My Story
Lauren Whiteway founded Lauren's SM Journey as small project during the summer of 2013, when she was in grade 10 in high school, hoping to ease the loneliness she was feeling after a recent diagnosis of selective mutism. She honestly wasn't expecting much from her blog and Youtube channel, she just knew that she wanted to tell her story and know that she wasn't the only person in the world feeling this way. Soon, she began receiving emails from around the world from people who were touched by her story and could relate to what she was going through. Lauren knew first hand how isolating and helpless selective mutism could feel, not only for someone who has the anxiety disorder, but also for their loved ones. With a plan of becoming a future psychologist, Lauren knew that she didn't have to wait until she received her degree in order to impact others through her powerful story.
Lauren has been recognized for her advocacy, including the 2017 Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth, the Governor General Caring Canadian Award (Sovereign Medal for Volunteers) and the 2015 YMCA Peace Medallion. She is currently attending Mount Allison University where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in hopes of one day becoming a specialist in selective mutism.
Today, she spends her time increasing mental health awareness, with a distinct focus on youth in her community. She is also a certified Jack Talks Speaker, and goes into high schools and post secondary institutions during the school year and teach others about mental health and how to look out for each other and themselves. Lauren is also a avid curler and loves to play the fiddle!
Awards/Honours
2017 Certified Jack Talks Speaker
2017 Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health for Youth Recipient
2016 IWK Future Health Research and Innovation Scholar
2016 Mindcare NB Scholar
2015 Governor General Caring Canadian Award (Sovereign Medal for Volunteers) Recipient
2015 YMCA Peace Medallion Youth Recipient
Publications/ Press
NB Teen Speaks Out About Struggle with Selective Mutism
Moncton Teen Learns to Live Life With Selective Mutism
Why Im Talking About The Anxiety Disorder That Took My Voice Away
IWK Children's Hospital Radiothon 2017
SIRIUSXM Canada Now On Canadian Talent And Courage
100% Local- Radio-Canada
2018 IWK Cares for Kids Radiothon
2018 Nominate a Champion of Mental Health- Spoke Newspaper