Sharing stories
Public forum creates open discussion about mental-health care
A recent public forum in Summerside drew members of all political parties into an open discussion about mental health care issues facing Islanders.
Jolene Wedge hopes sharing her story will encourage others to follow suit.
“If nothing else, I just want other women to know that it is OK for them to come forward and talk about what they are going through. It’s OK to go to a doctor for help or to report an assault. I just want them to know that help is out there and there are others who want to help them,” she said following a recent public forum that brought members of all four political parties and community members together to talk about the issues facing Island mothers when they attempt to access mental-health care.
During the forum, Wedge shared that she had been molested
by five family members and assaulted by three of her partners.
“We’ve come a long way in 10 years. But people still don’t talk about it. There is a stigma surrounding assault and mental health on P.E.I., but I’m so ready to do something about it.
“I was so nervous to talk tonight I almost didn’t come, but as soon as I heard other people share their stories I knew I could do it.”
Wedge says she feels better now that her story has become part of an attempt to fix the problems facing Island health care.
“I’m still a little skeptical. But I feel good. Now one of the next 10 women assaulted on P.E.I. might feel like they can share their story.
“I hope that enough voices won’t fall on deaf ears.”
The forum was organized by local advocacy group, Island Mothers Helping Mothers, that was founded by Emily Heaney and Sarah StewartClarke three years ago.
“I was 18 years old, five months pregnant and I had just left an abusive relationship. I was doing everything on my own and working through school,” explained Heaney. “I had no idea what I needed to take care of a baby. So one day I posted on a social group asking members for suggestions. That’s where I met Sarah. She reached out to me and said she had coupons for me, and then she went and provided me with all sorts of items I didn’t know I needed.”
Not long after, Heaney returned the favour to another young mother, donating her son’s early sleepers to the girl.
“I never really realized how many others actually felt alone.”
Over time Heaney and Stewart-Clarke continued to give to other mothers on the Island and formed the Island Mothers group, which now has about 4,100 members. “Island mothers deserve a lot better than me and Emily. We’re the ones they usually talk to after they attempt to access mental health care or other services, and their requests make them feel discouraged. That’s why we’re here tonight,” said StewartClarke.
“There are a lot of people who feel isolated and alone on P.E.I. and that we’ve lost that sense of community. We need a village behind us.