Allan Kehler - Mental Health Advocate

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Allan Kehler - Mental Health Advocate

Creating a safe space for people to be seen, heard and supported with their mental health. When it comes to mental health, silence is not the answer.

I know first-hand what it feels like to have lost my voice, and I also know what it feels like to have found it. I believe that the only reason why I’m still here today is to carry a message. I know that there are a lot of people who are suffering from the same or similar challenges that I faced. It has become my life’s mission to share my story in hope that it will shed a positive light on the journey of others. I have learned that vulnerability equals strength. The more we share, put our walls down, and get real, the more we connect with others and most importantly ourselves. Together, let’s create a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment that proactively addresses issues of mental wellness. If you are looking to create a culture of care in your workplace, community, or school, I would love to hear from you. For more information please feel free to visit https://www.allankehler.com

12/12/2025

While waiting to board my plane in Toronto yesterday, a man approached me and said, "Are you Allan?"

"You bet!" I replied.

"I heard you speak 6 years ago, and I just wanted to say that your talk saved my life."

I found myself unable to respond, and I continued to listen.

Thanks to a long plane ride, I had a lot of time to think about that conversation.

Me. The guy who was given a month to live if I didn't stop the runaway train. The guy who spent way too many nights wondering if he would make it to the morning.

I never saw any of this coming. And, as I always say, speaking is bigger than me.

Now... no part of me wants this to be a post that put's out the vibe, "Look at me. Look at the impact I am making." Not my style.

My point is to please think about the power of your story. If it can help someone in their time of despair, why would you ever be quiet?

I am not saying that you need to go stand on a stage and share your story with the world. But, your story, the one you may think is too small or too ordinary, might be the lifeline that helps someone to keep fighting.

Please know that your story matters. And, one day, I suspect that someone will choose to keep fighting because you were brave enough to speak.

12/03/2025

My challenges with mental illness began at an early age, and I have always fought an internal war to live or die.

I studied kinesiology for a few years, and collected degrees related to physical education. So, theoretically I understand the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

The problem is that my mind tries to convince me that working out will only prolong a life that I often want to end.

The past few months have been tough, and something had to give.

My wife, Tanya, made me commit to playing pickleball and squash at least once a week. Plus, Tanya and the kids have been encouraging me to work out in our basement with them.

Go figure… I have been feeling better.

Following yesterday’s keynote, I decided to walk into the fitness room at the hotel. In 15 years of speaking, I have only done that one other time.

I work on my mental health every day, and I am proud to say that physical activity is now part of my new routine.

If you’re battling a similar voice, just know you are not alone. Every time you push back, you are a step closer to winning the war.

11/18/2025

Would you plant a tree today even if you couldn't enjoy the shade?

That was the question that Oscar asked me when I arrived at Yellow Quill First Nation yesterday. This simple question guides his mission. By investing time and energy in the youth, he is creating lasting impacts until long after he's gone.

After a life of addiction, incarceration and pain, Oscar has spent the last few years on a healing journey. Recently, he returned to his home community to show the next generation that change is possible. More importantly, he is providing them with a roadmap.

We all need leaders who can guide us. Who was that person for you?

p.s. Thanks for the deer meat. Can’t wait for supper!

11/15/2025

I have been fortunate to speak at several men’s mental health events, and what I find interesting is that the majority have been organized by women.

Last night was no different.

Gailene Kazakoff recognized that her community of Slave Lake, Alberta, lacked mental health resources. She put together an organization, but took it a step further.

Last November, Gailene hosted the communities first ever men’s mental health event. And, last night more than 100 people gathered to strengthen a conversation that often gets swept under a rug.

It warmed my heart to see how the local businesses supported this initiative. Even Tim Hortons and McDonalds provided carafes of hot beverages!

Much respect to the entire planning committee for creating this safe space. And, thank you, Joy, for connecting me with Gailene and advocating to bring my message to Slave Lake.

We are stronger together.

