Javier
52 years, Male | Nova Scotia
“While grateful for the therapy I received, I wish I could access more frequent sessions. However, financial constraints prevent me from pursuing this option independently. Despite these limitations, the combination of therapy and medication has significantly improved my mental well-being, and I feel like I am now in a better place mentally.”
My journey towards mental well-being began approximately 15 years ago while living in PEI. I was dealing with chronic physical conditions that took a toll on my mental health, leading to mood changes and difficulty coping with life's challenges. Seeking help, I visited a walk-in mental health clinic in PEI, where I quickly received an appointment with a mental health professional. Unfortunately, the initial diagnosis provided was incorrect, and I only saw the professional a couple of times before relocating to Nova Scotia.
In Nova Scotia, I sought assistance from another professional, but the prescribed medications exacerbated my condition. I decided to take matters into my own hands and stopped medication that seemed unnecessary, but this approach proved ineffective in managing my mental health.
Five years ago, I embarked on the journey to find a new mental health professional, a challenging task that involved a lengthy waiting period. Fortunately, my wife's psychiatrist agreed to take me on, and I managed to skip the long waitlist.
Under the care of this new professional, I received what I believe to be an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication management. Additionally, I engaged in talk therapy with a private therapist, covered by my work benefits program. While grateful for the therapy I received, I wish I could access more frequent sessions. However, financial constraints prevent me from pursuing this option independently. Despite these limitations, the combination of therapy and medication has significantly improved my mental well-being, and I feel like I am now in a better place mentally.
According to me, cost and limited benefits coverage are significant barriers to accessing mental health support. Access is another limitation, particularly for individuals in crisis, considering the inadequacy of emergency rooms in providing effective support. I advocate for better access to quality mental health services for those who truly need them.
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.
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