A self-described animal lover and advocate, Naomi Gould (pictured) is incredibly passionate about spending time with her pets including her two-year-old German shepherd and a rescue cat named Cheddar.
The Halifax resident loves nature and is fiercely committed to raising awareness of mental health programs, like Text4Support, that she credits for helping change her life.
Naomi shares that she began receiving her first Text4Support messages following a visit to the QEII’s Emergency Department.
Text4Support was recommended by a psychiatrist as part of Naomi’s ongoing treatment and care. The program sends automated, daily texts to individuals, like Naomi, that can complement the mental health services they’re already accessing and are tailored to help address the recipient’s specific diagnosis.
It quickly became a resource that she looked forward to.
“I would read every single message and I still have them saved and look back through them to this day,” explains Naomi. “At the time, I was in a really dark place and the program was really impactful on me because it was something positive to look forward to every day.”
While she found the daily advice and resources helpful, what was most beneficial to Naomi was feeling like she was “not alone” – especially in between care appointments.
“I know firsthand that it can be hard for loved ones to comfort and help someone who is not in the best place mentally,” says Naomi. “The text messages you receive can help in a way that doesn’t involve talking – they’re there every day and you just read and take from them what you need.”
Text4Support launched in Nova Scotia two years ago as part of a pilot program and research study, initially limiting the number of individuals who could benefit. Thanks, in part, to QEII Foundation donor support and overwhelming response to the program, it has since expanded. It’s now an e-Mental health tool that’s fully integrated within mental health and addictions services across the province.
“I’m so grateful that these texts were available,” says Naomi. “They really helped along with counselling and medication – they definitely changed my life.”
According to Naomi, she’s also grateful to the 540 QEII Foundation donors who helped fund Text4Support – including Canada Life and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia – ensuring the program is available to more patients in need.
“I want to thank the people who donated,” says Naomi. “I don’t know you, but you’ve had such a big impact on my life through these messages.”
As she reflects on what’s ahead, the 24-year-old smiles as she shares what she’s looking forward to this fall: more quality time with her fiancé, enjoying the outdoors with her “fur babies”, and sharing her story to encourage even more Nova Scotians to access Text4Support.
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QEII Foundation donors generously contributed $171,000 to Text4Support as part of the QEII Foundation’s $100-million We Are campaign. Text4Support is a partnership between Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions, the QEII Foundation, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, and Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry.
If you or a loved one needs help now, the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions crisis line is always available at 1 888 429 8167.