Social worker
Resident
Jardins du Y - YWCA Montréal
Suzanne Bossé
Woman of Distinction 2022
Coup de coeur Award by YWCA Montreal
Suzanne Bossé, an inspiring young woman, was able to overcome her mental health issues to make a difference in the lives of others through social work. In 2014, she moved into the YWCA Montreal residence while pursuing her university studies, despite encountering several pitfalls along the way: hospital stays, residential instability, troublesome symptoms. She persevered and became involved in her community as a volunteer and by taking student jobs within the community.
Through her time spent with women experiencing various psychosocial issues, Suzanne developed an interest in intervention and counselling. In 2018, she moved into Jardins du Y. Belonging to this community of women is, for her, a source of pride, support, and an antidote for her feelings of solitude when times are particularly difficult.
In 2020, she completed her Bachelor of Social Work and has been working with patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. She is now a social worker in a family medical clinic where she sees patients living with psychosocial problems, the majority of whom suffer from mental health issues. The resources and tools she acquired during her recovery help her support her patients.
Her experiences allow her to understand her patients’ difficulties at more than just the clinical level. Her work is a source of openness, empathy, greater commitment in her practices, and a desire to defend their rights concerning discrimination. She is convinced that the path she has taken would have been a lot different if she hadn’t stayed at the YWCA and Maison Marguerite, and if she hadn’t had the support of her family, her friends, and several health professionals.
Though there is a pervasive notion in our society that mental health problems represent an insurmountable obstacle to a fulfilling and productive life, Suzanne Bossé’s path in life gives rise to the hope that with the appropriate support, anything is possible.
