Lexi's Legacy: A Family's Fight for Better Mental Health Access

Background

• Subject: Lexi Daken, a 16-year-old girl.
• Interests: Loved skiing, playing softball, traveling, and joking around.
• Academics: High achiever with ambitions in medicine.
• Family: Noticed changes in her behavior shortly after the pandemic began.

Mental Health Issues

• Symptoms: Borderline personality disorder, depression.
• First Attempt: Lexi attempted suicide in November.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosed after an ER visit to Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton.
• Challenges: Difficulty in obtaining continuous mental health support through New Brunswick’s health system.

Events Leading to Tragedy

• Guidance Counselor's Role: Recommended ER visit when Lexi exhibited severe symptoms.
• Hospital Visit: Lexi went to the hospital for psychiatric help but did not see a psychiatrist due to availability issues.
• Father's Actions: Tried to be with her but was restricted by COVID-19 protocols.
• Outcome: Lexi waited from 1 PM to 8:30 PM and was told a psychiatrist wasn't available.
• Family Communication: Family was informed that a mental health referral would be sent; no follow-up occurred.

Aftermath

• Suicide: Lexi died by suicide on a Wednesday morning.
• Family's Stance: Believes Lexi could have been saved with proper intervention.
• Sister's View: Piper, Lexi’s sister, speaks out to prevent similar tragedies.

Family's Message

• Anger and Advocacy: Family urges for better mental health support systems to prevent future losses.
• Systemic Issues: Highlight problems within New Brunswick's health services for mental health crises.

Health System Response

• Horizon Health Network: Expresses willingness to discuss patient concerns but cites confidentiality limitations.

Related Information

• Mental Health Resources: Emphasis on the need for accessible mental health care across Canada.

Conclusion

• Impact: Lexi's story is a call to action for better mental health care access and support systems in New Brunswick and beyond.