​​​Photo caption: Thanks in part to Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care’s Rehabilitation Services, Jennifer Beal has been able to overcome the post-traumatic stress disorder she struggled with after leaving the teaching profession.

By: Travis Mealing

For years, Jennifer Beal carried a quiet weight — the crushing pressure of depression and trauma. Today, thanks to Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, she finally understands what true healing means. Jennifer's journey is a testament to recovery, and she's committed to helping others find the strength she once thought she lacked.

“Getting the help I needed through Waypoint was life-changing for me," she said. “I don't know where I'd be without it."

Jennifer began to experience symptoms of depression around the age of 10. Throughout high school and university, the feelings persisted. In her final year of university, a tutoring job for elementary students inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. She completed her Bachelor of Education and began supply teaching in 2010.

After eight years of part-time teaching, Jennifer finally got her own classroom, but it soon became overwhelming and, without adequate support from colleagues or administrators, the stress became unbearable.

“I called in sick and said, 'I can't do it, I just can't do it,'" she said. “And I internalized all of it. I blamed myself so much. I wasn't sleeping. I was having panic attacks. It was devastating to fail so spectacularly."

In 2019, a family doctor referred her to Waypoint Rehabilitation Services, where she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The idea of getting PTSD from dealing with a group of pre-teens seemed ludicrous even to Jennifer at the time, but it was explained to her that it was simply a response to something beyond her capacity to cope, and therefore no cause for shame.

Jennifer rarely left her apartment during this period of her life, but Waypoint's HERO Centre, where Rehab Services is located, became her turning point. She started working with Employment Counsellor Beth McCormick.

“We would walk and talk," Beth recalled. “I'd say to her, 'Are you ready to move forward a little bit? Can we walk a little bit past the corner?' And we did that gradually for a long time."

Beth also helped Jennifer apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program and provided a space free of judgment.

“She's great," said Jennifer. “She didn't have expectations of me or any preconceived ideas about what was going on. We talked about what happened and she was helpful and validating."

Inspired by the Beth's example, Jennifer applied to a university social work program, graduating in 2021. She now works at Wendat Community Programs, a charitable organization serving both seniors with care needs and adults with mental health needs; her clients include those who have been discharged from Waypoint. The work encompasses everything from budgeting help to grocery runs — the kind of grounded, practical support that can make or break someone's recovery journey.

Reflecting on her experience, Jennifer has a clear message for anyone afraid to seek help due to stigma: “It's no different than seeing a doctor if you've got a broken leg. You wouldn't just leave it and say it'll get better on its own. Take that step."