Our Stories
This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. As we journey through this week we want to use this space and on social media stories and some resources.
Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all its forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma.
– CMHA
Storytelling can provide much needed relief for people who might think that no one understands what they are going through. It helps to hear words and journeys similar to others – to know that we don’t have to go through it alone.
My Story
My name is Rachel Collins and I’m a caregiver for someone struggling with mental health struggles. It’s been about 10 years now that my husband and I have been walking this journey together. It’s been 10 years of medication, hospital stays, ICU visits and crying in the parking lot (that’s a whole other post…). I have been unhappy, happy, sad, relieved, angry, frustrated, and even in financial debt to the point of selling our house and sleeping on my parents couch.
Are we in a better place today? Yes. But that isn’t still without struggles. COVID has been particularly difficult and we twice needed crisis-help during the pandemic. I am extremely proud of my husband who has overcome many struggles and who still struggles, daily. I am proud of myself too! Through it all I went back to school and this spring I’m graduating with my BA in Psychology!
There are days that are still overwhelming and days when I am so proud of us – that we came through these storms. Also, I am grateful – grateful that my husband is here with me, having survived the worst storms.
If you would like share your story, we would love to hear from you. You might be a spouse, parent, friend who loves and cares for someone who struggles. Perhaps you are someone who struggles and wants to share your journey so someone out there knows they aren’t alone. Please reach out let’s get that started.
Email Rachel Collins at rcollins@compasspointbc.com
This week we’ll journey through some helpful resources and other ways that we can share our stories.
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