Keeping people informed on the latest thoughts and happenings

New online platform launches to provide people across Canada with immediate mental health and substance use support as COVID-19 escalates

TORONTO, April 16, 2020 /CNW/ - People in Canada, regardless of where they live or their age, can access immediate virtual mental health and substance use support with the launch of Wellness Together Canada, a historic initiative launched through a joint venture with Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone and Homewood Health, supported by Greenspace Health, in response to growing mental health concerns with the escalation of COVID-19.

A "one-stop shop" online portal, Wellness Together Canada provides a "stepped care" model offering services that range from immediate crisis support to mental health screening and self-assessment tools, peer-to-peer support, educational resources, e-courses, access to virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and access to counselling support by phone, text or live chat. The initiative is the first and only online platform of its kind offering immediate mental health and substance use support to all people in Canada in every province and territory in English and French.

"Mental wellness is difficult to maintain with the disruptions happening now. It's not easy to maintain a routine. People in every community are struggling and need our help. That's why we are acting today to make professional resources more easily accessible to Canadians" said, The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health.

Stepped care is a care delivery model developed by psychologist Dr. Peter Cornish to ensure individuals are able to access the level of support appropriate to their needs while also creating a more efficient and effective healthcare system. "Wellness Together Canada is a perfect example of the power and possibilities of the stepped care model when put into action," says Dr. Cornish. "The model aims to empower people to access the support they need at the moment they need it, whether that's simply an article that helps them to better understand what they're experiencing or a direct line to a trained counsellor in a moment of crisis. Wellness Together Canada is providing the full range of solutions to everyone in Canada, allowing individuals to make decisions about the care they require and providing the resources to access it."

Each service delivery partner brings their unique services and expertise to the partnership.

With a 30-year history as Canada's only nationally available e-mental health solution for young people, Kids Help Phone is offering access to its phone-based single-session counselling services and its texting service for youth, Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone, which can be accessed by texting 686868. To further extend its support to Canadians of all ages, Kids Help Phone is also launching Crisis Text Line Canada – a new evolution of its existing texting service that will be exclusively available to adults and seniors. Crisis Text Line Canada can be accessed by texting WELLNESS to 741741 for immediate support.

"COVID-19 is both a public health crisis and a mental health crisis," says Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone. "Kids Help Phone alone has experienced a nearly 400% increase in calls/texts related to COVID-19 since mid-March, pointing to the depth and breadth of the mental health impact on Canada's youth. Now, as Canada navigates through this unprecedented period in our history, we are committed to opening up our services to people of all ages, in every part of Canada, along with our incredible partners through the launch of Wellness Together Canada. We are actively building our team of trained professional counsellors and volunteer Crisis Responders to ensure we're ready and able to meet the needs of every single person who reaches out to us for support."

Homewood Health has been supporting Canadians with mental health, trauma and addiction treatment and support since 1883. With a complete suite of services that includes a leading Canadian Employee Assistance Program, return to work services, outpatient and inpatient treatment and much more, Homewood is a leader in evidence-based treatment and care. Through Wellness Together Canada, Homewood Health is offering single and multi-session counselling for adults via phone and video as well as online educational resources.

"For Canadians living with mental health or substance use issues, times of crisis can exacerbate their challenges or destroy their recovery efforts," says Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health. "Everyone at Homewood is profoundly proud to be able to support Canadians during this crisis. As always, and particularly during these deeply uncertain times, it is our goal to ensure that no one feels alone in their time of need."

The joint venture partners are pleased to be working alongside Greenspace Health, a Toronto-based leader in mental healthcare technology. Greenspace's technology will act as the central online portal, where Canadians can access the many resources and supports available in this stepped care solution, while regularly tracking the impact on their mental well-being. "This is an opportunity to bring a scientific and technology-driven approach to mental health services," says Jeremy Weisz, CEO of Greenspace Health. "Wellness Together Canada represents an amazing feat of collaboration, designed to provide the right supports to each individual at the right time." In addition, Wellness Together Canada will be working with many e-mental health platforms, available through this portal, to enable a robust stepped care solution for all Canadians.

Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone and Homewood Health, along with Greenspace Health, extend their deepest gratitude to Health Canada and the Government of Canada for their visionary investment and partnership to launch Wellness Together Canada.

