Article in The Bluffs Monitor
Here is a link to the on-line article…and reproduced below: https://www.bluffsmonitor.com/john-smee-september20/
How to challenge negative thoughts
Again, thanks to TorontoMikeConsumerAdvocate@outlook.com for these!!
List of words to use
Use these lists when you can’t think of the right word to use. Having the “right” word can help you explain to others how you feel…and explain to yourself how your body feels.
Useful Websites
12 pages of important websites for anyone. With thanks to TorontoMikeConsumerAdvocate@outlook.com !!
VIRTUAL Meetings!!
Join us almost every night during the week for FREE, CONFIDENTIAL meetings by video through www.Zoom.us. To join, go to: www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-Peer-Support-Groups/
Shoppers Drug Mart provides free access to mental health program to help Canadians coping with stress
TORONTO, April 1, 2020 /CNW/ – Shoppers Drug Mart is making peace of mind a little more accessible to Canadians as they struggle with increased stress in the face of COVID-19. In partnership with SilverCloud Health, the company has opened a virtual stress management … Continued
Gratitude
Gratitude CAN help you feel better…much better.
COVID-19 makes me catastrophize!
Some techniques to help you deal with catastrophizing!
COVID-19 UPDATE
As of March 19, 2020, the Thursday night Danforth Mental Wellness meetings have been CANCELLED until further notice by the location host to prevent the possible transmission of Covid-19. We have NOT been advised of ANY Covid-19 related issues at … Continued
#BellLetsTalk day
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day…a day to discuss openly, mental wellness issues. And so, for this, I created a short 4 minute video. It discusses ones thoughts. People often have told me to “just think positive thoughts”…which is terribly, … Continued
Workplace Mental Health “Playbook” for Business leaders
Interesting resource! http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/workplace-mental-health-playbook-for-business-leaders
Listing with the Local Health Integration Network
We are thrilled that the Local Health Integration Network has included the Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support Groups as one of their listings! You can find this listing at: https://www.torontocentralhealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=192302 You can access this online at: TorontoCentralHealthLine.ca
Excellent 30 minute CBC radio episode
…Including an interview with one of our group members!! https://www.cbc.ca/radio/docproject/as-nova-scotia-s-suicide-rate-climbs-parents-fight-to-change-systems-that-shut-them-out-1.5288296
Harm Reduction awareness
Posted on behalf of Giffen-Mack funeral home which is sponsoring this harm reduction initiative: —Over the last 3 years we have had the unfortunate task of arranging funerals for 37 people who suffered overdoses. To our discontent, this is still … Continued
Resources at CAMH
Here is a link to the GUIDES and PUBLICATIONS which CAMH offers. Very useful!!
Exercising 3 to 5 times a week brings biggest mental health benefits
A new large-scale U.S. study has found that people who exercise report having 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health a month compared to people who do not exercise. However, working out too much could actually have the opposite effect. … Continued
Vast new study confirms significant health benefits of nature
Most of us know that taking a hike in the woods or a walk in the park makes us feel good. Until I started researching more about the physical health benefits of time spent outdoors, I figured it was just … Continued
What to Do When a Loved One Is Severely Depressed
This was a good article from the New York Times: There are no easy answers for helping someone struggling with depression, especially if you’ve already tried and tried. Here are some tips from experts. By Heather Murphy At a suicide … Continued
Depression is NOT a sign of weakness…
With thanks to “Mike” who cut out this article…. Meditation & Health No 18-Brighter Days Ahead:Dealing With Depression
Drug Rehab
This website appears to be a good resource. Click on the picture below:
17 ‘Small,’ but Significant, Lifestyle Changes That Help People With Anxiety
This was sent to me by a friend. With thanks to “The Mighty”, and here’s a link to the full article. While it’s easy — and understandable — to roll your eyes when someone offers a “miracle cure” … Continued
There’s a DNA test that can determine which antidepressants are right for you
This could revolutionize how you are prescribed medications. Read the full article here at: Global News When it comes to mental illness, medication is often a key component of treatment. But finding the right type and … Continued
Shelter Dog Saves Man’s Life and Inspires Him to Run
It may not be from a Mental Wellness website….but this video spoke to me (a former dog owner….she passed away this past December), about the benefits of a companion animal. How your dog, or cat, or even a hamster, can … Continued
The Bike That Saved My Life
FROM the New York Times – Jan 19, 2018 Two years ago, in January, my husband and I walked into a foreclosed house on a tree-lined street in Bedford-Stuyvesant that no one had lived in for 22 years. “I could … Continued
FREE mental wellness counselling for kids
Tele Mental Health is a referral-based service that provides easy access to psychiatric assessment and consultations for families with infants, children and youth between the ages of 0-18 years ofd across the Greater Toronto Area region.
Is everything you think you know about depression wrong?
In the 1970s, a truth was accidentally discovered about depression – one that was quickly swept aside, because its implications were too inconvenient, and too explosive. American psychiatrists had produced a book that would lay out, in … Continued
“Intervention” for your children
This is an interesting resource for parents concerned about their child’s drinking or drug use. http://www.drugfreeazkids.org/sites/default/files/Intervention_Guide_3.pdf
How to Be Happy
Behavioral scientists have spent a lot of time studying what makes us happy (and what doesn’t). We know happiness can predict health and longevity, and happiness scales can be used to measure social progress and the success of public policies. … Continued
How A Single Message Changed My Life And 10,000 Others
“I am desperate to meet new friends. I’m lonely and going through the hardest period of my life. I’ll sit on the stairs in front of the town hall from 2pm to 8pm. I have black pants and a North … Continued
Some more resources
Talking to Your Kids About Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts Guide Intervention eBook: What to do if your child is drinking or using drugs Co-Occurring Disorders Promoting Mental Health at Home … Continued
McMaster joins in call for new, integrated mental health strategy
McMaster is joining Ontario’s students, colleges and universities in calling on the province to take immediate action on the growing problem of student mental health with an integrated strategy that begins in kindergarten and continues through high school, post-secondary life and … Continued
Lawyers more likely to experience mental health problems the more successful they are: study
New Canadian research suggests lawyers are more likely to experience mental health struggles the more successful they are in their field. The study from the University of Toronto, slated for publication in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, compares … Continued
Mental health problems are forcing thousands in UK out of work – report
About 300,000 people with a long-term mental health problem lose their jobs each year, a review commissioned by Theresa May has found. The Thriving at Work report, published on Thursday, puts the annual cost to the UK economy of poor … Continued
8 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Manage Anxiety at Work
READ THE FULL STORY (and the remaining 4 tips and techniques) HERE. I have an anxiety disorder. I have always had one. My mom says when I was a baby I would freak out for no reason … Continued
Students are not fragile flowers – we must care about their mental health
One in five Canadians – regardless of age, ethnicity or income level – will experience a significant mental-health condition at some point in their lives. Many more will be touched by mental illness through its effect on family, friends and … Continued
150 Difference Makers
The year before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Francis Arevalo was an up-and-coming slam poet and hip-hop artist in Vancouver’s artistic community. He had won the 2014 Student Leadership Conference’s Faces of Today Award and was listed as one of … Continued
‘Sex And Suicide Podcast’ Destroys Mental Illness Stigma In Raw, Uncensored Way
[The audio quality is not the best…but it is interesting listening to 3 people talk freely about what works for them] We have a long way to go before the stigma of talking about mental health is completely gone, especially … Continued
WHY BEING ACTIVE OUTDOORS MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Not so long ago, Anna Pearson woke up at 2:45am, walked 8km up to Cascade Lookout in Manning Park, BC, and watched the sun slowly creep up from behind the mountains, turning the sky shades of gold, rose and powder … Continued
What is Anxiety?
This entire article is republished here. With thanks to Homewood Health. Approximately three million Canadians have an anxiety disorder and approximately one in four will suffer from an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.1 In a recent study of lawyers, … Continued
Hitting the right nerve: the electronic neck implant to treat depression
Steve Collins is a 45-year-old unemployed architect who has been living with severe depression for 15 years. “I’m like a hermit crab hiding under rocks, crouching in dark spaces and only venturing out occasionally; there’s no light, no hope, no … Continued
Is a Life Without Struggle Worth Living?
In the autumn of 1826, the English philosopher John Stuart Mill suffered a nervous breakdown — a “crisis” in his “mental history,” as he called it. Since the age of 15, Mill had been caught firmly under the intellectual spell … Continued
Angst – the Movie
This is the trailer….has anyone seen the film?
Michael Phelps: A Golden Shoulder to Lean On
TEMPE, Ariz. — Nearly a week into their most recent therapeutic reunion, Michael Phelps and Grant Hackett, two giants of Olympic swimming, sat down to breakfast at a packed restaurant and wondered how they would explain themselves to their children … Continued
How to Help Someone who is Suicidal and Save a Life
I don’t normally post an entire article in this blog…..I feel the originator should have people who are interested look at their original content in the original form. However, suicide prevention is SO important, that I am copying this entire, … Continued
30 Songs That Have Helped People With Anxiety and Depression at Night
Here’s a neat post from THE MIGHTY: Nighttime has always been the most difficult for me. The “outside” world often serves as a great distraction from the internal battles I face during the day. But when I get … Continued
Do you know how to play to improve your mental health?
What do you do each day for your mental health? Most of us find it easier to answer this question: What do you do to take care of your physical health? We know the formula for that: move our bodies, … Continued
Saskatoon clothing line aims to inspire those struggling with mental health
A Saskatoon couple are making a business of wearing their hearts on their sleeves, or rather across their chests on a T-shirt. Kim and Scott Dolan, co-founders of Authentic Brave Apparel, say the messages printed on their T-shirts, sweatshirts and tank … Continued
‘Monumental task’: National effort launched to tackle mental health of public safety workers
Working in the public safety sector across Canada is not easy — and is often traumatic. A new research group launched in St. John’s Tuesday to work on a national strategy to support the mental health of the country’s police, paramedics, firefighters, corrections … Continued
Michael Landsberg speaks about his depression and support for Onward by Best Doctors
Listen to what Michael has to say….it’s only 4 minutes… We’re not advocating for the “Best Doctors” that he is promoting….we’re only including this video here as it might offer someone an option for support that they wouldn’t otherwise have. … Continued
Suicide one of leading causes of death in pregnant Ontario women, new moms: study
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among pregnant and recently pregnant women, says a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. “We discovered that women who die by perinatal suicide are more likely to do … Continued
23 ‘Red Flags’ That Might Mean You Have Both Anxiety and Depression
It didn’t take me long to realize I had anxiety. I knew enough about it to identify its symptoms: the racing thoughts, pressure in my chest, pain in my back, panic attacks, plus the fact that anxiety was rampant in my family. … Continued
Depression in Men – What it Looks Like and How to Get Help
Men tend to be less adept at recognizing symptoms of depression than women. A man is more likely to deny his feelings, hide them from himself and others, or try to mask them with other behaviors. And while men may … Continued
Why I Talked to My Son About Depression
I recently had “the talk” with my son. No, not that talk (although I have had that discussion many times with him). I mean the talk about mental illness — and my mental illness to be exact. It went quite … Continued
THE VOICE OF DEPRESSION IS SILENCE
I’m 40 years old, a Prairie guy born and raised. We’re tough out here. We’re a beer drinking, hockey watching, Roughrider loving folk. We’re also about 40 years behind how we deal with folks like me who have both physical … Continued
Marystown teen details struggle with mental health issues
MARYSTOWN, NL — It couldn’t have been easy, but Jimmy Bonnell went public with his personal struggle with mental health issues in a Facebook post on May 9. “I was on Facebook and I seen a lot about mental health … Continued
Student dedicates career to dispelling myths about schizophrenia
When Leonard Reynen was diagnosed with schizophrenia, at age 18, he thought his life was over. The Algonquin College public relations student had seen what the mental illness had meant for the lives of his two uncles. One died by … Continued
Many thanks to the East York Rotary Club!
Many thanks to the East York Rotary club for their financial support of our group. With the money they have contributed, we will use it for advertising so that more people can learn of the FREE mental wellness service that … Continued
Our services are well used!!
Community Centre 55, the community organization which hosts us every week, just finished their Annual General Meeting. Of the 70 activities which use space in the historic building, we are the 20th most attended group! —> clearly there is a … Continued
Toronto musician Simone Schmidt’s new album a meditation on mental health
In 2014, Toronto musician Simone Schmidt began visiting the Archives of Ontario, home to the original case files of Kingston’s Rockwood Asylum for the Criminally Insane. Though the institution has been shuttered for decades, what remains is a decaying relic … Continued
Fighting for Yourself Is Worth It
If I had to describe my depression at its lowest, when I kept how suffocated I was feeling to myself, I would describe it as if I was standing in a circle of my family and friends. It’s dark and their faces … Continued
Faculty of Arts first to adopt Campus Mental Health Strategy
On Feb. 9, the Faculty of Arts became the first faculty on campus to formally adopt the Campus Mental Health Strategy. The unanimous vote in favour of the strategy’s adoption signals an important step toward academic units showing support for the strategy and … Continued
Saskatoon police debut their first mental health strategy
Saskatoon’s police force must continue to fund and find time for employee training as it strengthens its ability to deal with mental health issues in the community and within its own ranks, according to the police superintendent behind its first … Continued
Where to get help when you’re concerned with your mental health
Only one in three Canadians who experience a mental health problem or illness seeks and receives services or treatment. The wrong time to prepare for a crisis is when you’re in it. We need to better equip people to identify a mental health … Continued
Yes, Your Sleep Schedule Is Making You Sick
Clinicians have long known that there is a strong link between sleep, sunlight and mood. Problems sleeping are often a warning sign or a cause of impending depression, and can make people with bipolar disorder manic. Some 15 years ago, … Continued
A lawyer’s secret: Addiction, anxiety and depression
It is a legal-profession secret that is finally seeing the light of day: depression, anxiety and addiction to prescription drugs are a real and urgent problem for lawyers. They are three times more likely to suffer severe depression or addiction … Continued
PTSD turned my husband into a stranger
For 30 years, journalist Curt Petrovich covered the world for CBC radio and television. But “Curt Petrovich, CBC News” has been silent for two years now, on medical leave while he struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by his … Continued
Children’s Mental Health
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is the association representing Ontario’s publicly-funded Child and Youth Mental Health Centres. With the combined strength of our members, we advocate for government investments, policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of children, … Continued
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Toronto fire captain is opening a centre in Rodney to treat first responders with PTSD
Firefighter Kevin Webber remembers the time he responded to a call involving a five-month-old girl without vital signs. Webber, who had a daughter the same age at home, was devastated when attempts to revive the infant failed. He made it … Continued
My friend has a mental illness, how do I help?
At one point or another, there’s a great chance that you will know somebody struggling with a mental illness. Knowing how to help a friend is almost as important as knowing how to help yourself. It can make all the … Continued
Canadian mental health-care advocates urge government for greater funding
One in five Canadians has a mental illness. Getting help is often a long slog and children in particular are left waiting too long for help. That’s why a coalition of national mental health organizations are calling on the Canadian … Continued
Trio works to Break the Silence, End the Stigma and bring awareness to mental illness in Halifax
Cassaundra Henske has been affected by mental illness — in one way or another — for most of her life. People in her life, as well as Cassaundra, have for a long time suffered from depression, and by age 19 … Continued
Mindscapes NB brings together artists hit by mental illness
Fifty artists from across New Brunswick who are bound together by mental illness are displaying the release they find in art in Fredericton. Mindscapes NB The Mindscapes NB show is at the Student Union Building at the University of New … Continued
My aunt died….and I’m glad I was depressed
I’m sorry I haven’t been posting in a while….I’ve had a lot of things going on in my life. One of the more surprising things was that my aunt passed away. It was sudden, but it wasn’t. I … Continued
‘I was struggling’: Campaign highlights men’s depression
More than 840,000 Canadian men are affected by depression each year. Around 11 per cent of men and 16 per cent of Canadian women will experience major depression in the course of their lives, according to Health Canada. It is … Continued
Photography saved my life.
BRYCE’S STORY bryce-profile WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION? Photography saved my life. The biggest turning point was when I began the process of starting to express what I was struggling with (and had been … Continued
Why you need to let employees say ‘No’
Findings from The Globe and Mail/Howatt HR Your Life at Work survey suggest that nearly 60 per cent of employees are stressed going to work each day. A large percentage of employees struggle each day to feel confident to take … Continued
Successful mental health program expanding to more N.B. high schools
An initiative at several New Brunswick high schools is making progress giving students access to mental health care. Much has been made about the lack of resources for mental health, especially for teens, but St. Stephen High is working to … Continued
Canadian researcher paving the way for early intervention of mental illness
Dr. Rudolf Uher sometimes feels disheartened trying to help his adult patients. As a psychiatrist, first in London and now in Halifax, he sees the most serious cases of anxiety, depression or psychosis. By the time patients arrive in his … Continued
Doctors’ Notes: Mental health and college kids
If you’ve just seen your university-aged child off to school, you are probably torn between feelings of pride and dread. It’s an exciting time — they’ve worked hard, got accepted to university, and in many cases, flown the coop. But … Continued
MPs urge Ottawa to help first responders with PTSD
An all-party committee of MPs is urging the federal government to take action on behalf of public safety officers and first responders who develop mental health problems after experiencing traumatic events. In a unanimous report the House of Commons public … Continued
From darkness comes the chance to promote healthy minds
Carrie Fiorillo was speaking at the first Bright Future: Mental Health Recovery Conference because, she told the Star, she wants people to know “there’s a possibility of getting out” and even a happy ending. Carrie Fiorillo overcame a decade … Continued
Do you know how to press the reset button at work?
Each day suggests a new opportunity and a fresh start. Some employees believe this and others do not. Our experience in the workplace can be like Bill Murray’s movie Ground Hog Day, when each day plays out exactly the same. … Continued
Outrunning depression: Exploring the link between body and mind
For the teens in Dan McGann’s twice-a-week running group, exercise is therapy. That’s not a metaphor: They’ve all been referred to the group by their doctors after being diagnosed with depression or other mental illness. McGann, a therapist, has been … Continued
Depression, anxiety are pervasive: ex-CFLer
For Shea Emry, taking care of his mental health starts with physical fitness. The former CFL linebacker, who was in Whitehorse to speak at a Wednesday evening event as part of Mental Health Week, said his days depend on a … Continued
Why I talk…
For over four years, I’ve been openly and honestly talking about living with depression. Depression that has affected me since I was 13 years old. Depression that came and went, came and went… came and went. Depression that led to … Continued
Why We Need To Talk About High-Functioning Depression
To an outside observer, Amanda Leventhal, a college student at the University of Missouri, appears to have it all together. Perfect grades, a good group of friends, involvement in her campus choir group—she’s not someone many would characterize as “depressed.” … Continued
I won the lottery!!
I won the lottery!! Ok, well, it wasn’t the lottery that gets you millions of dollars. It was the lottery of life. What am I talking about? Let me explain. I was born in a first-world country. I … Continued
Pinpointing the triggers helps us tackle my daughter’s anxiety
Amy Mazzone lives in Burnaby, B.C., and has used AnxietyBC’s resources to help her daughter Abby, who is starting Grade 4. Abby started getting stomach aches at school last year. But as soon as I’d leave work and pick her … Continued
Bringing mindfulness to the school curriculum
More and more kids across Canada are learning meditation techniques. Not everyone thinks it’s a good use of time. Aliza Naqvi, a 14-year-old student at Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute in Toronto, carries a key chain strung with seven coloured … Continued
Bruce Springsteen’s battle with depression
Bruce Springsteen was left “crushed” when he was diagnosed with clinical depression. The 66-year-old rocker has spoken openly about his struggle with the mental illness and particularly how it affected him around the release of his 2012 LP ‘Wrecking Ball’, … Continued
Experiencing distress? Here are some skills to help you manage it
What is the one thing you want to accomplish over the next 90 days? With goals come the pressure to achieve them, and with pressure comes stress. Not all stress is bad. Good stress, also called eustress, is the kind … Continued
Feel your emotions
We had a very nice weekend away at my parent’s cottage this past weekend. It was great fun to see my niece and nephew, brother and sister-in-law and my parents. The kids really like having their aunt and uncle around, … Continued
The only security…is relishing life’s insecurity
https://www.facebook.com/MentalWellness.help/photos/a.860414227369377.1073741827.860408067369993/1110117812399016/?type=3&theater
Clara Hughes video
Watch Clara Hughes talk to students….
Bella Bella, B.C.: The town that solved suicide
During the suicide crisis, Jan Gladish’s mother moved her and her six siblings out of the community, for fear they might be swallowed up by the despair claiming so many Heiltsuk youth. The start of the turnaround can be … Continued
I need Equanimity…what the hell is that?
It is strange…I feel deeply that I have something to offer people. For a long time I wasn’t sure what it was…I mean, what do I have that other people will want? I searched high and low, racked my brain, … Continued
Comedian Christophe Davidson shares his mental-health struggles
It may seem somewhat incongruous that comedian Christophe Davidson has been selected to be the spokesperson for the Au Contraire Film Festival (Oct. 25 to 28 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts). The festival, now in its fourth year, … Continued
I am an imperfect person – and I love it
“If happiness is “the state of mind in which one does not desire to be in any other state,” as the famous researcher of flow experience Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says, then self-consciousness, shame, envy, jealousy, embarrassment, and guilt defeat happiness.”[1] It … Continued
Depression Can Drain You Of Your Will To Live
Liana Scott says: I think about that day a lot, less than two years ago, when I almost killed myself. I sometimes wonder if I would have gone through with it. How much lower would I have needed to be? … Continued
From having suicidal thoughts to becoming a peer mentor
For Devon Serket, trying to find treatment for mental illness was like travelling to hell and back. The toll was very nearly his life. Serket, 24, a Toronto graphic design student who suffers from bipolar disorder, started dealing with mood … Continued
What is success?
I was back at our weekly meeting last week (we have a weekly meeting for those people in our area who have mental wellness challenges), and various people spoke of their issues. Strangely, my topic of discussion was my … Continued
Money does not buy Happiness
I was in a group recently and one of the fellows was upset that he wasn’t successful. After talking with him for some period of time the group realized that his definition of success meant earning more money that … Continued
What to Do If Your Teen or Young Adult Has a Problem with Drugs
Addiction can happen at any age, but it usually starts when a person is young. If your teen continues to use drugs despite harmful consequences, he or she may be addicted. If an adolescent starts behaving differently for … Continued
Reports of mental health issues rising among postsecondary students: study
A fifth of Canadian postsecondary students are depressed and anxious or battling other mental health issues, according to a new national survey of colleges and universities that finds more students are reporting being in distress than three years ago. … Continued
Running was definitely something that saved me
NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO, Morris was working full time as a video producer. It was busy, fast-paced, demanding and more than full time. It was the industry he aimed to be in, yes. But work-related stress was the leader in … Continued
Ontario Paramedics To Receive Mental Health Support in the Workplace
Physical safety in the workplace is something that has been regulated and given attention for many years – unfortunately mental health does not get the attention it deserves. The good news is that things are starting to change in Canada, … Continued
Inuit are speaking for themselves about suicide prevention
Natan Obed made one campaign promise when he was elected president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in September 2015: Take action on suicide prevention. A native of Nain, in the Nunatsiavut region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Obed is the political … Continued
Battling the darkness: Remembering my brother and Robin Williams
In 1978, when I was 11, my mom bought me a Robin Williams T-shirt. I was floored. It was pale blue with an iron-on image of Williams as Mork, the wildly unpredictable character from Mork & Mindy, a new hit … Continued
Vancouver police unveil mental-health strategy
The Vancouver Police Department has released a mental health strategy that is being described as important, progressive and thoughtful by local organizations. “I really do want to commend the VPD for this step because it’s an important step,” said Michael … Continued
Mom puts a face on mental illness
A 22-year-old Yellowknife woman who’s open about having contemplated suicide says the stigma of mental illness is still making it difficult for people in the North to seek help. Jessy-Anne Jimenez is a northern speaker with the N.W.T. Department of … Continued
Resource for those with concurrent disorders – i.e.: substance addiction and mental wellness issues
Here is an excellent resource site from CAMH. Their site says that they know that the mental health and substance use systems could be better at helping families become more resilient, at recognizing the work that family members do everyday … Continued
CAMH opens Aboriginal Sweat Lodge for patients
Today the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto celebrated the opening of an Aboriginal Sweat Lodge and traditional ceremonial grounds. CAMH is the first hospital in Ontario to have a fully operational Sweat Lodge. Led by … Continued
Man’s tattoo represents teens who’ve handed him their suicide notes
A Winnipeg musician tattooed 120 signatures on his arm Thursday in a symbolic gesture to show how many teenagers have written suicide notes but chose to live. Nash has chosen to have the first 120 names on his arm. “These … Continued
Three new mental health walk-in clinics
Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is opening three mental health walk-in clinics for young people in the city. CAMH said the clinics are located at Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue at Delisle Youth Services, near Danforth Avenue and … Continued
Art reduces stress…even if you are not artistic!!
Overwork got you down? Anxious about your financial situation? A new study indicates that art-making can help, even if you’ve got no skills at all, says a new study, reports Science Daily. Click here for more!
Mental illness still viewed as a sign of weakness
New data shows 40 per cent of Canadians say they’ve experienced feelings of anxiety or depression — but haven’t sought medical help. Actress Kristen Bell opened up about her struggle with depression in a TIME magazine essay in May. … Continued
Men’s Mental Health – perspectives.
Are we supporting the men in our society? How do mental wellness issues affect men differently?
Hike for health!!
While it may seem obvious that a good hike through a forest or up a mountain can cleanse your mind, body, and soul, science is now discovering that hiking can actually change your brain… for the better! But a recent … Continued
MEN!….you are NOT alone….
There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for men to talk to others and take charge of their health. Because of these myths, men will often talk about feeling angry or irritable rather than sad or down. … Continued
Listen to what Lady Gaga and others say about fame and fortune…
Very interesting YouTube video…it’s only 7 minutes long, but worth it….click HERE.
What happened to Jamie Crawford-Richie…?
I used to tell myself that I wasn’t good enough. Not smart enough, not funny enough and certainly not skinny enough. For as long as I can remember I have been insecure about my size. I thought: “if only I … Continued
Defeat Depression Campaign!!
The Defeat Depression Campaign provides hope and reduces stigma for people who are affected by depression and other mood disorders. Across Canada, mental health organizations, community groups, caring companies and concerned volunteers are planning walks, runs, rides and other physical … Continued
What happened to Sudesh Shetty…..do immigrants need more mental wellness support? or need to fear the stigma less?
It had been five years since Kumuda Shetty had last seen her son Sudesh. She would have liked to embrace him, hold him close and tell him that she was proud of the life he had built for himself in … Continued
Teenagers using mindfulness….
They hear a ding, but it’s not a text message. It’s their teacher, Kyla Wendell McIntyre, chiming a golden bell to signal the end of their meditation. The Sheldon-Williams students have spent the past few minutes in silence, reflecting on … Continued
Can you help us?….
We need money to put advertisements in the local paper to let people know about our group. We’ve done everything we can to get people aware of the group – we’ve written articles for the paper, we’ve gotten group members … Continued
What happens when health care providers don’t communicate with families…..
All was normal when Eddie Young stopped by his mother’s home two Fridays ago: He took the dog for a walk, had some food, caught up on Game of Thrones. He helped himself to a bowl of ice cream to … Continued
What lawyers are doing to help the struggle with mental wellness
“approximately 20% of the entire legal profession suffers from clinically significant levels of substance abuse, depression, anxiety or some other form of psychopathology” Click here for the Law Society’s report
Some tools to help you or others…..
Click here for the toolkit!! CMHA introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 to raise awareness of mental illness in Canada. Held during the first full week in May, MHW is now a popular awareness week. Our provincial offices … Continued
Schizophrenia Stole My Brother. This Is How I Got Him Back
Read about Zander Sherman’s journey as his brother changes…. Click here: My brother with Schizophrenia
What happened to Debra with her concussion…..
Read the article and look for this point…..“We need to be kind to one another. One never knows what internal wars someone is fighting.”….it is SO true!! Recovering from a concussion I find myself retreating into mindlessness
Did you know this week is Mental Health week?
Here is a link to some of the events happening this week! Ontario
How can we help kids combat depression?….
Populating a playground with natural elements that feature sand, grass and water can help reduce signs of depression in children, according to research by the University of British Columbia. “Depressive symptoms like looking sad or not smiling much went down … Continued
New baby!!….but why are you so depressed?….
Vincent Fung wants people to know what a “wonderfully smart, talented, passionate and loving person” his late wife was, before she began to suffer from postpartum depression. Click here: Husband-of Woman Who Suffered from Postpartum Depression Calls For More Support … Continued
Sometimes an addiction can fuel the downward mental spiral….not help it!!
20 Secret Signs of Addiction
What would you do?….
How would you support someone with a mental wellness issue?
#ImNotAshamed……are you?
Click here to see why she’s not ashamed.
Do you make your mental health a priority?
http://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/kyle-moffatt-makes-mental-health-a-priority
How do the Doctors do it?…..
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/dr-david-goldbloom-talks-the-risks-and-rewards-of-psychiatry/article28816196/
Will there be money for mental wellness in the future?
Click this link to see….Is this former Minister of Finance correct?…..
Duchess of Cambridge tackles Mental Wellness!
Read about how The Duchess of Cambridge tackles Mental Wellness as reported in the Globe and Mail.
Some days, you just want to kill yourself…a story.
Had a bad day? Feeling low? There IS help. Read the posts herein about the kinds of services offered!! The story below is a tough one to read, but well worth it Chris Jones’ story – read it here!
Why you should get screened for Depression…
Read here why you may wish to talk to your doctor about screening for depression. Screening for depression – a good article to read!!
