What I am about to share with you feels deeply personal.

Two weeks ago, across Canada, the annual ‘talk day’ took place.

You know the one… the Mental Health talk day sponsored by a major Canadian telecom firm.

A collective day to share stories.

Raise awareness.

Raise money. 

All in the name of mental health.

Since its inception in 2010, I have been all over this day like peanut butter on toast!

Not this year.

Not last year.

I’ve been uncharacteristically quiet. 

While social media feeds were overflowing with posts, pictures, videos… I sat back.

I watched and listened.

‘But Colleen, you are a mental health champion.’

There are a couple of reasons for my advocating absence.

Firstly, I was buried in Wealth Management delivery. That’s right. I was caring for my clients’ financial well-being - investment strategy, estate planning, bonds, interest rates, inflation, stock market volatility, succession planning, cash-rich exits.

You know… working in and on my business.

Secondly, and most significantly, this is a season of profound grief for me. 

Here’s a part of my story. The deeply personal part.

The days and weeks leading up to February 9th and until mid-March each year are emotionally draining for me. 

You see, three profound events took place on February 9th.

February 9th, 1993. My mother, at the age of 43, collapsed at the bottom of the stairs. She had suffered from a brain aneurysm. She left home in an ambulance that day, never to return. She became an angel on March 6, 1993. 

February 9th, 2004. My brother, Danny (age 24) chose to become an angel. That’s right. He died by suicide. And, you can be certain the date was no coincidence.

February 9, 2021. My mother in law was admitted to palliative care. She had been ‘living’ in excruciating pain as her symptoms of PLS progressed. On March 11, 2021, she received her angel wings via a MAID (medical assistance in dying) procedure.

I know I am not alone enduring trauma and loss. It is part of the human condition.

Conducting ourselves, as adult human beings, on an average day can be a challenge in itself!

Behind every business, is a CEO, Founder, Business Owner - a human being who faces uncertainty and risk.

I see you.

In addition to delivering wealth management services, I’ve created programs like Elevated Conversations, ‘I’m a Millionaire! So Now What?’ - the podcast, Double to Sell (Workshop for CEO, Founder, Business Owners who want a cash-rich exit), to support the whole person held within the business-owner.

Now you know more about me. I would love to know more about you, your business, your goals, vision, obstacles and opportunities.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at colleen.campbell@rbc.com.

If you prefer the audio medium, listen to the full story, my philosophy, and view of mental health here:  https://iamamillionairesonowwhat.libsyn.com/ep212-a-deeply-personal-mental-health-story