Finding Tranquility Online: How an e-mental health tool is reaching Nova Scotians in need

* Some names have been changed to protect privacy

It was one day after her 23^rd birthday, and *Jenny knew something was different.  She had been struggling with anxiety since junior high, and lately that escalated to panic attacks.  But this day was different.

“I had a breakdown.  I decided it was time to call the Mental Health Association as a friend suggested. A really nice nurse asked me a lot of questions and suggested that Tranquility might be a good fit for me.”

Tranquility is a made-in-Nova Scotia online coaching program for adults experiencing depression and anxiety.  After signing up, participants can log in day or night and get access to self-directed educational modules, interactive tools and a 30-minute weekly appointment with a coach by phone or webcam. It’s free, and now, under the Nova Scotia’s Action for Health plan, it’s been expanded so no referral is needed. 

Lead coach Stephanie Sellars says the program is simple, effective and easy to apply. “You do not need to be at rock bottom to start to learn about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and how they impact each other,” said Sellars.  “Asking for help can be the hardest step.  Once you acknowledge your anxiety and depression, clients have told me that applying a solution is not as scary as they thought it would be.”

Since its launch in March 2022, 956 people have enrolled in the program.  Three quarters are between the ages of 19 and 44. According to anonymous feedback from one coach, Tranquility is reaching people who might not have easy access to mental health support in their community.  “The ones I’ve met with so far are pretty rural and glad to have a service they can access.”

Jenny found the experience made her comfortable.  “If I didn’t want to share something there was no pressure. I liked that there were gradual steps to everything so that we didn’t say let’s jump in and fix this.  We worked on puddles before we jumped into the lake.”

Based on her experience coaching, Sellars said, “Being honest with yourself is difficult, and once you do, you can start to change how you think, feel and behave because you are aware of what is holding you back.”

Jenny wants to share her experience with Tranquility to help others who find themselves in a dark place.  “I want people to know that it’s a good place to start to try and figure out why you might feel the way you feel and how to better help yourself.  Even though taking the steps are scary, in the end you’re going to feel a lot better.  I feel happier now. When my anxiety peaked about three years ago it brought a lot of sadness, so to be able to not cry every day is really nice.”

Tranquility is available 24 hours a day seven days a week at https://tranquility.app/novascotia