TikTok user Ally Towns revealed “what it’s like to have a mental health crisis in Canada.” Images via TikTok//@http.mope.
Content Warning: This article discusses the topic of suicide which may be sensitive for some readers.
A Canadian woman is going viral on TikTok for sharing her experience with the healthcare system while dealing with a ‘mental health crisis’.
The three-and-a-half minute upload features photos and videos of TikTok user Ally Towns (@http.mope) as she details her ordeal and walks her audience through her story.
“Let’s talk about what it’s like to have a mental health crisis in Canada,” she began.
Towns shared that she first arrived at the hospital with a mental health crisis and was allegedly sent to the emergency room before being put into triage.
“If you’ve ever been in triage, you know it’s hell,” Towns began. “I was there for four hours until they moved me to another room for two hours.”
After triage, Towns said she was then transported to multiple different locations in the hospital, speaking to a team of doctors and psychiatrists. Despite the circumstances, she was told that she would have to wait 1 to 2 days before being sent to a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).
“It was worth it because I knew if I went home, I wouldn’t survive,” she admitted.
Towns then explained that after three days she was finally met by two paramedics who would transport her to CSU where she would stay.
“At this point, I’m completely traumatized,” Towns said. “I’m skittish.”
Allied Cities (Photo via @http.mope TikTok)
Towns said that in CSU, he had access to snacks and meals, was allowed to shower, and had “privileges to leave the unit to go for walks.” Cities also received daily therapy sessions to discuss his progress.
“As much as the whole experience sucked, I’m really glad I did,” Towns shared. “I think when you reach a death-threshold point, you have to stand up for yourself.”
After her experience, Towns admitted that while Canada’s healthcare system is free, she feels it is “glaringly broken.”
The story continues
“Canada needs more funding for health care, the hospital was not a place for a sick person,” Towns said. “I had to tell my story to at least 15 different people because there was probably a lack of communication.”
Despite her ordeal, Towns considered herself lucky to be speaking with qualified professionals. She concluded the video with advice for others going through a similar situation:
“Reach out,” Towns said. “Don’t let it get to where I have. If you don’t make time for your sanity, you’ll be forced to make time.”
Allied Cities (Photo via @http.mope TikTok)
Towns story has received over 770,000 views and more than 3,000 comments, where other TikTok users have offered messages of support.
“You just gained a follower. I can’t wait to hear more about your survival story,” said one user.
“[Not] a round of applause for us who listen but a round of applause for you who seek help and tell your story. [Hope] you’re healing,” agreed another.
Others have reviewed their own experiences with Canada’s healthcare system.
“[When] I went to the hospital for a mental health crisis in Ontario, they told me to go home and call 911 when I actually try,” one user said.
“[We] they have no mental health care in Canada. We have crisis assistance and that’s it,” said another.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk about suicide in Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or 45645 (4-12 AM EST).
Free and confidential mental health support is available 24/7 from Wellness Together Canada.
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