About Wellness Together Canada: Wellness Together Canada is an innovative new joint venture between Canadian mental health leaders Kids Help Phone, Stepped Care Solutions and Homewood Health, and supported by Greenspace Health, to offer a full range of mental health support to people of all ages in every part of Canada. It is available in both English and French as an online portal/website and can be accessed at https://ca.portal.gs/. Wellness Together Canada is funded by Health Canada.

About Stepped Care Solutions: Stepped Care Solutions is a Canadian not for profit consultancy group that aims to promote mental wellness by transforming the mental health system. We collaborate with organizations and service users to improve access and deliver flexible service by providing a framework that organizes a wide range of care options. Stepped Care Solutions brings together health and industry partners to design convenient, effective, and innovative care models that meet the needs of all Canadians.

About Kids Help Phone: Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led text-based support for young people. Kids Help Phone's free, anonymous services are available in both English and French. Kids Help Phone is a registered Canadian charity, and raises the majority of revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising. Visit www.kidshelpphone.ca for more information.

About Homewood Health: Homewood Health is a Canadian leader in the development and delivery of national, evidence-based mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment and services since 1883. Homewood's complete suite of services includes employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all tailored to meet the needs of individuals, clinical and institutional referrers, insurers and employers. Homewood Health's innovative approaches are redefining how Canadians access mental health and addiction treatment and support in order to help them live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives. Visit www.homewoodhealth.com for more information.

About Greenspace Health: Greenspace Health is a Canadian technology company that improves the way that mental healthcare is accessed, measured and delivered. Greenspace works with healthcare organizations and health systems to facilitate a better model for intake and triage into care and to more effectively measure an individual's progress in treatment, while generating valuable clinical outcome data. Greenspace is research-based and designed to help drive better mental health outcomes for all Canadians. More information can be found at: www.greenspacehealth.ca.

SOURCE Kids Help Phone

For further information: For more information, or to request an interview, please contact: Lindsey Coulter, Director, Strategic Communications & Community Engagement, Kids Help Phone, Lindsey.coulter@kidshelpphone.ca | 647-390-4841

Related Links

https://ca.portal.gs/

First of its Kind, Private Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centre in Western Canada Opens on Vancouver Island

Victoria, BC - June 18, 2019 - Today marks the grand opening of Homewood Ravensview, the first and only private facility in Western Canada offering evidence-based, medically-led, inpatient, mental health, trauma and addiction services. With over 135 years of experience as Canada’s leader in the delivery of national mental health and addiction services, Homewood Health’s new facility located in North Saanich, just outside Victoria, BC, offers 75 beds and employs a world-class team of 50 professionals, including four on-site physicians and psychiatrists as well as 24-hour nursing. With its specialized programs for first responders, military, veterans, executives & professionals, adults, and young adults, Ravensview addresses an ever-growing need for services.

“Ravensview’s best-in-class treatment is delivered by a team of world class health care professionals and is steeped in Homewood’s 136 year history in delivering mental health and addiction services to Canadians,” says Jagoda Pike, Homewood Health’s President and CEO. “We’ve built programs that support people who are deeply impacted by mental illness and addiction in achieving their goals, whether it’s returning to work, to function, or to productive and happy lives.” Pike goes on to say, “in addition to working directly with individual patients, Homewood has worked for decades with Canadian employers and insurers to help them access good quality treatment resources to support a timely return to work for their employees and claimants.”

Each year, over 400,000 Canadians are off work due to mental illness. These cases are often more complex and typically have durations that are longer than physical health-related claims, resulting in significant human and economic costs impacting all Canadians. These cases carry the additional impact of adding weight to an already over-burdened public health system.  Canadian employees suffering from mental health, trauma, addiction and concurrent disorders remain off work for extended periods of time, waiting for access to assessment and treatment, with their conditions often worsening over time.

“Delivering innovative, evidence-based treatment, our programs are truly unique in Canada,” says Robert De Clark, General Manager at Homewood Ravensview. “Our Guardians program for first responders, members of the military and Veterans is designed specifically for the challenges these real life heroes face. We have our Cornerstone program for adults and the My Path program for young adults wrestling with mental health or addiction problems.  We’re also proud to launch the Vanguard program, the first of its kind in Canada, that meets the specific treatment needs of executives and professionals.”

