Sweaty palms, butterflies in her stomach, breathing fast - too fast. A nine-year-old Paige Chong-King sits paralyzed in her grade four classroom overcome by a full-blown anxiety attack.

Now in her mid-twenties, Paige looks back at that time of her life as a turning point. "I grew up knowing that I was different," she says. "It wasn't until my grade four teacher recommended I get tested for a learning disability that I was diagnosed with non-verbal learning disorder (NLD). And a lot of people with NLD suffer from anxiety."

Paige began seeing a therapist who introduced her to valuable coping skills that would help her manage her anxiety over the next few years. But challenges in high school sent her into a "downward spiral" she says, which continued into college and included substance abuse.

Finally, a referral to a psychiatrist gave Paige a more accurate and thorough diagnosis of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. "The psychiatrist told me that I should have been diagnosed with these conditions when I was nine," says Paige. "In some ways it was a relief to finally have a proper diagnosis. But then I realized I would have to take meds for the rest of my life to fully function. It's been hard work since I was diagnosed three years ago, but I'm getting there."

Staying Connected

The Family Navigation Project (FNP) at Sunnybrook has played a major role in Paige's journey to wellness. "When I reached out to FNP and met my navigator Michelle, she connected me with a substance abuse counsellor," explains Paige. "She's helped me a lot. The coping mechanisms I learned as a kid are now starting to work again."

In March 2020, Paige reached out to Michelle again to give an update on her progress and to let her know that the trauma therapist she had been connected with wasn't the best fit. Michelle quickly introduced her to a new therapist, an example of FNP's philosophy of "getting in the boat" with their clients.

"Once we are in the boat with youth and families, we will remain there - by their side throughout the care journey," says Sugy Kodeeswaran, executive director of FNP.

Navigating Families to Care

FNP helps navigate families who have a young person (aged 13-26 years) suffering from mental health or addiction issues to the care they need.

Families are partnered with clinically trained health professionals who conduct a thorough assessment of concerns, assess the needs, and provide expert navigation of the health care and social service system. These navigators are knowledgeable about the services that exist, and become allies in guiding families toward the right care at the right time.

Forward Momentum

Today, Paige is grateful for the progress she's made and the support she's received from FNP to get there. "If not for FNP, I would still be burying things. Those things would have built up and eventually collapsed," says Paige, who is looking ahead to a future brimming with plans, including the launch of her very own business. "I'm so much more motivated than I was a year ago. My life has changed for the better."