Cathy Dobson/The Independent

His is not the kind of celebrity anyone wants.

But 27-year-old Tyler Smith says sharing his story about surviving the horrific Humboldt Bronco’s bus crash has the power to help others who struggle with their mental health.

In the past three years, he has spoken to about 250 audiences, explaining how difficult it can be for men especially to seek help and how important it is they do.

Wednesday, he brought his message to Sarnia-Lambton, speaking to students at Northern Collegiate, then later to more than 325 people at Four Points by Sheridan.

“I am here to tell you that it is never too late to get involved in your own life,” Smith said.  “We are so good at diminishing our own story…There’s a lot of power in my story but there’s a lot of power in your story, too.”

He urged anyone struggling to reach out and ask for help.

“I can tell you the only reason I am here is because of the people in my life and the connections along the way.

“The reason I keep doing this is for that one person here who I hope will have a conversation they need to have even though the world of mental health is so uncomfortable,” Smith said.

It’s been seven years since a truck driver ran through a stop sign on a Saskatchewan highway and t-boned a busload of junior hockey players, killing 16 and injuring 13.

Smith woke up in hospital after a stroke. He woke up with numerous broken bones, nerve damage, a punctured lung, no movement in one arm and hooked up to three machines.

He says his physical wounds healed relatively quickly but he suffered emotionally, bottling up his anguish for months because he had been taught that’s what men do. 

Smith even returned to play with the Broncos the next season, feeling pressure to show up for his team.

“I didn’t want to let anybody down. I wasn’t thinking about myself,” he said. “I just wanted to grind through and finish the season but even this new team of players knew I wasn’t well.”

After 10 games he finally admitted he was exhausted and needed help with his mental health.  With incredible support and the love of family and friends, he left hockey and went home to heal.

Now he says he is glad he attempted to play that season. “But I’m also very glad I went home when I did.”

One of his greatest hurdles was dealing with survivors guilt, Smith told the audience.

“Nobody knew I was going through this, but I woke up every day and wondered why am I still here…why should I smile, what gives me the right to go and find joy when 16 beautiful families lost somebody that day?”

Since getting therapy, he returned to post secondary school and met his new wife, Kat Kastner.

He started his own clothing line called Not Alone, which is dedicated to starting conversations around trauma, PTSD and mental health. 

Life’s been good in recent years. He asked for help and regained his joy.

When Smith and Kastner competed in the ninth season of Amazing Race Canada, they won. The couple married just a few weeks ago.

He’s even returned to the ice, this time to coach 11 to 15 year old hockey players.

“It’s not something I thought I’d ever get into.  But I get a lot out of it and enjoy going to the rink again, which is nice,” he said.

Smith also never dreamed he’d become a professional speaker, travelling to places like Sarnia to encourage kindness if you suspect someone is struggling with mental health. And to reassure those with mental health challenges that they are not alone.

“I have no idea what I’m doing but I hope authenticity and relatability shine through,” he said. “I think that’s something people want, especially in an uncomfortable world like mental health.”

Smith said he is in touch with all of the Humboldt Bronco survivors, some on a weekly basis.

For the most part, they are all doing well, working through recovery in their own ways, he said.

In answer to a question from an audience member, he said that he still has tough days and addresses them by taking walks, listening to his favourite podcast or album, phoning a friend or by “just doing nothing.

“People are just doing their best.  I think we’re all a little exhausted at times.  I think it’s hard to put yourself first and take care of yourself, but I think community events like this are of big benefit,” he said.

Wednesday’s event at Four Points by Sheridan was co-sponsored by The Centre and Lambton College, as well as the Sting Junior A team that was in attendance.