DCO Discourse...

Moving Forward Through Partnerships

About the show

Discussions on topics related to mental health, addictions, and life in Ontario, Canada. We aim to provide our listeners with tools and resources that will help them to improve their own mental health and wellness, as well as tools to help them support their family members, loved ones, and their communities at large. If you would like to provide feedback and/or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A.

We regret to announce that the ONTX text and chat program will cease operations on November 30th, 2023. Text and chat services will remain available until that date, however, they will no longer be accessible starting December 1st, 2023. If you are seeking support alternatives, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest Member centre, some of which provide their own text and/or chat support services.

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Episodes

  • Episode 302: On Crow Shield Lodge

    October 14th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  49 mins 11 secs
    on crow shield lodge

    In this episode, our Communications and Marketing Manager, Marissa Rasmussen, sits down with Clarence Cachagee, founder of Crow Shield Lodge. Clarence shares his journey and the vision behind this unique space dedicated to reconciliation and healing. He highlights how Indigenous land-based teachings foster connection and belonging within the community. Together, they explore the significance of these teachings in promoting unity and understanding among diverse groups.

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    Episode 301: On fostering leadership among younger generations

    October 7th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  34 mins 21 secs
    fostering leadership among younger generations

    In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen sits down with Anne Anderson, a community pastor and leader of the Thirdspace Community, to explore the evolving role of faith communities in addressing modern challenges. Anne shares her journey and insights on how emerging faith communities are fostering leadership, particularly among younger generations. They discuss the intersection of faith, mental health, and social issues like food insecurity, and how faith communities can offer true hospitality and inclusion. Anne also delves into her work with alternative forms of worship and the importance of interfaith dialogue in creating supportive, spiritually rich spaces.

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    Episode 300: Archived Episode: On Truth, Reconciliation, and the Burden of Illness with Charity F

    September 30th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  42 mins 4 secs
    and the burden of illness with charity f, on truth, reconciliation

    In honor of National Truth and Reconciliation Day we are revisiting our conversation On Truth, Reconciliation, and the Burden of Illness with Charity F

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    Episode 299: On Back to School and Screen Time

    September 23rd, 2024  |  Season 3  |  37 mins 59 secs
    back 2 school

    In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen and Alexandra Gordon discuss how parents can manage screen time for their children. With the return of school and the shift from potentially more screen time to less, this episode offers practical advice on creating healthier screen habits. We also dive into the dangers and benefits of the internet, how to set boundaries with children, and navigating their internet use as they get older.
    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening, and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

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    Episode 298: On Rehabilitation after an injury and Mental Health

    September 16th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  30 mins 36 secs
    mental health, rehab and mental health. rehab

    In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, talks with Caitlin Plant, Program Manager, about the realities of rehabilitation and its profound effects on mental health, just in time for National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. As Caitlin and Marissa share their personal experiences, they explore the challenges that come with physical recovery and how it intertwines with emotional well-being.
    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8

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    Episode 297: On Silent Strokes, Impact /Awareness

    September 9th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  56 mins 55 secs
    silent strokes

    In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, talks with Cheryl Vanderveen, an expert in dementia care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, about the critical topic of Silent Strokes and their impact. Cheryl shares why raising awareness about Silent Strokes is essential and discusses how these often-overlooked strokes can lead to serious consequences, including post-stroke suicide. Tune in to learn more about recognizing the signs, supporting individuals at risk, and advocating for Silent Stroke awareness.

  • Episode 296: Archived Episode: On Supporting Youth with Eating Disorders

    September 2nd, 2024  |  Season 3  |  24 mins 45 secs
    archived episode, on supporting youth with eating disorders

    In this episode from August of last year, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, discusses how to support youth with eating disorders. With the return of school and potentially more high-stress environments for youth, a reminder of how to support them is fitting. This episode covers basic information on what eating disorders are, signs and symptoms to look out for, how to talk to youth and healthcare professionals, and more.

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    Episode 295: Part 2 - On Support Systems and Self-Care for Single Parents

    August 26th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  27 mins 9 secs
    part 2, support systems and self-care for single parents

    In Part 2 of our discussion on single parenthood, Marissa Rasmussen and Caitlin Plant share valuable insights on the importance of support systems and self-care. They explore how single parents can find the resources they need and prioritize their well-being, especially as the busy school year begins. The episode wraps up with practical advice for making the back-to-school transition smoother.

