Although Serena had experienced mental health challenges in the past, she was in college when they escalated to critical levels, culminating in burnout and the inability to properly care for herself. Despite being perceived as high-functioning, Serena recalls a point at which increasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and the re-emergence of past trauma led to her ‘completely falling apart’, making it impossible to mask her progressively debilitating symptoms. Incapacitated and facing the risk of homelessness, Serena was lost and didn’t know where to turn.

While Serena’s story is her own, its circumstances are not unique.

Statistics almost guarantee that you or someone you care about will experience a mental health or substance use challenge in their lifetime. One in four Ottawa residents rate their mental and emotional well-being as only ‘fair’ or ‘poor’. In any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences mental health challenges. Approximately the same number have experienced problematic substance use in their lifetime. As a society, we’re all affected.

From housing, to transportation, to medication management, to support groups, to monthly luncheons, and weekly meetings with her case manager, Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support provided the support that Serena needed to survive when times were at their toughest.

Each year, Upstream directly serves over 200 youth, adults, and families through our clinical programs (i.e., Intensive Case Management (ICM), AMANI Mental Health & Substance Use Services for Black Youth (formerly SAPACCY)) and our wellness services (e.g., housing, transportation, luncheons, social opportunities, recreational outings). Combined, these supports offer unique, wraparound care for our clients.

With support from Upstream, Serena now has the resources, skills, and social supports necessary to not only survive but thrive. Today, Serena sits on our Board of Directors, bringing a valuable perspective to each meeting for the ultimate benefit of those who will rely on Upstream in the ways that she did.

Since 1985, Upstream has been a leader in community mental health support, providing clients with the holistic services they need to live the self-guided and fulfilling lives that they deserve. Though ICM and AMANI receive government funding, our essential wellness services rely on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grantors – folks like you.

We invite you to support our clients, individuals like Serena, this Ottawa Race Weekend by racing, fundraising, and donating to our organization. Together, we are changing the lives of individuals, instilling hope in our community, and creating a society that is more just, connected, and well.