Jason
Male
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I faced tough times. I lost my job in the hospitality industry due to lockdowns, and being a temporary resident, I wasn't sure if I'd get government help. The stress of not knowing how to support myself and being unable to go back to Australia weighed on me.”
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia, but I fell in love with Canada when I took a ski trip there in 2015. So much so that a few years later, I moved there permanently. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I faced tough times. I lost my job in the hospitality industry due to lockdowns, and being a temporary resident, I wasn't sure if I'd get government help. The stress of not knowing how to support myself and being unable to go back to Australia weighed on me.
Turned out, I qualified for CERB (Canda Emergency Response Benefit) support, which gave me a chance to rethink my future. I decided to go back to school, which also became the start of my journey to better mental health.
At my new school's orientation, I was excited about my fresh start. I asked questions and got involved. After one session, a caring professor noticed something and asked if I had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. This surprised me, but I listened when the professor explained why he thought so. I had seen many untreated mental health issues in my family and knew it was important to take action.
I visited my family doctor, who agreed with the diagnosis and prescribed medication. But then, a mental health professional disagreed with the diagnosis and put me on different medication. However, the new medication made me feel worse, and I had to speak up for myself to get back on track with my family doctor's help. I learned that medication alone wasn't enough and started counseling sessions through my school to learn coping strategies.
My friends and family supported me on my journey, and I even inspired some family members to start their own mental health journey. Though I don’t always talk about it, I’m willing to share my experience with those who need it. While I know I still have a long way to go, I feel optimistic about my future.
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.