Joseph Boyden to share story of living with depression

Acclaimed author Joseph Boyden will share his personal story of living with depression at an event in Thunder Bay on Wednesday evening.

Several years ago, Boyden said hewas devastated by a rash of suicides among First Nations youth along the James Bay Coast in northern Ontario.

He said that'swhen his wife encouraged him to start speaking publicly about his own lifelong struggle, including an attempt at suicideat the age of 16.

"What I realized is that youth responded very strongly to my message and heard that they weren't the only ones suffering," he said.

"If one kid hears my message and changes his or her mind, it's worth it for me to kind of open myself up in such a way."

Sharing his story also helped improve his own mental health, Boyden said.

The Fine Print: Writers Talk Mental Health event ishosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association to mark Mental Health Week.

The event takes place on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay.

Richard Wagamese, another award-winning author, will also speak.