In developing Ravensview programs, Homewood Health sought the input of researchers, clinicians, employers and insurers. “The diversity and quality of the treatment we provide will help a large number of clients get well and move forward with their lives,” says De Clark. “By providing Canada’s employers and insurers with additional, innovative options for care, we multiply the impact of treatment, benefiting not just the employee and their family, but the organization and ultimately the country as a whole.”

Ravensview is also Western Canada’s leading facility in the treatment of concurrent mental health and addiction disorders. “Those with substance use problems are up to three times more likely to have a mental illness,” says Dr. Michael Berry, Ravensview’s Clinical Director. “These concurrent conditions are complex and require experienced, medically-led treatment.  No other facility in Western Canada is equipped with the staffing complement and clinical expertise to treat a primary diagnosis of mental health with a secondary diagnosis of addiction.”

For all Ravensview programs, the full treatment plan includes psychiatric care, medical care, counselling and integrated therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and cognitive processing therapy as well as music, horticultural and art therapy. The average length of inpatient treatment is typically 6 to 9 weeks, and one year of recovery management care at Homewood outpatient clinics across the country is included for all clients.

Ravensview accepts referrals from employers, insurers, medical and health care professionals, but a referral is not necessary for treatment and clients are typically able to start treatment within 24 hours of their first call.

Visit ravensview.com for more information.

Homewood Ravensview’s grand opening ceremony is taking place June 18^th at 1 p.m. The event will be attended by, and will feature remarks from: the Right Honourable David Johnston; the Honourable Bob Rae; Pauquachin Chief Rebecca David; Shelagh Rogers, Chancellor-University of Victoria; the Honourable Adam Olsen; and Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health.  All media welcome. Ravensview is a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria located at 1515 McTavish Rd North Saanich, BC V8L 5T3.

About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is Canada’s leader in the delivery of national mental health and addiction services. With more than 135 years of experience, Homewood achieves outstanding outcomes through its national network of more than 4,500 employees and clinical experts. Homewood’s complete suite of services includes organizational wellness, employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all customized to meet the needs of individuals and organizations.

Media Contact:

Nichole Desrosiers Vice President, Marketing
ndesrosiers@homewoodhealth.com
403.617.6193

Homewood Health Launches New Trauma Support Program in Vancouver Clinic

VANCOUVER, BC -- (November 6, 2017) - Homewood Health is pleased to announce the launch of a new intensive outpatient Trauma Support Program in Vancouver. As part of a national treatment network, the new Trauma Support Program at The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver will offer immediate access to customized, intensive outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

On November 9^th please join The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver for a panel discussion on trauma, resilience and Vancouver’s opioid crisis from 4:30pm-6:30pm at 575 W. 8^th Ave, Suite 600. Panelists:

• Richard Marquez, Trauma Therapy Specialist

Richard Marquez has over 20 years of clinical, research and counselling experience in Canada and the United States. With graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and the California State University at San Francisco, Marquez adds breadth to his trauma expertise with deep knowledge and experience in social welfare, public health, community organizing, and shelter housing support.

• Travis Lupick, author of Fighting for Space

Travis Lupick is an award-winning journalist based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Lupick received the Canadian Association of Journalists’ prestigious Don McGillivray award for best overall investigative report of 2016 and two 2017 Jack Webster awards for excellence in B.C. journalism. His first book, Fighting for Space, is the story of how a group of addicts transformed Vancouver’s struggle with addiction.

• Lynn Noftle, Staff Sergeant, Mental Health Portfolio, Vancouver Police Department

Lynn Noftle began her career with the Vancouver Police Department in 1998. Her career includes working as a Sergeant in the Downtown Eastside, serving Vancouver’s most challenging mental health and addiction population. Noftle transferred to the Mental Health Unit in June of 2014 and has been in the role of Staff Sergeant with the Mental Health Portfolio since September of 2016. Prior to policing, Noftle worked as an architect and a physiotherapist.

• Moderator: Dr. Estelle Toomey, Director of The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver

With 30 years of multi-sector experience, BSW and MSW degrees from McGill University and PhD from Oxford University, Estelle Toomey brings clinical, management and advanced research expertise to her role. She has lived in 10 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, is a retired 2^nd Lieutenant with the Canadian Forces and serves in the Reserves.

