Victoria,

I really do not know how to begin. My son's father and I started a relationship 11 years ago, 2 years after my son was born we moved back to his country. 8 months later we separated. I moved back to Calgary and he stayed in his country for 2 and a half years.

During this period of time I found out that he had been missing for about 7 days, wandering about. He was throwing himself at cars, breaking mirrors from vehicles, throwing rocks at cars, and he would be constantly taking about the bible and God. His brother had to chain him so he would not get out of the house. They looked for ways to help him and get him into a treatment. He apparently got better.

When he came back to Calgary and we got back together he never acted this way with me. We have recently come back from holidays from his country. 3 days after we arrived there, he started to behave differently. He was constantly laughing by himself, picking up garbage from the streets and writing a lot of nonsense in his notebook. He does not sleep well and it is very hard for me to make him eat. He says he hears voices talking to him and that he is in a fight with God.

I am very worried about him. All of this is new for me and I do know which way to go. He has no health care and I have no money to take him to a psychiatrist.

Please if you know of any organization that would subsidize me, and help me find him help. Could you please send me this info? This situation is affecting my son and me very much.

Thank you the time you have taking in reading my e-mail

Hi,

Hang in there. It can be doubly difficult helping a loved one who is dealing with a mental illness who is also new to the country. It sounds like your husband is not just visiting Canada, but living here. If that's the case you have more options.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website Health Services Fact Sheet states "Medicare (Canada's public medical services) is available to all permanent residents and Canadian citizens". Some people who are in Canada temporarily are even eligible.

That means appointments with psychiatrists or other medical doctors are free to you and your family. You do not need to pay for the meetings or extended health care to be eligible. There may be a small monthly fee for the health insurance in some provinces.

Your husband should apply for a health insurance card as soon as possible, if he hasn't done so yet. You need to contact the Ministry of Health where you live or get the application from any doctor's office.

"There are many agencies that provide services designed for newcomers to Canada... your local immigrant-serving organization should be your first point of contact" states CIC. This following link lists such agencies organized by province that can help you find medical coverage and refer you to the right places: Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Finding Help in Your Community

I'm not a health professional, so I can't offer a diagnosis, but if your husband's behavior is worsening and he's hearing voices and you're very worried - take him to the nearest emergency immediately. Although this isn't the ideal solution, it may be the best place to get a diagnosis and to help him get well. He may be admitted to the psychiatric for a period of time for assessment.

An alternative is to make an appointment with your family doctor. Go with your husband; tell the doctor what symptoms and behaviors you've noticed and how long it's been happening and how it's interfered with daily living. The more details you provide your GP, the better. Write a list as you did in the letter to me to read from to make sure you give the doctor all the information. Your doctor should offer some treatment options. Also ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, if he doesn't give you one. The wait lists are usually long, but they're worth being on.

Two other choices: your area should have mental health teams for people who do not have extended health insurance. Contact your local hospital or call OBAD for the phone numbers.

In British Columbia we have Early Psychosis Intervention Programs (EPI). Check with your doctor or with OBAD for programs in your area or check the BC website for possibilities.

If your husband doesn't have or can't get a health card - I would still go to your nearest hospital. Your husband needs support and care. Be persistent.

These situations are stressful and will take time to work out. You need to remain as healthy as you can. OBAD runs excellent supports groups as do the Mood Disorders Associations and some Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branches. Calling these groups will help you find other solutions.

All the best, Victoria