If you attended March 2007's Douglas-led "Stigma and Mental Illness: A Vicious Circle" conference, you'll remember Pierre Nadeau.

Pierre gave an unforgettable testimonial at a roundtable discussion called "The Personal Face of Stigma". Standing before a 200-person audience, he shared what it was like to live with mental illness. In touching detail, he described how the powerful stigmas that revolve around mental illness had almost prevented him and others from moving on with their lives. Compassionate, determined, and ultimately unstoppable, Pierre has given much of his life to putting these stigmas to rest for good. His powerful story transfixed the audience, adding immeasurably to the conference's success.

Groundbreaking Appointment

Last October, Pierre was named manager of the CADRE Messenger Service at the Douglas. In an initiative spearheaded by the Douglas' SPECTRUM team, a non-profit organization called CADRE (Centre d'action de développement et de recherche en employabilité) was subcontracted in 2006 by the Douglas to take responsibility for the Messenger Service, including hiring its manager. CADRE helps people with mental illnesses gain work experience that can lead to paid employment in the regular workforce.

Pierre is the first former Douglas patient to be subcontracted to provide management services at the Institute - a groundbreaking move, in keeping with Douglas leadership in fighting stigma and promoting recovery.

Pierre manages and inspires 25 CADRE messengers, who are paid to deliver material to Douglas departments. And he's doing a great job.

A Top Performer

According to CADRE General Director Roy Bhimpaul, Pierre is everything he hopes for in an employee, "Pierre is performing beyond expectations. He's in charge of many employees, making sure they're on time, performing well, and gaining experience. Although he's relatively new to the job, he's already motivating his staff and interacting effectively with Douglas employees. In fact, he's doing so well, he's already participating in the hiring process.

Paid His Dues

Pierre brings life experience to the post. Orphaned at six months, he had a difficult youth in a string of group and foster homes. As a young adult, he suffered from chronic depression and was treated at the Douglas.

Rising above his problems, Pierre was determined to give back through volunteering. He started by coordinating activities and informally counselling clients at Projet PAL, Ami-Québec's "Club Ami" and Action Santé. By 2001, he was making a name for himself at the Wellington Centre - coordinating outings, leading activities, and helping in the cafeteria.

A natural leader who's not afraid to speak his mind, he was invited by the Montreal General Hospital in the mid-1990s to speak to psychiatrists about what it's like to live with a mental illness.

He also sat on the board of the Regroupement des ressources alternatives en santé mentale du Québec (RRASMQ), which emphasizes community involvement, building on people's strengths, and fighting stigma, both inside and outside the mental health system. He is still an enthusiastic RRASMQ member.

While Pierre was gaining this experience, he was dismayed to see patients being discouraged from applying for positions in the mental health field, "It's one thing for mental health organizations to preach against stigma. It's another thing for them to offer jobs to people who understand the reality of mental illness and have talents to share. If the mental health field won't consider people with mental illnesses as ‘job material', how can they expect other employers to do the same?"

Voice of Experience

 

Today, Pierre has a job he loves, "It's very satisfying to motivate people to take on the messenger's job, be punctual, and perform well. Whenever I have the opportunity, I encourage them to use this experience to move on to other jobs in the community. It's difficult to lose a good employee, but it's for the best possible reason!"

Pierre encourages other people with mental illness to apply for positions inside and outside the mental health field. From experience, he offers practical advice, "Know what you like to do. Be honest about your interests and abilities, and work the number of hours that allow you to enjoy life and keep stress to a minimum. You have to take these steps yourself, but you won't be alone. We will help you. When you have difficulties, focus on the positive and keep the faith. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Like me, you can live your dreams."

In a Word or Two…

 

What word best describes mental illness?
Obscure.

What film has most influenced your thoughts on mental health?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle?
My girlfriend keeps me on track!

Who is doing outstanding work in destigmatizing mental illness?
Nicole Lahaie, clinical coordinator, SPECTRUM, and Ella Amir, executive director, AMI-Québec

In 125 years, will the Douglas still be here?
No.

One word that describes the Douglas?
Diversified