Collette
30 years, Female | Quebec
“Fortunately, I had a conversation with a friend who was seeing a mental health specialist. Recognizing the potential fit, my friend arranged an appointment for me with the specialist. This proved instrumental for my progress. The specialist equipped me with tools to manage my anxiety, enabling me to embrace situations I once found daunting. Additionally, the specialist recommended anti-anxiety medication, which I now incorporate into my talk therapy sessions.”
My journey to mental well-being began in January 2020. During this period, I grappled with stress and anxiety, particularly in social situations. To cope, I opted to avoid circumstances that triggered my stress, recognizing this as a limitation on my life and not an effective solution to my issues. Though aware of the need for mental health support, I found the prospect daunting. I understood that finding a provider who resonated with my personality would be crucial for effective support, yet the trial-and-error process seemed time-consuming and costly.
Fortunately, I had a conversation with a friend who was seeing a mental health specialist. Recognizing the potential fit, my friend arranged an appointment for me with the specialist. This proved instrumental for my progress. The specialist equipped me with tools to manage my anxiety, enabling me to embrace situations I once found daunting. Additionally, the specialist recommended anti-anxiety medication, which I now incorporate into my talk therapy sessions.
Presently, my mental health is thriving, and I take pride in the steps I've taken and the hard work I've invested to reach this point. Accessing mental health support was relatively straightforward for me after my friend's intervention. With insurance covering part of my sessions and the means to afford the rest, I continue to receive the necessary assistance. Supported by a circle of friends who understand my struggles and endorse my journey, I initially faced challenges in gaining my parents' comprehension. However, witnessing my newfound happiness has led them to become supportive.
For me, the primary obstacle to accessing mental health support lay in finding a provider who grasped my concerns and with whom I could connect. Yet, I acknowledge my privilege in being able to afford specialized care and having friends who appreciate its significance. I recognize that many Canadians may not share the same advantages.
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.