Katie’s trip to Winnipeg this summer took an unexpected turn when she ended up at Victoria Hospital – a visit she says saved her life.
It all started last January, when 64-year-old Katie was still at home in Crofton, British Columbia. For only the second time in her life, she found herself experiencing a manic episode.
“It feels like you start turning down the runway to get to where you’re going to take off,” said Katie. “You start to pick up speed, pick up speed, pick up speed. Once you get to takeoff, you will listen to no one.”
This period lasted until mid-March, after which time Katie experienced a deep depression which lasted three and a half months. Her daughter Danielle repeatedly expressed concern and asked Katie to come stay with her in Winnipeg, which ultimately, she did this summer.
Upon her arrival, Katie experienced a delay in receiving her medication which prompted her to visit Victoria Hospital.
“I’ve been down this road before, and I wanted help,” said Katie. “I was crying; I had a panic attack. I said to my daughter, ‘What do I do?’. We didn’t get the help I needed from my own doctor, which was good, because they wouldn’t have given me the right medications. Coming here saved my life. It saved my life.”
Upon her arrival at the hospital, Katie learned that her existing prescriptions were not ideal for managing her symptoms. An MRI also showed that Katie had experienced a stroke.
Katie credits her caregivers for helping her manage her symptoms.
“My doctors are unbelievable,” said Katie. “I tell them that I love them. They got me through this.”
Katie spent time each day outside in Will & Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail, a unique greenspace on the grounds of Victoria Hospital designed to support mental wellness which opened in 2023 thanks to the generosity of supporters like you.
“Just to be in nature and around the trees, the greenery, the gardens, and the flowers,” said Katie. “Picking a weed and taking care of all of those planters out front. That heals you. That beauty heals you.”
Katie loves gardening and being outdoors, so she felt an instant connection to the space.
“I take my shoes off,” said Katie. “I walk on the grass to give me grounding. I’ll hug a tree. It just renews my energy. This is called Tranquility Trail, but I call it the Healing Garden.”
Katie’s experience has inspired her to help others by writing a book about her journey with the hopes of better preparing those experiencing bipolar disorder for what to expect from a hospital stay. Overall, her experience at Victoria Hospital was a positive one.
“This is a beautiful hospital,” said Katie. “To have people say to you, ‘You are allowed to have input in your care. You are allowed to be treated with dignity.’ means so much.”
