Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, particularly for those with complex health needs. This was the case for a young Vancouver man who felt his healthcare needs weren’t being met. Despite receiving treatment for depression and anxiety, he felt he had seen very little progress reflecting his years of effort. He was resigned to the idea that this may be as good as it could get for him.
“My health needs are more complex than average, and I felt the need to constantly advocate for myself and re-educate my healthcare providers at each interaction,” says Keenan of his healthcare prior to joining Harrison.
That all changed when he turned to Harrison.
Uncovering the Missing Piece
From the moment he connected with Harrison, Keenan felt a renewed sense of hope. The team was committed to understanding his unique health needs, offering the involvement and dedication he had been longing for. They re-assessed Keenan’s health needs and treatments with a fresh perspective. The turning point was meeting Amra Dizadrevic, a Nurse Practitioner with a strong interest in mental health. Her dedication helped him uncover a vital piece of the puzzle—a diagnosis of ADHD.
With this new diagnosis, he was able to start a tailored treatment plan that included medication and a referral to a highly compatible therapist. In addition to enhancing his mental health and confidence, he also experienced improvement in some physical health symptoms, which significantly impacted his quality of life. These gains were profound, leading to a transformation in his outlook on life. He describes this period as a time when he felt empowered and in command of his future.
“Before meeting my Harrison team, I had been so used to being told there wasn’t much they could do. So, to go from feeling lost to being seen, heard and getting the right treatment felt like I actually had something ahead of me to look forward to,” adds Keenan.
Highly Personalized Nutrition Support
Beyond the mental health breakthroughs, Keenan also received invaluable support from Registered Dietitian, Gelina Berg, who was exceptionally knowledgeable about managing the appetite changes that can come with new ADHD medications. With a focus on low appetite, she guided him to adopt new habits and how to eat throughout the day using foods he already enjoyed.
“I love soup, so instead of directing me to a standard meal replacement bar or shake, she recommended specific brands of soup that would help me meet my nutritional needs. Every aspect of her recommendations were entirely tailored to me.”
Since he didn’t naturally think of food, yet experienced hunger symptoms without feeling hungry, her advice was crucial. She suggested eating based on a timer or clock during the transition period to ensure he maintained a balanced routine. Her expertise was essential in bridging the gap while he adjusted to the new treatment, bringing harmony to his daily life.
The Power of Inclusivity
Integral to Keenan’s positive experience at Harrison was the sense of safety and acceptance he felt as a queer person. He had often faced hesitations about being fully open with healthcare providers in the past, but at Harrison, he found a level of professionalism and inclusivity that allowed him to be his true self without fear.
“As a queer person, I have always felt entirely at ease with the team at Harrison. I never hesitate to be my authentic self with them,” adds Keenan.
A Healthcare Partnership
Keenan attributes the positive changes in his life over the past year to his team, while his caregivers highlight his strength, perseverance, and dedication as the key factors.
“He thrives because he actively engages in his own care, consistently checking in and following through on recommendations. It’s a true partnership, and his dedication is the key to his success,” says Amra Dizdarevic, Nurse Practitioner and Keenan’s primary care provider through his journey.
Keenan’s story is a testament to the power of personalized care and the importance of feeling seen and supported in a healthcare setting. For him, Harrison was not just a clinic; it was a community that gave him hope and a renewed sense of possibility for the future.
“Life has truly begun, and now I feel in control. So much more is possible, and I can finally give back to those around me who’ve supported me for so long,” adds Keenan.
