Viral TikTok shows 'what it's like to have a mental health crisis in Canada'

Content warning: This article discusses the topic of suicide which may be sensitive for some readers.

A Canadian woman is going viral on TikTok for sharing her experience with the healthcare system while dealing with a "mental health crisis."

The three-and-a-half minute long upload features photos and videos of TikTok user Ally Towns (@http.mope) as she details her ordeal and walks her audience through her story.

"Let's talk about what it's like to have a mental health crisis in Canada," she began.

Towns shared that she first arrived at the hospital for a mental health crisis, and allegedly was sent to the emergency room before being put into triage.

"If you've ever been in triage you know that it's hell," started Towns. "I was there for four hours until they moved me to another room for two hours."

Following triage, Towns said that she was then transported to multiple different locations in hospital, speaking with a team of doctors and psychiatrists. Despite the circumstances, she was told that she would need to wait 1 to 2 days before being sent to a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).

"It was worth it because I knew if I went home, I wasn't going to survive," she admitted.

Towns then explained that after three days, she was finally greeted by two paramedics who would be transporting her to the CSU where she would be staying.

"At this point, I am fully traumatized," said Towns. "I am skittish."

Towns said that in the CSU she had access to snacks and meals, was able to take a shower, and had "privileges to leave the unit to go for walks." Towns also received daily therapy sessions to discuss her progress.

"As much as the whole experience sucked I'm really glad I did it," Towns shared. "I think that when you reach a point of death's doorstep, you need to advocate for yourself."

Following her experience, Towns admitted that while Canada's healthcare system is free, she feels it's "blatantly broken."

"Canada needs more funding for healthcare, the hospital was no place for a sick person," stated Towns. "I had to tell a minimum of 15 different people my story because there was probably a lack of communication."

In spite of her ordeal, Towns considered herself lucky to be talking to qualified professionals. She concluded the video with one piece of advice for others going through a similar situation:

"Reach out," said Towns. "Don't let yourself get to the point that I got to. If you don't take time for your mental health, you will be forced to make time."

Towns's story received over 770,000 views and more than 3,000 comments, in which other TikTok users offered messages of support.

"You just earned a follower. Looking forward to hearing more of your survival story," said one user.

"[Not] a round of applause for us listening but a round of applause for you seeking the help and telling your story. [Hope] you're healing," agreed another.

Others rehashed their own experiences with Canada's healthcare system.

"[When] I went to the hospital in a mental health crisis in Ontario they told me to go home and call 911 when I actually attempt," said one user.

"[We] have no mental healthcare in Canada. We have crisis care and that is it," said another.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 p.m. — 12 a.m. EST).

Free and confidential mental health support is available 24/7 from Wellness Together Canada.

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