Changing the Narrative: Peyton’s Path to Hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

The following story details difficult topics including suicide. Please take care while reading. If you’re in crisis, please call 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or 911.  

“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.”   

World Suicide Prevention Day is dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma while providing an understanding community for those with lived or living experience of suicide. To change the narrative around suicide, a former client of CMHA, Peyton, bravely shared her story.  

Peyton has had anxiety since she was a young child. But in her late teenage years, she began dealing with bipolar disorder and depression. She recalls going to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) with her dad: “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.”  

Unfortunately, Peyton’s story is all too common for people across Canada. Since 2019, suicidal ideation rates have increased dramatically. Today alone, 200 people in Canada will attempt suicide. Twelve will lose their lives. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults.  

Peyton’s mom, aware of the risks and desperate to save her daughter from the darkness that had taken hold, reached out to Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe. CMHA programs provided Peyton with the human connection she needed – hearing other people share their stories gave her the strength to face her own.  

Programs like the Support for Depression Group and RAP, allowed Peyton to work with trusted mental health professionals, identify her triggers and create emergency plans. She shares, “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.”  

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. If you’re struggling right now, her advice is, “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.”  

This World Suicide Prevention Day, know that you are not alone. There are people, programs and services that are here to help you.