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Today, Peyton describes herself as a happy, bubbly and talkative young woman, but when she experienced the depths of depression and bipolar disorder for the first time, she found herself in a dark place that put her life at risk. Peyton credits the free programs offered by CMHA York & South Simcoe for helping her take the first steps towards better mental health, as well as develop the tools and understanding to proactively care for her mental well-being. |
“Right now, if people see me, I’m happy, bubbly and talkative. But people don’t see the battles I fought to get here. When I was in the depths of depression, it was like living in a world without colour. I slept all day. I would go from my bed to the couch and fall asleep again because it was just too painful to be awake.”
Peyton has experienced anxiety since she was a young child, but it wasn’t until her late teens that she began experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression. She recalls not feeling herself and not experiencing joy in situations where she usually would.
“On an outing that was supposed to be enjoyable, all I could think about was how much I didn’t want to be there. It felt like I was walking through a fog, disconnected from everything and everyone around me. It was one of the most terrible feelings – I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” she recalled.
Peyton’s mom, aware of the risks and desperate to save her daughter, reached out to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s York and South Simcoe branch. Their programs provided Peyton with the human connection she needed, and hearing other people share their stories gave her the strength to face her own.
Programs like the Support for Depression Group and Rapid Access Psychiatry (RAP) allowed Peyton to work with trusted mental health professionals, identify her triggers and create emergency plans.
“I used to be in denial and embarrassed about my bipolar and depression. But after taking part in these programs, I began to accept and understand my diagnosis. This was the first step in my recovery,” she shared.
Peyton now knows how vital her mental health is to her overall well-being. She’s on a mission to help others who are struggling because she knows the reality of struggling with suicidal thoughts. When asked what advice she would give to those who are struggling, she said:
“Talk about the feelings you’re having. I know it’s hard, but trusted professionals at CMHA are there to help you – free of cost. They’ve helped me in so many ways – the programs gave me my life back.”
Funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge Canada will help CMHA deliver more programs and help more people like Peyton.
Donate to CMHA York & South Simcoe here or your local branch here.
It's not too late to push for better mental health. Click here to take part in The Push-Up Challenge from February 11-28, 2025.
