G, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, opened up about her academic journey, poignantly sharing her struggles with anxiety and depression throughout her studies. She spoke candidly about the challenges of adapting to the Canadian education system after attending an international school, as well as the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her health. Through the University’s Health and Wellness Centre, G was connected with Jess, a case worker with LOFT.
This is G’s story of struggle, survival, and transformation.
My name is G. I moved from Guangzhou, China, to study commerce at the University of Toronto in Canada. I moved here alone, without family. I had no idea how much the change would impact me. I arrived in Canada just before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold worldwide. Already feeling isolated in a new country alone, I was unable to attend classes or build a social network.
At home, I was an exceptional student. I had the same expectations of myself when I moved to Canada. But I struggled so much. I was barely making it through my courses, which had an enormous impact on my self-confidence and affected my mental health. There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed. I was overwhelmed and depressed. There were times when I was so low that I considered suicide. In 2023, I was very suicidal. I went to the Health and Wellness Centre at the school (UofT), where I was connected with a psychotherapist. After several psychotherapy sessions, he referred me to LOFT’s Transitional Aged Youth program.
At LOFT, I met Jess, my first case manager, and received the daily support and assistance I needed. Jess worked with me to discover techniques for managing my anxiety and stress. She empowered me to write and draw as ways to start unloading and understanding all the feelings I was experiencing. I was only able to see the psychotherapist at Health and Wellness for a limited number of sessions, but I could see Jess as often as I needed her support. She helped me plan my week and tasks to make them less overwhelming, which helped me begin completing my coursework, attending classes, and seeking help from my college academic advisor. Also, I am very grateful for her hands-on support in initiating tasks and staying focused. She patiently sat beside me, read materials together, and drafted emails to professors and teammates to ask for help. She celebrated every small progress I made, and I learned how important it was to break down tasks into manageable steps.
Over time, I took small steps towards recovery. However, I still experienced severe anxiety from time to time and was unable to leave my bed at times due to perfectionist tendencies and overwhelming pressure. The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)* sessions at LOFT were really helpful too. Being able to learn from and connect with peers struggling with similar issues helped me see that I was not alone. I hope DBT continues for others to benefit from it.
Click to learn more about LOFT TAY’s DBT services.
Harsema took over for Jess as my second case manager and played a huge role in helping me finish my degree. She actively assisted in communicating with my professors and the University’s Accessibility Advisors to arrange for accommodations and extensions based on her observations. Where Jess taught me how to survive, Harsema gave me wise, realistic suggestions to progress. She consistently recognized my moments of self-doubt and helped me understand their underlying causes. She emphasized proper prioritization and was always able to identify my strengths and believe in my potential. Without her guidance, I probably wouldn’t have passed and graduated.
I recently graduated from the University. I am so happy that my coursework is done! It took me longer than I thought it would and was harder than I expected. My family hopes I will move back to Guangzhou, but I am sad to leave. I have made friends and have a really supportive boyfriend.
I am genuinely grateful to LOFT, the TAY program, Jess, and Harsema for helping me get through what was the darkest time of my life. Having a support system and someone to do activities with was truly helpful in navigating through the most challenging aspects of my depression and anxiety. There are a lot of people who are experiencing what I went through – that isolation and deep desperation. I hope they can find the support I did. I am not sure where I would be today without LOFT.
Throughout our work together, G demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance, especially facing obstacles. She managed an intense academic path while handling educational and mental health challenges, staying focused and motivated. I deeply admire her strength, dedication, and curiosity, which will continue to support her growth.”
– Harsema, G’s TAY Case Manager.
*Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to manage intense emotions, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder by balancing validation (acceptance) with cognitive-behavioural techniques (change). It teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
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