At CPA Canada’s ONE National Conference, I stood on stage not just as a CPA, but as someone who nearly lost everything to burnout and untreated bipolar disorder. These are the stories, shifts, and small wins that are changing how we approach mental health in accounting.

From breakdown to breakthrough. When Shak took the stage at The ONE National Conference, it wasn’t to perform—it was to be real. In front of fellow CPAs, he spoke openly about living with bipolar disorder while chasing partnership, what broke him down, and what helped him rebuild. This is a story about pressure, stigma, and the power of sharing it out loud.

In this reflection from a Courage Circle conversation, I open up about the realities of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the middle of a high-stakes career. What followed wasn’t just recovery—it was reckoning with shame, workplace stigma, and learning to advocate for myself and others.

CMHA’s Hope in Motion isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a movement. In this personal reflection, Shak shares why he rides each year, what this ride means to him as someone living with bipolar disorder, and how visibility, movement, and community can make all the difference. 💜

Bipolar Disorder often comes with misconceptions that create unnecessary stigma. In this blog, we’re breaking down the biggest myths and replacing them with understanding and truth. Let’s build a more empathetic, informed world together.