- 30 -

About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is Canada's leader in mental health, addiction and trauma treatment. With 135 years of experience, we achieve outstanding outcomes every day through our national network of over 4,500 local employees and clinical experts, The Homewood Clinics, 360⁰dtx, and through the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON – Canada's largest and leading facility for medical treatment of mental health, trauma and addiction disorders. We support individuals and their families, employers and organizations, insurers, and medical professionals with a full suite of outcome-focused services for prevention, assessment, treatment, return-to-work, and ongoing recovery management.

Media Contact:

Cherie Payne, BA, LL.B

Director of Communications
778.386.4347 or cpayne@homewoodhealth.com

Understanding Depression

Everybody goes through ups and downs in their lives, but normal life experiences shouldn’t be confused with the serious mental disorder known as Depression. One of the most common mood disorders, depression can have serious and lasting implications on an individual's mental and physical health. (e.g. increased aches and pains, chronic fatigue, heart disease, etc.).

A study in 2012 by Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) on Mental Health identified that 5.2% of Canadians over the age of 15 reported having had a depression in the last 12 months. The same study also identified that 11.3% of all Canadians will experience depression in their lifetime.¹

Although the number of people suffering from depression continues to rise, there are misconceptions between sadness and depression. In this edition, we will identify what depression is, symptoms of the depression, and how to manage those symptoms.

The Differences Between Sadness and Depression

Sadness is a normal human emotion we all experience, often triggered by difficult, challenging, hurtful, or disappointing experiences or situations. Sadness is typically linked to a specific event or scenario; we experience sadness about something.

This means when that ‘something’ changes, our emotional well-being improves and returns to our pre-event state.²

Depression, on the other hand, is a mental disorder which makes individuals feel sad or indifferent to many events or scenarios. There may be no specific trigger, situation, loss, or change that causes the depressive symptoms, just an overwhelming and perpetual state of unhappiness.²

Signs of Depression

Those who suffer from depression see and experience life differently than other individuals. Depression can drastically impact an individual’s energy level, motivation, and ability to experience joy, pleasure, excitement, satisfaction, connection, and meaning.²

It is important to realize that the resiliency of those suffering from depressive disorders is much lower as compared to individuals who are not diagnosed with depression. Depressed persons often reach states of anger or frustration faster over the same experiences compared to their counterparts. They are also more likely to break down emotionally and take longer to recuperate from those experiences.²

If someone experiences five or more of any of the symptoms below for at least two weeks, then depression may be the cause:³

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that don’t ease, even with treatment
• Appetite and/or drastic weight changes
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Noticeably depressed
• Persistent sadness, anxiousness, or “empty” mood
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

How to Manage Depression Symptoms 

In addition to medically supervised pharmaceutical treatment, there are many psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and support groups that can be helpful.* Here are some non-medical approaches that may improve the symptoms of depression:

Stay active. Studies have shown that 20 to 30 minutes of regular physical activity a day can help to relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Physical activity, releases endorphins, a powerful chemical in the brain that energizes and lifts one’s spirits.⁴

Practice mindfulness. Being mindful of negative thoughts can help to isolate feelings, and reframe the experience in a constructive manner. Through consistent practice, individuals may recognize negative thoughts, and work to change the way the experience is perceived. Over time this will retrain the brain to think more positively.⁵

Sleep schedule. Having a regular sleep schedule can help train the body in knowing when it is time to rest and re-energize. Many people with depression often have symptoms of insomnia, which can impact someone’s ability to fall asleep and often worsens depressive symptoms. Staying active and building a sleep routine may help with falling asleep, allowing one to better prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow’s challenges.⁶

Eat better. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals are known to help regulate serotonin levels which may help to reduce symptoms of depression and mood swings. Here is a list of vitamin rich foods to try:⁷

• B12 and folate – lentils, almonds, spinach, chicken, fish
• Omega-3 fatty acids – haddock, salmon, nut oils, algae, cod
• Selenium – cod, brazil nuts, walnuts, poultry
• Vitamin D – bread, milk, breakfast cereals

If you or someone you know may be facing extended periods of depression, seek out professional support from a qualified healthcare professional. They will be able to provide you with a range of options from therapies to medications, or lifestyle approaches to alleviate symptoms of chronic depression.

*Always consult with a physician or qualified health care professional to identify the right course of treatment for depression.

Sources

1. Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. "Institutional links." What is depression? - Public Health Agency Canada. N.p., 30 Dec. 2016. Web. 14 July 2017. <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mi-mm/depression-...

