Jonah
23 years, Male | Vancouver, British Columbia
“With my classes moved online, my mental state deteriorated further. I lost interest in activities I once enjoyed, feeling as though I was merely going through the motions of life. While I never contemplated self-harm, I reached a point where I felt indifferent to my own well-being.”
Since I was young, I sensed that my thoughts and feelings were somewhat different from those around me. Although I tried discussing it with my parents, they struggled to comprehend, dismissing it as a passing phase. As I grew older, my feelings of anxiety and despair intensified. Attempts to confide in others felt futile, as I struggled to articulate my emotions and found others lacked understanding.
Eventually, I visited my family doctor, who recommended consulting a mental health professional. However, the wait for an appointment was lengthy, exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With my classes moved online, my mental state deteriorated further. I lost interest in activities I once enjoyed, feeling as though I was merely going through the motions of life. While I never contemplated self-harm, I reached a point where I felt indifferent to my own well-being.
Concerned by my emotional state, my parents took me to the local hospital's Emergency Department.
This marked my first meaningful interaction with a mental health provider. Under their care, I was prescribed medication and monitored closely for about a week. This experience was transformative for me, as I finally felt understood and validated without having to struggle to express myself.
Following my discharge, I proactively sought ongoing support by seeking out a psychologist. Although the hospital didn't provide referrals, I sought guidance from my school, which directed me to a clinic. Despite limited coverage from my student health insurance, I was determined to prioritize my mental well-being, covering the therapy costs myself.
Today, I am in a significantly better place emotionally. While I continue my medication regimen, I decided to discontinue talk therapy after a year, feeling equipped to manage my thoughts independently. I find solace in the unwavering support of my close friends and family, although they differ in their views on my medication usage.
While I am grateful for the assistance I received, I recognize access as the primary barrier to mental health support. I wish that individuals didn't have to reach such dire circumstances before receiving the help they need.
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.