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Mental Health and Addictions

Registered Name: UNITED WAY SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND

Business No: 119278224RR0001

Mental Health and Addictions

Andy had just returned home from work when he felt an excruciating pain in his head. Two weeks later, he found himself looking in a hospital mirror, wondering at the long row of stitches in his head. He’d had a brain aneurysm.

Brenda, a teacher and athlete, was driving from Victoria to her home in Salmo when she was involved in a head-on collision. Coming out of a six-day-long coma, she learned she’d had a traumatic brain injury. She didn’t know who she was, where she was, or what happened. She didn’t recognize her husband.

Andy faced many challenges, including poor memory, fatigue, trouble making decisions, poor balance, and anger. Some of these challenges still affect him today.

Brenda had temporary paralysis, lost her vision in her left eye, and had to learn how to walk, dress, and feed herself. Unable to remember names and suffering from petit mal seizures, she couldn’t return to her profession, which she’d once loved dearly.

But both consider themselves lucky.

Over the years, they’ve learned to work with who they are now – with the help of the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS). Both Andy and Brenda say VBIS’ “coping strategies” class helped them learn to recognize problems or challenges early, before they escalate.

Now both are volunteer peer supporters at VBIS, helping others who are struggling.

“All these programs and classes take place in a safe, understanding environment that has been made possible through your generous support of the United Way. It has had a positive effect on my recovery. Thank you very much for all your life-changing donations. It makes all the difference.” – Andy

Witnessing Brenda and Andy together, friends and allies who share much in common as brain injury survivors, is a joyful experience. They’re remarkably selfless, committed to destigmatizing brain injury and providing support to others.

And they’re like family, laughing infectiously at and with each other, eager to poke fun and finish each other’s sentences.

The Victoria Brain Injury Society is really grateful to the United Way. Without your funding, we could not provide these programs to survivors of brain injuries.” – Brenda

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS

Not everyone’s mental health issues are sparked by traumatic injuries, like those that Brenda and Andy suffered.

The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on many people in our community. Locally, one in three residents reports worse or much worse mental health, compared to pre-pandemic. One in five people in BC will be impacted by mental illness in any given year. And up to 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.

Last year, UWSVI supported 21 different programs that provided counselling and support services to 12,812 people in our region.

WHAT YOUR GIFT WILL SUPPORT :

$20/month ($240/year):

Will provide 36 people with personal identification, which is essential for acquiring financial aid benefits, accessing banking services, or seeking employment.

$50/month ($600/year):

Will provide individuals facing trauma and complex life challenges with 24 sessions with a registered clinical counselor.

$100/month ($1,200/year):

Will provide 24 parents and caregivers of children with learning and behavioral difficulties with a two-hour workshop.

Unite with us to ensure those of us with mental health and addictions challenges receive the support we need.