2. Winch, G., Dr. (2015, October 02). The Important Difference Between Sadness and Depression. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-w...

3. National Institute of Mental Health . (2016). Depression. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/...

4. Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2014, November). Physical Activity and Mental Health. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/treatmentswe...

5. Teasdale, John D., J. Mark G. Williams, and Zindel V. Segal. The mindful way workbook: an 8-week program to free yourself from depression and emotional distress. New York: The Guilford Press, 2014. Print.

6. Edlund, Matthew. "Want to Treat Depression? Get People to Sleep." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 July 2017. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-res...

7. Gaynor, Mitchell L., M.D. "Diet and Depression." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 25 Oct. 2014. Web. 17 July 2017. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-genetic-...

8. Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. "Publications." Depression - Mental Health - Publications - Public Information - MOHLTC. Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2017. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications...

9. Canada, Government Of Canada Statistics. "Health Reports Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24Health Reports Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24." Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. N.p., 12 July 2017. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2017001/arti...

10. Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. "Institutional links." What is depression? - Public Health Agency Canada. N.p., 30 Dec. 2016. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mi-mm/depression-...

Mental Wellness at Work

Even if you absolutely love what you do, at times the pace of work can become overwhelming and exhausting.

Many aspects of work can be stressful: co-worker issues, a demanding boss, an unhappy customer, a looming deadline, too much paperwork, and so on.

It is important to take time during our busy workdays to replenish and re-energize. Taking time to relax in the workplace is important, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Sometimes even a small investment of time for relaxation can have a big payoff. In fact, the following exercises can free up more time than they use because, when you refresh yourself, you are more productive and efficient.

You can use the following relaxation exercises at work to help you manage your stress, maximize your energy, and maintain a healthy and positive attitude at work. In just a few minutes you will feel more relaxed.

Exercise # 1 - Deep Breathing:

1. This Deep Breathing exercise is a simple but very effective method of relaxation. Here’s how you do it: Take a long, slow, deep breath. Inhale through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to fill with air and letting your chest expand.
2. Exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, dig deep and allow any stress, anxiety, or tension to be released along with that breath.
3. Try, as best you can, to empty your head of all thoughts, plans, and worries: right now all you need to do is relax. Allow yourself to exhale negative thoughts along with your breath.
4. Continue steps 1-3 for at least 10 seconds. When you feel more relaxed, allow your breath to return to normal.

So why does it help?

Studies show the area of the brain that signals the stress response also signals the relaxation response. By breathing deeply for at least 10 seconds you signal your brain to switch from stress mode to relaxation mode, giving your body and mind a break.

Do you ever run out of steam half way through the day?

This breathing exercise can help with the afternoon blues. Breathing deeply allows oxygen to reach your brain, which makes you more alert and re-energized. So instead of grabbing another cup of coffee, eating a chocolate bar, or taking an aspirin to fend off a headache, take a few seconds and B-R-E-A-T-H-E.

Exercise # 2: Meditation

This next exercise is simple but very effective. For some of us, meditation sounds intimidating because we equate it with sitting for long periods of time, disciplining the mind, or having some sort of religious or spiritual experience. While it can be all of the above, it can also be much more basic.

Mediation is simply a way to quiet the mind and take a break from the millions of thoughts that pop in and out of your head every day. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a quiet, comfortable place and close your eyes.
2. Think of a mantra - a positive, inspiring word or phrase. For example, “Life is Beautiful!”
3. Clear your mind and begin to breathe deeply. With each complete breath repeat your mantra, creating a rhythm or pattern.
4. Continue for at least three minutes. If you are distracted by a thought or physical sensation, simply return your attention to your mantra and your breath. You may have to do this many times. Don’t worry – this is normal. Our mind can have a tendency to “chatter” and it takes practice for it to become quiet.

Research has scientifically proven that meditation is a safe and simple way to balance your physical, emotional, and mental state. Its countless values have been known and practiced for thousands of years in every country and culture.

We experience stress in different ways and are often unaware of how much stress we are holding onto. One of the most important benefits of the exercises above is that they release stress from our bodies. Practiced regularly, they will lead you to a deeper level of relaxation, they will enhance your energy, increase your ability to concentrate, and create an overall feeling of well-being.

