Arlene Walker, a 69-year-old Scarborough resident and mental health advocate, faced significant challenges and lifelong mental health 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.

Arlene’s path to hope and healing began in 2002, while being the full-time caregiver to her mother, who suffered from dementia and other age-related 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.

Today, Arlene receives support at the Bell Seniors’ Mental Health Clinic located at Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) new Community Mental Health Centre, which makes it easier for patients to seek services and treatment right in the community instead of coming to 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 mental health services tailored specifically for the one in four seniors like Arlene, who will struggle with a mental illness in their lifetime. It provides seniors access to geriatric psychiatrists, social workers, and multiple therapists, all trained to offer integrated and accessible support, and follows a “no wrong door” approach, meaning that individuals are triaged into the appropriate care and support no matter how they enter the health system.

“The exceptional counseling 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.”

From stigma to strength

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

L-R: Dr. Tanya Pinto, SHN Geriatric Psychiatrist; Arlene Walker, SHN Patient Family Advisor and volunteer

“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 understanding and treatment.

“Psychotherapy and psychiatry are like physical therapy or going to the gym,” agreed Dr. Pinto.

“Some people keep their mind healthy and regulated with continued maintenance and work. This works for Arlene, as well as many of my other clients.”

Notably, managing mental health often involves more than just therapy or medication; it requires an approach that considers the interplay between mental and physical health, especially since so many seniors are also taking medications for other ailments. SHN offers psychological consultations to ensure that each client’s needs are addressed in a personalized manner.

Mental health support for Scarborough seniors

Arlene’s story is a testament to the positive impact that compassionate, dedicated care can have on a senior’s life. It underscores the importance of breaking down barriers and stigma associated with mental health, especially among seniors who may feel isolated or underserved.

Seniors and anyone else who may benefit from mental health support can speak with their family doctor to be referred to SHN’s Community Mental Health Centre, where they will be connected to the best possible service for their needs.

Learn more about Arlene’s journey to hope and healing in this CTV News Toronto interview, which followed the opening of the Community Mental Health Centre in June 2024.

Watch Arlene and Dr. Pinto’s interview with CTV News.