A 22-year-old Yellowknife woman who’s open about having contemplated suicide says the stigma of mental illness is still making it difficult for people in the North to seek help.
Jessy-Anne Jimenez is a northern speaker with the N.W.T. Department of Health and Social Services’ Talking About Mental Illness program. It’s a five lesson program designed for schools to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Jimenez found sanctuary in family and friends, and from posting her thoughts on Youtube and Facebook. In her darkest moments she thought of how her mother would react to her death.
“I stopped and really thought about how my mom would feel when she would read that note,” she said.
“I am glad I didn’t go though with it because I wouldn’t have experienced the best days of my life, like having my little boy, graduating, and talking to middle schools.”
Jimenez approached CBC to share her story because she said people in similar situations need to know they’re not alone.
She hopes more public awareness of mental illness can stop negative perceptions, which can stop people from getting help.