Depression can be a devastating illness that, for some, can lead to suicide. Maryse Chartrand knows this by experience. Returning to their Montreal home after touring the world for a year with their three children, Samuel, her husband, took his own life.

Maryse and Samuel had plans to produce a documentary about their journey. This project took a different path when Samuel committed suicide. What began as a family travelogue became a film about surviving suicide. The documentary is an exploration of one woman’s brave quest to understand, to grow, to conquer the shadows and move on.

Le Voyage d'une vie, a stirring hymn to life, is being shown as part of the Frames of Mind series at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute on May 14.

“This film allows audiences to reflect on suicide and some of its causes says Gustavo Turecki MD, PhD, director of the McGill Group for Suicide Studies and head of the Douglas Institute’s Depressive Disorders Program. “Attempted and completed suicides are major problems in our society, which makes the understanding, prevention, and treatment of suicidal behaviours a top priority. It is also a priority at the Douglas, in order to contribute in helping people overcome their dark thoughts.”

WHAT: Frames of Mind screening, Le voyage d’une vie.
Followed by a discussion with Gustavo Turecki and Maryse Chartrand

WHERE: Douglas Hall,Douglas Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd.,Verdun

WHEN: May 14, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Admission is free; no reservation. Parking is 3$. The film will be shown in French.
The discussion will be in both English and French.

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