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Mental Health

Braeden Lightfoot, IWK patient

Braeden Lightfoot

Most of us remember the feeling of graduating from high school and the excitement of thinking about what comes next.

Andrew Leitch, IWK Patient

Andrew Leitch

Can you imagine being so fearful of unknown germs that you became confined to your bed? Sadly, that was the reality for 18-year-old Andrew Leitch.

Aiden MacDonald, IWK Patient

Aiden MacDonald

Aiden MacDonald of Antigonish, Nova Scotia knows the devastating impact of mental illness. Struggling with depression he credits the IWK’s Mental Health team with helping him turn his life around. This is Aiden’s story of strength and courage.

Lauren Whiteway, IWK Patient

Lauren Whiteway

In 2012 when Lauren began high school in her hometown of Moncton, NB, she started to experience symptoms of Selective Mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder that left her unable to speak in specific situations.

Soon, Lauren’s SM progressed to the point where she could only speak at home.

Jacob Gardner, IWK Patient

Jacob Gardner

It was only one year ago that 19-year old Jacob Gardner kept himself locked in his room for fear something bad would happen. A diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder helped him gain back control of his life. Here is his story of bravery and strength.