Keeping people informed on the latest thoughts and happenings

Homewood Health launches Pathfinder, its new digital platform - combining market-leading digital innovation with Homewood’s deep expertise in mental health

Guelph Ontario, Dec 15 2021 - Homewood Health today announced the launch of Homewood Pathfinder, the evolution of their Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) currently being delivered to over 3 million Canadians and their family members. 

Pathfinder is an intuitive digital platform that provides new capabilities for the Canadian market. It offers the client a choice of a fully digital experience or the current EFAP experience that clients know and love.

“Homewood Pathfinder places EFAP at the intersection of experience and innovation,” says Homewood CEO Jagoda Pike. “The future is all about access, choice and depth of services and our EFAP experience meets our clients where they’re at with a brand new platform and journey, that doesn’t sacrifice anything they currently like or are accustomed to.”

Pathfinder introduces industry-leading features and capabilities including:

• Proprietary Algorithms – Built upon over 140 years of experience, Homewood has developed and tested proprietary algorithms that help guide clients to the most effective service by making expert service recommendations that consider the client’s issue, acuity and preferences.
• Homewood Pulse Check – Checking in on a client’s state of wellbeing and understanding trends and changes over time
• Meet Now – A unique and innovative new feature providing the ability to meet with a counsellor right away or Book Later allowing convenient online matching to a provider and scheduling at a convenient time for the client.
• My Dashboard – A complete integrated summary for the client with access to resources, help with finding the right service, summary of current activities and recommendations.
• Homewood Insights – A robust data visualization layer for customers that provides a window into aggregate EFAP data, in real time, including baseline measures for key issues that impact presence and performance at work.

These features along with a friendly, easy to use interface combine to make Homewood Pathfinder a truly transformative EFAP experience.

Choice is a key component of the Homewood EFAP and professional support is available in the way that best suits client preferences including video, telephone, e-counselling and in-person (post-COVID). For clients who prefer a warm, experienced voice, the 24/7 toll-free intake number remains available. For clients who use the fully digital experience, the same warm, experienced voice is available at any time to assist in their journey.

“Homewood has always been a leader in launching new EFAP innovations,’ says Sean Slater, EVP of Revenue and Customer Experience. “The introduction of Pathfinder continues to deliver on that promise.”

Homewood Health is rolling Pathfinder out to over 30,000 customers starting this month.

More information can be found at www.homewoodpathfinder.com

About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is a Canadian leader in the development and delivery of national, evidence-based mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment and services since 1883. Homewood's complete suite of services includes employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all tailored to meet the needs of individuals, clinical and institutional referrers, insurers and employers. Homewood Health's innovative approaches are redefining how Canadians access mental health and addiction treatment and support in order to help them live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives. 

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New online platform launches to provide people across Canada with immediate mental health and substance use support as COVID-19 escalates

TORONTO, April 16, 2020 /CNW/ - People in Canada, regardless of where they live or their age, can access immediate virtual mental health and substance use support with the launch of Wellness Together Canada, a historic initiative launched through a joint venture with Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone and Homewood Health, supported by Greenspace Health, in response to growing mental health concerns with the escalation of COVID-19.

A "one-stop shop" online portal, Wellness Together Canada provides a "stepped care" model offering services that range from immediate crisis support to mental health screening and self-assessment tools, peer-to-peer support, educational resources, e-courses, access to virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and access to counselling support by phone, text or live chat. The initiative is the first and only online platform of its kind offering immediate mental health and substance use support to all people in Canada in every province and territory in English and French.

"Mental wellness is difficult to maintain with the disruptions happening now. It's not easy to maintain a routine. People in every community are struggling and need our help. That's why we are acting today to make professional resources more easily accessible to Canadians" said, The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health.

Stepped care is a care delivery model developed by psychologist Dr. Peter Cornish to ensure individuals are able to access the level of support appropriate to their needs while also creating a more efficient and effective healthcare system. "Wellness Together Canada is a perfect example of the power and possibilities of the stepped care model when put into action," says Dr. Cornish. "The model aims to empower people to access the support they need at the moment they need it, whether that's simply an article that helps them to better understand what they're experiencing or a direct line to a trained counsellor in a moment of crisis. Wellness Together Canada is providing the full range of solutions to everyone in Canada, allowing individuals to make decisions about the care they require and providing the resources to access it."

Each service delivery partner brings their unique services and expertise to the partnership.

