
From Isolation to Purpose
After battling loneliness and chronic pain, one woman discovered a new sense of belonging by supporting her unhoused neighbours—offering a lesson in the power of connection and mattering.
If you are in distress, you can call or text 988 at any time. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Photo: Jessica Blaine Smith
A historian, writer, and drinks expert who specializes in the cultural history of bars and spirits, with a knack for uncovering how politics and pubs mix. She’s the author of America Walks into a Bar, a deep dive into taverns as political spaces, and a regular contributor to Maclean’s, the Toronto Star, and other publications. When she’s not writing about drug policy, intersectional feminism, healthcare, or winning National Magazine Awards, Christine might be planning her next travel adventure.

After battling loneliness and chronic pain, one woman discovered a new sense of belonging by supporting her unhoused neighbours—offering a lesson in the power of connection and mattering.

Systems need to hear from those they serve – these advocates and leaders drive policy change and push for cultural awareness and lived experience in decision-making. Meet the Mental Health Commission of Canada Youth Advisory Council Co-Chairs: Em Alexander and Colbi Mike.

It starts with learning. A free course on dismantling structural stigma in health care aims for meaningful change for people experiencing mental health and substance use issues.

Reducing stigma improves mental health outcomes – so what can be done to promote compassion and systemic change?

#ChatSafe guidelines for young people show how to safely discuss self-harm and suicide online.

As schools take on tech giants, experts weigh in on the broader implications of excessive screen time on youth mental health.

A lack of economic awareness or control over one’s finances can have long-term impacts. We look at the link between intimate partner violence and money in the third article of our series for Financial Literacy Month.
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