A communications guru shares his story of resilience

Story and photos by Kimberley McNeil.

Scott Ranson knows how to tell a story.

The newly retired communications professional enjoyed 45 years in the industry, one that started at the University of Calgary’s student-run newspaper, The Gauntlet, progressed to writing and producing commercials for a Lethbridge TV station, and evolved to managing communications for the oil and gas sector in Calgary.

“I am very, very lucky to have had such a rich and satisfying career,” Scott says proudly about his vocation.

It may surprise you to learn then that during this time, Scott also accomplished something else: he prevailed over a serious mental health condition.

“It’s important to talk about the subject,” Scott replies after being asked why he decided to share his story. “Health concerns like heart disease and cancer get a lot of attention, mood disorders don’t.”

In his early thirties, some forty years ago, Scott was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“I’m grateful for the health system that caught my mood disorder back then,” Scott affirms. “My doctor recognized the symptoms, offered a diagnosis, and for decades, with a combination of medication, family support, and proactivity, helped me to manage it.”

Unfortunately, and as sometimes happens, the medication Scott was prescribed gradually became less effective until it finally stopped working ten years ago.

“I felt myself dissolving in terms of my ability to live as a person, as a partner, as a dad, as a friend,” Scott explains. “I gradually lost my capability to participate in my own life. I didn’t know how to turn that around.”

Bipolar disorder typically comes in waves of elevated, or manic, states (either happiness, frustration, or a combination of both), and then equal and opposite depressive states. Scott felt more often in both and to a higher degree. Worst of all: he seemed unable to do anything about it.

Serendipitously, Scott’s mother, Jean, had spent her career as a nurse, and not any kind of nurse, but one who worked at Foothills Medical Centre’s psychiatric inpatient unit.

“My mother accepted everyone regardless of their situation. I saw her sad and challenged by the people she nursed who were in distress, and thrilled when one of her patients got better. Her capacity to help was unwavering.”

Scott grew up hearing stories from his mother about how a person’s mental health could improve with a combination of intervention, medication, and direct support. In his family, it was as normal to talk about mental wellness as physical wellness.

“I saw zero judgement whenever I went through challenges,” says Scott. “In fact, I saw the opposite.”

Jean normalized mental illness within his household. She influenced the rest of the family and in turn, built up Scott’s support system.

“I had the advantage of not being hobbled by stigma,” praises Scott. “She neutralized mental illness for us. She made it easier for me to say, ‘I need help, I know I can be helped, and let’s give it a try.’”

So, when Scott’s friends and family started telling him his personality had changed, that he was no longer himself, and that he was becoming harder to be around, Scott listened.

“I noticed myself becoming more pessimistic, more irritable, and less hopeful,” remembers Scott. “I lost the ability to be a good employee and to connect with people as easily as I had before, especially with family and friends.”

Scott’s condition reached a crisis point ten years ago.

His wife, Andrea, recognizing the severity of the situation, took him to Urgent Care Services at the South Calgary Health Centre. It was there that Scott and Andrea learned about the Mood Disorder Program at Foothills Medical Centre.

An outpatient resource, the program provided Scott with a new type of help while also supporting Andrea, his primary advocate. Scott’s doctor was part of the conversation throughout and supported his referral to the program.

“I was put on a waiting list which itself offered huge relief to us,” notes Scott. “The waiting was hard, but I knew things would get better.”

Once he entered the Mood Disorder Program, its team arrested Scott’s downward spiral, offered coaching and comforting advice, and put him on newer and more effective medications. It took time, and trial and error to get the dosage and combination right, but eventually the furrowed waves calmed, and Scott’s mood stabilized. Eventually, he returned to his true self.

“As my capability improved, they gradually transferred my health and wellness back to me,” Scott muses about his healthcare team.

Ultimately, what began with an initial intake assessment with a program psychiatrist culminated in a 9-year relationship with the Mood Disorder Program.

Andrea joined Scott for every single one of his appointments.

“I was held accountable to participate in my own care,” Scott points out, underscoring the healing process is not a passive one.

Scott feels very fortunate to have accessed the Mood Disorder Program. Part of the reason Scott and Andrea are happy to tell their story and donate to Calgary Health Foundation now is because the need for the program has only increased.  

“The healthcare system and its people have caught and lifted up our family,” reflects Scott. “(The program) was certainly life giving, and, we’ll never know, but I also think it was life saving.” 

To those considering donating to things like the Mood Disorders Program through Calgary Health Foundation, Scott encourages them to do it.   

“Give a little or give a lot, it doesn’t matter. You never know when you might need the help and, in the meantime, it will encourage those working in the healthcare system to continue doing their important work.”

And to those like him who are suffering or who are waiting to get into the program, Scott punctuates his story with this sage advice:

“Don’t give up. It may take time, but you can and will get better.”

Are you grateful for the care you’ve received? Say ‘thank you’ with a donation. Give today and make more firsts happen in mental health.