Michael Landsberg is a famous Sports Talk Show Host for TSN. Michael Landsberg also has depression.
Michael has actively used his voice and influence to help educate people about what living depression is truly like. He is one the many faces of Bell Let’s Talk Day and has been very candid about the struggles of managing mental health.
Michael Landsberg has helped countless people, including Peterborough native, Joe McGillis. Joe shared his story publicly for the first time with me during an emotional and powerful Drive By interview. Withing hours of posting the interview which featured a phone call with Michael Landsberg, the video had thousands of views and shares.
Shortly after Joe’s interview I spoke with Julie Vallieres, who also battles with mental health and bi-polar type two disorder. Again Julie’s interview resonated with thousands of viewers.
Joe and Julie’s stories connect with so many people because so many people are dealing with the same struggle. Sharing stories and telling your story can literally save lives.
Just over a week ago, #sicknotweak was launched and is connecting with thousands.
#SickNotWeak, created by Michael Landsberg aims to create a community that reduces the loneliness and hopelessness of both those who have mental health illnesses and the people who care for them.
Joe and Julie have been named Ambassadors for the program.
Joe McGillis & Julie Vallieres, ambassadors for #sicknotweak
A major role as ambassador for Joe and Julie is to build a community of awareness and support for those who feel isolated and alone in their mental health struggles.
I will be interviewing Joe and Julie in the coming weeks to learn more about their ambassador role with #sicknotweak.
Congrats to Michael for launching such an influential and powerful tool to help so many people. Congratulations to Joe and Julie for having the courage to share their stories and help others understand they are not alone.
If you are battling mental health and need help, join SICKNOTWEAK HERE.
For those who didn’t see the videos of Joe and Julie, here they are:
Drumming to the Beat of Depression“If you know Joe McGillis, you know his energy might put a nuclear plant out of business. He’s a husband, a father, a musician (a drummer to be specific). He’s a full time high school teacher at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough ON. Joe McGillis also has depression”. Meet him & some incredible students in this #BELLLETSTALK Vlog! Read the full blog here –> http://bit.ly/1QrYpfZ
Posted by Michelle Ferreri on Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Running FOR Your Mind: Julie Vallieres’ StoryYou can’t run from your mind but you can run FOR it. Julie Vallieres story is a great one. Her misdiagnosis made her miserable for years, but now she’s on the other side and she wants you to know “YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND!” Full blog about how Julie found help is here –> https://www.michelleferreri.com/2016/02/running-for-your-mind-julie-vallieres-story/
Posted by Michelle Ferreri on Friday, February 5, 2016
Love it and congrats to Joe & Julie !!
You help so many individuals MF … Peterborough is so fortunate to have you to bring this to the public…and they respond in such a positive way. Thanks for your time, and many inspirations 🙂
Happy St. Patrick’s Day (St. Paddy’s Day) I’ve seen it both ways .. Hope you and your family always have the Irish Luck !!! Cheers
Betty
Thanks Betty! Yes Joe and Julie are amazing! The only way we can talk comfortably about mental health is to keep talking about it!!
Fantastic!!!! Congrats for bringing this story to us… it helps not being alone 🙂