VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Lawyer and former psychiatric nurse shares experiences with severe clinical depression
Lawyer and former psychiatric nurse shares experiences with severe clinical depression
Lawyer and former psychiatric nurse shares experiences with severe clinical depression
Sunday 10th August 2025
Cindy Blancher shares her journey from psychiatric nursing to law while advocating for mental health and overcoming personal challenges.
64 minutes
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspirational
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Get the buttons here!From Nursing to Law: Cindy Blancher's Journey
Episode Overview
- Cindy Blancher's transition from nursing to law
- Her battle with severe clinical depression
- Advocacy work with Voices for Mental Health
- Challenges and misconceptions about mental illness
- Resourceful website offering mental health support
"I had to put the TV on low to drown out the voice in my head, which was my own, telling me how worthless I was and how everyone would be just so much better off if I was dead."
In this compelling episode of People First Radio, host Joe Pugh sits down with Cindy Blancher, a remarkable individual whose journey through the fields of psychiatric nursing and law provides deep insights into mental health advocacy. Cindy, a former registered nurse at a psychiatric hospital in Ontario, has been a trailblazer in the legal realm since completing her law degree. She currently works as a lawyer for the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee in Ontario.
Her professional journey, however, has been intertwined with personal battles, most notably her experience with severe clinical depression since 2005. Cindy recounts her struggle with depression, describing moments when she was unable to perform basic tasks or leave her home due to overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. Despite these challenges, she found support in her family, notably her sister, who played a crucial role in her recovery.
Cindy's story underscores the importance of having a strong support system and the courage to seek help. In 2020, Cindy faced another significant challenge when she was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's, which was later revised. This period of her life highlighted the complexities and nuances of mental health diagnoses and the importance of accurate medical assessments. Cindy's advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences.
She co-founded Voices for Mental Health, a group of lawyers dedicated to mental health awareness within the legal profession. Through this platform, Cindy works tirelessly to dispel myths and educate others about mental health issues, emphasizing that empathy and understanding are crucial. She has also created a website, CindyBlancher.com, where she shares resources, personal musings, and stories about mental health. This platform serves as a beacon of hope and information for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.
Cindy's story is not only one of resilience but also of empowerment. Her work in both nursing and law, combined with her personal experiences, positions her uniquely to advocate for mental health awareness and support. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of advocacy in driving societal change.