Annapolis Valley Senior awarded for outstanding contribution to mental health
Jacqueline Coulsonclements is an 80-year-old resident of the Annapolis Valley who is changing the way people think about mental illness.
She was recently awarded the Let’s Keep Talking award for Outstanding Senior by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, for inspiring and supporting others while living with mental illness.
Jacqueline was diagnosed roughly 30 years ago with Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. She says she’s likely been living with the condition since childhood, but it took decades to get a proper diagnosis.
“As a young mother, I found myself on a ward at the Nova Scotia Hospital and noted one child on the same unit among many troubled adults,” says Jacqueline.
“My instinct as a mom was to reach out and provide nurturing care and protection. At first untouchable, it was not long before I was able to see her smile. It became so apparent how respect and caring can help give life back to souls so hurt and lost due to emotional pain and neglect. I quickly saw how reaching out and helping others also helped me regain my own self-respect.”
As an outstanding elder and leader in her community, Jacqueline has always been willing to talk about her condition with openness and vulnerability. Over the years, she’s been an active member of many community organizations like the Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH), as well as the United Church, where she works on an outreach committee, and formerly with the Mental Health Consumer Participation Committee.
“Jacqueline is an outstanding elder in our community,” says Jacqueline’s friend, Christine-marie Gladu.
“She talks about her condition with openness and allows herself to be vulnerable. She is an active member of community organizations like the United Church outreach committee, where she works with people who live with mental illness. Jacqueline has a way of connecting with them that I find out of the ordinary. She deeply cares for others and is truly a role model, not only for the elderly but for all.”
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex post-traumatic developmental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. It causes frequent periods of dissociation in response to stress creating gaps in memory.
Jacqueline has written an information booklet for patients newly diagnosed with DID and has supported other individuals through their diagnoses. She has also provided peer counseling for people in crisis and facilitated support groups in her area.
Her peers say she has an extraordinary way of connecting with individuals living with mental illness.
“Jacqueline epitomizes what it means to live well with mental illness,” says foundation president and CEO Starr Cunningham. “Not only does she act as a role model, she also supports others in their mental health journey and encourages her fellow community members to take an active role in their health and wellness.”
Those who know Jacqueline say she is an ideal advocate for mental health in Nova Scotia, as well as a role model for everyone. The foundation is proud of the work Jacqueline does to provide hope and eradicate stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.
To learn more about her fellow Let’s Keep Talking award recipients, visit mentalhealthns.ca.
Jill Chappell is the marketing and communications lead of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. She's an award-winning broadcaster, yoga enthusiast, community volunteer and mom to two adventurous twin boys.