Alex had been psychiatrically hospitalized many times and had lost custody of her children due to being “labelled” unfit to parent. Alex was receiving no support from family and friends and was left to deal with life on her own. Alex was connected with CARAH, the CMHA Crisis Program, due to being homeless, not receiving any regular physician care, unable to care for herself and with a hopeless attitude about life. During her stay with CARAH she developed a positive rapport with the staff through supportive counselling and began to change her outlook on life in a short time. Alex was able to secure housing and obtain a family doctor with the support of an outreach case manager. With her newly stable environment and supportive counselling Alex is beginning to get back on the right track and is working to gain visitation rights to her children. Alex shared she has many goals to accomplish such as finding employment and upgrading her education. However by taking each day one at a time, her future is looking brighter with each passing day.

Today John can say he has abstained from alcohol for 2 years and has been able to manage his depression. John reports this is remarkable given that he had struggled for much of his 30 years with both of the diseases. John is grateful for the compassionate support and direction from CMHA. They not only helped him rebuild a solid foundation but gave him the tools to do so, in a respectful and kind manner. John continues to attend support groups and connect with his psychiatrist with success. Today John is proud to report he continues to maintain an apartment, work part time and volunteer with the community.

I say “attempted” because she was found before she completed. She had barely any vitals and was taken to hospital. One week after Kaley’s attempt, her body succumbed to her self-inflicted injuries. She had in fact carried out her suicide plan. In the hospital I held Kaley’s unconscious body. I held her hand and talked to her, told her stories, sang her songs, kissed her, hugged her and prayed she would survive this horrible mistake she had made. I held her hand while she faded away from this world, a memory and feeling that haunts me every day. There are no words to describe the loss of a child. Kaley’s death has left me devastated to say the least. My world had crashed in a way I never imagined possible. I wanted to die myself. If it had not been for my 15 year old daughter Makenzie and other loved ones, I wouldn’t have survived this. I had to keep it together for those who needed me. I must somehow take care of myself so I could take care of them.

I was referred to a family case manager with CMHA. Here is where my healing continued. I was able to talk openly and not feel any judgment. I was offered coping strategies and other resources to assist with my journey. I still have many times where it is difficult to get out of bed but I know I have supports and a place to connect at CMHA.

Emily arrived in Barrie at the age of 18 where she moved 7 times in a year and a half. During this time she tended to isolate in her apartment leaving only to go to school where she was upgrading her courses to start the nursing program at Georgian College. During this stressful time she was admitted to the hospital as her hallucinations were becoming increasingly worrisome. From here she was referred to CMHA Case Management. As a result of another hospitalization and her unstable living arrangements she was accepted into the Homelessness Initiative Program. Emily was ecstatic about receiving her own apartment. Emily is also a regular member of RSVP, enjoying the positive social atmosphere and activities. Emily also has been part of the ACT Team where she feels a sense of full support with coping with her schizophrenia diagnosis. Emily is near completing her RPN with the practicum being her last goal to achieve in the program. From the care and support she has received from the professionals around her she is looking forward to working in a field that will allow her to pay it forward.