The quiet crisis of mental health care in Nova Scotia – The Coast
Resources in rural areas are overburdened, with a shortage of psychiatrists and waiting times approaching three years.
Sherry Blinkhorn has experienced the effects of mental illness most of her life. From the time she was placed in foster care at age five because her mother and grandmother had severe schizophrenia, she knew of the devastating effects it could have on families and relationships.
By 12, she was absorbing issues of Psychology Today, and now she’s as likely to be giving advice to her neighbours in Pictou County on the challenges of dealing with the mental health system as she is to be selling houses through her brokerage in New Glasgow. She also runs a peer-support group that helps families cope with having a loved one with mental illness.
