Steven Page is one of the most recognizable recording artists in Canada, but when it comes to mental illness, his story sounds like that of so many others who suffer in silence.
In an effort to encourage those who suffer alone to speak up, the former frontman of the pop group Barenaked Ladies opened up about his struggle with bipolar II or manic depression.
Page's illness became public knowledge after he was arrested in 2008 for possession of cocaine in Syracuse, New York, but his struggle started long before.
"I remember being six-years-old and walking home from school and telling a friend about my suicide plans," he confessed before a full and sympathetic house at the Canadian Mental Health Association's Breakfast of Champions.
Former Barenaked Ladies frontman, Steven Page speaks at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, May 7, 2019. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
The event is one of many being held this week in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week by the CMHA of Windsor-Essex County.
"I knew exactly what knife I was going to use," he said. "The fact that I had a plan in place makes me so deeply sad for the kid that I was."
As the years went on, Page says he learned to "pass", pretend nothing was worrying about his ideation. Even after he was finally diagnosed at the age of 24, he did not take treatment very seriously.
These days, Page said he is committed to his treatment and caring for himself. However, the singer admitted that some are not as fortunate.
"When I was in crisis, I was also lucky enough to have money," he told the audience. He was able to afford a therapist, whereas others do not have the means to access private care.
"You know, I certainly worry about where we're at now in this province -- we've already had very little access," he said. "I worry that that is going to be cut even more."
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The event was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts Tuesday morning.
