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 8: Episode 8: Understanding Loss

    February 24th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  37 mins 33 secs
    understanding loss

    When someone loses a loved one, goes through a divorce, or loses their job, there can be numerous ways in which the individual feels and experiences the loss. Grief is a normal response to any loss and can affect anyone in unexpected ways. It is an emotion that everyone will experience at some time in their life. Since grieving is an individual experience, everyone will go through the process dependent upon varying factors and coping mechanisms. Understanding the grief process and becoming cognisant of what to expect, may assist distress line volunteers to identify effective strategies to support callers who are working through their journey of bereavement.

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    Episode 7: Episode 7: Mental Health Diagnosis and the Impact on Suicide

    February 7th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  31 mins 3 secs
    mental health diagnosis and the impact on suicide

    People who are diagnosed with major depression, personality disorders and/or who are abusing substances are at a greater risk of suicide attempts or completion. Canadian studies indicate that more than 90% of suicide victims have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder (CMHA Fact Sheet). Although depression is more recognized as being a risk factor, individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder have been noted to complete suicide at a rate of 10%. These mental health diagnoses, in combination with substance abuse increase the risk of death by suicide

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    Episode 6: Episode 6: Trauma & Sudden Violent Loss

    January 28th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  31 mins 11 secs
    trauma & sudden violent loss

    Taking one’s life represents insurmountable personal pain however, in the aftermath, it is the survivors who must come to grips with this traumatic and sudden loss. Often, suicide is committed in a violent manner, with or without clues or messages left behind for loved ones. They are left with unanswered questions and significant grief.

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    Episode 5: Episode 5: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

    January 24th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  34 mins 44 secs
    sexual orientation and gender identity

    Richard Messier has worked in the field of addictions treatment and education for the past 20 years. His academic focus has been in addictions and social work studies at both St Francis Xavier University and McMaster University.

  • Episode 4: Episode 4: Active Listening: The Power of Empathy

    January 15th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  33 mins 27 secs
    active listening: the power of empathy

    Victoria has been with Distress Centre Durham since 1994. During that time she has held several different positions both paid and unpaid. She began as a telephone helpline volunteer and trainer and was hired on staff in 1998 as the Training Co-Ordinator.

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    Episode 3: Episode 3: Limits and Boundaries

    January 11th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  22 mins 2 secs
    limits and boundaries

    One of the biggest challenges that Distress Line volunteers may experience is to respectfully, yet tactfully deal with challenging callers. Brigitte Bill and Arianne Richeson, the presenters of the following video provide viewers with a broad overview of

  • Episode 2: Episode 2: Schizophrenia

    January 10th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  29 mins 12 secs
    schizophrenia

    Cynthia Clark graduated in 1998 with a Honours BA in Sociology from Carleton University. The following year her son Justin, was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

  • Episode 1: Episode 1: Mood disorders

    January 9th, 2019  |  Season 1  |  28 mins 43 secs
    mood disorders

    There are a number of forms of mental illness that can be characterized as mood disorders. The most commonly well known include clinical depression, bi-polar, and anxiety disorders.