Relaxation in the workplace is achievable. Keep in mind that taking some time out for yourself during your lunch or break does not have to be complicated or take away from productivity and accomplishment. In fact, the reverse is generally true. You’ll find, when you get back to work, what seemed overwhelming or unmanageable suddenly seems possible to accomplish. What you may have thought of as an indulgent break may in fact be an excellent boost to your productivity, good for both you and your employer!

You've Just Been Through a Difficult Event

What are the reactions?

Even though everyone reacts differently here are some of the more common ways people who have witnessed a very difficult incident will respond:

Physical reactions

Headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, persistent heart palpitations, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems.

Emotional reactions

Fear, anxiety, distress, anger, irritability, sadness, mistrust, guilt.

Behavioural reactions

Tearfulness, vigilance, withdrawal or isolation, increased tendency to blame or criticize people close to you, increased consumption of alcohol or medication.

Mental reactions

Loss of concentration, forgetfulness, indecisiveness, vivid memories about the event. Are these reactions normal?Absolutely. These are the reactions of a normal human being to an abnormal situation. Research has shown that when you acknowledge these stress reactions and take care of them, they usually disappear within a few weeks.

Do these reactions always occur right after the event?

Not always. Some individuals don’t experience these reactions until later, but this isn’t the case for most people. Whether these reactions occur right away or later, they are generally experienced by almost everyone who goes through an abnormally stressful situation.

Is there any way to avoid these types of reactions?

You can never avoid them completely. Even individuals who are well-informed and well-prepared have acute stress reactions in such situations. Police officers, ambulance technicians, first-aid workers, and fire fighters may have strong stress reactions to emergency situations, despite their training and experience. Remember that these are normal reactions.

What can you do?

1. Pay more attention to your feelings and reactions than to the event itself.
2. Don’t judge or blame yourself. Don’t criticize yourself for having these reactions. Be patient with yourself. Think about how you’d talk to a friend in this situation, and then treat yourself the same way.
3. Try to reduce other sources of stress in your life for a while.
4. Take the time to talk about your physical and emotional reactions to someone close to you (friend, spouse, relative). You can also turn to co-workers. They’re probably feeling the same way, since they experienced the same event.
5. Within twenty-four hours following the event, get some physical exercise, no matter how light it is.
6. Find something that will help you forget the event for a while. Some people find it helpful to keep busy (leisure activities, hobbies, manual activities, warm baths, physical exercise, etc.), while others find it helpful to relax or go out with friends.
7. Take time to rest.
8. If you find you’re getting mental images of the event or other fears, remind yourself that you’re safe now and that you no longer have to be on “red alert.” Then direct your attention to something else.
9. Many people will be curious and ask you questions about the event. If you don’t feel like answering, it’s perfectly appropriate to explain politely that you prefer not to talk about it. You can say, “I understand that you’d like to know more about what happened, but I’d rather not talk about it. I hope you’ll understand.”

What should you do if your stress reactions don’t diminish from week to week?

It’s better not to keep the problem all to yourself. People close to you don’t always know how to help, despite their best intentions. If these reactions have not diminished from week to week, don’t hesitate to call your organization’s Assistance Program to meet a professional.

What have you gained from your experience?

Once things have calmed down, it can be useful to ask yourself, “What have I gained from this experience?” After a difficult event, most people learn something about themselves or others, or about what matters most to them. Take some quiet time to think about this. You may make some interesting discoveries.

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs indicate PTSD as the second leading mental health disorder within the Canadian Armed Forces, with incident rates doubling between 2002 and 2013. However, PTSD is not limited to our military and soldiers. It can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

Trauma is the Greek word for “wound”. While the Greeks used the term for physical injuries, trauma can also mean emotional and psychological wounds.

Trauma can refer to the traumatic event and the subsequent emotional and psychological injury. PTSD refers to a set of symptoms, which can be diagnosed as the condition of PTSD when the after effects of the trauma don’t go away within a specific time period.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the psychological reaction to emotional trauma. This could include responses to powerful one-time incidents or chronic/repetitive experiences.

Examples of One Time Experiences:

Accidents, natural disasters, crimes, surgeries, death, other violent events

Examples of Chronic/Repetitive Experiences:

Child abuse, neglect, military combat, urban or domestic violence

Who is at risk?

PTSD does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender or race. PTSD is brought on by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, often life-threatening event. At particular risk are individuals who work in occupations where they are repeatedly exposed to trauma under high levels of stress. Also at risk are people who experience trauma in childhood and people with a family history of mental illness and addictions.

