Lynn Keane

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Author, Mental Health Advocate

Lynn Keane is an author and former broadcast journalist. Since the sudden passing of her son Daniel in 2009, Keane has dedicated her life to sharing her family’s story, examining depression and suicide prevention and how education, advocacy and compassion are critical to changing outcomes for future generations.

Protecting the Emotional Health of Youth | Lynn Keane

Suicide Prevention | Lynn Keane | TEDxYouth@Toronto

The Agenda | Teenage Mental Health

Link between physical health conditions and depression

Writing Give Sorrow Words

Health Youth & Campus Event Theme Ideas More Themes

In the News

Canadian Living | A mother on dealing with a child’s suicide December 7, 2015

CBC Campus | Episode 4: EXTRA - Youth suicide prevention January 1, 1970

Keynote Speeches

‘A Letter to Myself’- We Need to Talk About Suicide

Lynn looks at how talking about mental illness can reduce stigma and save lives – especially our youth. She argues educating the public about mental illness experienced by thousands of students throughout the country can decrease casualties from this disease and create better outcomes for future generations.

‘A Letter to Daniel’-Suicide prevention
Lynn draws on her personal experiences to show how we can go about suicide prevention.

‘A Letter to Daniel’-Suicide prevention

Lynn draws on her personal experiences to show how we can go about suicide prevention.

Audience reviews:

She compelled both staff and students to question the language we use around mental illness, inciting not just young people but, all people, to be the change. Lynn's commitment to ending the stigma of mental illness both moved and motivated those in the audience to continue conversations in the school, classroom, and community.

- Teacher, Huntsville High School
Lynn was an excellent and timely addition to the roster. Her lunch keynote had an audience of close to 200 people. Lynn's content was practical and helpful as she delivered strategies to overcoming mental health challenges at Post-secondary.

- Advisor, Education & Communications - Centre for Human Rights at York University

Speaker Books

Give Sorrow Words

Speaker Biography

Lynn Keane is an author and former broadcast journalist. Since the sudden passing of her son Daniel in 2009, she has dedicated her life to sharing her family’s story, examining depression and suicide prevention and how education, advocacy and compassion are critical to changing outcomes for future generations.

Lynn is creator and producer of the popular anti-bullying videos, Good Sports Don’t Hurt: Harassment Does, shared with schools across Canada. Lynn’s work has also been featured in The National Post, The Globe & Mail, and Moods Magazine, CBC, CTV and TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin and interviewed by The Huffington Post, CKNW The Bill Good Show, The Vancouver Sun, CBC Metro Morning and CHCH amongst others. By sharing such a painful story, she hopes to increase understanding of the universal relevance of mental health awareness, and provide support to families who have experienced suicide.

Lynn’s recently published memoir, Give Sorrow Words, has been widely praised by psychologists, parents and the mental health community alike, with accolades from CBC The Sunday Edition, The Canadian Mental Health Association (Peel Branch), Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology University of Toronto and journalist Michael Landsberg. Interweaving memories of the last months of her son’s life with lyrical explorations of the grieving process, the book unflinchingly documents warning signs in depression and asks pressing questions about how our society treats mental illness. What support is provided to young people living with mental illness? Why is there still such stigma attached to the disease of depression, despite it being so prevalent? Lynn makes a compelling argument for additional support and treatment for those impacted by an often life-threatening illness. In addition to publications and publicity, Lynn continues to engage with the local community.

As a founder and Co-Race Director of The Muskoka Rocks Road Races, she has contributed to raising more than $500,000 for a camp for children living with cancer. Through advocacy, an open approach, and working with mental health professionals and organizations, Keane has become a passionate, highly respected voice on depression and suicide prevention in Canada.