Your conference business day recap
– WCRHCA Stronger Together
Keynote speaker: Jessica Holmes
The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance
8:15 am
Feb. 9
Royal Canadian Air Farce comedian and actor Jessica Holmes took us through the perils – for everyone — of the hidden illness. Holmes checked all the boxes on the life goal lists, with a great career, a home a family… (maybe like a lot of you at our #WCRStrongerTogether2023). And so she rationalized away that she couldn’t be battling depression, until saving her marriage put her at the therapist’s door. Where she was diagnosed with depression instantly.
Holmes put her life on display with a funny, vibrant and melodious – some pipes! – presentation to get our morning on its way (after the amazing breakfast, thanks to NSC Minerals).
She reminded us that hiding depression steals valuable time from our lives, our families and our careers. Lying on the sofa doesn’t get you the starring roles you’re watching, even though you know you would have totally would have killed the audition.
And when someone reaches out, remember – validate, listens, take them seriously. And gently nudge them to go for help.
When life overwhelms, take the step to take care and… breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 and long, slow breath out for 8.