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The CatalystConversations on Mental Health

Eric Gronke

Understanding recovery starts with acknowledging that every person is entitled to a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life, even if they experience mental health problems or illnesses and/or substance use concerns. With that basic right comes a powerful shift to a path toward wellness that is rooted in hope, dignity, self-determination, and responsibility.

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The challenges wrought by the pandemic are splashed across the news. They inundate our social media feeds and dominate our conversations (still masked and at a distance) if we run into neighbours at the convenience store or gas station.

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When much of the world shut down in March 2020, HEADSTRONG program manager Fiona Haynes was heartsick. HEADSTRONG summits are interactive gatherings that give young people the chance to learn about mental health and gain the tools they need to become anti-stigma champions and ambassadors in their schools and communities.

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Parenting on mute

There is a “secret society” at the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), just like there is at every workplace across the country. Its members recognize each other through various signs and signals — some subtle, others less so.

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Learning to create safe spaces for youth

Long before the pandemic, the need to support the mental health of young people was evident. With 50 per cent of all mental health problems established by age 14, the formative years of our youth are some of the most vulnerable.

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Celebrating a behind-the-scenes champion

Phil Upshall, an influential mental health leader who was "ahead of his time", had a strong impact on many initiatives at the MHCC.

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A critical piece of the puzzle

For Dr. Mary Bartram, policy director at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, gaining a better understanding of the realities of those who work in the field of mental health and substance use is key to unlocking improved mental health outcomes.

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Catalyst Magazine

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Behind the badge

The Working Mind First Responders offers police a new kind of protection.

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How to mentally prepare, what to expect (or not expect), and how to respond with language that is helpful, not harmful.

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A mayday signal for mental health

Firefighter Steve Jones on the merits of The Working Mind First Responders course.

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Supporting women’s mental health in and out of the workplace

Because the effects of the pandemic are not felt equally, the Mental Health Commission of Canada is turning its attention to populations that are disproportionately affected — including women.

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Change is never easy, conceded Louise Bradley, C.M., outgoing president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). “But that doesn’t mean it isn’t necessary,” she said from her home office in Newfoundland, where she’s been working throughout the pandemic. “I spent a lot of time reflecting as I went on early morning hikes. Moving on from the MHCC wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly . . . but once it was made, it did feel like a weight had lifted.”

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Stephanie Knaak has been studying structural stigma for the better part of a decade. She’s an expert in the foundational policies, laws, and practices in our health-care system that put people who live with mental illness at a disadvantage.

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From medic to mental health advocate

For Pauline Meunier, a paramedic of 26 years, it took a trip to the allergist to give her anxiety a name. “What I thought were allergic reactions turned out to be panic attacks,” she said. “Before I was asked about anxiety, it never occurred to me that my mental health could be the problem.”

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More Stories

Welcoming women back to work

New MHCC resource aims to support women sidelined from the workforce

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Parents lend their experiences to cannabis research

New community-based research explores cannabis consumption during pregnancy and parenthood

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The limits of diagnosis

Samaria Nancy Cardinal and the cost of neglecting recovery

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Special Edition: Mental Health Commission of Canada set to inquire, inspire, and improve

Ambitious 10-year strategic plan aims at transformational change in Canada’s mental health landscape

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