ABOUT

RYAN GORDON FLOWERS

Ryan is a filmmaker, writer, musician, and full-time mailman at Canada Post from Vancouver BC. Ryan studied Creative Writing and Philosophy at Capilano University and Langara College, then he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film from Simon Fraser University. At Canada Post he is also a Social Steward who helps fellow employees connect with proper care if they are struggling with mental health, addiction, or family related issues. 

Currently Ryan is writing his first book of stories, and editing a feature-length documentary with his wife Lisa Pham Flowers. He has made many short films and music videos, often fulfilling concurrent roles as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor, with most projects combining elements of sadness, humour, and beauty

FILMMAKING

Two of his most acclaimed short films are JIMBO and No Words Came Down. JIMBO premiered at TIFF and was subsequently expanded into an ambitious Canada Arts Council supported hybrid doc/narrative feature film, which is currently in Post Production. Ryan's memorable student thesis film No Words Came Down was honourable mention for Best Short Film at TIFF, as well as being named to TIFF's Top Ten, and winning Whistler International Film Festival and Montreal Worldwide Film Festival's Student awards for best narrative work.

MY MENTAL HEALTH STORY

At 19 years old I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Major Depression, and it has been an ongoing battle for me to get through Life. I was helped by my mother during the early onset of my illness. She sensed something was going haywire with me, but I didn't believe her. She helped me to find a psychiatrist, who got me to admit I wasn't doing well. After years of erratic behavior and getting myself into trouble, I finally found the right medication, which gave me a second chance in living a more stable (but maybe less exciting) Life. Without professional help, I may not have been able to function in society, or finish University, or keep a steady job. I may not even have survived at all.

Mental Health is a tough thing to maintain these days and we need each other's help to get through the tough times. Some of the resources I've learned about have been very helpful for me, my friends, family and co-workers, especially the BC 211 Website:

Those who need or want to access the BC nurse line can call 8-1-1. Calling 811 BC allows residents to access help from registered nurses, dietitians or pharmacists. Another service of the 8-1-1 nurse line includes help finding nearby health resources. Hearing-impaired residents can call 7-1-1 to access the BC nurse line. The BC Nurses line also provides translation services on request when needed. Translation services are available in 130 languages.

BC 211 Website
This resource is very comprehensive, and they can help you take the next step toward resolving your issue, no matter what it is (Family Problems, Relationship Problems, Food, Shelter, Mental Health, Addictions, Legal, Financial, Seniors Issues, you name it). Check out the website, or Dial / Text 2-1-1 on your phone to talk to someone. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. This resource has personally helped me, my family, my friends and my co-workers.

This guide was written by Carly who started doing suicide intervention way back in seventh grade and is now a therapist and facilitator. In the guide you will find a bunch of questions, ideas, and strategies for supporting folks who might be suicidal.

This is a highly circulated and informative list of links for white people that I found very educational to me. There are even lists of movies and podcasts to check out. I want to be an ally and not a sideline observer as we try to make the world a better place for everyone.


If I personally can help you in any way please reach out to me directly through my contact form here:

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