With a 30-year history as Canada's only nationally available e-mental health solution for young people, Kids Help Phone is offering access to its phone-based single-session counselling services and its texting service for youth, Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone, which can be accessed by texting 686868. To further extend its support to Canadians of all ages, Kids Help Phone is also launching Crisis Text Line Canada – a new evolution of its existing texting service that will be exclusively available to adults and seniors. Crisis Text Line Canada can be accessed by texting WELLNESS to 741741 for immediate support.

"COVID-19 is both a public health crisis and a mental health crisis," says Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone. "Kids Help Phone alone has experienced a nearly 400% increase in calls/texts related to COVID-19 since mid-March, pointing to the depth and breadth of the mental health impact on Canada's youth. Now, as Canada navigates through this unprecedented period in our history, we are committed to opening up our services to people of all ages, in every part of Canada, along with our incredible partners through the launch of Wellness Together Canada. We are actively building our team of trained professional counsellors and volunteer Crisis Responders to ensure we're ready and able to meet the needs of every single person who reaches out to us for support."

Homewood Health has been supporting Canadians with mental health, trauma and addiction treatment and support since 1883. With a complete suite of services that includes a leading Canadian Employee Assistance Program, return to work services, outpatient and inpatient treatment and much more, Homewood is a leader in evidence-based treatment and care. Through Wellness Together Canada, Homewood Health is offering single and multi-session counselling for adults via phone and video as well as online educational resources.

"For Canadians living with mental health or substance use issues, times of crisis can exacerbate their challenges or destroy their recovery efforts," says Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health. "Everyone at Homewood is profoundly proud to be able to support Canadians during this crisis. As always, and particularly during these deeply uncertain times, it is our goal to ensure that no one feels alone in their time of need."

The joint venture partners are pleased to be working alongside Greenspace Health, a Toronto-based leader in mental healthcare technology. Greenspace's technology will act as the central online portal, where Canadians can access the many resources and supports available in this stepped care solution, while regularly tracking the impact on their mental well-being. "This is an opportunity to bring a scientific and technology-driven approach to mental health services," says Jeremy Weisz, CEO of Greenspace Health. "Wellness Together Canada represents an amazing feat of collaboration, designed to provide the right supports to each individual at the right time." In addition, Wellness Together Canada will be working with many e-mental health platforms, available through this portal, to enable a robust stepped care solution for all Canadians.

Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone and Homewood Health, along with Greenspace Health, extend their deepest gratitude to Health Canada and the Government of Canada for their visionary investment and partnership to launch Wellness Together Canada.

About Wellness Together Canada: Wellness Together Canada is an innovative new joint venture between Canadian mental health leaders Kids Help Phone, Stepped Care Solutions and Homewood Health, and supported by Greenspace Health, to offer a full range of mental health support to people of all ages in every part of Canada. It is available in both English and French as an online portal/website and can be accessed at https://ca.portal.gs/. Wellness Together Canada is funded by Health Canada.

About Stepped Care Solutions: Stepped Care Solutions is a Canadian not for profit consultancy group that aims to promote mental wellness by transforming the mental health system. We collaborate with organizations and service users to improve access and deliver flexible service by providing a framework that organizes a wide range of care options. Stepped Care Solutions brings together health and industry partners to design convenient, effective, and innovative care models that meet the needs of all Canadians.

About Kids Help Phone: Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led text-based support for young people. Kids Help Phone's free, anonymous services are available in both English and French. Kids Help Phone is a registered Canadian charity, and raises the majority of revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising. Visit www.kidshelpphone.ca for more information.

About Homewood Health: Homewood Health is a Canadian leader in the development and delivery of national, evidence-based mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment and services since 1883. Homewood's complete suite of services includes employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all tailored to meet the needs of individuals, clinical and institutional referrers, insurers and employers. Homewood Health's innovative approaches are redefining how Canadians access mental health and addiction treatment and support in order to help them live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives. Visit www.homewoodhealth.com for more information.

About Greenspace Health: Greenspace Health is a Canadian technology company that improves the way that mental healthcare is accessed, measured and delivered. Greenspace works with healthcare organizations and health systems to facilitate a better model for intake and triage into care and to more effectively measure an individual's progress in treatment, while generating valuable clinical outcome data. Greenspace is research-based and designed to help drive better mental health outcomes for all Canadians. More information can be found at: www.greenspacehealth.ca.

