Hello my name is Jamie and I never thought I’d make this kind of request. If you or know of someone who can provide some financial support as I navigate life without a family, employment and benefits, it would help me beyond words can ever express.

My own story continues to overwhelm me.

Physically abused by my father starting at the age of 11, I visit my chiropractor every 3 weeks to adjust my neck, my dad’s favourite target. if I do not the migraines that hit me are devastating l.

3 years ago depression took over-I didn’t realize what I was going through exactly, I just knew that I couldn’t properly express myself. I took the wife and stepkids to Paris, then England, and couldn’t enjoy myself. My English family is the best part of my family tree. At the airport getting ready to come home the cousin who had been my ‘best man’ confronted me saying that she had not seen me that entire trip, despite me being there the entire time. That left me devastated. I knew I had been unhappy but I didn’t know how to talk about it.

During the next year I researched different ways to remove myself from this life. I didn’t want to go but I felt that I was in everyone’s way. Logically it made sense to go.

In January 2024 during my annual physical exam my doctor noticed something was wrong. Finally someone asked! She was patient but knew how to get me talking. I detailed my plans and she suggested I take a leave from work which stressed me out to no end. She told me to call if that time ever came to look after myself. 2 weeks later I got ready for work, got into my car but couldn’t start it or open the garage. I went back inside and sat on the couch. I eventually called the dr and a 6 weeks later leave was advised.

Different medications were trialed before finally finding one that seemed to work. My wife knew what the medications were and said she would check in to see how I was feeling. She didn’t. Not once. Instead the family seemed to take it personally that it was hard for me to even get out of bed, let alone ask for help or tell them what was going on. In May of that year we went to our 2nd marriage counselling session as she had asked for that to help her understand why I was ‘off’. Instead of counselling she used that session to get me out of the house so that she could have the locks changed while I was out. 2 years later I can only guess that my mental health issues were too much for her. Since then I haven’t seen her face or heard her voice. I haven’t been able to see my home, dog, cat, or my wonderful step kids.

in September 2025 I was finally in a place where I could return to work. A gradual return to work plan was created that my director rejected wanting me back all or nothing. She didn’t understand mental health either.

On my first full day back at work I was terminated without cause in the first 5 minutes. I was given a small severance that I didn’t have the capacity or energy to fight.

That severance is at an end.

I’n trying to return to work anywhere but even looking at job postings is causing me exhaustion and great anxiety.

I have psychiatric help thanks to Calgary Mental Health but have been on a waiting list for a psychologist for 8 months.

After a year and a half of talking to my psychiatrist I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, major depressive order, anxiety, and ADHD. I take sleep medication to help with my insomnia.

I am still determined to return to work, but for now I need help. It’s really hard for me to admit that, but I do. I need help with being able to afford my medications and afford things such as rent and food. I mean, I can only eat so many Mr. noodles

Please, if you know of anyone who might be able to help, please send this to them.

I do have some light in my life as I am involved with community theatre from time to time. Being on stage has helped me in ways I didn’t expect. (that may be why I was terminated from work without cause because they don’t understand how artistic expression is therapy for mental health disorders.)

If you have read to the end, I really appreciate it. I wanted to give you the facts of how I have reached this point.

thank you, Jamie