Andrea Paquette's Mission: Shattering Mental Health Stigma
I always encourage people to share their stories, even when it's hard, because I feel like that's what makes all the difference.
Imagine living with Bipolar disorder and turning that experience into a mission to help others. That's exactly what Andrea Paquette, President and Co-founder of the Stigma Free Society, has done. In this episode of People First Radio, Andrea opens up about her personal journey with mental illness and the powerful work her organization is doing to combat stigma. After facing her own challenges and noticing the silence around mental health issues, Andrea decided to take action.
She founded the Stigma Free Society, a charity dedicated to breaking down all kinds of stigma, especially those related to mental health. Andrea believes in the power of sharing stories, even when it's tough, as a way to foster connection and empathy in communities. The society provides valuable resources and tools to support these conversations. During the episode, Andrea talks about their upcoming fundraiser, which features interviews and impactful videos showcasing personal stories of those living with stigma.
This event is part of their efforts for Mental Health Month. The Stigma Free Society also collaborates with schools to create stigma-free environments and offers practical tips for having open, stigma-free conversations. Andrea's story is a beacon of hope, reminding us that by sharing our experiences and connecting with others, we can break the chains of stigma surrounding mental health.