Symptoms of PTSD

The ramifications of a traumatic event may be felt immediately, but PTSD is not diagnosed unless the symptoms last more than one month. Symptoms include:

Re-experiencing Symptoms

Often, people who suffer from PTSD will relive the traumatic event. This can present in different ways, including upsetting memories which can be triggered by a reminder. For instance, when a combat officer hears a car backfire and it reminds them of gunshots, or when an assault victim sees a news report and is reminded of their own experience. Once triggered, memories can cause the sufferer to react in physical and emotional ways similar to those experienced during the original event.

Avoidance and Numbing Symptoms

Individuals with PTSD may go out of their way to avoid certain triggers. They may not want to return to the site of the experience, and there might be sights, sounds or smells they will avoid. They may even stop watching TV programs that remind them of their experience.

In order to numb themselves, people with PTSD may have a hard time getting in touch with their feelings or expressing them. They may isolate themselves from others, and stop taking part in activities they once enjoyed.

Arousal Symptoms

People suffering with PTSD may feel they are in a constant state of emotional arousal. This can cause them to feel abnormally alert, resulting in difficulty sleeping, irritability and difficulty concentrating. They may feel as though they are “on guard” and searching for signs of danger at all times. This can lead to substance abuse to either heighten or dull their arousal.

Changes in Mood and Cognitions

A traumatic event can result in people altering their beliefs about themselves or the world around them. People suffering from PTSD may start blaming themselves or others, and saying things such as “I should have done more” or

“People in authority can’t be trusted.” They will have a persistent low mood and decreased enjoyment of things they once enjoyed.

How can I support my loved one who suffers from PTSD?

When a family member or close friend suffers from PTSD, it can be overwhelming for family, friends and others close to the individual. It’s hard to understand the changes in behaviour, and it may feel like the individual is less affectionate or angry with you. In turn, you may be frustrated taking on more responsibilities, when the individual suffering is unable to do things they use to do. Try not to take it personally, and remember these do’s and don’ts for living with someone who suffers from PTSD:

DO

• Be patient
• Educate yourself on PTSD
• Be a good listener
• Express your commitment to your relationship
• Minimize stress at home
• Anticipate triggers and try to avoid them
• Watch for signs that your loved one is getting stressed
• Ask how you can help
• Give them space, if they need it
• Let your loved one guide you as to how they are feeling, what they can handle, and how they would like to handle their stress
• Call 911 if you feel you or your loved one is in danger of being hurt
• Make time for yourself
• Build a support system of trusted family and friends
• Set boundaries, know your limits and communicate them to your loved one, family and support team

DON'T

• Pressure your loved one to talk about their experience
• Stop your loved one from talking about their feelings or fears
• Trivialize or deny your loved one’s traumatic experience
• Tell your loved one they are weak because they aren’t coping well
• Offer advice, if you aren’t asked for it
• Take their outbursts or need to isolate personally
• Get upset with yourself if you sometimes have negative feelings towards your loved one

Homewood staff clinician wins award of excellence

Doron Gold, Staff Clinician – Stay at Work Services at Homewood Health, received the 2016 CBA Wellness Forum’s Award of Excellence on November 5, 2016, at the group’s annual conference in Halifax. The award recognizes Gold’s dedication to improving the lives of lawyers and other legal professionals and students, in helping them lead more healthy and fulfilling lives. At Homewood, Gold lends his expertise as a former practicing lawyer and current social worker, to Homewood’s operation of the Member Assistance Program, a program offering confidential counselling, peer support and many other wellness resources to legal professionals in Ontario.

Gold’s work also includes co-authoring an online course on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada and Bell ‘Let’s Talk’. The course is called “Mental Health and Wellness in the Legal Profession”, a self-learning program designed to help Canadian lawyers, judges and law students understand mental health and addiction issues, in the context of the legal profession.

Statistically, legal professionals are at higher risk for depression and addiction because of the demands and stresses of their jobs combined with the stigma of showing vulnerability. Gold’s hope for this course is that it expands knowledge of these issues and is a cornerstone to building a culture of wellness and self-care for legal professionals in Canada.

“It is a profound honour, and validation of the work we do in promoting wellness and removing stigma throughout the legal community.” Gold said, when he learned he had won this prestigious award.