Career and work
Upshall studied law at the University of Toronto and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1969. He practiced law until experiences with mental illness brought that career to an end in the early 1990s. [1]
He subsequently became a prominent figure in Canadian mental health policy and advocacy. He served as National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, co-founded the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health and the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network, and later worked as a senior policy adviser to both the Mood Disorders Society of Canada and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. [1][2]
What has been publicly discussed
- After experiences with mental illness ended his legal career, Upshall spent several years dealing with the effects of the illness before moving into mental health advocacy. He has described that transition as changing his relationship with mental illness and opening a new direction in his life. [1]
- Upshall has spent much of his later career advocating for people living with mental illness and for stronger mental health policy in Canada. He has helped build national organizations, advised governments and commissions, and promoted greater investment in mental health research and services. [3][1][2]
- He has also spoken publicly about stigma and about the need to include people with lived experience in decisions about mental health policy and care. [3][2]
“You can’t change the world on your own. It takes real leaders to model anti-stigma behaviours and talk about mental illness.”
— Phil Upshall [5]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada“Bio – Phil Upshall” Professional and personal biography covering Upshall’s legal education, call to the Ontario Bar, 1991 bipolar disorder diagnosis, end of his legal career, transition into mental health advocacy, and leadership roles.
Mental Health Commission of Canada“Celebrating a behind-the-scenes champion” Profiles Upshall’s influence on Canadian mental health policy and the role lived experience played in shaping the Commission’s work.
House of Commons of CanadaStanding Committee testimony Includes testimony from Upshall about stigma, access to mental health care, education, and policy reform.
View all 5 sources
Mental Health Commission of CanadaToward Recovery and Well-Being Documents Upshall’s work with the Commission and national stakeholder engagement.
Canada PostAnnual Report 2007 Profiles Upshall’s mental-health advocacy and includes his comments about leadership, stigma, openness about mental illness, and collective advocacy.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Phil Upshall and their experiences.
- Standing Committee testimonySenate of Canada
Extended testimony from Upshall discussing mental health policy, research, services, stigma, and the perspective of people with lived experience.
- “Steven Fletcher Welcomes Report on Mental Illness in Canada”Government of Canada
Includes Upshall discussing public information and reducing stigma around mental illness.