On October 6th, three-time Olympian, World Champion and mental health advocate Karen Furneaux will take the stage at Let’s Keep Talking, presented by Bell Let’s Talk, to share her personal mental health journey.
Karen has spoken openly about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder later in life and the experience of rebuilding her confidence, reconnecting with the things that bring her joy and purpose, and learning a new definition of strength along the way.
Ahead of Let’s Keep Talking, we asked Karen to reflect on what sharing her story has taught her, what support looks like on difficult days, and what she hopes people will take away from hearing her story.
Read her answers below, then join us on October 6th at NSCC Ivany Campus to keep the conversation going.
Note: Responses have been edited only for formatting.
1. You’ve been very open about your mental health journey. What has sharing your story taught you about the power of talking openly about mental health?
Sharing my story has helped me to speak openly about mental health. Each time I do this, someone else comes forward to share something personal about themselves or a friend/family member. My goal in sharing is that people feel seen and that mental health challenges do not need to be stigmatized. I also recognize my own strength from what I’ve been through and I hope that it gives courage to others.
2. As an Olympian, you spent years pushing yourself physically and mentally. How has your understanding of strength changed through your mental health journey?
I spent 20 years training for Olympic-level sport, involving intense physical and mental preparation. I also speak as part of my career and regaining confidence on stage to share something so deeply personal took a while. My understanding of strength has definitely changed. I 100% know that I am stronger and more resilient. I am proud of the journey I’m traveling. Mental health is not about pushing myself and setting lofty goals and expectations. It is about being present in the everyday, every moment, even when it’s uncomfortable. I had to re-learn how to support myself on a much deeper level.
3. What does support look like for you on the difficult days?
On difficult days, support for me looks like patience. I reach out to my partner or family / friends and talk things through. I go for a walk. I take a shower. I cook a meal. I watch a show. I read my book. I take a step back and think about all the little wins that got me to where I am today, and I give myself grace. Things that I thought were not possible are coming back. It has taken over two years, but I’m proud to say that I’m back doing the things that bring me purpose, joy and connection.
4. What do you wish more people understood about living with a mental illness?
I wish people knew that mental illness is not something to be “cured”. It is a life process. My experience learning about bipolar disorder has taught me a whole new way of being. Learning how to be takes time and certain things will feel stressful or uneasy. I may not be able to do certain things or I may do them much slower. I still work hard at my mental health journey everyday. Working out and movement are non-negotiable. I also continue to receive care from my medical team, psychiatrist and psychologist. The work is not done just because I’m able to do more things.
5. When you take the stage at Let’s Keep Talking on October 6th, what do you hope people will take away from hearing your story?
I hope that in hearing my story, folks will feel inspired and leave with some practical tools that continue to help me through this process. I hope that they feel brave enough to start a conversation with someone about mental health to keep breaking down that stigma and helping others.
Hear more of Karen’s Story at Let’s Keep Talking, presented by Bell Let’s Talk:
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
6:00 – 8:00 pm
NSCC Ivany Campus
Free to attend | Space is limited