Andrei
52 years, Male | British Columbia
“Currently, I am grappling with the serious illness of both parents, signaling the onset of another challenging phase. During these times, I seek therapy with a referral from my family doctor and resume medication. However, the process is not without its challenges. Long wait times for therapy appointments and limited coverage for sessions under my benefits package pose significant obstacles.”
My mental health journey began in 2009 during the global financial crisis. Losing my job on Wall Street left me feeling as if my world was crumbling. Like many facing similar challenges, I found myself consumed by dark thoughts. Concerned loved ones, including a friend who had sought help for a similar situation, urged me to seek assistance. Following their advice, I visited my family doctor who referred me to a mental health specialist. Several appointments later, I was prescribed antidepressants, which significantly alleviated my symptoms.
Although doctors recommend lifelong use of antidepressants, I dislike their side effects and prefer to discontinue them once I feel better. I view my mental health as cyclical, anticipating periods of struggle every five years or so. Currently, I am grappling with the serious illness of both parents, signaling the onset of another challenging phase. During these times, I seek therapy with a referral from my family doctor and resume medication. However, the process is not without its challenges.
Long wait times for therapy appointments and limited coverage for sessions under my benefits package pose significant obstacles. Despite recognizing alternative resources like helplines, I am skeptical of their effectiveness and prefer managing my depression independently.
While I receive support from my personal network, I encounter resistance from individuals, particularly those from my cultural background, who reject therapy and medication. I attribute this skepticism to cultural differences, citing family members from my homeland who advocate for mood changes and natural remedies over medication.
For me, the main barriers to accessing mental health support are lengthy wait times and financial constraints.
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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