This week on TRM, we are joined by mental health advocate and speaker, Anna-Lisa Barrett. In this episode, Anna-Lisa opens up about her journey with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the pivotal moments that shaped her relationship with her diagnosis and how she talked about it. From a Grade 5 speech on anxiety that was silenced by a teacher, to the seven years she spent hiding her struggles, Anna-Lisa reflects on the lasting impact of being dismissed in a space where she should have been supported. We dive into the crucial role educators play in shaping how young people experience and talk about mental health. Anna-Lisa shares how that early experience of being held back out of fear led her to internalize shame, and how finally being given the space to open up about it again in Grade 12 changed her life. That moment of empowerment encouraged her to get involved in advocacy, community, and other mental health initiatives that have continued to fuel her purpose. We also discuss some systemic changes needed in the education field and emphasize the responsibility schools and teachers hold in fostering safe, inclusive environments for students. This is a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone who has ever felt misunderstood in their mental health journey.

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