Jean-François Paré

Brief Description of Life Experience related to Mental Health:

Hello. To begin with, I would like to tell you that every single one of us can move toward a better future by overcoming difficulties in life. Through my different professional experiences and before working at Service Canada, I overcame several difficult experiences. Among them, I worked with front-line emergency services in the early 2000s. I had to intervene and help people with mental health disorders and living under difficult conditions, involving violence, suicide, substance abuse, isolation, family issues, death, etc. I also volunteered for several months with a community organization that helped addicts and people working in the sex industry. Also, as union president in a previous job, I had to help members and colleagues manage their stress and anxiety about conflicts at work or between coworkers. On a more personal level, I went through a major depression and have had anxiety issues. Someone very dear to me also experienced depression and I was always there to support her. In addition, this person has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). So I understand how people can feel overwhelmed by certain situations and I would never judge. I would like to be able to listen to you, to share my personal experiences and help you by demonstrating the promise of hope: that each person can overcome their situation. Everything you say will be held in the strictest of confidence.