The holiday season is upon us and in many ways it feels the same as ever: Long dark nights are made brighter with festive light displays; classic carols are in rotation on the radio; and young children are eagerly making wish lists and doing their best to ensure they stay on the ‘nice’ list. But…
When people feel comfortable in a space, they are more likely to visit. With this in mind, the Aboriginal Mental Wellness team has been looking at ways to make spaces that provide mental health and substance use services more welcoming and culturally safe. Conversations with Aboriginal partners, clients, families, and care providers have shown us…
During a pandemic, people can experience a wide range of mental health impacts. If you are concerned about your mental wellness you can reach out for advice and support from your primary care provider, local counselling service, or your employer's Employee and Family Assistance Program if available. Or visit this infographic for tips on managing…
Hospitals across B.C. are displaying white trees this year. On them, you'll see ornaments and photos of people of all ages. These ornaments might remind you of your own family mementos. The difference is the people in these photos are no longer with us. Their lives were lost to overdose. Moms Stop the Harm is…
Have you ever heard the phrase "if you want to make a change in the world, start by changing yourself"? Widespread change might seem difficult to achieve, but it's possible if we decide to do things differently. If you want to fight addiction and stigma, and help end overdose, here are three easy steps to…
To say that Rachel has a big heart would be an understatement. Despite experiencing a lifetime of loss, she smiles easily and is quick to laugh. Rachel wants to help people in whatever way she can. That is why she agreed to share her story and speak about the impact of stigma as a person…
Rosanne Nelson knows her son better than anyone. She knows he is a talented musician who played in a band with his brother for years. He is a hard-working student who beat the odds and finished his degree despite ongoing health challenges. He is a middle child with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. But she…
"There are only so many ways to fix a broken leg," says Debi Morris. "But if you have five patients with a mood disorder, there will be so many ways you will approach treatment." For Debi, the field of Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) is fascinating, in part, because care and treatment needs to…
Fifty-year-old Shane is an active volunteer, a former hockey player and a trivia buff. Like many couples, he and his wife Joanne often tease each other. “She doesn’t have a volume switch. I’ve been trying to find it for years,” he says of Joanne, who is so soft-spoken you need to lean in close to…