10/20/2025

When I was three months sober, I drove 300 miles to move in with Tanya and her two boys. I had no job, $40,000 debt, and few boxes to my name. Some people said, “What are you doing, Tanya? You can do so much better than him.”

While some people saw me as a ‘nobody’, Tanya always saw me as a ‘somebody’.

Right away, Tanya established boundaries, and made it clear that we were going to move forwards, and not backwards. After years of self-destruction, she provided me with stability, gave me purpose, and offered unconditional love.

Fast-forward 15 years and here we are - stronger than ever. As we prepare to hit the road and share our message, I look back with immense gratitude and pride.

Like Tanya, I believe that one of the most powerful things we can do for someone is to see their potential, especially when they don’t see it in themselves. Everyone has strengths and possibilities waiting to be unlocked. Sometimes, it just takes one person to look beyond flaws and believe in them.

My hope is that you choose to see the potential in others. That belief can be the very spark that leads to transformation.

Keep talking my friends.

📸 Pebble + Finch Photography

10/16/2025

Dustin has been in 20 treatment centres', 15 detox facilities, and he completed drug court. Today, he is 8 years sober and living proof that healing is possible.

No matter how strong or independent we try to be, we can't heal alone. Chief probation officer, Carla Stalnaker, saw much more than an 'addict'. She stood by Dustin, offering unwavering belief and support. Thanks to Carla, Dustin was one of the first people to graduate from the drug court program and return to be employed as a coordinator.

Dustin and Carla were in the audience during my keynote, and with their permission, I shared their remarkable story. Once done, it was met with a loud ovation as we recognized the profound impact that we can have on those around us.

Much respect, Dustin, for earning your freedom. And, thank you, Carla for reminding us that we all need someone to remind us of our worth.

Keep talking my friends.

10/03/2025

In this fast-paced world, we are constantly juggling responsibilities and navigating through new challenges. My hope is that today you take time to pause and reflect on your journey.

Take time for gratitude.

Think about all of the battles that you have fought. Reflect on the fears that you have silenced and the moments you thought you couldn’t go on, and yet somehow did.

This morning, I came across these pictures. Early in my recovery I lost my license due to seizures. Just when I was getting my life back I felt crushed.

My soon to be wife, Tanya, bought me a bike to get to work and helped shift my perspective. She left a note on my desk titled 'Reasons Why It's OK that Al Can't Drive' with 20 bullet points below.

And, when I was finally able to get my license back, I walked through the front door greeted with signs and a cake. Like who does that!!!

Not every chapter of your story will be easy, but every one of them matters.

The lows reveal what you’re made of, and the highs remind you what’s possible.

09/10/2025

If you have lost someone to su***de, then you know that it brings a different kind of grief.

On the one-year anniversary of Justin’s death, I felt an internal pull to make the two-hour drive to my best friends grave. Below is an excerpt from my memoir that might help others who feel consumed by such a profound loss.

--

Before walking out the door, I grabbed something from my office desk as a way to reflect.

Shortly after Justin’s passing, my wife, Tanya, had surprised me with the most thoughtful gift. She had taken the time to create a beautiful collage that included several pictures of Justin and me. On the top, she pasted individual silver letters that read “soulmates.”

After arriving at the countryside cemetery, I took a seat beside Justin’s grave and propped the picture frame upright beside me. Immediately, it slammed down. Ever so carefully, I placed it in the same spot, and again it slammed down. It wasn’t even windy. The third time produced the same result, and now I was mad. I stood up, opened my arms wide, and yelled, “What’s going on?”

To my complete surprise, I got an answer. For real, I heard a response loud and clear.

“Enough.”

Without having to think about it, I knew the exact meaning behind that message. For the past year, I had spent so much time thinking about what I could have done, or what I felt I should have done, that I ended up missing out on the journey that I was supposed to take in the first place.

Driving away from the cemetery, I realized a shift had taken place. While the pain remained, I knew that I would no longer be consumed by such a profound loss.

