Cams Campbell, the Master of Lodge St Molios No 774 on Arran and the voice behind this piece, delved into his journey from battling alcohol and drugs to recovery. With a backdrop of family history marked by autism and ADHD, he drew a connection between these factors and his struggle with substance abuse and depression. He finished by sharing some of the tools that he uses in his recovery, including a journalling habit, stoicism and, of course, Freemasonry.
David Munro, the Master of Lodge Kyles of Bute, bared his soul, recounting his personal struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. He also spoke at length about how helpful Freemasonry has been to him in his recovery.
Douglas Philand, Past Master of Lodge Lochfyne No 754 and Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, brought over 30 years of mental health practice to the forefront, enlightening the audience with his insights, including a discussion of a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR).
Each speaker exhibited strength through vulnerability, revealing how Freemasonry becomes a crucial support system for those grappling with mental health challenges. Their hope is that, by laying bare their own struggles, they’ve extended a lifeline to brethren in need—both within and beyond Freemasonry. The message is clear: If you’re wrestling with your demons, don’t hesitate to reach out. Often, brethren hide their struggles and act as though they’re fine, when really they’re not. It’s a shared responsibility to break the silence.
To drive this point home, I’ll leave you with this powerful video that captures the essence of what we are trying to achieve. Keep those tissues handy!
RWM, Fraser Harvey had the pleasure of leading a deputation of over 20 into an already busy Lodge.