When Clara first reached out for help in 2018, she knew she was struggling but didn’t yet have the words to describe what she was going through. At just 11 years old, she was overwhelmed with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and distress. Navigating the challenges of adolescence was already difficult, but the weight of undiagnosed mental health conditions made it even harder.

Clara first sought help from a therapist at her doctor’s office, but her needs quickly out grew what that therapist could offer. Halfway through her grade eight year, she was referred to Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, part of McMaster Children’s Hospital and home to the largest pediatric mental health program in Canada. There, she would finally receive the specialized care she needed to truly begin her path to healing.

A difficult transition

High school was supposed to be an exciting time, full of new experiences and opportunities. Instead, it became a period of struggle for Clara. She hadn’t had close friends for about a year, making the transition even more difficult. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines and online classes made it nearly impossible to connect with new peers. The loneliness and stress built up, making it hard for Clara to keep up with schoolwork or even attend classes.

By the time she arrived at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Clara had been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. These conditions made everyday life overwhelming, and she needed specialized therapy to manage them. She recalls how OCD, in particular, manifested in her daily life: “Everything felt gross and wrong and just not centered or perfect in the way I wanted it to be.”

Finding the right support

At Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, Clara was also able to get further diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), that helped her better understand how her mind worked and therefore how to work with it.

Clara was paired with Jennifer, a therapist who specializes in OCD. Initially, she worked one-on-one with Jennifer, learning how to navigate the challenges OCD presented in her daily life.

The sessions started virtually due to the pandemic, they eventually transitioned to in-person meetings, which Clara found far more engaging and effective. At first, she struggled with therapy, feeling resistant to the process. “I felt like it was stupid and awful,” she admits. “But over time, I opened myself up to learning.”

As time went on, her care expanded. Jennifer introduced her to a Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) group that included her parents. DBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Participating in therapy as a family was a game-changer. “It was really helpful to do therapy together in that way,” Clara says. As a family, they learned about boundaries and how to communicate better. The family therapy helped Clara and her parents to understand each other and for her parents to support Clara in the way she needed.

Life-changing lessons

Through her time at Ron Joyce, Clara gained invaluable insights that transformed how she viewed herself and the world around her. One of the biggest takeaways was learning that she wasn’t at the center of everything—an idea that might seem small but was incredibly liberating. “People have their own lives,” she explains. “I have to put myself in their shoes and understand where they were coming from, even if I don’t agree.”

Another breakthrough came in learning how to identify and process her emotions. Before therapy, she often struggled to articulate what she was feeling. With support, she learned to recognize and express her emotions in a way that allowed her to manage them effectively.

A family’s journey of understanding

Clara’s parents played a crucial role in her healing. Initially, they weren’t sure how to help. When Clara first asked for support in 2018, they were confused and unsure of the right steps to take. But as they became involved in her therapy, they gained the tools to support her more effectively. “They’ve been my rocks through this whole time,” Clara says.

Their openness to learning and willingness to grow alongside her made all the difference. The family therapy sessions at Ron Joyce provided a safe space for them to strengthen their bond and ability to support one another effectively.

Looking to the future

Now 17, Clara is preparing to transition out of the Child And Youth Mental Health Program as she turns 18. While she will no longer receive care at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, she is working with specialists to ensure a smooth shift into adult mental health services.

Although the past few months have been challenging, Clara is feeling optimistic. “Since the new year, things have really been looking up,” she says. “I feel like I’m really centered and getting better again.”

The impact of donor support

Clara’s journey with McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Child and Youth Mental Health Program would not have been possible without donor support. The programs and specialized care at the hospital and health care centre are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the importance of pediatric mental health care.

“It’s really saved my life,” Clara says. “Everyone there is so thoughtful and really wants to be there and help. I feel like they’ve just been so amazing.”

Every donation to MacKids helps provide life-changing care for young people like Clara. From innovative programs, healing spaces and transformative research, donor contributions ensure that children and teens struggling with mental health challenges have access to the help they need.

A message of hope

For others going through similar struggles, Clara has an important message: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. If you feel like someone has an open heart, talk to them. Ask for help and ask for support. That’s what helped me the most.”

Thanks to Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre and the generosity of donors, Clara found the support she needed to reclaim her life. But there are many more young people who need help. With your support, we can ensure that every child facing mental health challenges has the chance to heal and thrive.

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