“Take a deep breath”. How often do we say this to someone who’s upset or to ourselves when we feel nervous? It’s not just an empty statement – our breathing has a big impact on our physical and mental state. It’s not uncommon for our breathing to speed up and become more shallow when we […]Continue reading“Take a deep breath…”

I recently read an article that used a term that was new to me: “pill shaming”. It’s negative judgement about the use of medication for mental health problems and criticism of people who choose to use medication as part of their treatment. Not a new concept, and the term pretty much hits the nail on […]Continue readingWhat’s With “Pill Shaming”?

This past week, our own Peer Mentor Dave Kilgannon spoke to our friend Ted Michaels, host of CHML 900’s Health and Wellness Show. Dave shared his lived experience journey and how boxing and physical activity have been a key part of his recovery. Give it a listen:  Continue reading“We’re Breaking Down Some Walls”

It is undeniable that social media has completely changed the way we interact with others. It used to be that we would find out what was going on with our friends and family when we took the time to write a letter or e-mail, pick up the phone, or meet up for lunch or a […]Continue readingSocial Media’s Sucker Punch

We’re taught early on that being selfish is not an aspirational characteristic. We’re told that there are no redeeming qualities in behavior that places little consideration on the feelings or needs of others. But, as with most things in life, a healthy amount of what is often called “selfishness” can lead to a stronger and […]Continue readingChoosing Yourself First: Putting the “I” in Self-Care

I remember hearing an old adage of news reporting: “If it bleeds, it leads”. If a story is graphic and dramatic, some news outlets will place it on the front page of the newspaper or first up in the TV broadcast to capture the attention of a drama-loving audience. But this approach is not without […]Continue readingWhen there’s bad news and bad news

Our blog post last week about Kate Spade’s suicide went up just 2 days before word of another tragedy spread: Anthony Bourdain’s suicide. The same questions about why were uttered with shaking heads as the news sank in. Another person who seemed on the surface to have an exciting, dynamic life was gone, leaving behind loved ones […]Continue reading“Gotta Kick at the Darkness ‘Til it Bleeds Daylight”

Kate Spade seemed to have it all: fame, money, family, prestige, and a name that was instantly recognizable as a worldwide brand and fashion statement. News of her death by apparent suicide yesterday shocked many and brought the inevitable question to our lips: Why? I was once told by a dad whose son died by […]Continue readingKate Spade and the meaning of “having it all”

Our friend Justin Dickie recently chatted with our own Melanie McGregor for his “My Therapy” podcast. They talked about Melanie’s role at CMHA, her own lived experience journey, and how she and Justin have connected over a passion for ending stigma and continuing to open up the conversation around mental health. Give it a listen. Check […]Continue reading“It’s about the 1 in 1…” Justin’s Podcast

Clint Malarchuk: former NHL goalie. Not just any goalie, but the one who experienced a horrific accident in 1989 when he had his neck sliced by a wayward skate during a game and almost died on the ice. And the one who was back in net just 10 days after that injury and became the […]Continue reading“How I ended up as a 47 year-old man with a bullet in his head and bag full of prescription medications”