Suzanne Westover Archives

Suzanne Westover

An Ottawa writer and former speechwriter, and Manager of Communications at the Mental Health Commission of Canada. A homebody who always has her nose in a book, she bakes a mean lemon loaf (some would call her a one-dish wonder) and enjoys watching movies with her husband and 14-year-old daughter. Suzanne’s time with the MHCC cemented her interest in mental health, and she remains a life-long learner on the subject.

Talking to Children About a Suicide

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

2 asian chinese white collar women having discussion in open plan office looking at files stock photo

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.

The winds of change

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.”

Three red chairs in barrier tape social distancing

Changing the culture of care

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.

The limits of diagnosis

Samaria Nancy Cardinal and the cost of neglecting recovery

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

Structural stigma: The health-care crisis hiding in plain sight

When Thomas Ungar, psychiatrist-in-chief at St. Michael’s Hospital and associate professor at the University of Toronto, was asked to describe the structural stigma that spells poorer health outcomes for people living with mental illness and substance use disorders, he responded in a most unusual way.

Feet in Christmas socks near fireplace. Four pairs of feet warming up. Friends at cozy winter vacation. | Pieds en chaussettes de Noël près de la cheminée. Quatre paires de pieds en échauffement. Amis en vacances d'hiver douillettes.

Making spirits bright

While Dr. Keith Dobson doesn’t have a miracle cure for the holiday blues, he’s got a prescription for improving our outlook: We need to manage expectations.

Community-based research a win-win for underserved communities

“We are all experts in our own right,” declared Krista Benes, director of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC’s) mental health and substance use team. “And that is the premise of community-based research.”