Therapy gave me the confidence and courage to take big steps in my life
By Jessica Crocker
In 2023, we featured Jessica Crocker in a short film about the GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health program and our partnership with Up With Women, a non-profit organization that provides clients with free virtual therapy through GreenShield Cares. We caught up with Jessica recently to hear more about her mental health journey and learn what’s happened since she started the program.
For many years, I always put myself last. As a caregiver for my three children, I wouldn’t refuel my tank, which inevitably led to burnout. And then my life changed dramatically with the loss of my mother, who was my rock, and with the separation from my husband. Because the world doesn’t stop when we want it to, the daily demands of life continued, and I found myself very anxious, feeling alone and discouraged. So, one day I walked into my local community centre, and they connected me with Up With Women. I was very anxious prior to my first therapy session because I didn’t know what to expect. I chose to have my session over the phone, and I sat in my car. That first day, I just let it all out, and my therapist made me feel so comfortable. There were no expectations. There was no right or wrong — it was whatever I needed it to be, and I just said, ‘This is what’s going on with my life. This is where I’m at.’ It was life-changing having someone listen to me, and for my voice to be heard without me needing to know the answers, and to be able to unload the weight I had been carrying for a very long time.
Personalized support and tools to manage my mental health
Being able to choose my therapist made a huge difference. I’m a spiritual person, so having someone who understood that and who was able to speak my language was important. It meant we could get down to work right away rather than spending all this time trying to facilitate the connection — the connection was already there. And that’s one of the reasons I’ve already had a lot of success in a short time. At the beginning, my therapist gave me the helping hand I needed. Now, it’s about ‘How are we going to empower you to manage these things on your own?’ It’s about providing me with the tools and strategies for daily living. Since starting the program, I have gone through some big challenges, including medical issues with my kids, and a health diagnosis for me. Before, it would have felt like my whole world was crashing down around me. Now, instead of coming from a place of fear and lacking, I’m coming from a place of empowerment, and I’ve been able to navigate these big challenges on my own because of the mental health support I’ve received.
Being the light for others
I have been reflecting a lot on how the GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health program has given me the confidence and courage to take big steps in my life. I want to show my children that it’s never too late to change your career or to further your education.
Currently, I’m working two part-time jobs while also growing my own business. I have the tools to balance my jobs, home life, personal well-being, and nurturing relationships with loved ones while also making a positive impact in my community. I’m creating the life I desire, filled with purpose, intention and passion.
I recently became an empowerment coach and certified happiness trainer. Now, I’m a cheerleader and a light to help others out of darkness, letting them know that they can shine brightly and that they have support behind them, the support that I needed all those years ago.
The business I started a few years ago — a combination of my aesthetic and reiki training — has been given a second chance. I took another big leap and hired a web designer to help me create a website so I can reach more people with my message of hope and inspiration. I am excited and terrified at the same time.
I’m challenging myself more, and I’m learning what I can do when given the opportunity in the right environment with the right support. Could I fail? Possibly. But you know what? I will rise again with more knowledge. My new mindset has me asking: what if I succeed rather than fail? It’s only through courage and action that I will discover what is truly possible.
Women’s mental health matters
As women, we do fall through the cracks. Even though we are more willing to seek help, it can be hard to find that help. When we’re busy doing everything else, we tend to put that aside or we're too exhausted to find those supports. So, they need to be easy to find and accessible.
What I love about virtual therapy is the flexibility. You can do it by phone or video, and it can be done everywhere — I've taken calls in my car, on the road, even in the park.
Therapy has helped me put down the baggage that I’ve been carrying and opened doors to endless possibilities. I couldn’t have imagined this a year ago. Stepping into my community centre, which led me to Up With Women and GreenShield has been life changing for me and for the lives of my children.
I’m so excited for this next chapter and knowing that I’m well supported has made the difference between surviving and thriving. I’m in the season of thriving. Unlimited possibility is the greatest gift I have been given.
Now I’m moving forward, finding out who I am, and healing what needs to be healed so that I can move forward with purpose. - Jessica
Start your journey to better mental health
Talking to someone who understands your unique needs can be extremely helpful on your mental health journey. When you sign up for the GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health program, you’ll receive free culturally sensitive, trauma-informed virtual therapy and a complimentary one-year subscription to internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Digital CBT). Our personalized therapist matching tool prioritizes intersectionality, acknowledging the various factors influencing individuals’ well-being. With 50+ selection options, such as culture, race/ethnicity, language, gender, sexuality, and religion, you can connect with a registered therapist who understands and relates to your identity and lived experience.
Disclaimer
This article contains guidelines or advice not intended to self-diagnose or treat. No content should be used as a substitute for direct advice from a qualified professional such as your doctor or mental health professional. Please reach out for support from a certified professional related to the symptoms you may be experiencing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and requires immediate support, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Alternatively, please call or text 9-8-8. Through the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or call Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566. For residents of Québec, call 1-866 APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).
Please know you are not alone. Support is available.
