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Canadian actress Marthe Bernard, known for her role on Republic of Doyle, is speaking out about the stigma around mental illness. Her brother, Louis, died by suicide last year at age 28 after a long battle with mental illness. Bernard will be at a Queen’s University alumni event in Halifax tonight, as part of several cross-country Bell Let’s Talk presentations.
What message do you plan to deliver at the event tonight?
I think what’s been so great about the Let’s Talk campaign is that it’s been about sharing our experiences with mental illness, and mental health and anti-stigma, so that we feel less alone. So tonight, I want to just tell my story honestly.
You and your parents made a conscious decision to speak publicly about your brother’s death. Why?
We were motivated to speak out for the exact reasons this campaign is needed. My parents made the decision to include his cause of death in his obituary, not necessarily to try and break the stigma, but just to be honest, because it felt wrong to cover it up. I understand why some still find it hard to be open about suicide—it is a very shocking, sad cause of death. For me, if I cannot tell the whole truth about something, it is stifling. My brother Louis lived with mental illness for many years and he succumbed to that illness and he died by suicide, and that is all part of his story.
Part of the discussion this evening will be focusing on ways individuals can play a role in eradicating the stigma connected to mental illness. What suggestions can you provide?
I would say reach out to those you believe may be suffering. Don’t stay silent because you think something is inappropriate to discuss. Visit and send flowers and cards to those who may be in the psych ward the same way you would if someone was in the hospital for a physical illness or injury. Be honest with one another…and respectfully ask questions if you don’t understand. Be compassionate.
How common, or uncommon, do you think mental illness is in your generation?
I think it’s common. There is a lot of pressure to have a perfect life, to portray a perfect life no matter what is going on underneath. I think more people are struggling, but putting on a happy front on social media. I know that is something that I have done. There is a disconnect between what is actually going on and the life we portray online. Talking with one another face-to-face and being vulnerable enough to be honest is very important. It’s what forms connections and makes us feel less alone.
How would you categorize media coverage of mental illness?
There has been a shift and the media does seem to be talking about mental illness in an open, compassionate way, which is great. Especially the Canadian media. But then you see something like TMZ’s incessant coverage of Amanda Bynes’ episodes with mental illness, and you see that much of the world has a long way to go with treating mental illness.
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This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2015.
She’s a brave, smart lady.
Kudos to Marthe and her Mom and Dad! As someone who has suffered from depression for almost twenty years, I understand the isolation one feels, the loss of friends and the end of life as you knew it. It is very difficult for people to understand and even empathize with those who suffer severely. We are moving in the right direction and a prominent family like Marthe’s can make the a world of difference. God bless you!
It is a painful disease. I’m 62 years and have suffered a long time from mental health issues. It’s terrible when I hear of people taking their own lives, especially young people.
I appreciate the movement toward more awareness of mental health in our community.
Your comment about trying to portray a perfect life no matter what is really going on underneath really resonated with me. My son was also diagnosed with mental illness several years ago as well. He has had a lot of ups and downs. He tries very hard to overcome obstacles and has accomplished much along the journey. I try as much as possible to be open about these successes with others, even though they are not part of the perfect life. Other times, I cop out and give the unreal perfect life portrayal or give very vague information. I met Louis through sports many years ago. He was such a good athlete and a fun person. I admire you and your parents for bringing his whole memory to those who may not have met him – not just his illness – but who he was as a person as well.
Good to hear openness and honesty around mental illness and the sad ending it can bring to someone’s life. I am 64 yrs of age and have struggled on and off with depression since my teens. I have had some serious boutsof it and suicide attempts. Luckily I have survived and living my life the best I can. It is not an illness that receives much understanding or compassion. How do you tell a friend that you just cannot see them when they want to visit because you can’t bear to be around people right now? I hate that. I survived and live my life one day at a time only. Serious depression is no joke and I would never wish it on my worst ever enemy. As a last comment … medications worked temporarily for me, but, eventually they would stop working. There is no magic pill. Some days it is just get up, breathe … put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.
So very brave and compassionate of Marthe to do this, Thank- you so much