The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to extend a huge "thank you" to Margaret Trudeau, all sponsors, award recipients, performers, volunteers, and guests for making this Let's Keep Talking with Margaret Trudeau so successful!
View a social media summary of the event on Storify
Let’s Keep Talking with Margaret Trudeau took place on May 3, 2016 at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax during Mental Health Week. Margaret Trudeau, Canadian icon and author, spoke about living with bipolar disorder, and shared personal experiences to remind others of the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.
Ms. Trudeau focused on the importance of sleep and self-care, while relaying stories about her youth, marriage to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and early motherhood. She shared her difficulties in seeking proper treatment and support for her illness, and advice for others who may be struggling to get help - or admitting they need it. The audience was engaged and entertained throughout Ms. Trudeau's hour long presentation.
Margaret Trudeau headlined the 3rd annual Let's Keep Talking event as keynote speaker, sponsored by Bell Aliant.
The event, presented by NorthWest Healthcare Properties, also featured the stories and talents of Nova Scotians living well with mental illness, including: Zac Crouse, singer-songwriter and PTSD advocate; an excerpt from Redfish, written by Rachel Hastings and Taylor Olson and presented by Halifax Theatre for Young People; Amanda MacLeod, live artist; and Shawntay Rose Dann, African Dance instructor. TSN’s Paul Hollingsworth will return as emcee. Members of Dalhousie’s Medical Campus Response Team were in the audience to offer Mental Health First Aid as needed.
Additionally, the event honoured Nova Scotians who have impacted the mental health community in the province. Let’s Keep Talking Awards were awarded in five categories: Laurel Walker - Outstanding Individual (sponsored by Northwest Healthcare Properties), Brandon Highmore - Outstanding Youth (sponsored by Blinkorn Real Estate Ltd.), Trudie Helmke- Outstanding Senior (sponsored by the Berkeley Retirement Residences), Dr. Emmanuel Aquino -Outstanding Healthcare Provider (sponsored by St. John Ambulance), and Linden Gray - Outstanding Caregiver (sponsored by Emera).
Let’s Keep Talking in support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia aims to open up a dialogue about mental health and mental illness, decreasing stigma.