In Quebec, Canada, and around the world, mental health issues are a pervasive and often silent epidemic. The statistics are staggering: In Quebec alone, nearly 20% of the population will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. The rates of suicide and self-harm are alarming, with thousands of lives lost each year due to these deeply rooted struggles.

Quebec’s mental health resources are unfortunately limited, and the government funding allocated to mental health services is far from sufficient to meet the growing demand. My own journey towards healing was fraught with obstacles, as I tried to access the help I desperately needed. It was a discouraging experience, and it shed light on the systemic challenges that many individuals face when seeking support for their mental health.

I’ve personally grappled with the overwhelming weight of mental illness, and I know how crucial it is to advocate for change. There was a time when I found myself so desperate; not knowing where to turn, who to confide in, and how to make our medical system understand how serious my problem was. I felt isolated, powerless and completely hopeless.