“Am I normal?”
After two serious thyroid attacks, Laurie’s mental health had changed in ways she did not understand. Even after surgery to remove her thyroid, the anxiety and recurring episodes of psychosis remained.
Laurie struggled with her mental health every day. What was happening and when would she be able to return to “normal” life?
Today, Laurie wants others to know something she wishes she had understood much earlier:
“Mental illness and mental health struggles are normal, but it’s not talked about.”
Your support today helps people find hope before they reach a crisis point.
Laurie tried to handle everything on her own for years. She was raising her daughter, working through enormous stress, and doing everything she could to appear “fine” while privately struggling. She kept pushing though, even when each day felt harder.
“My mind was always telling me what I couldn’t do anymore …
I wasn’t seeing what I could do.”
Your gift today can remind someone that they are heard and not alone.
“I felt like if I got sick, everything would fall apart!”
She worried people would judge her. She feared others would question her intelligence, her abilities, even who she was as a person.
And when she finally began seeking support, help was difficult to find, waitlists were long, and the mental health system was stretched thin.
For the first time, she realized she didn’t have to carry everything alone.
With practical support from CMHA staff, Laurie slowly began to feel confident again. Simple tasks that had become too difficult to do alone were now possible with help.
“CMHA helped me with paperwork when I couldn’t think straight,” she says. “During my time there, I felt like somebody understood me and didn’t write me off.”
Because of donors like you, people can find connection and support when they need it most. Please give today and help someone like Laurie find her way.
“You have to trust people and let them in,” she says. “Once you do, you make beautiful friendships.”
Your generosity helps create these life-changing moments of connection for people who are struggling right now. And your gift today helps someone living with mental illness find support before they reach a breaking point.
There were moments, Laurie says, when she could not imagine facing another day.
“I used to cry that I didn’t want to wake up the next morning,” she shared.
“Now I look forward to another day.”
Your support helped Laurie feel stronger and more independent again.
Today, Laurie says she still faces struggles, but she no longer feels alone. She has friendships, support from CMHA counsellors, and tools that help her live a productive and meaningful life.
Most importantly, she knows now that asking for help is not weakness. And that help is always available at CMHA Saskatoon.
“I thought I could handle it on my own,” she says. “Now I know it’s normal
to reach out and connect with people who can help you. So many people struggle
with mental health issues and anxiety. It can happen to anyone.”
Thank you for helping Laurie feel less alone. Even though it’s never been easier to stay in touch through texts, video calls, and social media, many people across our community are feeling increasingly lonely. This is especially true for people fighting an illness no-one else can see.
Because of you, people like Laurie can find a compassionate and understanding person to witness their journey and share their story with.
Toni Klassen, Executive Director of CMHA Saskatoon
P.S. Right now, someone in our community is struggling silently, wondering if anyone will understand, if help exists, or if things can ever get better. Your gift today helps ensure they do not have to face that journey alone. Please give as generously as you can today!