Tanya Joy
Keynote Speaker – Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Advocate
Ultra Marathon Runner – Founder of the Joy Run 50
I am a survivor
– a survivor of the darkest depths of despair, of the overwhelming weight of loss, and of the suffocating grip of mental illness and suicide. Now my mission is to help transform lives through the hope and joy I have discovered through my life experience.
As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and suicide prevention, I am eager to share my personal journey of survival, resilience and triumph with your audience. My story is one of overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of immense challenges.
As a survivor of a suicide attempt, and the loss of my brother to suicide I understand firsthand the despair and the journey towards healing and hope. Through my own experiences, I have emerged stronger and more resilient, determined to use my voice to inspire and uplift others who may be struggling. I have learned lessons about the strength of the human spirit and mother nature.
One significant chapter of my journey is my transformation into a 100km ultra marathon. Running has been my sanctuary, a place where I have found solace, clarity and purpose. By pushing my physical and mental limits, I have discovered the incredible power of this endurance sport to promote mental well-being and resilience.
During my speaking engagements, I touch on several key themes including:
- The importance of mental health awareness, seeking support and destigmatizing conversations surrounding suicide and mental illness.
- Strategies for resilience and coping with life’s challenges, drawing from my own journey of survival and healing.
- The transformative power of trail running in promoting well-being, self-discovery and personal growth
- The creation of the Joy Run 50 and its mission to inspire joy, resilience, and connection through the outdoor adventure.
- Transformative Potential of Physical Activity: Insights from research and drawing from my own lived experience.
Keep Moving
I am the creator of a trail race called the Joy Run 50 which was founded in 2021. This race is not just about crossing the finish line: it’s about celebrating the joy of movement, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the Joy Run 50, I aim to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of trail running and to cultivate a sense of joy, belonging and gratitude in their lives.
As I continue my journey, I carry with me the lessons of resilience and courage that I have learned throughout life and on the trails. We need to embrace life’s challenges with open hearts and unwavering determination, knowing that with each step forward, we grow stronger, more resilient, and more alive. And never forget the power of nature to heal, to inspire, and to remind us of our own inner strength.
I believe that my experiences, coupled with my passion for advocacy and storytelling, would make me a compelling and impactful speaker for any organization. By sharing my story and insights, I hope to inspire others to seek help, to foster greater understanding and empathy surrounding mental health issues, and to highlight the importance of self-care and resilience in navigating life’s challenges.
I am committed to delivering a thoughtful and engaging presentation that will resonate with your audience and contribute to their growth and understanding. I am also open to collaborating with your team to tailor my message to meet the specific needs and objectives of your organization and audience.
As Seen On…
Client Testimonials
“Tanya was a guest speaker at our event for Mental Health Week. Their journey of recovery and wellness highlighted the importance of seeking support and destigmatizing conversations of suicide and mental illness, it was inspirational for all who attended.”
Tanya Joy is a force of nature. Her passion for mental health and suicide prevention isn’t just talk; it’s tangible, it’s action. She has turned her own experiences into a beacon of strength, sharing her story to try and inspire others to seek help and find their own resilience. She reminded us that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s courage, and that even when you feel broken, you can rebuild yourself stronger than before.
Students and staff at J. M. Olds Collegiate and Twillingate Island Elementary as well as other community members were given the opportunity to hear Tanya’s inspiring presentation. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs with such raw emotion and honesty made a powerful impact on our schools and community.
Tanya’s message about mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the importance of ending the stigma surrounding mental health struggles was both moving and essential. The way she spoke about overcoming challenges through connecting with nature and running was truly inspiring, offering our young people a meaningful perspective on resilience and healing.
Tanya’s words truly resonated, and we are so grateful for the impact she made. It was a privilege to have you with us. Thank you, Tanya—you’ve left a lasting impression on our hearts.
With much gratitude,
Remembering Robbie Committee
Past Media Appearances
CBC Atlantic Voice Documentary: Everyday, She Runs
Hear emotional stories from the trails in Martin Jones’s documentary, Everyday, She Runs.
She created an annual marathon to honour a brother who died by suicide
When Tanya Joy created the Joy Run 50 in memory of her…
Mental Health Week 2024
On May 8, 2024, Tanya Joy had the privilege of being a…
A mental health conversation around suicide prevention
The Signal with Adam Walsh will hear about a vigil to remember…
Spreading awareness about the 988 Suicide Hotline
Joy Run joined VOCM to discuss and how the dedicated line will ensure that people have access to the services they need.
9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line Now Live
Mental Health Advocate Tanya Joy and PhD Candidate Julie Dwyer discuss and how the dedicated line will ensure that people have access to the services they need.
Inspiring NL: Woman finds healing through running
Learn more about Tanya and her journey of healing through running on NTV.
Emergency Mental Health Line 9-8-8 Launching November 2023
The implementation of 9-8-8 as an easy-to-remember three-digit number will help reduce barriers to mental health and suicide prevention resources.
Joy Run 50 ultra trail race for promoting mental health
Martin Jones interviews Joy Run 50 creator Tanya Joy and race participant Melissa Arsenault on CBC radio.
Joy Run on CBC Listen
She’s definitely not running away from her pain. We hear from a runner who turned to the trails to deal with the death of her brother – and about the race she organizes in his memory.
‘I would have called it,’ says suicide awareness advocate
Tanya Joy, whose brother died by suicide and who attempted to take…
Tanya Joy at Kinesiology Association of NL’s Move Talks
In a world where tragedy can strike unexpectedly, it’s the strength of the human spirit that truly shines through.
‘We need to find solutions to fix this’: 2 advocates on why they feel N.L.’s mental health care is broken
‘We need to find solutions to fix this,’ says suicide prevention advocate Tanya Joy
Tanya Joy finds peace in the trails with new race aimed at awareness
Tanya Joy’s passion is long distance trail running, and now she wants to share that with others as well as raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Gerri Lynn Mackey interviews Tanya Joy on VOCM
Paradise Resident Tanya Joy – Trail Running Helped Healing Process After Death Of Her Brother
Pain is no match for Joy
The Steep 100 ultra race was cancelled this year, but Tanya joy was determined to cover the course alone; it turns out she wasn’t always by herself.
Other Notable Appearances:
2021 July VOCM morning show with Bernice Hillier – Joy Run 50
2022 January Downhome Magazine – The Ultra Magnificent Seven Interview with Dennis Flynn
Joy Run 50 Information Session and Event Keynote Speech (2021, 2022, 2023)
I am a passionate advocate eager to speak anywhere my story can make a difference.
Whether it’s a conference, podcast, or media event, I look forward to the possibility of working together and to share my story with your audience.
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