Malik
51 years, Male | Rural Manitoba
“Fortunately, I was connected with Manitoba Possible, a nonprofit organization aiding Manitobans with disabilities. During a conversation with a counselor there, I expressed my struggles. Recognizing signs of suicidal ideation, the counselor provided me with a helpline number.”
I faced significant challenges after an accident left me with ongoing physical issues. Unable to work, I lost both my career and home, finding refuge in a toxic living situation with friends. This period was fraught with difficulty, and I found myself grappling with thoughts of suicide.
Recognizing the need for support, I sought help but felt uncertain about where to turn. Fortunately, I was connected with Manitoba Possible, a nonprofit organization aiding Manitobans with disabilities. During a conversation with a counselor there, I expressed my struggles. Recognizing signs of suicidal ideation, the counselor provided me with a helpline number. Grateful for the understanding, I promptly made the call, pulling over into a parking lot soon after our meeting. The person on the other end listened to my feelings and assured me of a follow-up within a week. Though struggling with suicidal thoughts, I wasn't in immediate danger. But, I pondered the fate of those in more dire circumstances. True to their word, I received a callback within four days and secured an appointment with a local mental health professional within a week.
Despite being physically distanced, my small yet supportive network stands by me, offering an ear and bolstering my journey to mental well-being. However, I recognize that not everyone enjoys such support. I lament the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among men, who may feel pressured to uphold notions of strength and masculinity, hindering their willingness to seek help. For me, this stigma, coupled with a lack of awareness about available mental health resources, delayed my own path to assistance.
Presently, my mental health shows signs of improvement. Accessing care through the Manitoba healthcare system allows me to continue seeing my mental health professional as needed. Recently, my primary healthcare provider suggested considering an antidepressant, a decision I am contemplating as part of my mental health regimen. While I acknowledge I'm still on the journey to mental well-being, I take pride in the steps I've taken to progress along that path.
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.