Zach Schnitzer was diagnosed with ADHD in the summer of 2022. Instrumental to his mental health recovery has been the ongoing psychiatric care he has received from Health Sciences Centre (HSC) since he was first admitted that year.
“I’ve always had a familial predisposition to anxiety and depression,” Zach explains. After his job changed significantly to something he felt ill-suited for, combined with the stress of a second child, family, and COVID, “I couldn’t cope with the extra demands, I fell apart. I was overwhelmed, anxious, having suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t make decisions, couldn’t sleep.”
In June 2022, Zach was admitted to HSC under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Cesar Rona, whom he still sees as an outpatient. Dr. Rona diagnosed him with ADHD and, alongside the HSC psychiatry team, conducted a comprehensive review of his medications. They prescribed a new antidepressant, an ADHD stimulant and sleep medication.
Zach says the process felt collaborative. “I couldn’t think straight and had a lot of anxiety,” so his wife was included in appointments. “They always explained things, solicited our opinion. That was really helpful.”
After experiencing such excellence in care at HSC, Zach was motivated to support the HSC Foundation, making his first gift to the 2025 Fund-A-Need campaign for new Emergency Department equipment.“
There are so many people in Manitoba struggling with mental health,” he says. “It’s incredibly important to give back. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the care I received.”
We All Need HSC, and HSC Needs You
You can save a life – today. When you purchase your HSC Millionaire Lottery tickets, you’re helping HSC provide the care Manitobans count on – and create new possibilities for patients like Zach.
Because HSC isn’t just a hospital. It’s Manitoba’s hospital.
And while you’re helping transform health care in Manitoba, you’ll have the chance to win millions in prizes!
Win big and give back. Order tickets today!