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    Episode 294: Part 1 - On Navigating Single Parenthood

    August 19th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  27 mins 33 secs
    single parenthood

    This week, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager, is joined by Caitlin Plant, Program Manager, both from Distress and Crisis Ontario, to explore the complex challenges single parents face. In Part 1, they delve into the pressures and obstacles that come with balancing work, parenting, and societal expectations. Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation on what it takes to navigate single parenthood.

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    Episode 293: On Aging Gracefully and Social Media

    August 12th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  23 mins 45 secs

    This week, Marissa Rasmussen, DCO’s Communications and Marketing Manager, talks with an aging gracefully social media influencer, Amanda Giorgini, about how social media impacts mental health across different generations. They explore societal pressures and online standards, discussing how these challenges affect various age groups. The episode also covers the benefits and drawbacks of social media, offering practical tips for maintaining healthy boundaries and fostering positive mental well-being.

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    Episode 292: On the Back to School Transition

    August 5th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  26 mins 53 secs
    back to school

    This week Caitlin Plant is joined by Marissa Rasmussen, DCO’s new Communications and Marketing Manager, to give some tips for a positive transition back-to-school this fall. Whether you are a parent to a school-aged child or youth, are an elementary or high school student, or if you are someone headed off to post-secondary education and beyond, this episode includes some strategies for preparing for the back-to-school season.

    This week Caitlin Plant is joined by Marissa Rasmussen, DCO’s new Communications and Marketing Manager, to give some tips for a positive transition back-to-school this fall. Whether you are a parent to a school-aged child or youth, are an elementary or high school student, or if you are someone headed off to post-secondary education and beyond, this episode includes some strategies for preparing for the back-to-school season. To read the full article referenced throughout the episode visit: https://files.constantcontact.com/0fb3237d001/62368112-bfdd-4c12-8f92-54d2ac97b4ad.pdf.

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    Episode 291: On Summer Self Care

    July 29th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  20 mins 22 secs
    summer self care

    This week Katelyn Doyle and Caitlin Plant talk about summer self-care. They include practical advice as well as some fun ideas to incorporate into your self care routine this summer!

    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

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    Episode 290: On Pride Beyond June

    July 22nd, 2024  |  Season 3  |  12 mins 19 secs
    2slgbtq+ support, pride

    This week Katelyn Doyle, Communications and Marketing Manager, talks about celebrating Pride beyond June. If you'd like to see additional information on 2SLGBTQ+ supports and resources, please visit https://www.dcontario.org/2slgbtqia-supports/

    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

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    Episode 289: On Body Neutrality

    July 15th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  28 mins 35 secs
    body image; body neutrality

    This week Katelyn Doyle and Caitlin Plant talk about body positivity versus body neutrality. They pull information from the following articles:

    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814782/
    https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/0512fe_ccc6638a5e3844c8b3dcf4a0e536a9c2.pdf

    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

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    Episode 288: Archived Episode: Compassion Fatigue and How to Handle It

    July 8th, 2024  |  Season 3  |  12 mins 2 secs
    compassion fatigue, mental health

    We've gotten past the midway point in the year and thought it would be a good time to offer this mental health refresher. In this week's episode, Brenda shares research about compassion fatigue and how to handle it.

    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

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    Episode 287: On Men's Mental Health Month

    July 1st, 2024  |  Season 3  |  14 mins 34 secs
    men's mental health

    This week Katelyn Doyle, Marketing and Communications Manager, reflects on Men's Mental Health Month. We want to continue the conversation beyond June and end the stigma surrounding men's mental health. To read the blog post on Men's Mental Health as well as for other resources, visit https://www.dcontario.org/mens-mental-health-month-2024/. You can also check out our social media collaboration, #HereToHere, with Distress Centre Halton, accessible on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

    To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member centre. Many of our Member centres operate 24/7. Thank you for listening and we hope you’ll join us again next week. If you would like to provide feedback on this episode, past episodes, or request future content, you can do so using the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.