We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Paquette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in life and career through my personal experiences with bipolar disorder and the challenges I faced. Dealing with my own mental health condition from a young age, I went through periods of struggle and sought help and treatment. During my journey, I recognized the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding mental health, particularly bipolar disorder.
Driven by my desire to make a difference and break the stigma associated with mental illness, I decided to share my story and advocate for mental health awareness. By openly discussing my own experiences, I aimed to provide support, education, and empowerment to others who were facing similar challenges.
Through my advocacy work, I discovered that I had a natural talent for public speaking and engaging with audiences. I realized that I could use my voice and platform to raise awareness, educate the public, and offer hope to those living with mental health conditions.
With my determination, passion, and the support of others, I co-founded the Stigma-Free Society to create a positive change in the mental health landscape. Through this organization, I continue to inspire and empower individuals, challenge societal perceptions, and advocate for improved mental health support systems.
In summary, I found my purpose in life and career by transforming my personal struggles with bipolar disorder into a mission to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for better mental health understanding and resources.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As the leader of Stigma-Free Society, my professional focus is on elevating the organization to national and global heights within the next three years. Our mission is to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health, and I am incredibly excited about the potential impact we can make on a larger scale.
One of the initiatives we are currently enhancing is the Stigma-Free School Program. This program aims to create safe and inclusive spaces within educational institutions, where students can openly discuss mental health, seek support, and receive education about mental well-being. By equipping schools with the tools and resources needed to address mental health, we are fostering a generation that understands the importance of empathy, compassion, and destigmatization.
Additionally, we are building on the Rural Mental Wellness Program, which recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals in rural areas when it comes to accessing mental health support. This program focuses on bridging the gap by providing resources, counseling services, and community support to those in remote areas, ultimately promoting mental well-being and reducing isolation.
At Stigma-Free Society, I am fueled by a deep sense of empowerment and passion for our cause. Witnessing the transformative impact we can have on individuals’ lives and communities as a whole is truly rewarding. Together, we are challenging societal norms and creating a more understanding and compassionate world for everyone affected by mental health challenges.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have had the most profound impact on my growth and success. I offer this advice to those starting their own journeys, as these qualities can greatly enhance their development:
1. Mentorship is vital. It provides guidance, support, and invaluable wisdom. Having mentors who believed in me and shared their experiences played a pivotal role in my journey. They offered insights, helped me navigate challenges, and encouraged me to strive for excellence. My advice is to seek out mentors in your field who can inspire, challenge, and guide you. Embrace their guidance, ask questions, and be open to learning from their expertise.
2. Learn from our mistakes. Throughout my journey, I’ve made numerous mistakes and faced setbacks. However, instead of dwelling on these failures, I chose to view them as opportunities for growth. Each misstep taught me valuable lessons, resilience, and the importance of self-reflection. My advice to those starting out is to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and use them as fuel for continuous improvement.
3. Professional development is key. In a rapidly evolving world, staying current and expanding your knowledge is essential. Invest in your professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and relevant training programs. Stay curious, explore new ideas, and seek out opportunities to enhance your skills. Continuously strive for personal and professional growth to remain competitive and impactful in your field.
By embracing mentorship, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing professional development, I have found these qualities to be instrumental in my journey. I encourage individuals at the beginning of their own paths to embrace these practices, as they have the potential to transform challenges into opportunities and pave the way for incredible personal and professional growth.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
The Stigma-Free Society is actively seeking individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with us. We believe that collaboration is crucial in advancing our mission of eradicating mental health stigma. If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, here is how you can connect with us:
1. Board Members: We are looking for passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to join our board. We value individuals who can contribute their talent, skills, and networks to help shape our growth strategy. If you have a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and are interested in making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
2. Program Partners: We are eager to collaborate with like-minded organizations and institutions to amplify the reach and impact of our programs. If your organization shares our vision of promoting mental well-being and reducing stigma, let’s join forces. Whether it’s co-developing initiatives, sharing resources, or partnering on events, we are open to exploring collaborative opportunities.
3. Supporters and Learners: We welcome individuals who want to learn more about our cause and support our efforts. Whether you are an individual, a community group, or a corporate entity, your support is invaluable. By spreading awareness, attending our events, and engaging with our programs, you can contribute to our mission of creating a Stigma-Free society.
Together, we can create lasting change and build a society where mental health is understood, accepted, and supported. We eagerly look forward to collaborating with individuals, organizations, and supporters who are passionate about our cause and committed to making a positive impact on mental health stigma.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stigmafreesociety.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stigmafreesocietysfs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stigmafreesocietySFS/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stigma-free-society/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFsociety_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AndreaPaquettebipolarbabe
