The benefits that David Straathof received from counselling at Calgary Counselling Centre inspire him to be open with others about mental health and the importance of seeking help when struggling.supplied
Ever since he received counselling, David Straathof has become a mental health ambassador of sorts among his friends and colleagues. The value he found from the therapy he received from Calgary Counselling Centre (CCC) during the tough days of the pandemic has motivated him to talk about mental health, share his experience and to urge others to not be afraid to seek help when they’re struggling.
Like many Canadians, Mr. Straathof felt knocked off his emotional equilibrium as the pandemic continued. He recognized he had some signs of depression, based on an earlier episode about 10 years before. And then he found himself experiencing something different – anxiety.
“Before the pandemic, I went out a lot with friends and to the gym on a regular basis to help keep myself mentally healthy,” he says. But suddenly, these coping mechanisms were gone. “Going to public places scared me, and I essentially became a recluse. And anxious, spiralling thoughts began to overtake my mind.”
Wanting to take some kind of action, Mr. Straathof sought the advice of his family doctor, who recommended that he have some counselling sessions at CCC. So, he began his journey with counsellor Joel – reluctantly.
“I compare it to being told to eat your vegetables. Is it good for you? Yes. Do you want to do it? Not really! I knew it would take time and considerable work on my part, and it was daunting.”
Early on, Mr. Straathof decided that he wanted do counselling on its own, with no medication. After a couple of sessions, however, he and his family doctor agreed to add medication to help him calm his spiralling thoughts and better focus on Joel’s guidance.
“I felt comfortable with Joel right away, and the trust between us steadily grew,” he says. “And I was able to be honest with him in the early sessions and tell him I wasn’t sure I understood the homework and what he expected me to do. I told him at one point that I didn’t feel the current approach was working but I would keep an open mind.”
That open mind paid off after several more sessions, Mr. Straathof says. “All of a sudden the pieces of the puzzle came together and everything clicked. It was quite amazing. I went from being very leery to trusting the process wholeheartedly.”
Today, in times of stress, Mr. Straathof finds himself drawing upon many of the tools Joel shared with him. Aware that many other men share the reluctance he felt to ask for help, he has been determined to break down barriers with his male friends and others.
“I am open with my story and work to be a model by showing having mental health challenges is nothing to be embarrassed about. I feel so strongly that I have a responsibility to help reduce stigma, and if I can help even one person improve their life, that’s worthwhile.”
Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with Calgary Counselling Centre. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.