Arlene Walker, a 69-year-old Scarborough resident and mental health advocate, faced significant challenges and lifelong struggles before becoming the self-assured and inspirational person she is today. For decades, she navigated the symptoms of her mental health conditions with little understanding or help, often feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn for support.

Her path to hope and healing began in 2002, while being the full-time caregiver to her mother, who suffered from dementia and other health complications.

During this time, Arlene’s mental health symptoms—including anxiety attacks in public, spontaneous crying during work meetings, and self-deprecating ideation—became so severe that she had to leave her beloved career in human resources. This motivated Arlene to finally seek help, and at age 47, she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A Turning Point in Care

‍Today, Arlene receives support at the Bell Seniors’ Mental Health Clinic located at SHN’s new Community Mental Health Centre, which makes it easier for patients to seek treatment in the community instead of at the hospital.

“For a long time, seeking psychiatric support felt intimidating and shameful,” shared Arlene.

“I was worried about how others would perceive me and whether I would be judged as crazy or unstable, because those were the types of misconceptions I heard from my community about mental illness. Thankfully, I now realize that this isn’t the case, and there’s nothing wrong with seeking help, even later in life.”

The Bell Seniors’ Mental Health Clinic, funded by a generous $1-million donation from Bell through SHN Foundation’s Love, Scarborough campaign, provides crucial services tailored specifically for the one in four seniors like Arlene, who will struggle with a mental illness in their lifetime. The clinic offers access to geriatric psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists through a “no wrong door” approach, ensuring patients are triaged into the right support no matter how they enter the health system.

“The exceptional counselling and medications I’ve received over the years, and now through the Bell clinic, have been a tremendous support. They’ve transformed my life,” said Arlene.

“They’ve helped me manage my mental health and made life livable again. I’ve learned that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of—it’s a crucial step towards healing. Something my psychiatrist said, which I love and completely agree with, is that you wouldn’t judge someone for taking medicine for their diabetes. It should be the same for mental illnesses.”

Breaking Stigma for Seniors

‍After being referred to SHN for care, Arlene worked her way to a healthier place with Dr. Tanya Pinto, a Geriatric Psychiatrist at SHN. Feeling better than she had in years, Arlene was inspired to support others. She became a member of the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team, a Patient Family Advisor for SHN’s Mental Health program, and took on volunteer roles geared toward helping people who are seeking mental health support.

“Stories like Arlene’s are actually quite common,” shared Dr. Pinto.
“Many seniors hesitate to seek the help they need due to misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health. And, while everyone’s experiences are unique, loneliness is a huge contributing factor to mental health challenges among seniors.”

Through her advocacy work, Arlene aims to help seniors and their loved ones understand that mental health issues are akin to physical illnesses and deserve the same treatment.

Community Mental Health in Action

Thanks to $6 million in donations, the SHN Community Mental Health Centre opened in June 2024. In its first year, it saw over 25,000 visits. It offers referral-based outpatient care with a “no wrong door” approach. Seniors and anyone else who may benefit can speak with their family doctor to be referred, ensuring they are guided to the right services.

“The counselling, the medication, and the ongoing support have made all the difference,” said Arlene. “Psychotherapy and psychiatry are like physical therapy or going to the gym—tools for keeping your mind strong. I’m proud to share my journey because no one should feel alone.”