For more than 40 years, Hilary Slater of Tiny Township has expressed herself through painting. A retired high school art teacher, and landscape architect, she describes her creative work as essential to her well-being.
“I paint because it’s like breathing,” she said. “If I don’t paint, I start to go off the rails.”
But for eight months last year, her brushes stayed still. After her mother’s cancer diagnosis in the spring and a freak injury that left her unable to eat solid food, Hilary’s world became unrecognizable.
“I was waking up with anxiety. I was going to sleep with anxiety. I was on this roller coaster and then attacking myself because of it.”
Searching for help, Hilary found Waypoint’s Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program, which offers evidence-based mental health care like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It became a turning point.
I learned to recognize that thoughts can be destructive — but they are not necessarily the truth. Catching those thoughts when they’re just minor little whispers, it gradually started to feel like I was turning the corner.
Today, Hilary says she feels “95 per cent better” — and she’s painting again. Her recovery and renewed creativity have inspired her to give back to others finding their way through mental health challenges. Hilary has donated an original landscape painting, “Coulson Swamp,” to the silent auction at An Evening to Shine the Light, Waypoint’s annual gala in support of mental health and addictions research and care.
“The piece was done on location, or en plein air, between here and Orillia,” she said. “The land is actually owned by Margaret Atwood, but she donated it to The Couchiching Conservancy to protect it. That intrigued me — that somebody famous had donated this land.”
Hilary’s generosity doesn’t end there. She recently visited Waypoint as an instructor leading a series of art workshops for adult patients living with mental illness.
“When you’re doing art, you can’t worry,” she said. “I’m really excited to give back and to help other people who are struggling.”
Hilary hopes her story encourages others to reach out for help when they need it.
Have the courage to walk in the door. I was terrified that I had sunk so low, and that’s just ridiculous. But that’s what it felt like. Keeping it secret doesn’t help the individual and it doesn’t help other people — because, if we all admitted our vulnerabilities, we would be a much healthier society.
Join us for An Evening to Shine the Light
Celebrate stories like Hilary’s and support programs that bring hope and healing to our community.
- An Evening to Shine the Light
- Friday, Nov. 21, 4-11 p.m.
- Midland Cultural Centre
Your support helps Waypoint continue to provide life-changing care — and to help more people, like Hilary, rediscover their light.
Waypoint’s Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program offers free, evidence-based mental health care for adults experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and related concerns. The program provides flexible, stepped care options — from self-guided resources to one-on-one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — so people can get the right level of support when they need it. Guided by trained clinicians, OSP helps individuals build coping skills, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and improve overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, individuals learn practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. CBT focuses on developing healthier ways of thinking and responding, empowering people to take an active role in improving their mental well-being.
Presented by TD Bank, the evening promises an unforgettable fusion of music, meaning, and giving back. Guests will enjoy inspiring stories, a gourmet dining experience by Feast Catering & Events, a lively silent auction, and a powerful live performance — all in support of advancing critical mental health and addictions research and care.
Every donation to Waypoint fuels life-changing mental health research, expands access to care, and ensures that no one faces mental illness or addiction alone. Join a growing community of donors dedicated to building a brighter, healthier future for Canadians.