Compassionate life-saving care

MSH’s compassionate mental health care gave Suzanne a second chance at life.

Mental illness was prevalent in Suzanne Crone’s family growing up — though it was never openly discussed. She managed her own mental health issues through adulthood, until spring of 2024, when she felt a spiralling darkness and hopelessness that overwhelmed her. The profound loneliness was too much, and at age 61, Suzanne no longer wanted to live.

Two days later when Suzanne opened her eyes, in front of her was a photo of her grown children, and in that moment, she chose to live.

A place of safety, hope, and healing

While grateful to be alive, Suzanne knew she needed help desperately and she turned to Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). In the Emergency Department she was met with caregivers who were both kind and empathetic. While waiting to be admitted to the inpatient mental health unit in the Nanji Family Mental Health Services, Suzanne knew she was safe and that she was going to be okay.

Once admitted, she slept for the first two days. The nurses respected her privacy, yet were always there if she needed them.

On the third day, she started participating in group sessions and eating in the dining room with other patients and this, Suzanne says, is when her healing really began. In addition to meeting with her psychiatrist every day, she began spending time building connections with fellow patients. She found much needed nourishment in these relationships within the safety of the mental health unit.

“We walked the halls together. We rooted for each other. We sat in the courtyard, and felt the sun on our faces, and talked about how lucky we were to be here,” says Suzanne.

After a week of compassionate care at MSH, Suzanne felt strong enough to return home.

“I felt like a new person — something big had shifted inside me.” Suzanne says, “The mental health services at MSH were my refuge when I desperately needed one. The team saved my life.”

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A work in progress

Today, Suzanne still sees her psychiatrist at MSH, and considers herself a work in progress. She is thankful for her family, her kids, and this second chance at life. She is also thankful to donors who support recoveries like hers with their generosity.

“I know I have a lot to be grateful for. I’m still here, thanks in large part to the incredible care and life-saving treatment I received at MSH — care you help make possible with your thoughtful support.”

Mental health supports in high demand

Suzanne is not alone in her mental health struggles and journey. The demand for mental health services has risen up to 25 percent in recent years, and the wait times are at a record high — especially among our youth population. She was so happy to hear that MSH plans to build a Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Unit — understanding its importance and impact, having been an inpatient herself last year. Suzanne knows first-hand how important it is to have a safe space for an inpatient’s recovery.

The new unit will ensure that children and youth in the community can access life-saving mental health treatment, close to home. It will provide more people in our community with a special place to heal and receive the care they need during a mental health crisis.

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MSH makes a difference

MSH also cares for many people on an outpatient basis. In the last year alone, MSH had more than 36,000 outpatient visits for mental health services.

“My heart goes out to the many people in our community who are struggling right now. Whether it’s a physical or mental health issue, we all deserve access to MSH’s world-class services, treatment, and care.” Suzanne says.

Today, you can help our hospital to be there when it matters most. Your special gift is all it takes to play a role in a patient’s journey toward health and healing. Give today.