Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was suffering. At the time, she was afraid to lose her job as a reporter and TV/Radio host, and she decided to do something different.
“I decided at one point that I had enough of suffering,” she told Curiocity. “I was there, but I was above myself in a way and at that moment – Oprah calls it the ‘Aha’, I guess that was mine – I was trembling, I was not doing well at all and I asked for help.”
Since sharing her experience, Grégoire Trudeau has become a mental health advocate, and has since inspired many others to also share their stories.
This is why Grégoire Trudeau is part of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 2023 campaign #MyStory, which takes place during Mental Health Awareness Week.
This year, CMHA not only hopes to bring people together, but irradicate harmful stereotypes by amplifying the voices, like Sophie Grégoire Trudeau – who found solace in talking about her struggle with anxiety and eating disorders when she was 28 years old.
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Grégoire Trudeau wanted to make a change, which lead her to her advocacy.
“I just wanted to befriend my own suffering and because I was very aware that others were suffering too, both men and women, I wanted to make a change,” she said. “I’ve always been somebody who’s got a fiery personality and a positive outlook on life, but that doesn’t mean someone with that type of personality doesn’t go through their own unique challenges, so I decided to get involved and that changed my path of life completely.”
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She stressed that starting your journey is not an easy thing to do and wanted to remind people that they are never alone.
“To suffer in isolation is to convince yourself that there’s nobody out there who would relate to what you’re feeling or who hasn’t been through it,” she said. “There are always allies out there and the minute you take that baby step of vulnerability, that point of discomfort where you can’t really see beyond the darkness, you take that leap and that leap could change the rest of your life.”
Grégoire Trudeau is one of many stories shared this week. Campaigns like CMHA’s #MyStory is about storytelling, and is meant to help build connections and strong communities. “Storytelling, in all its forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma,” states the CMHA. And its why Grégoire Trudeau shared her story.
“If we don’t understand our own emotions and the wiring of our own personalities how can we lead and inspire other people to do good things on this planet?” she said. “I think truth, authenticity and vulnerability are always going to be winners in the equation for more justice and more peace and more comprehension of who we are as human beings, and sharing our stories means that we’re building connections.”
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“We long for connection, from cradle to grave,” she said.
If you’re feeling inspired or would like to participate in this year’s Mental Health Week campaign, which runs until May 7th, you can do so by sharing your story on social media using the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek.
You can also learn more about what services are available to the public, or you can donate by visiting their website.
And if you or someone you love is struggling, connect with your local CMHA, visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together portal or if you are in crisis, please call 1-833-456-4566 toll-free in Canada (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec) or dial 911.
Cassandra Stefanic
Regional Editor, Prairies – Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling and story-telling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing or editing, you’ll likely find her binge-watching a new TV series, at a speakeasy with friends, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.
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