I’ve seen mental illness up close—too close, I’d say, having been saddled with it for as long as I can remember. I was just a sad child and a depressed teenager and adult… until I was diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, a “minor” mental illness that caused me many problems and spoiled much of my life. It’s such a small and insidious condition that it is nearly invisible to ordinary people and even health care specialists, but it’s still a ball and chain that the afflicted person must drag behind them almost every day. It’s terrible to think that such a “minor” illness can do so much damage, clinging to a person’s heart and mind like a tumour of the soul.
That was my motivation for founding La Fondation Compagnom to promote the well-being of people with mental health problems and those who support them. The foundation also aims to promote better mental health through prevention and personal development initiatives.
To make a modest but unique contribution to the well-being of people who are ill, their loved ones and all of society.
Serge Choinière
