From breaking down to breaking through depression | Sharon's Story

Sharon's triumph over adversity led her on a mission to support others

From the outside, Sharon Roberts seemed to have it all. She was married, had two wonderful sons, and had a successful career as a registered dietician.

Slowly, she began to feel alone in the world, overwhelmed by a deep sense that no one cared for her. She had lost the strength to continue to care about anything or anyone.

One day at work, Sharon dropped to the floor sobbing uncontrollably and curled up into a ball. "Everything was moving too fast, and I felt like I couldn't keep up," she recalls. "I couldn't just wipe away the tears and face the "music" anymore."

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Navigating a difficult childhood

Sharon was born in Guyana, South America. Early in their marriage, her parents purchased a home and a car and had four children. Her father, a mechanic, was proud of these accomplishments. Her mother quit nursing school to take care of them.

Eventually, her family's relationship changed. At a young age, her dad, in the depths of problematic alcohol use, lost his job and, ultimately, his family. Her mom moved from Guyana to Ottawa, leaving her kids behind until she was settled.

Sharon and her siblings lived with her aunts and grandmothers in Guyana for six years. By age 13, she had lived in 10 different places. When she and her siblings finally moved to Ottawa, adjusting to life in Canada, especially to the weather and facing discrimination, was challenging.

"In those days, I was friendly, outgoing and bold. I participated in intramurals and the girls' soccer team in high school. I won Miss Talent for the school pageant for my singing."

However, things began to change the summer after grade 11, starting with her mood. Where she had previously been happy, a deep sadness engulfed her. After school, she returned home, did her chores, and retreated to her room, where her pink teddy bear had become her best friend.

"I lost interest in life. Like many families, my mother and brothers wanted to help me but didn't know about mental illness. They felt just as lost and helpless as I did."

She pushed through, finishing high school and becoming a registered dietitian. She fell in love and got married. Despite those successes, symptoms of depression were underneath it all. It became a struggle to do anything, including getting dressed to go to work each day.

"Then came 'The Breakdown' one day at work,” recalls Sharon. “I dropped to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably in my office."

A windy road to recovery

Sharon will be the first to tell you that the path to better mental health is not straightforward. A personal toolkit, however, can make a big difference amidst the ups and downs. For Sharon, peer support, journaling, and creative expression have been pillars of her recovery.

Sharon's family supported her in getting treatment, which included help from the dedicated doctors and compassionate staff at The Royal, where she now gives back as a peer support worker.

"There were days that I wanted my life to be over; suicidal thoughts consumed my mind. It seemed like the only way out,” says Sharon. “But things got better. Through it all, The Royal was there to give me hope when I couldn't find it for myself."

Not only did Sharon receive expert medical treatment at The Royal, but additional outpatient programs made such a positive difference. For example, the crafts program, a book club, and connections with peers allowed her to express herself creatively and find support on her journey to wellness.

Lisa Murata, a clinical nurse specialist who has dedicated 35 years to The Royal, is one staff member for whom Sharon holds the deepest gratitude.

"Everyone's recovery journey is unique, which is why we offer person-centred, evidence-based programs and services at The Royal. Sharon has drawn on her life experiences to make significant contributions as a compassionate peer supporter, educator, and advocate. Her inspirational journey is ultimately filled with hope," shares Lisa.

Sharing the gift of experience

Today, Sharon is a peer support worker who passionately assists others like herself. She facilitates peer support groups at The Royal and in the community at the Ottawa Church of God.

Drawing from her experiences, she co-created two new peer-led support programs at The Royal for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) women: a journaling group and a wellness drop-in group. In these groups, women come together to check in, share their experiences, and connect with peers.

"After depression tore my life apart, I got the mental health care I needed, and I will be forever grateful for that. I share my story with others to show them that recovery is possible."

Sharon is passionate about personal growth and wellness and welcomes opportunities to support and encourage individuals experiencing mental health challenges and advocate on their behalf whenever the opportunity arises.