Face-to-Face with Harmony Brown

Harmony is a public speaker, mental health advocate and non-profit housing employee in Toronto, Ontario.  Her struggles with mental health started as a child, but it wasn’t until she was 31, after losing her father to mental illness, that Harmony was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Two years into her recovery, Harmony’s youngest brother also took his own life.  Her losses motivated her to share her experiences. As a volunteer with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, she participated on a committee to develop a partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Through this initiative, Harmony has spoken to thousands of students, parents, and staff about mood disorders, stigma and early intervention. She also spreads these messages through her own business, Phoenix Rising. Harmony credits her recovery to an accurate diagnosis, a good psychologist, supportive friends, volunteering, faith and resilience. Harmony is a shining example of someone who works hard every day to break down the stigma associated with mental illness. For Harmony, Recovery is Possible.