Category Archives: Health is Wealth

House under water. Please help me “Make It Right”

As some of you know, I moved my daughter and I into a beautiful old home late last fall.  It was a big change for us, leaving the only home my daughter has ever known.  But, with the exception of … Continue reading

Posted in Mental Health, Support | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Shawna’s Elevation talk now available! (Mental illness, suicide, and finding God in the darkness)

It’s Mental Health Week! What better way to kick it off than by sharing my Elevation talk with you. Special thanks to the Elevation crew who made this talk available so quickly! Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll hear in … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Depression, Faith, God, Health is Wealth, Hope, Love, Mental Health, Mental Health Week, Mental Illness, Perspective, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Purpose, Redemption, Suicide, Support | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Just a reminder: Mental illness, suicide, and finding God in the darkness talk tomorrow @ Elevation!

Good morning readers, This is just a friendly reminder that I’ll be speaking at Elevation church tomorrow, at 9:30am in Waterloo.  For directions and more information, please click here. Here’s a snapshot of what I’ll be sharing: My personal story … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Depression, Faith, God, Hope, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Perspective, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Stigmas, Suicide, Support, Trauma | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kicking off mental health week at Elevation Church in Waterloo! – May 5th, 2013

1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and 1 in 7 Canadians have seriously considered suicide. How should the church respond? How can we help those who are facing these realities both within and outside … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Depression, Faith, God, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Stigmas, Suicide, Trauma | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“It’s my turn” to talk about mental illness – PTSD & Situational Depression

Mark Andrew Nouwen, founder of the “It’s My Turn” movement, has encouraged others to join his voice by sharing their stories of life with mental illness.  Video contributors have openly shared their experiences of living with disorders such as schizophrenia, … Continue reading

Posted in Depression, It's my turn, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Movement/Cause, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Suicide, Trauma, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Listen to Shawna’s interview on Widowed.ca radio – 4pm & 8pm today on HazeFM

I was in Mississauga last week, at the HazeFM (named after Mississauga’s long-time Mayor, Hazel McCallion,) recording studio for an interview with Jennifer Black of Widowed.ca You can tune in at 4pm and 8pm today and every Tuesday for the … Continue reading

Posted in Coping, Grief, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Only-parent, Single parent, Stigmas, Suicide, Support, Widow | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proof that speaking out about suicide and mental illness saves lives! (video)

In Raimundo’s TED talk, you will hear her share her personal story, which includes an experience she had on the Go Train where a man, struggling with suicidal thoughts, overheard her share her story.  It saved his life! “Alicia Raimundo … Continue reading

Posted in Depression, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Suicide, Uncategorized, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stand up to Stigma SPOTLIGHT event: University of Waterloo March 6th

Are you a student?  Come check out the University of Waterloo’s Stand Up To Stigma SPOTLIGHT event at The Great Hall, University of Waterloo, on March 6th. The event takes place from noon to 4, and yours truly will be … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Coping, Depression, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Stigmas, Suicide, Support, Trauma | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Depression & the holidays – not always the most wonderful time of the year” ~ It’s my turn movement

Today is Family Day.  For those without family, or close-knit families, this may be a tough holiday to enjoy.  In fact, you may be wondering how you’re going to survive it! I was recently introduced to a website called It’s … Continue reading

Posted in Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Depression, Easter, Family day, Father's Day, Hanukkah, Holidays, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Mother's day, Movement/Cause, New Year's Eve, Passover, Stigmas, Valentine's Day, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Help Shawna get on TED!

Was the Ignite Waterloo, or my CTV News interview of help to you?  If so, please help me reach a global platform by nominating me to speak at TEDxWaterloo so I can reach even more people. The nomination form is … Continue reading

Posted in Grief, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Purpose, Stigmas, Suicide, Support | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment