DCO Discourse... - Episodes Tagged with “Part 1”

Episode 310: On Navigating The Holidays Part 1

Distress and Crisis Ontario — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Sabrina Popernitsch, a Registered Psychotherapist, about navigating the emotional challenges of the holiday season. Together, they explore ways to manage expectations, avoid the stress of perfectionism, and support loved ones without overstepping boundaries. Sabrina also shares practical strategies for coping with loneliness and creating meaningful connections, as well as her top tips for protecting your peace and prioritizing mental well-being during the holidays.

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 centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8.

Episode 306: On Journeys in mental health from experience to education - Part 1

Distress and Crisis Ontario — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0500

In Part 1 of this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, sits down with Valéry Brosseau, mental health advocate and founder of Validate Mental Health Consultants. Valéry shares her journey from volunteering at Distress Centre Durham to founding her own consulting firm, where she now leads workshops and training on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Together, Marissa and Valéry discuss the impact of lived experience, breaking mental health misconceptions, and fostering resilience to inspire others.

Episode 176: On Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation – Part 1

Distress and Crisis Ontario — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400

This week, for Pride Month, we are sharing the first of two parts of a panel interview we did with a university student group that promotes Sexual and Gender Diversity. The stories that this trio of young adults shared with our organization about discovering their individual identities and the journeys they’ve walked are very powerful and we hope that you are as moved by their journeys as we are. This episode does contain content related to different forms of hate, discrimination, and violence that our panel guests have experienced that may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourselves and skip through the podcast as needed, and do not hesitate to connect with ONTX or one of our Member centres to chat about how the episode made you feel. You can access our website at www.dcontario.org, and if visit our locations page (www.dcontario.org/locations) you will be able to find your nearest Member centre. If you have any feedback for us about this, or any, episode of our podcast, please fill out our feedback form at: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8. Thank you for listening, we hope you have a great week and join us again for part two!

Episode 21: Concurrent Disorders (Part 1)

Distress and Crisis Ontario — Fri, 10 May 2019 12:00:00 -0400

There are many reasons to become aware of the impact of Concurrent Disorders. Many do not understand that substance use can trigger or worsen mental health problems; and in some cases, may mask an undiagnosed mental illness that already exists. Conversely, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms can lead one to use substances, which can progress into a development of concurrent substance use disorder. Seeking assistance for these disorders can be very frustrating. The fact is, it is not unusual for community treatment programs to deal with substance use and mental health disorders separately in a fragmented way, or to deal with one issue but not the other. Although the treatment system is improving, there are still centres that do not deal with these disorders concurrently (i.e. in a coordinated and integrated fashion which is best practice). The results are ineffective or sub-standard care for these individuals that will not truly meet their needs. Andrea Tsanos, Advanced Practice Clinician for the Toronto Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is featured in the vignette, Concurrent Disorders (Part 1). Andrea delivers an insightful introductory session defining Concurrent Disorders and describes what those living with Concurrent Disorders encounter in their day-to-day lives. Questions for Further Consideration: What was your understanding about Concurrent Disorders before viewing the vignette? Does knowing reasons why one would use substances that contribute to the disorder change your understanding or attitude toward those who have it? Each viewer will have a different experience but it is valuable to review some of the reasons for someone to use substances: for self-medication to relieve the symptoms of mental health issues to relieve feelings of isolation or despair to gain acceptance in a peer group and to gain a general sense of well-being Consider the stigma often associated with someone who has an addiction problem or has a mental health diagnosis. What are some of the issues that people with concurrent disorders face? Prejudice and discrimination in personal, social, and medical interactions Secrecy about symptoms and how they are dealing with them Avoidance in seeking help Low self esteem Depression – suicidal ideation Homelessness/housing problems Legal problems Rejection from peers or family Poor quality of life When an individual with a Concurrent Disorder seeks information about where to get help in your community – do you know what resources are available? You may have to discuss this with your training coordinator because each community is different. Some of you may have access to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) while smaller communities may not. You may want to take a look at what is offered in mental health supports as well as what is available in the area of addictions. Remember, a person who has a Concurrent Disorders will not necessarily identify with this label or know that they have them.

Episode 12: Understanding Abuse in Intimate Relationships - Part 1

Distress and Crisis Ontario — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 23:00:00 -0400

Domestic violence is not a private matter even though the vast majority of it happens behind closed doors or in the intimate personal language of couples. It is a devastating reality for many Canadian families that cuts across all social, economic, religious, cultural groups. Consequently, abuse in intimate relationships carries an enormous financial and human cost. This type of abuse involves the intent to intimidate or control a woman by someone she has an intimate, familiar or romantic relationship. It encompasses physical, sexual, financial, emotional, and spiritual abuse. Canadian statistics (2007) indicate that 23% of all police reported violent crimes can be attributed to family violence. The vast majority (83%) of victims of spousal abuse are women who most frequently report they have been pushed, slapped, and punched. The next most frequently reported offence is major assault which involves using a weapon or results in bodily harm. Every week, 1 – 2 women in Canada die at the hands of their current or former partner. Although it is not always the case, women are more likely than men to become physically injured by a violent spouse. In general, spousal homicides of women outnumber spousal homicides of men by a rate of more than 2 to 1. Rates in Canada of female victims over a 30 year period (1975 to 2004) was 2,178 compared to 638 male victims (Canadian Psychological Association, 2010) Stats Canada (2011) reports the rate of spousal homicide is about three times higher against women than against men. In the following vignette, you will be introduced to Irene Gabinet, a clinical counsellor with over 20 years experience in working with women in abusive relationships. In this first instalment of her two-part series, Ms. Gabinet will cover the challenging dynamics of domestic violence and she will review the many barriers of leaving such relationships. Viewers will be provided with valuable information which will enhance their understanding of the impact of abuse. Questions for Further Consideration: 1. What would you do if a caller on the crisis/distress line reports she is in immediate danger of being abused by her partner? Firstly, you need to know what the protocols are for your centre. Each centre will have detailed procedures as to how to connect the caller with safe options. It is a good idea to review these procedures every few months, especially if these calls do not come to your centre very often. Do you know if there are women’s shelters in your community? Do you know how to contact them if needed? If your caller is not in immediate danger but is exploring future options, it is valuable to know what the resources there are in your community. She may have a very limited time on the phone and may need information in a timely manner. If you are not aware of nearby shelters, discuss the need for this information with your training coordinator. Have you ever felt frustrated that victims seldom followed through with leaving their perpetrator so ask yourself “what is the point in going through the effort”? Remember that some of the victim’s behaviour is based on fear of the perpetrator, lack of confidence, or possibly being isolated for a long period of time from family supports. Outside contacts and obtaining information can become next to impossible for the victim. Some victims come to believe the perpetrator when they are told them if they leave, they will not be able to support themselves and/or leaving will lead to negative retribution for themselves or for those around her. It may take several attempts or years before they can actually leave. Each time they reach out is a step closer to safer solutions. *Full References available through DCO offices.