It took two months of deliberating before Tiera took the brave step to access services for the first time at Foundry Abbotsford in 2019.
She was at an incredibly low point in her mental health journey when a friend reached out and encouraged her to visit Foundry.
She remembers how scared she felt sitting in the waiting room by herself, anxiously awaiting her first counselling session. Despite her nerves, she found solace in sharing her story and being seen and validated by her service provider who immediately recognized her love for art.
Her counsellor suggested exploring wellness programs where she could connect with other youth and partake in various group activities. Tiera declined numerous times, terrified by the idea of putting herself out there and meeting new people, but her service provider never stopped extending the invitation. When she eventually agreed, she felt reassured to discover there were other young people going through similar experiences of feeling stuck and alone.
Through wellness programs, she had the chance to participate in fun and unique activities such as goat yoga and discovered how meaningful it was to be included. “Not only was I able to get help for my mental health, but I was also able to get help in so many other ways” she says.
Living by herself during COVID-19 left her, and many other youth, feeling isolated and disconnected. Wellness groups were able to adapt services to offer virtual activities such as at-home baking sessions so young people could feel connected, even from a distance.
Through these groups, Tiera was able to connect with Foundry Peer Support workers in a casual, non-clinical setting. She finally felt a sense of community and belonging that was immensely supportive for her mental health.
“Having true friendships with people and making those connections meant the world to me and it really gave me a sense of community,” she says.
The healing aspect of nature
She was so inspired by the work happening at Foundry and the impact it was having on her life that she decided to pursue a volunteer position with Foundry Abbotsford. She became actively involved with Healthy by Nature, a program in partnership with BC Parks, designed to break down barriers and lead youth to connect with and learn about nature through various outdoor activities. She also used this as an opportunity to incorporate her creative passions for photography, painting and sketching.
Her beautiful artwork reflects her personal mental health journey and captures both the challenges she faced at the time as well as the elements that grounded her – such as the rustling of trees in the wind and the intricate details of the leaves.
The healing aspect of nature and sense of community have been integral parts of Tiera’s mental health journey. It has connected her to something bigger. And she has noticed this sense of connectedness in youth as well – taking deep mindful breaths and admiring in awe all that the land has to offer.
Tiera’s exceptional contributions to Foundry Abbotsford did not go unnoticed and she seamlessly transitioned into an employee position where she is currently flourishing as a group facilitator.
She recalls how nerve-racking it was walking through Foundry Abbotsford’s doors for the very first time.
“I came to Foundry so scared, and I was so intimidated because I didn’t know anyone,” she says. “We’re all scared sometimes to make that first step”
Today, she makes a conscious effort to greet every youth with warmth and create a safe inclusive space where young people are not only having fun, but also gaining skills, education and confidence. As well as being empowered to engage in community events and participate in activities on their own.
Culturally informed care is a priority for Tiera and the team at Foundry Abbotsford. Programs are youth-designed and reflect what young people want to see and learn more about.
Upon hearing that South Asian youth wanted to see more cultural representation, they created a session where young people learned how to make chai, facilitated by a South Asian Peer Support Worker.
“Youth need someone to be able to teach them and connect with them and I recognize that. I will humbly sit back and look all the avenues to bring that into the centre” says Tiera.
Tiera is also passionate about connecting with Indigenous youth in the community and has been actively building relationships with local Indigenous agencies. Recently, they were able to partner with an Elder to weave Indigenous ways of knowing and being into group programming through workshops and cultural teachings.
“Some youth have the same experience as me where we don’t really know [our culture] and maybe through residential schools we might never ever know that side, but we can still have teachings and we can still have that sense community… and it doesn’t just apply to our Indigenous youth, it includes everyone” she says.
The power of connection
Tiera shares she never thought she would be where she is today. Reflecting on her journey, she recognizes how impactful relationships and supportive connections were to her mental wellness. Driven by a desire to give back, she has dedicated herself to creating a welcoming community to support other youth in their own journey.
Earlier this year, Tiera was chosen as the well deserving recipient of the Brent Seal Mind vs. Mountain award. She generously donated the funds back to the centre to support youth groups with supplies for activities that may have not previously been accessible to them.
She sends a heartfelt message to other young people hesitating to seek supports for their mental health:
Somehow find a way to go. If you need to bring a friend or comfort item to support you while you wait, just go. Whether it’s attending a group, counseling session or medical appointment, getting through the door is the hardest part, once you get here, you’re safe and in good hands.
This story was originally published on the Foundry website. Foundry began in St. Paul’s Hospital in 2015 and has grown into a network of care for young people across the province. It offers free and confidential health and wellness service for BC youth aged 12-24 to connect with peers, join a group or workshop, or talk to a counsellor. Click here to find the centre closest to you or access services online through Foundry Virtual BC.