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Surviving the Downburst: How Trauma Changes the Way You See the Outdoors
Episode 153
Published 3 weeks, 1 day ago
Description
In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, psychotherapist Brigitte Lebel shares her harrowing experience surviving the June 2025 downburst at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
What began as a peaceful camping trip quickly turned into a traumatic night of fallen trees, injuries, rescue efforts, and hours of uncertainty.
Brigitte reflects on what it was like to stay calm in the middle of the chaos, return to the park afterward, and process the trauma that followed.
Brigitte's episode on To North Bay With Love: https://www.northbayecho.ca/a-conversation-about-grief-care-and-community/
0:00 Intro
5:33 Surviving the Storm
15:15 Returning to the Park
23:17 Trauma, PTSD & Self-Blame
37:34 Mental Health, Grief & Acceptance
What began as a peaceful camping trip quickly turned into a traumatic night of fallen trees, injuries, rescue efforts, and hours of uncertainty.
Brigitte reflects on what it was like to stay calm in the middle of the chaos, return to the park afterward, and process the trauma that followed.
Brigitte's episode on To North Bay With Love: https://www.northbayecho.ca/a-conversation-about-grief-care-and-community/
0:00 Intro
5:33 Surviving the Storm
15:15 Returning to the Park
23:17 Trauma, PTSD & Self-Blame
37:34 Mental Health, Grief & Acceptance