Canadian Mental Health Association

Canadian Mental Health Association


Susan was a 50 year old woman who had a life long history of mental illness, primarily depression.  She experienced great difficulty in finding and keeping a job due to the nature of her illness.  As a result of not working for many years, her financial condition deteriorated and she was required to apply for social assistance.  At the time of the first contact with CMHA, she was living with a friend for only a few days and had no money for food, accommodation, travel or medications.  Because she also suffered from paranoia, she was suspect of government and very anxious with the whole process of applying for “handouts” as she described help.  Prior to her illness, she was a capable professional and lost not only her financial and social supports, but her family and her own self esteem as the illness progressed.  She felt and was very alone.

Through contact with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Advocacy Program, we were able to attend all government meetings and support her through the process.  Through our many resources, we managed to find affordable housing, food and much needed winter clothing. She was connected to adequate mental health resources and received her medication.  Today, she is working part time, with the support and regular follow up of our programs.  Susan is only one of close to one hundred people helped by this program with many life threatening issues.  The United Way’s continuing support over the past several decades ensures its success.  Jean McBrine, Executive Director