​An estimated 1 out of 6 women will experience postpartum depression or anxiety (PPD/A) following the birth or adoption of a new baby.  When we think about treatment for postpartum depression/anxiety, psychotherapy or medication often come to mind.  It's true, both of these interventions have been proven to be quite effective for recovery.  What is not often mentioned is the essential role that a partner plays in supporting their spouse through this difficult time. In this video created by Toronto Public Health, women and their partners discuss how the support and understanding of partners is crucial for reducing isolation and promoting self-care.

*It should also be noted that men can also experience postpartum depression/anxiety.  Often not talked about but needing similar attention, this video will also touch upon this particular topic.

How has your partner supported you either through PPD/A or the postpartum adjustment period?

​Last month, I had the privilege of being invited as a guest speaker to Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School’s mental health week.  The topic that I chose to focus on was on supporting students and their families through the treatment of an eating disorder.  Teachers, administrators and teaching assistants received some valuable information on how to identify the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder (even in children as young as 5) and how they can work together with the family and treatment team to best support the student through their treatment and recovery.
 
Schooling is often tremendously impacted when a child is in aggressive treatment for an eating disorder.  Similar to those children who are seeking treatment for other life-threatening illnesses, whether an inpatient or outpatient they will most likely be missing a lot of school for medical or therapy appointments.  The stress and physical implications of their eating disorder may make it difficult to keep up with their coursework and peer relationships.  As well, they may also be struggling with the severity of their symptoms while at school away from the support of their parents and treatment team. 
 
Here are some tips on how schools can provide support to their students during treatment and recovery:
 
Become an integral part of the treatment team
Since schooling plays an essential part of a child’s daily life, it is important that the child’s school and teachers now become a member of the treatment team.  This means being in constant contact with the student’s parents and other treatment team members while gathering more information about the current treatment plan and progress.  If the student is or has been an inpatient, it will also be important to communicate with the teachers in the hospital to create an education plan while the child is on the unit.  If at any time you feel unsure or confused by the plan, it is always important to ask questions and further educate your staff on eating disorders.
 
Considerations for mealtimes
Many students will need extra support at mealtimes (lunch and snacks).  Often, if possible, the student’s parents will request that they be allowed to provide meal support for their child either on or off school property.  This may mean providing them with a private room for meals and possibly extra time to complete their food.  When parents are not able to provide this support, they may request that a school staff member sit with their child while they eat their meal.
 
Putting gym on hold
During active treatment, it is often encouraged that students not participate in gym for medical reasons.  Some schools will offer a non-active gym related project that the student complete in order to acquire their necessary gym credits.

Academic Considerations 
Many students who are struggling with an eating disorder find it difficult to complete school assignments or study for tests because of their current medical and psychological situation.  It is often recommended to offer academic considerations for these children that will make it less stressful for them to complete their course requirements.  This may mean extensions on assignments or a quiet space to write tests.  It will be important to get feedback from the student and their parents as to what will be most helpful.
 
Absences
The treatment of an eating disorder may require a child to keep frequent and consistent medical and psychological appointments.  It is often necessary that a student miss a lot classroom time.   It is helpful when schools are sympathetic and accommodating to these absences.  If too many days of school are missed to complete a course, it will be important for families to know as soon as possible if further schooling may be required (summer school or extra semester).

Integrating students back into peer group
A main symptom of an eating disorder is increased isolation from friends and peers.  As the student is slowly integrated back into the classroom, it may take some time for the child to feel comfortable around their peer group.  It is important for teachers to sympathetically encourage these students to socializing again.
 
Refrain from discussing food, weight and dieting in classroom
For anyone suffering with an eating disorder, discussion around food, weight and dieting can act as a trigger for their symptoms.  Teachers should try to be mindful of the dialogue within their classroom and attempt to minimize these topics of discussion.

For more information visit:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/Toolkits/EducatorToolkit.pdf 
 
 
 

Did you know that according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), mood and anxiety disorders impact an estimated 22% of the Canadian population but that 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labeled (Mental Health Commission of Canada).  Working in the field of mental health and having the privilege of meeting the amazing men, women and children who have in some way been touched by mental illness has opened my eyes to the discrimination that they have all faced.  The courage to come forward and ask for help in a country that continues to stigmatize its sufferers is inspiring to any mental health practitioner. 
 
So how is it that in a country like Canada only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them (CMHA) and less than 4% of medical research funding goes to mental illness research (Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health)?  I believe that it is a result of stigma.
 
What is Stigma?
 
Stigma is a set of negative beliefs and behaviours held by society or a group of people.  Stigma spreads fear and misinformation and creates and perpetuates stereotypes.  When it comes to mental illness, people are met with stigma at schools, in the workplace, hospitals, local communities as well as by their friends and family.  According to the Canadian Medical Association, 2 in 3 people suffer in silence fearing judgment and rejection.  Because of stigma, these individuals are not able to access the resources that are necessary for treatment and recovery.  They continue to live and suffer in silence.
 
Here are just a few programs in Canada whose purpose is to reduce mental health stigma:
 
Opening Minds Initiative
 
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has created an Opening Minds Initiative, in partnership with 110 organizations, whose aim is to “reduce discrimination by changing negative behaviours and attitudes often associated with mental health problems and mental illness.”  Opening Minds has evaluated anti-stigma programs across the country to identify those that are effective and should be continued or replicated.  They have targeted four key areas: healthcare providers, youth, the workforce and the media.  Opening minds is now in the phase of using their research to promote and launch anti-stigma programs across the country.
 
