Health Experiences Canada

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Health Experiences Canada

We have created healthexperiences.ca as a place for you to see, listen, and read about Canadians’ first-hand accounts with illness. The module is funded by St.

When people are faced with health and illness issues as either a patient or family member, other people’s experiences are always a valued source of information. The Internet has revolutionized people’s ability to access other people’s stories, learn about their own condition, and share their experiences; no matter how rare the medical condition, there is a website somewhere brimming with facts and

figures and, increasingly, first-hand accounts from people who are living with that condition. On this website, you will find videos and transcripts of in-depth interviews with Canadians, all based on rigorous qualitative research led by experts at St. Mary’s and McGill University. Our approach ensures that we include a full range of patients’ perspectives to share a realistic collection of the experiences that come with a particular diagnosis or illness. On this website, you will also learn about other Canadian resources and services that might be helpful to you. The Healthexperiences research team, based at St. Mary’s in Montreal, benefits from close collaboration with the Health Experiences Research Group at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and other international partners. In the UK, Healthtalkonline presents a unique collection of personal experiences of over 70 different illnesses and health conditions. It provides highly reliable data of more than 2500 people’s personal experiences of health and illnesses in the UK, all made available on the websites www.healthtalkonline.org and www.youthhealthtalk.org. These websites receive about 50 million hits annually and have won several awards. Until now, there has been no source of information akin to Healthtalkonline in Canada. In 2011, we started our very first module, which explores the experience of family caregiving for adults with chronic physical illness. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. We are also developing a module on women’s experiences of breast cancer. With these and future modules we aim to:

Create an opportunity for people to share their stories;
Provide a source for reliable information and support for patients, families, friends, caregivers, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals;
Educate doctors, nurses, and other health professionals about patients’ and caregivers’ experiences of illness;
Provide a patient-centered perspective to researchers, clinicians and those who manage healthcare services.

05/07/2026

Michelle knew about depression — but no one had told her that could be just as harmful and just as serious.

Limited awareness can leave women unprepared for what they’re experiencing, even when they’re actively watching for warning signs.

By sharing stories like Michelle’s, we broaden the conversation around and challenge narrow definitions of what 'counts' as illness.

05/05/2026

Michelle shares one strategy that helped her navigate her personal journey with challenges: movement.

For some people, activities like walking, stretching, or gentle can support emotional well-being and provide moments of relief during challenging periods. What works for one person may look different for another — but finding supportive routines can be an important part of coping and recovery.

At healthexperiences.ca, we highlight lived experiences like Michelle’s to show the many different ways people navigate perinatal . Visit the link in our bio to explore more stories and perspectives.

05/01/2026

Hope describes something rarely talked about: not feeling immediate or joy after — and the fear that comes with that realization.

These experiences can be deeply distressing, yet they are more common than many women are told. Normalizing these conversations helps reduce shame and encourages women to talk about their experiences, leading to earlier support.

At healthexperiences.ca, we help lift stories like Hope’s so no one feels alone in their experience.

04/29/2026

"Amanda speaks to a fear many parents experience during perinatal mental health challenges: the worry that their connection with their child may be affected.

Feelings of distance or can be deeply distressing, but Amanda’s words remind us that these experiences do not define a forever. With time, support, and care, many parents find their bond growing stronger over time.

At healthexperiences.ca, we share stories like Amanda’s to highlight the complexity of — and the hope, healing, and reconnection that can follow. Visit the link in our bio to learn more."

04/27/2026

Candace’s story reflects powerful barriers many women face: fear of judgment, shame, or serious consequences if they speak honestly about their thoughts.

When silences people, it doesn’t protect families — it prevents care.

Sharing experiences like Candace’s helps challenge harmful assumptions and reminds us that safety comes from support, not silence. Visit healthexperiences.ca to hear more stories.

04/02/2026

Kaitlyn’s reflection highlights something many people don’t talk about enough: preparing for a baby often focuses on practical things — cribs, bottles, and — but far less on the emotional and relational changes that come with becoming a parent.

and the period can reshape how people see themselves, their relationships, and their mental well-being. Having honest, open conversations about these changes can help families feel more prepared and supported.

At healthexperiences.ca, we share stories like Kaitlyn’s to broaden the conversation about and help others better understand the realities of this life transition. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

04/01/2026

Andrea’s words point to something many people navigating perinatal mental health experience: the need for understanding rather than judgment.

Stigma and silence can make it harder for parents to ask for help, even when they need it most. Creating supportive environments — in families, communities, and spaces — is essential for people to feel safe speaking openly about their experiences.

At healthexperiences.ca, we share stories like Andrea’s to help foster empathy, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about mental health. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

03/31/2026

Candace’s reflection speaks to an unexpected part of difficult experiences: the connections they can create.

While challenges can feel isolating, many women find strength, solidarity, and understanding through the communities that emerge around shared experiences. In spaces where people feel safe to speak openly, stories that once felt heavy can become sources of resilience and support.

At healthexperiences.ca, we highlight voices like Candace’s to show that even in the hardest moments, connection and understanding can grow. Visit the link in our bio to learn more about experiences with perinatal .

03/27/2026

Michelle’s words challenge a powerful myth: the idea that there is such a thing as the 'perfect' mother.

The pressure to meet impossible standards can make many parents feel like they’re falling short — especially while navigating the emotional and psychological changes that can come with and .

Michelle's reflection reminds us that is not about perfection. It’s about care, effort, and doing the best you can with the support and knowledge you have.

At healthexperiences.ca, we share stories like Michelle’s to help shift the conversation around — from unrealistic expectations toward understanding, compassion, and support. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

05/16/2025

Living with heart failure isn’t just about managing physical symptoms—it’s also about navigating emotional challenges, setting boundaries, and learning to ask for help. Louise’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a form of strength.⁠
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At Health Experiences Canada, we’re honoured to share voices like Louise’s to shed light on the personal side of heart failure and help others feel less alone.

05/06/2025

Susan’s words capture the emotional toll of navigating a health system where women’s voices are too often dismissed. For many women living with heart failure, advocating for themselves becomes a daily battle—not just for care, but for acknowledgment.⁠
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At Health Experiences Canada, we’re committed to sharing these stories to highlight the gaps, challenge the biases, and push for change. Every story shared is a step toward a more compassionate, inclusive, and responsive healthcare system. For more, check out our heart failure module at the link in our bio.

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http://www.healthexperiences.ca/

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