Meet Terry

Growing in self-confidence and self-esteem

Paris, ON — Terry’s life changed suddenly when he began experiencing serious mental health challenges. “I had a normal life with work, family, and kids until suddenly things changed,” he says. “I started not feeling well and was tired all the time. I was unable to work, so I reached out for help and saw a psychiatrist. I was initially diagnosed with depression.”

Terry faced a difficult period in his recovery. “The medication I was prescribed started changing my thinking patterns. I became very sad, lost interest in everything, and even attempted to take my own life. I was unconscious for three days on a respirator and spent eight months in a psychiatric hospital. My family fell apart, and when I was released, I was unable to work and had to rely on ODSP to afford living expenses.”

Finding meaningful employment at The Raw Carrot helped Terry regain stability and independence. “On the road to recovery, properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and on the correct medication, I started to think about my next step. I knew I would not be able to excel in a traditional work environment. Then I found The Raw Carrot, and I was back to work.”

At The Raw Carrot, Terry can provide for himself while working in a supportive environment that understands the challenges of mental illness. “With the money I earn from The Raw Carrot, I can buy better groceries and get fresh fruits and vegetables. I could not do this with just my ODSP cheque,” he says.

For Terry, the job is about more than a paycheck. It gives him purpose, structure, and a path to recovery. “The Raw Carrot gives people like me a hand up instead of just a handout. It’s a workplace where we are supported, understood, and able to contribute in a meaningful way,” he says.

Since joining, Terry has regained confidence and a sense of normality. The job allows him to participate in community life, build relationships, and feel productive again. “Having meaningful work has been crucial to my recovery. It has given me independence, hope, and the ability to thrive again,” he says.

Stories like Terry’s show that when someone receives a hand up through supported work and a place to belong, they thrive. We invite you to get involved to help create more opportunities in even more communities across Canada.