Together in the Journey – Client Story

Apr 18, 2024

When your mental health is suffering, it takes a team to help you get through it.

Although I had family & friends who loved and supported me, while I was struggling with my mental health, I still felt alone – because I felt like no one understood or grasped what I was feeling or going through, I did not feel comfortable going to them for help so I would hide my struggles and isolate myself.

It wasn’t until I started reaching out and receiving support through CMHA Waterloo Wellington services that I was no longer walking this journey on my own. I felt safe, and with people who I could trust. Once I had people who understood what I was going through, who refused to give up on me, who encouraged me, who continually lifted me up, who reinforced my self-esteem and who helped me reconnect with hope, I was able to fight and persevere. Sometimes a person suffering with their mental health just needs to have someone to take them by the hand and walk with them through it.

For many years, having an eating disorder, addictions, suicidal ideation, and behaviours, fulfilled a need for me. Having an open mind and willing attitude as well as hearing from peers and participating in therapy helped me to get to a place where I was able to learn what my true needs and values are and work on my recovery.

I had to make a Choice … and it was with CMHA WW staff that I learned it was ok to be scared, because it wasn’t going to be easy. But I needed to decide if I wanted to remain stuck in the same patterns, struggles and behaviours or to take that leap and into what at the time I felt was inconceivably impossible of even working – Recovery. Through this time, I had the love of family and friends. and knew they would also never give up on me.

So, through trust, willingness, and time, I am now able to stand her today and say I did it.

After many years of being scared and feeling like I did not have a voice, I am now a member of the CMHA Waterloo Wellington client council, using my voice to help improve care within the mental health system. It is incredibly rewarding to share my experience of what has worked and what hasn’t, and to be not only heard, but also listened to with love and gratitude and impacting real change. That to me is ‘together in the journey.’ 

To learn more about our Client Council, click here.

Join us on May 11, 2024 for the Shopper’s Run for Women in support of CMHA WW, register here: Run for Women – Run for Women