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Canadians fell in love with Pierre Elliott Trudeau's beautiful and high-spirited bride when he brought her to the world stage as the youngest First Lady in the history of the country. But the situation wasn't as rosy as it seemed. Plagued by mood swings and unprepared for public life, Margaret became increasingly isolated at 24 Sussex as her depression alternated with bouts of mania. As her behaviour became more puzzling--even to Margaret herself--she did her best to mother her three young sons and stand by her husband. Finally, she broke down soon after their marriage dissolved. As time went by, Margaret achieved a fragile stability, remarrying and bearing two more children. But the tragic loss of her son Michel in a skiing accident and the passing of Pierre Trudeau a few years later were too much to bear, and Margaret became severely ill. After years of struggle to find the right doctors and the right treatment, Margaret has rebuilt her life once again. At sixty-two, she is a vibrant, happy and healthy woman who is an inspiration to us all. Also included in Changing My Mind are essays by three of Canada's pre-eminent mental health professionals who explore some of the treatments available to patients today.… (more)
User reviews
OK, it may not be the best written book around but I lived this woman's history. I don't mean I was bi-polar myself but rather
I was in love with Pierre Elliot Trudeau and had a poster of him on the back of my bedroom door. No movies stars for me! Trudeau mania took me over and I was in awe of him and when he married Margaret I was thrilled that he married someone so young and vibrant.
It makes me very sad to think of the difficulties that she had throughout her life. That she did not kill herself in one of her deep depressions is a miracle.
The support that she has received from her family and friends is a testimony to the significance of caring and compassion in the face of immense difficulty. I know it is not easy to support a family member who is mentally ill.
Good for you Margaret, to bare your soul and confess your deepest darkest secrets in order to raise awareness of the devastation of this disease.