I've experienced the anguish of being a 19-year-old pleading for help in the emergency room, only to be sent home despite confessing my darkest thoughts and hallucinations. At 24, I faced the callousness of an emergency room doctor's response after a traumatizing incident: "What are you going to do about it?" For nearly a decade, I endured endless waitlists for psychiatric help and multiple rejections from the ER after multiple attempts to end my life. Just six counseling sessions were offered through the provincial mental health system, leaving my problems unresolved.

But in 2023, my journey took a miraculous turn. Finally, my mental health concerns were taken seriously with great advocacy. I secured rare funding for treatment and embarked on a year-long journey of psychotherapy that transformed my life. Through advocacy from my former partner, I gained admission to a psychiatric facility, then they finally diagnosed me with PTSD and provided specialized therapy. Without this advocacy, the possibility of receiving help or finding healing would have been impossible. 

Accelerated Resolution Therapy, followed by psychotherapy and ketamine therapy, catalyzed a profound shift. From a place of depression, anxiety, and substance use, I emerged into a life filled with self-love and purpose. I went from merely surviving to thriving, embarking on a dream of cycling across Canada.

Now, I envision a transition in the way the system(s) treat people. Too often, individuals are dismissed and left without the care they need, mirroring the way I was once treated. But I want to shift that narrative. I want each provincial mental health system to provide the same level of care and attention that transformed my life. Imagine what people could accomplish if they were met with compassion and support from the system.

I'm Jade Dulle, a 28-year-old from Saskatchewan. Having experienced firsthand the deficiencies of our mental health system and drawing from my background as a former social worker within it, I'm dedicated to addressing this systemic challenge with a proactive and uplifting approach that speaks to the hearts of every Canadian.

Beginning on May 6th, I'll embark on a transformative journey, pedaling my bicycle from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, carrying this petition across Canada. My aim is to gather signatures and advocate for enhanced mental health outcomes nationwide.

Upon reaching Ottawa, I'll proudly present this petition to the House of Commons, accompanied by thousands of signatures. Together, we'll demonstrate the urgent need for significant reforms in all provincial mental health systems to address the pervasive mental health crisis in our country.

While mental health care is a provincial responsibility, it's clear that the crisis transcends provincial boundaries. That's why I advocate that the Federal Government enacts a comprehensive Mental Health Act and establish a universal mental healthcare system that ensures access to high-quality care for every Canadian. From medications and psychotherapy to specialized treatments and expanded mental health facilities, every individual deserves the opportunity to receive effective and compassionate care.

Let's join forces and sign this petition to ignite a revolution in our mental health system. Together, we can pave the way for healing and well-being across our nation. ♥️