Sean was twelve when he looked at his mother and said, “Mom, there’s something wrong with me.”
Lucy’s story begins like many others—a mother and son, facing a frightening, unknown illness together. Sean was twelve when he looked at his mother and said, “Mom, there’s something wrong with me.” It was a simple statement, yet it shook Lucy to the core. She was determined to find answers and help her son, no matter how difficult it would be.
Today, we’re asking you to support moms and dads like Lucy trying to pave a better way for their children. Your donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Saskatoon Branch will provide much needed resources to those struggling as a parent in our community.
Lucy faced years of heartbreak and hardship as she tried to help Sean through his illness. Diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Sean began showing symptoms that made daily life a struggle. For Lucy, it was hard to know what normal teenage behavior was and what was cause for concern.
When Sean finally received his diagnosis, Lucy thought things would get better. But there was no support—no guidance on how to help him, no specialist referrals, and no community to turn to. Lucy watched her son struggle, feeling as though every door was closed to him. Despite his hard work and resilience, Sean found little understanding in school and even less at his jobs.
The diagnosis made it difficult for Sean to experience joy, friendships, and sometimes even the ability to hope. But it never stole Lucy’s love for her son or her determination to help him.
For parents like Lucy, a donation to CMHA Saskatoon means more than just financial support—it means a chance at a better life for their loved one – a life filled with understanding and compassion. Please consider giving today to make that difference.
As Sean grew older, life didn’t get any easier. Lucy was told by others to be “tougher” on Sean, to push him to live on his own. But she witnessed his struggles and knew his pain and worried this would never be possible.
Sean battled paranoia and depression, eventually leading to multiple hospitalizations. Each time he was discharged, he had less strength to keep going. One nurse described Sean’s anguish, saying he seemed “like he was in his own prison.”
In those years, Lucy found herself questioning everything she knew about being a parent. Parents with children affected by a critical mental illness often face harsh judgments. Lucy was told she was “babying” Sean, enabling his behaviours. This lack of understanding added to Lucy’s stress, loneliness, and isolation. She felt every action was judged and she was finding it difficult to stay balanced.
You can be there for Lucy or someone like her! Your gift will provide resources, support, and mental health services for people needing help. Every dollar you give will help make it possible for mothers like Lucy to find the guidance and community they need.
Through the years, Sean found moments of peace and companionship. At a café, he met Nate, a friend who accepted him just as he was. Lucy watched her son find solace in this friendship, grateful for any glimmer of hope. But when Nate passed away, Sean fell back into a depression, leaving Lucy once again to pick up the pieces.
Sean never failed to be kind, respectful, and loving, traits that his illness couldn’t erase.
Lucy knew Sean was always hoping to spend every minute with her, but was appreciative of the time she gave, never making her feel guilty for not giving more. Sean never failed to be kind, respectful, and loving, traits that his illness couldn’t erase. Sean passed away on September 22, 2023, due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Lucy holds onto the memory of her son as both fragile and fiercely brave, knowing he fought every day against unimaginable odds.
Lucy’s advocacy for Sean didn’t end with her son’s passing—it has gone on to change our community. Programs like the short-stay unit at Royal University Hospital and the “Coming Home” Supported Independent Housing Program at CMHA Saskatoon exist today because of Lucy, and people like her, who share their experiences and challenge those with power to build a better future for others.
As you reflect on Lucy and Sean’s story, you can make a difference for families like theirs today. Your donation can support programs like the “Families Matter Support Group” – a strength-based, family-centered initiative that empowers, builds capacity, promotes resilience and reduces the need for crisis interventions. You can help parents find the support and resources they need.
Your generous gift will help us reach those who feel isolated and overwhelmed, offering the compassion and care they need.
Thank you for taking the time to read Lucy’s story. By giving to CMHA Saskatoon, you help ensure that no parent or child faces these battles alone. Together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for those affected by mental illness.