It was time for me to return to my own journey.

--

Sometimes we care about people so much that we lose ourselves in their journey. However, at the end of the day you were born for YOU.

You were born to live your life.

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Keep talking my friends.

* If my memoir is of interest, the link can be found in the comments

09/04/2025

Death is one of life's greatest teachers.

I have an extensive list of lessons learned following my best friend, Justin Andres' su***de. At the top of that list is the importance of putting a voice to my emotional pain.

Despite knowing this, there are periods where I slip into old patterns and suppress emotions like anxiety, fear, and shame. Thankfully, I now have people in my life who pick up on this, and encourage me to talk.

And, the beautiful thing is that they don't 'fix' me. Rather, they listen. I mean truly listen, and then they encourage me to act on the formal resources that are available.

Darkness begs to see the light of day. May you find your voice, and may you take the time to listen to those around you.

September is su***de prevention month, and I am reminded that death calls us to live differently. Thank you, Justin, for continuing to open doors for me from the other side so that I can carry my message across the globe. Love you, brother.

Keep talking my friends.

08/30/2025

As a speaker, my schedule typically looks like the following:

Uber - Airport - Uber - Hotel - Speak - Uber - Airport - Repeat

But, when I went to New York City a few days ago, I wanted to break the cycle and take time for me. With my wife's encouragement and a great conversation with Joe Roberts, I paid a pretty penny for a Yankee's ticket to check something off my bucket list.

After the sixth inning, I stood up to let a woman by so that she could get to her seat. She was juggling three large cans of beer and asked me to hold one while she took a seat.

15 years of sobriety felt like day one. I awkwardly declined and she was visibly upset.

I struggled to watch the seventh inning and began focusing on the alcohol all around me rather than the game.

Sobriety is the foundation of the life that I have built. From my family and relationships to every moment of peace - none of it would exist without it.

So, before the inning was over, I stood from me seat and left the stadium. In my head, I heard words of approval and support from my inner circle, and most importantly from my wife and kids.

Sobriety didn't just save my life, it gave me the chance to truly live it.

My question is simple... where do you draw the line for your own wellness? At what point do you say, "This is too much?"

Sometimes that healthiest thing we can do is say, "No", step back, and choose ourselves.

Lastly, for all of you in recovery, please keep recovering out loud. We are stronger together.

Keep talking my friends.

08/28/2025

While I speak on a variety of topics related to wellness, I am particularly passionate about men and mental health.

November is men's health month. If your company or community is looking to redefine what it means to be 'strong' (in-person or virtual), please reach out. I have a few dates left in November, and I would welcome a conversation.

After spending half my life burying my emotions deep within, and losing my best friend to su***de, I have embraced the fact that there is nothing 'manly' about suffering in silence.

Keep talking my friends.

08/12/2025

At the age of 18, I travelled to Holland for a one-year work program. I fell in with the wrong crowd and eventually ended up running away from my host family. It was a year of self-destruction and I flirted with death more times than I care to count.

Life has a funny way of making things come full circle. International Speaking Bureau, A-Speakers, has offices across the world, including in Holland. So, when Malou reached out expressing an interest in my message, I saw this as my redemption.

I am reminded that even after the toughest times, there’s always a chance for renewal.

Holland... I will see you soon.

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http://www.allankehler.com/

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Empowering People to LIVE

I spent a significant amount of my life persevering through mental health issues and addiction. For years, I suffered in silence as I hid behind a fake smile. And because I didn’t talk about my pain I suffered more than anyone else.

After years of walking around like a victim I finally understood that if I wanted change, I was the only person in a position of power to create this change. I discovered that my voice was my greatest tool, and I began to ask for what I needed.

Today, I speak in the hopes of empowering others to use their voices in times of need. In the same way, I teach people how to respond to those who are in pain. Nobody needs to be fixed, but the value of being seen and heard is immeasurable.