Natasha Després

Founder of Equilibrium Mental Health Advocacy, I am also a leader in the Canadian public service. 

WHO AM I
I am a mental health advocate that was diagnosed with a mental disability at 23 years old.

After the loss of my triplets in 2001 and surviving a domestic abusive relationship, I experienced my first psychotic episode in 2002. I was hospitalized where I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type I. I have since suffered from generalized anxiety and panic attacks. Over the years that followed, I have had manic and psychotic episodes which lead to short term hospitalization stays in the mental health ward of the hospital.

In 2007, I decided to start sharing my story and my mental disorder with others within my community and my workplace to help shine a light, give hope and inspire others who are also affected by a mental disorder or have a loved one that is struggling. The disclosure of my mental disorder and my own struggles have made this all the more impactful to my colleagues and peers.

MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION

I’ve been championing and leading mental health and wellness awareness initiatives in my organisation, in the public service and in my community since 2007. 

EMBODIED LEADER

I’ve completed leadership training within the public service but I also hold an embodied leadership certification. I practice leading holistically from my intuition, my heart, my body and my mind. I have been mentoring and accompanying many though difficult times using this embodied leadership approach.

WANT TO KNOW MORE

Come and follow me on LinkedIn, on Facebook @Equilibrium - Mental Wellness and on Instagram @equilibrium.love