Speakers Bureau

Stigma can seem invisible but its effects are not. We all know mental illness is very common and widely misunderstood. People with mental illness say that stigma and discrimination can be worse than the illness itself. They are frequently stigmatized by others who fear the unknown and who also believe it's uncommon. The truth is - mental illness can happen to anybody.

No one is immune to mental illness - it affects everyone: men, women, children, seniors, individuals in every walk of life. Many people experience depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Most find ways to live with their illnesses however, what proves more challenging to them is living with how they are treated by others. This behavior is also one of the key barriers which impede people from seeking help. Ultimately, it's stigma and discrimination that negatively affects quality of life.

With that in mind, the Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDABC) is pleased to be launching a new program aimed to educate and raise awareness of mental illness. MDABC's Speakers Bureau will be devoted to removing the stigma and discrimination through interactive, inspiring personal accounts from individuals with a mental disorder. These stories have been formatted into presentations and will be designed to specifically target special interest groups such as high school assemblies, colleges/universities, corporations and other appropriate events/initiatives.

In order to achieve maximum effect and impact, we know that information and messaging about mental illness must be delivered by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of what it is really like. Our speakers are young people who have been affected by mental illness and speak to empower others to take action and responsibility in their lives in addition to breaking down those barriers of stigma and discrimination.

All of our speakers have received training courtesy of Toastmasters International. The goal of each presentation is to provide a positive example of someone who has dealt with a mental illness and who can encourage others to recognize and seek help in addition to educating those who do not understand mental illness and its affects. Though mental illness is a serious topic, our speakers use humour, are accessible, interactive, and inspiring. To meet our speakers, The Lowdown, click HERE.

MDABC is dedicated to battling the stigma, shame, and myths surrounding mental illness that prevent so many people from getting the help they need. Our goal is to provide education and create a more accepting environment for people to seek help. For more information on the Speakers Bureau or to book a speaker please call 604-873-0103 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it