Rakesh Kumar, from British Columbia, is walking across Canada to raise awareness about borderline personality disorder (BPD), reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and improve his own mental health while helping others along the way.

He began his solo journey on June 1 from his hometown of Delta, B.C., and has continued walking while managing his own mental health challenges. Kumar was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. He explains that people living with BPD often experience a strong fear of abandonment, rapid mood swings, impulsive decisions, self-doubt, and deep emotional pain.

Kumar views his cross-Canada walk as a form of healing. He started his journey with a 50-pound backpack and very little money. The first month was difficult, but as he reached Calgary, more people began hearing about him through social media. Along the way, strangers have offered him food, shelter, and friendship, while truck drivers have stopped to share a meal and talk about mental health.

Kumar hopes to complete his walk across Canada by May 2026, finishing in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He plans to visit friends in Toronto in November and continue his journey with a driver for support. Kumar also intends to raise funds for people living with BPD through his social media platforms, directing donations to CAMH, the BPD Society of BC, and Punjabi Community Health Services in Brampton.

To follow Kumar’s journey, visit his social media page for updates and links to support his cause.

Source: Darren Taylor, Village Report