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Andrea Paquette          

Mental Health Advocate, Founder & President of the Stigma-Free Society

Andrea Paquette serves as the President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Society. In 2009, she initiated the Bipolar Babe Project, sharing her personal mental health journey and establishing a website as a valuable resource hub. Evolving into the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC in 2010, the charity later rebranded as the Stigma-Free Society, extending its reach across Canada through comprehensive education and training programs. The society's core focus remains on mental health and anti-stigma initiatives for both youth and adults.

Driven by a passion to combat mental health stigma and societal biases, Paquette shares her inspiring journey since her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2005, addressing diverse audiences globally. As an acclaimed mental health activist, educator, facilitator, speaker, and published author, she has delivered her story at 850+ venues, including schools, workplaces, and community events, touching thousands with her message of hope.

Paquette's exceptional contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Alberta Blue Cross - Faces of Wellness Recipient and the 2019 President's Commendation from the Psychiatric Association of Canada. Notably, she was a 2017 YWCA Woman of Distinction nominee for Metro Vancouver and featured in a nationally aired Bell Let’s Talk Public Service Announcement. Her impactful presence extends to the media, where she appeared in CBC's documentary You Can’t Ask That.

Recognized for her unwavering commitment, Paquette received the 2015 Courage To Come Back Award from Coast Mental Health, the 2013 Mel Cooper Citizen of the Year in Victoria, B.C., and the 2013 Award for Youth Mentorship from the National Council for Behavioral Health, Washington, D.C. She was also honored with Vancouver Island's Business and Community Award - 2015 Top 20 Under 40 Award and served as a spokesperson for the National Bell Let's Talk Faces of Mental Illness Campaign.

Paquette shares her message with passion far and wide that truly...

"No matter our challenges, we can all live extraordinary lives."

Speech Topics

Andrea’s Personal Story & a Chat with Andrea AKA Bipolar Babe (30 min +30min)*

Andrea shares her personal story of struggle and triumph about her bipolar disorder diagnosis. This talk is especially helpful for those who are curious about how life can be like for someone who has a mental illness. Andrea’s talk is inspiring, hopeful, entertaining, and shared in a transparent and authentic manner. Her presentation is engaging as a hybrid of bright beautiful pictures on the computer screen and her speaking virtually while addressing a captivated audience online. This particular presentation offers a Q and A session with Andrea for up to 30 min. Andrea is an engaging individual who is at ease with an audience curious about mental illness, stigma and is excellent at offering answers to the many important and difficult questions that people may have.

Bipolar Babe: Living Stigma-Free & My Personal Bipolar Journey (1 hour)*

Andrea possesses extensive expertise in the field of mental health having created a Charity specifically dedicated to mental wellness and the elimination of stigma. Andrea discusses images of stigmatized people and circumstances that are damaging to those living with a mental illness. She also shares her story of struggle and triumph of living with bipolar disorder and offers an anxiety reducing exercise online. Lastly, Andrea shares practical tips on how to stay well our mental health. She also is open to answering up to 10 minutes of Q and A with her talk as many people often feel inspired to learn more about mental health and Andrea’s story.

Bipolar Babe: An Intimate and Honest View into my Journey with Bipolar Disorder (30 min)*

Andrea shares her personal story of struggle and triumph about her bipolar disorder diagnosis. This talk is especially helpful for those who are curious about how life can be for someone who has a mental illness. Andrea’s talk is inspiring, hopeful, entertaining, and shared in a transparent and authentic manner. Her presentation is also engaging shared as a hybrid of bright beautiful pictures on the computer screen and her speaking virtually while addressing a captivated audience online.

News

Andrea Paquette | Stigma-Free Society
Combating stigma of all kinds with a focus on mental health - Stigma-Free Society
This New West woman helps youth cope with COVID-19 and mental health
The Stigma-Free Society recently launched a new toolkit providing a wide range of offerings to help youth cope with COVID-19 - and to help their parents and educators support them. Founder Andrea Paquette speaks to thousands of B.C. students each year about mental health.
This ‘Bipolar Babe’ Stomps Out Stigma With Storytelling
The deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade prove that anyone can be isolated by the stigma around depression, says Andrea Paquette of the Stigma-Free Society.
Andrea Paquette | bphope
Andrea Paquette is the president and cofounder of the Stigma-Free Society, formerly the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC, and she is also known as the Bipolar Babe. A mental health speaker, published author, advocate, and—above all—a Stigma Stomper, Andrea won the 2019 President's Commendation Award from the Canadian Psychiatric Association.
Rising Stars: Meet Andrea Paquette
My name is Andrea and I am President and originally founded a Charity – Bipolar Disorder Society in 2010, which led to renaming and co-founding the Stigma-Free Society in 2016 along with Dave Richardson.

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