Promoting Positive Mental Health
Mental Health Week, May 6 to 12, helps to promote the importance of positive mental health and well-being. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) says that in order to thrive, we all need purpose, hope, resilience and belonging.
“When I came to The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre in Hamilton, Ont., I was penniless, slept on sidewalks and in alleyways, struggled with substance abuse and wanted to end my life,” says Jackson, 23. “The Salvation Army treated me like I was someone of value. That was a huge part in me getting better.”
“The Salvation Army treated me like I was someone of value.”
Jackson was sexually abused by his older sister from ages three to 11. On his 11th birthday, he had his first experience with crack cocaine to blur out the humiliation, shame and constant fear of being abused. The drug not only gave him extraordinary confidence but a craving for more.
“I spiralled out of control,” says Jackson. “I drank and, for years, punished myself with hard drugs and suicide attempts.”
When Jackson came to The Salvation Army he’d never been assessed or helped by a medical professional because he had no will to live. At the Booth Centre, he received the medical attention he didn’t even know he needed.
“The doctor helped me define what was wrong, and we tackled the demons that had haunted me for so long,” says Jackson.
“They helped fix the broken parts of me that I didn’t know how to repair.”
Mental health impacts all areas of The Salvation Army’s social-service delivery. Across Canada, we provide mental health supports such as one-on-one counselling, adult day programs, work training and suicide-prevention services.
“At The Salvation Army, I had access to mental health care,” says Jackson. “They helped fix the broken parts of me that I didn’t know how to repair. This gave me the hope I needed to put a foot forward.”
Today, Jackson volunteers with Liberty for Youth, a mentoring program for marginalized and at-risk youth. He also helps out at the Booth Centre’s drop-in program.
“The Salvation Army gave me the will to live.”
“The Salvation Army gave me the will to live,” says Jackson. “They saw the good in me and gave me a new life.”
Everyone deserves to have a full and meaningful life. To support the work of The Salvation Army, visit https://salvationarmy.ca/donations/
