helps, but having people see the faces of who these stories are, and knowing who these people are, it’s been a great buzz around it, for sure.”

The proceeds from the book go to Dominic Place in Weyburn.