Richmond-born XO, Kitty actor returns to BC Children’s Hospital to support mental health awareness

Richmond-born actor Anna Cathcart is speaking about the value of support and understanding for people dealing with mental health challenges. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, Cathcart, known for Netflix’s XO, Kitty and the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before films, shared how BC Children’s Hospital helped her during childhood, when she received treatment for anxiety. She attended R.A. McMath Secondary School.

Cathcart said she went to the hospital for several tests as a child because of physical symptoms. The hospital later connected her with a psychologist who helped her learn tools to manage anxiety, which she still uses. “As a kid I came for several tests for physical symptoms and later I was connected to an incredible psychologist through the hospital who helped me learn about tools I needed to deal with my anxiety at the time, that I still use today,” she said.

Cathcart recently returned to the hospital to tour its oncology unit and the Healthy Minds Centre. She shared her personal connection, spent time with patients and families, and met young people receiving care. She said she wanted to visit because she grew up in Richmond and Vancouver and many people in her life, including herself, had been positively affected by the hospital.

She said the work at BC Children’s carries through many years of people’s lives, and she wanted to see it on site, make new friends and meet some of the inspiring children. She also said she saw joy and love in the rooms and found the people working there incredible, describing it as a special place.

The report said World Mental Health Day falls on Sunday, Oct. 10. The day raises global awareness of mental health issues, works to combat social stigma and rallies support for mental health care.