Let’s Talk Day
 
Every January, Bell Canada participates in a Let’s Talk day.  This year it was on January 27th.  Its purpose is to drive awareness and understanding of mental health by creating a national conversation to help reduce stigma.  With the power of social media and with the help of their celebrity ambassadors, Bell Canada hopes to break the silence that surrounds mental health and to provide a voice to those who have been touched by mental illness.  It also hopes to raise much needed money for programs. 
​
Mental Illness Awareness Week
 
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national campaign to increase public education associated with the realities of mental health and illness.  In 2015, the week took place October 4th-10th.  One of its major initiatives is its Faces of Mental Illness Campaign.  Throughout the campaign, individuals are nominated to represent the many faces of mental illness in Canada.  Their unique journeys and backgrounds are told through public service announcements that are aired over a variety of media outlets.  Its hope is to initiate and increase discussion for the purpose of increasing awareness and decreasing stigma.

It is only when people increase communication and become more educated about the realities of mental health can the veil of stigma be lifted.  Only then can those who are living with mental illness feel they don't have to suffer in fear and isolation. 
 
For more information:

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English
 
http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/
 
http://www.camimh.ca/mental-illness-awareness-week/faces-campaign/
 
 
 
 
 
 

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​​For many, coming to the realization that the issues they face are more than they can handle alone can be overwhelming.  Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma around mental health and misconceptions about the therapeutic process that can be confusing for a lot of people.  Once a person has made the decision that they would like to seek out therapy, their next task is to find a therapist that’s right for them.
 
It is important to remember that finding the right therapist can take time and patience.  Often times it can take a few sessions before you can evaluate whether you are able to connect and trust the therapist.  Without this connection or trust it will be difficult to make any sort of significant progress in your therapy.
 
Here are some tips on how to find the right therapist for you:
 
1.  Make a list of names.
 
When you have decided that you would like to start therapy it can be beneficial to make an appointment with your family physician.  Not only are you informing them of a decision that you’ve made regarding your health but often your physician has a list of therapists that they have worked with and referred other patients to in the community.  Family and friends may also be a good resource for referrals as they may know others who have had personal experiences with a particular therapist.
 
2.  Research.
 
Once you have collected a list of therapists it will be important to start finding out more information about them.  What is their professional designation, are they covered by OHIP or insurance, where are they located, what are their areas of expertise, and so on.  Depending on what you are looking for in a therapist will guide your research.
 
3.  Reach out.
 
Once you have narrowed your list down, contact the therapist either by phone or email.  Often times contacting the person by telephone can be extremely beneficial.  Many clients can make an initial assessment of how comfortable they felt with the conversation, whether the therapist was sincere and helpful and whether an initial connection was made. It can also be a good way of attaining more information about the therapist’s treatment philosophy, specializations, fees and any other questions you may have.
 
4.  The initial sessions.
 
Like with any new relationship it can take time to build trust and feel comfortable with a therapist.  The first few sessions are often a trial for both the client and therapist to determine whether a positive working relationship can be established.  Some questions to reflect on after each session that can help you determine whether the therapist is a right fit for you can include: 1) Is the therapist non-judgemental, sincere, understanding, patient, informed and in tune with my emotions?  2) Does the therapist have appropriate boundaries and has he/she discussed their limits of confidentiality?  If after 3 sessions you continue to feel that the therapist is not providing you with a trusting and sympathetic environment or you feel that the relationship is just not the right fit then it may be time to move on.  Try not to feel discouraged if this happens to you.  Unfortunately, a lot of people have a tendency to give up on therapy after discontinuing with one therapist.  Again, finding a therapist can take time but once you have found the right person the benefits can be invaluable!
 
 
 
 
 
 

On a day like today, with the sun shining and the mild temperatures, it’s easy to forget that we are entering into the coldest and shortest days of the year.  For some people, autumn is received with a great deal of excitement.  The changing and falling of the leaves, the crisp air, the coming of the holidays, ski and hockey season are often welcomed with enthusiasm.  But for many people, autumn and the anticipation of winter may bring worry of the impending winter blues.
 
What are the winter blues?
 
As the days get shorter and the temperature grows colder, many of us start to feel more tired, sluggish and down.  It can be hard to get out of bed in the morning, maintain energy levels throughout the day and feel motivated to exercise, socialize and even do basic errands.  The reduced amount of sunlight that comes with shorter days is often linked to feeling down.  The main theory is that the lack of sunlight can have an affect on certain hormones your body produces.  Melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy and helps control your sleep and walk cycles, may be produced in higher levels in the winter.  As well, serotonin, a hormone that impacts your mood, appetite and sleep, may be produced in lesser amounts during these months and can result in lower mood.
 
Here are some tips to help combat the winter blues:
 
1) Get Some Light
 
It is so tempting to stay inside when it is cold and miserable outside.  Try to resist this urge and get yourself out of the house or office a few times a day.  Getting enough sunlight is the most important.  Even if it’s a cloudy day, a walk around the block or to your local coffee shop can wake you up and increase your mood.  If it's a blizzard outside, even absorbing some light from the window or from a light box (emits artificial light) for 20 minutes a day can make a difference.
 
2) Exercise
 
When you exercise, your body naturally releases chemicals called endorphins.  These endorphins can reduce stress, improve feelings of anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep.  Even short episodes of physical activity can have a big impact.
 
3) Socialize
 
Again, as much as you may be tempted to stay in the warm comforts of your home, being around other people can lift your spirits.  If you are at work, go out for lunch with co-workers.  If you are at home with the kids, schedule a play date.  It not only can boost your mood but can also reduce your feelings of isolation and loneliness.
 
4) Take Care of Yourself
 
Give yourself some permission for some pampering.  It can be as indulgent as going for a massage or as simple as taking a bath or reading a book.  Self-care is important all year round to promote mental wellness but especially during the cold winter months.
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
 
If your winter blues symptoms become more intense and persistent you may actually be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression.  Please seek medical care immediately from your family doctor or psychiatrist.

Stay Warm!