Amara
67 years, Female | Nova Scotia
“Despite having a supportive husband, grown children, and friends who tried to be there for me, I felt isolated and overwhelmed. After a few months, I realized that I needed more assistance than my loved ones could provide. I reached out to my company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), but encountered difficulties. Due to the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was overwhelmed.”
My journey with mental health started in 2021. At that time, I was facing many challenges. My mother, who lived in another province, became ill and passed away. Simultaneously, a close friend who resided with my husband and me, and whom I had supported for years, tragically took her own life. I not only grappled with the emotional toll of these losses but also shouldered the responsibility of managing both estates as their executor. Amidst these burdens, I juggled my demanding job and health issues.
Initially, I attempted to navigate these hardships alone. Despite having a supportive husband, grown children, and friends who tried to be there for me, I felt isolated and overwhelmed. After a few months, I realized that I needed more assistance than my loved ones could provide.
I reached out to my company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), but encountered difficulties. Due to the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was overwhelmed. After multiple attempts, I finally connected with someone, only to face a lengthy waitlist for assistance. Recognizing that I couldn't endure the prolonged wait, I sought alternative options.
I turned to my doctor for support and was disappointed by the encounter. My doctor prescribed Lorazepam without fully grasping my situation and discontinued my mental health leave from work, advising me to manage on my own. Although the medication alleviated my anxiety to some extent, it didn't equip me with the coping mechanisms I desperately needed, especially as I balanced work responsibilities. My son, residing in another province, suggested a mental health professional he knew. While I attended a few sessions, I found the virtual aspect of the sessions uncomfortable, and the out-of-province fees were prohibitive for ongoing treatment.
Feeling at a loss, I received a recommendation for a local professional from a colleague. Despite feeling burnt out and daunted by the prospect of arranging and attending appointments, I summoned the courage to seek help. Ultimately, I found the support and strategies I sought. Fortunately, the services were covered by my husband's benefits, enabling me to continue receiving the support I needed to navigate life's challenges.
Reflecting on my experience, I consider myself fortunate to have found effective support. Coming from a large family accustomed to seeking assistance and exploring options, I recognize that not everyone possesses the same resources or knowledge. I acknowledge the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, noting that while I feel comfortable discussing it with loved ones, many people shy away from such conversations, making it harder to find support.
Disclaimer: All names featured throughout this report have been changed to protect the identity of participants. These individuals were selected at random from a group of individuals that recently completed an online blind survey about mental health, and self-identified as having a mental health diagnosis. Participants were compensated financially for sharing their stories, with a commitment from MHRC to privacy and anonymity.
If you are in crisis, please go to the closest hospital or call 911. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 988 toll-free, anytime.