Jan 26 – Presenter: Justice Edward Kelly
Justice Kelly will provide insights into how people with mental wellness challenges interact with the criminal justice system. Join us at our regular time: 7:00 pm, to meet him and hear his presentation. All are welcome! His resume: … Continued
Mental Health First Aid
This is copied from our local councillor’s email blast to residents*: Research shows that at some point in their lives, mental health problems will affect one in three Canadians. While thousands of people across the country know how to provide … Continued
13 things to remember if you love a person with anxiety…
An interesting blog post about how to deal with a loved one with anxiety….number 6 is good! http://dailymedicalnews.org/13-things-to-remember-if-you-love-a-person-with-anxiety-4/
Nov 24 – Presenter: Psychiatrist Irvin Wolkoff
Join us on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 for a presentation by psychiatrist Irvin Wolkoff. Here is his CV: CURRICULUM VITAE professional
Oct 27 – Service dog presentation – come & pet a friend: Izak!!
Come and join us on Tuesday, October 27 at 7pm at Community Centre 55 for a presentation by Carl Dixon, Therapy Dog Branch Officer and Therapy Dog Evaluator, Toronto Branch of the St. John Ambulance. St. John Ambulance knows there are … Continued
Free mindfulness on-line presentations
Click here to join
How do you spend your time?
The last wishes of Alexander the Great…….. On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes: 1. The best doctors should carry his coffin .. 2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) … Continued
Check out the letter to the Editor
Read a Letter to the Editor (scroll down in once you open the link) about the opinion post from the Beach Metro News September 22 edition in the most recent edition of the Beach Metro News from our very own Dave Plaskett!! Learn … Continued
Unlocking Change: Decriminalizing Mental Health Issues in Ontario
Click the link below to read the report. John Howard Society Report 2015
Sept 29 – Speaker Lea Vares Greenwood at our meeting.
Lea is a professional social worker with 30 years experience and with a reputation for having expertise in dealing with health promotion, community and program development, peer-support / mentoring, and program marketing. Her areas of professional impact include: 15 … Continued
Beach Metro News Article
Read this article written for our local paper, Beach Metro News.
We are returning to TUESDAYS!!
Don’t forget, we are returning to our normal TUESDAY schedule!!
Great presentation
While this is directed at lawyers, it is very useful for anyone. Click and watch, the video is in the top left box on the screen (you may have to click on it to start it..it’ll take about … Continued
July 23 Presentation – Kyro Nagib – Pharmacist
Kyro is a pharmacist at Pharmasave on 1021 Kingston Road, located on Victoria Park and Kingston. He owns and operates this pharmacy with his family, in addition to being a part time lecturer for pharmacy students. He has extensive experience … Continued
New meeting date!!!
For the summer we will meet on THURSDAY nights from 7-8pm. The first such meeting is Thursday, July 2!!
Michael Landsberg’s recent interview
Michael Landsberg has been host of TSN’s Off the Record talk show since 1997 and is one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists. In 1998, Landsberg sought treatment for serious depression. In 2009, Landsberg interviewed former NHLer Stéphane Richer, and the two talked about their shared experience … Continued
March 31, 2015 Presenter
Maddi Levinson, BA (Hons), M.S.W., RSW, will be presenting to the Beaches Mental Wellness peer-to-peer support group (www.BeachesMentalWellness.com) on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 a short presentation entitled: Managing Your Mood, a Cognitive Behavioral Approach. Since Maddi obtained her Master of … Continued
Recent Beach Metro News article
A mental health support group founded in January has received such a positive response that participants have decided to increase the frequency of meetings from monthly to weekly. Beaches Mental Wellness will meet Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. … Continued
Great website for locating resources!!
The Self-Help Resource Centre is a great website for locating help!! http://www.selfhelp.on.ca/2015/03/beaches-mental-wellness/
Resources on line
Resources for Psychoeducation Good overall Sites with Information about Evidence Based Treatments, including CBT http://www.cpa.ca/public/psychologyfactsheets/ Canadian Psychological Association—Fact Sheets on many different topics, including evidence based treatments. http://www.apa.org/ see American Psychological Association http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au (Australian site—Centre for Clinical Innovation) http://www.nice.org.uk/ (UK … Continued
Feb 24 meeting – wonderful presenter
We had a great meeting last night, with a wonderful presenter, Faed Hendry from Find Help Information Services (www.findhelp.ca)….the people that run the 211 system. What is the 211 system? The 211 service providing Information and Referral for callers to … Continued
Join us every Tuesday – Peers helping Peers
You may not feel as happy as this woman about life, but do NOT fear! There are ways of getting through tough times, and getting help. One of those ways is to join a Peer-to-Peer group, such as this … Continued