Jessica Holmes

The stigma surrounding mental illness leads to unnecessary suffering and stops people from seeking help. Higher rates of stress and burnout have left people grappling with how to be healthy, hopeful, and engaged. It’s time to talk, but discussing mental health doesn’t have to be heavy or burdensome. In fact, it can feel inspiring, empowering, and even joyful.

Comedian and Bell Let’s Talk ambassador Jessica Holmes breaks down the stigma by using heart and humour to share her experience with depression. She weaves comedy, characters, and music to bring understanding and hope to a serious subject, describing how she went from successful entertainer who opened for Oprah Winfrey to couch potato who slept more than a cat!

Holmes shares the lessons she wrote about in her heartwarmingly funny book, Depression The Comedy, to motivate your team to prioritize their well-being. Your team will learn:

Where to begin if they or someone they know is struggling.
How a small perspective shift can increase their fulfillment and happiness at work and at home.
Simple, achievable steps EVERYONE can use to improve their mental health.
That no one is alone, and we’re all entitled to a sense of well-being.
Holmes’ story, which has a deeply happy ending, leaves audiences with a better understanding of mental illness, more empathy for those suffering with it, and that wonderful feeling you get from a good laugh.

Years of flux and uncertainty have left people burnt out and many are still grappling with stress and disconnection. It’s an important time to foster a sense of well-being and engagement so people can thrive again.

Comedian and Bell Let’s Talk ambassador Jessica Holmes presents a moving, funny, and energetic talk that encourages positive mental health and reignites your sense of purpose. Drawing on inspiration from her own journey through depression, Holmes shares how she reconnected with her love of life and work, drawing parallels with this new chance we all have to thrive after setback.

Holmes’ call to action combines humour with inspiration from the field of positive psychology. She delivers insights into:

Simple, sustainable steps to improve mental health.
Shifting perspective to increase fulfillment and happiness at work.
Moving forward with empathy for yourself and others (one of the most important parts of a successful team!).
Renewing your sense of purpose and energy by engaging with your values.
This talk honours the courage it has taken to come this far and reconnects audiences with their greatest qualities to bring on personal and professional joy!