Richmond builds Pathways for Hope for those with mental illness

Richmonds C.J. Ellison, 25, sits quietly, eyes downcast and looking rather somber.

Ellison has just got out of the hospital after having attempted suicide his second failed attempt.

Ellison suffers from depression, something that has haunted the intelligent, well-spoken young man since he was at McNeely elementary.

His first severe panic attack, which landed him in BC Childrens Hospital for a month, was in Grade 6.

I became very ill, I couldnt socialize and became extremely problematic at school, said the Cambie secondary graduate. Theres a long history of depression and anxiety on both sides of my family, although my two sisters were lucky and dont suffer from it.

Ellison said his mother and sisters try to understand, but theyll often be heard saying, C.J. just needs a kick in the pants.

If I was in a wheelchair people would make way for me, he said. But you say mental illness and people back away from you or dont want to socialize with you they just dont understands depression.

His first suicide attempt, Ellison drank excessive amounts of moonshine and coupled that with methamphetamines.

I then tried to cut myself, he said quietly. I ended up on the psych ward in Richmond Hospital for a month, heavily medicated.

The only person who really understands and accepts me is Tiffany, he added, as he leaned over to grab her hand.

Tiffany Charles, 27, is his fiancée. They recently moved in together. Charles can relate, because she too suffers from mental illness. Charles was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in January 2010. (Bipolar sufferers experience mood swings from one extreme to the other. These extremes seem to be polar opposites, hence bipolar).

I suspected I might have it but it wasnt until I was breaking up with my ex-fiancé and I was suffering from sleeplessness that I became delusional, said Charles, adding that compounding the issue were financial problems.

For Charles, her bipolar manifested itself to the point that she thought she was an angel that God had sent down and could telepathically convey her thoughts during a job interview.

I thought I was acting normal during the interview but I wasnt being rational at the time you I didnt know that.

What landed her in Lions Gate Hospital was that she was wandering the Downtown Eastside in her bare feet on a cold and wet January day.

I was well-dressed for the interview and I boarded the Sea Bus heading to Vancouver without my shoes, she added. Someone noticed my odd behaviour and called 911.

She was detained until the Vancouver police escorted Charles to Lions Gate.

They initially locked me up in the isolation chamber for 23 hours because I tried to escape, Charles said. I thought I was going to hell and meeting Satan.

I was suffering from a grandiose feeling, when you are manic you are off the charts happy, its like a cocaine high although, Ive never done cocaine.

She was transferred to Richmond Hospital a few weeks later. In total, she spent a month in hospital.

Both Charles and Ellison are educated; however, neither can work in their chosen careers. Charles has her Bachelor of arts and history from the University of B.C.; while Ellison is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School.

Ive thought of going back for my Masters degree but I dont know if I can take it, she said with a nervous laugh. Im afraid that if I dont get my eight hours of sleep that Ill have another episode.

Today, Charles is doing well; shes on the proper medication.

If I dont take the medication Im afraid I might think I could fly and jump off a cliff, she said. But, I hate that the medication makes me nauseous and makes me gain weight.

Both of them decided to tell their stories to the News because they want the public to know how important Pathways Clubhouse has been to them a lifeline they say.

My doctor told me about Pathways and weve been coming at least twice a week since January, said Ellison. When you suffer from depression, its really hard to hold down a job and here at Pathways you can get a really healthy lunch for $2.

Also, they host lots of free events. But more than that, its a safe place to come where nobody judges you and they understand what you are going through.

Both add they feel loved and accepted.

Pathways members and staff even came and visited me in the hospital, added Ellison. Trust me, I dont know why I feel the way I do and I dont want to feel this way and the medication helps but it doesn't fix you.

Charles added: We have made so many friends here. I really love coming to Pathways.

Perhaps Ellison said it best: When you suffer from depression you cant see the sunshine, you cant see or feel joy, its just dark and gloomy. Happy people make you angry.

Meanwhile, two years ago, Pathways celebrated its 25th anniversary. The nonprofit organization, under the umbrella of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), provides a supportive house, temporary employment, public education, and recreational, vocational and volunteering programs.

Pathways has 800 members on its roster; 300 of whom are active members. Each day, 70 to 80 members stop by to take part in a number of programs and services, including holiday events such camp and the Christmas dance.

To keep Pathways Clubhouse running, they are hosting the 6th Annual Pathways for Hope Fundraising Dinner on October 5.

Last year was our best year ever, said Dave MacDonald, Pathways Clubhouse's longtime executive director. We raised more than $25,000.

The 6th Annual Pathways of Hope Fundraising Dinner is on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, 7311 Westminster Hwy. Enjoy dinner, live entertainment, silent auction, and a raffle for two tickets anywhere in the world WestJet flies. For tickets or for more information, call 604-276-8834 extension 31 or email dave.macdonald@cmha.bc.ca. For more information about Pathways Clubhouse and its many programs, call 604-276-8834.