Heather Latter
A warm and charming Margaret Trudeau offered up an inspirational message of hope for those suffering, or knew of someone who is suffering, with mental illness during her presentation here last Thursday evening in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Trudeau, the youngest prime minister’s wife in Canadian history when she wed former PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, spoke about her life experiences and what it has been like living with bi-polar disorder.
“I stopped going out, I stopped doing things and taking care of myself,” she told a full house at the Townshend Theatre.
“Before I was treated, I thought this is just the way life is,” she noted.
As with bi-polar disorder, Trudeau told of how, at times, she was in such a deep and dark depression and then how that could change over into episodes of mania—of feeling so good she would do crazy things.
“You become so self-involved, you don’t think of the consequences, you have no thought of tomorrow,” she explained.
“Then when you realize what you’ve done, you are so embarrassed and go right back to depression.”
But once Trudeau accepted that she needed help and was treated, she now knows that everyone deserves to live a happy and balanced life.
“Help is now so widely available,” she remarked, noting that doctors now have a better understanding of how the brain works and what can be done to assist individuals living with a mental illness.
Trudeau has learned to live with bipolar disorder. And as such an eloquent, humorous, and personable woman, just to look at her, no one would suspect she had to overcome such a struggle.
Trudeau currently is working with the Royal Ottawa Hospital to raise funds for its new hospital, as well as raise public awareness of mental health issues.
She also sits on the executive advisory board of the UBC Mental Health Institute as a community advocate.
Trudeau has authored three books, including her latest, “Changing My Mind,” which topped the best-seller charts. It outlines her bi-polar condition and her journey of recovery, acceptance, and hope.
The book was available to purchase during “An Evening with Margaret Trudeau,” and Trudeau signed numerous copies following her presentation.
“She did a wonderful job conveying her message,” lauded Sandy Skirten, director of services with the local branch of the CMHA, citing the long line of people waiting to have their books signed as a testament of this.
“We are so pleased to end our 30th anniversary celebrations with such a wonderful presentation, which could bring the message home to so many people,” he added.
Skirten said he hopes people now understand that there is help available—and they don’t have to suffer alone.
“People are able to relate to certain aspects of [Trudeau’s] life no matter who they are,” he explained.
“I’m so glad we had this opportunity to have her come and bring to the forefront what it is like to deal with a mental illness on a daily basis.”
Statistics indicate that in Canada, one-three people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime, with many of those problems beginning during adolescence and early adulthood.
“We’re here to help,” Skirten stressed, noting the local CMHA provided services to 3,985 individuals with mental illness and their families throughout the Kenora-Rainy River District in the last year.
CMHA Fort Frances offers the CAN-Help Consumer and Family Program, case management/community support program, court diversion support program, the District Mental Health Services for Older Adults Program, public education program, housing program, and the STEP Centre social rehabilitation program.
“We’d like to thank everyone for supporting us for 30 years,” Skirten enthused.
“We’re honoured to be able to assist and service individuals and families.”
He also was thrilled with the community response to Trudeau’s visit, with tickets selling out three weeks prior to her talk.
For more information about the local CMHA branch, call 274-2347.
