Mei
60 years, Female | Manitoba
“A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition that exacerbated my depression and brought back thoughts of suicide. Despite my struggles, I didn't want to burden my loved ones with my pain. I reached out to my family doctor, who prescribed antidepressants and placed me on a waiting list to see a mental health specialist at the local hospital's mental health facility.”
I have been on a journey to improve my mental health for most of my life, battling depression and suicidal thoughts since my teenage years. Over time, I sought help from various therapists and mental health specialists in the different countries I lived in. While many offered assistance and taught me coping mechanisms, I never felt completely "cured" and understand that maintaining my mental health is an ongoing process.
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition that exacerbated my depression and brought back thoughts of suicide. Despite my struggles, I didn't want to burden my loved ones with my pain. I reached out to my family doctor, who prescribed antidepressants and placed me on a waiting list to see a mental health specialist at the local hospital's mental health facility. During the six-month wait, I leaned on the support of my family, reassuring them that they were not to blame if I couldn't hold on. Fortunately, I was able to see the mental health specialist before reaching a breaking point and began GBT (Group-Based Treatment), which I found immensely beneficial. Upon completing the program, I felt I was in a better place emotionally.
After a couple of years, I experienced a recurrence of dark thoughts. When I reached out to my mental health specialist, I was informed about the lengthy 18-month waiting list.
Realizing I couldn't wait that long, I learned about a weekly walk-in session at the facility, where patients could speak with a specialist and receive a list of resources to help them cope. I attended one of these sessions and was directed to my local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
At the CMHA, I was paired with a peer facilitator, someone without formal training but with enough life experience to provide support. I found this arrangement extremely helpful, as it gave me an outside perspective. Additionally, the CMHA offered a Thrive Learning Center with various courses, which I attended regularly for over a year. Through these courses and my interactions with the peer facilitator, I regained a sense of well-being.
Currently, I am feeling good but acknowledge the need to continue working on my mental health. I am grateful for the support I receive from my doctor, the peer facilitator, and my personal support network, recognizing their importance in my journey.
To me, the biggest barrier to accessing mental health support is the lack of government-funded mental health specialists. I believe that if I could afford it, I could easily access the help I need. However, due to unrealistic wait times, I feel that the demand for government-funded support is increasing, yet the resources are not keeping pace.
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.