SOURCE Kids Help Phone

For further information: For more information, or to request an interview, please contact: Lindsey Coulter, Director, Strategic Communications & Community Engagement, Kids Help Phone, Lindsey.coulter@kidshelpphone.ca | 647-390-4841

Related Links

https://ca.portal.gs/

First of its Kind, Private Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centre in Western Canada Opens on Vancouver Island

Victoria, BC - June 18, 2019 - Today marks the grand opening of Homewood Ravensview, the first and only private facility in Western Canada offering evidence-based, medically-led, inpatient, mental health, trauma and addiction services. With over 135 years of experience as Canada’s leader in the delivery of national mental health and addiction services, Homewood Health’s new facility located in North Saanich, just outside Victoria, BC, offers 75 beds and employs a world-class team of 50 professionals, including four on-site physicians and psychiatrists as well as 24-hour nursing. With its specialized programs for first responders, military, veterans, executives & professionals, adults, and young adults, Ravensview addresses an ever-growing need for services.

“Ravensview’s best-in-class treatment is delivered by a team of world class health care professionals and is steeped in Homewood’s 136 year history in delivering mental health and addiction services to Canadians,” says Jagoda Pike, Homewood Health’s President and CEO. “We’ve built programs that support people who are deeply impacted by mental illness and addiction in achieving their goals, whether it’s returning to work, to function, or to productive and happy lives.” Pike goes on to say, “in addition to working directly with individual patients, Homewood has worked for decades with Canadian employers and insurers to help them access good quality treatment resources to support a timely return to work for their employees and claimants.”

Each year, over 400,000 Canadians are off work due to mental illness. These cases are often more complex and typically have durations that are longer than physical health-related claims, resulting in significant human and economic costs impacting all Canadians. These cases carry the additional impact of adding weight to an already over-burdened public health system.  Canadian employees suffering from mental health, trauma, addiction and concurrent disorders remain off work for extended periods of time, waiting for access to assessment and treatment, with their conditions often worsening over time.

“Delivering innovative, evidence-based treatment, our programs are truly unique in Canada,” says Robert De Clark, General Manager at Homewood Ravensview. “Our Guardians program for first responders, members of the military and Veterans is designed specifically for the challenges these real life heroes face. We have our Cornerstone program for adults and the My Path program for young adults wrestling with mental health or addiction problems.  We’re also proud to launch the Vanguard program, the first of its kind in Canada, that meets the specific treatment needs of executives and professionals.”

In developing Ravensview programs, Homewood Health sought the input of researchers, clinicians, employers and insurers. “The diversity and quality of the treatment we provide will help a large number of clients get well and move forward with their lives,” says De Clark. “By providing Canada’s employers and insurers with additional, innovative options for care, we multiply the impact of treatment, benefiting not just the employee and their family, but the organization and ultimately the country as a whole.”

Ravensview is also Western Canada’s leading facility in the treatment of concurrent mental health and addiction disorders. “Those with substance use problems are up to three times more likely to have a mental illness,” says Dr. Michael Berry, Ravensview’s Clinical Director. “These concurrent conditions are complex and require experienced, medically-led treatment.  No other facility in Western Canada is equipped with the staffing complement and clinical expertise to treat a primary diagnosis of mental health with a secondary diagnosis of addiction.”

For all Ravensview programs, the full treatment plan includes psychiatric care, medical care, counselling and integrated therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and cognitive processing therapy as well as music, horticultural and art therapy. The average length of inpatient treatment is typically 6 to 9 weeks, and one year of recovery management care at Homewood outpatient clinics across the country is included for all clients.

Ravensview accepts referrals from employers, insurers, medical and health care professionals, but a referral is not necessary for treatment and clients are typically able to start treatment within 24 hours of their first call.

Visit ravensview.com for more information.

Homewood Ravensview’s grand opening ceremony is taking place June 18^th at 1 p.m. The event will be attended by, and will feature remarks from: the Right Honourable David Johnston; the Honourable Bob Rae; Pauquachin Chief Rebecca David; Shelagh Rogers, Chancellor-University of Victoria; the Honourable Adam Olsen; and Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health.  All media welcome. Ravensview is a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria located at 1515 McTavish Rd North Saanich, BC V8L 5T3.

About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is Canada’s leader in the delivery of national mental health and addiction services. With more than 135 years of experience, Homewood achieves outstanding outcomes through its national network of more than 4,500 employees and clinical experts. Homewood’s complete suite of services includes organizational wellness, employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all customized to meet the needs of individuals and organizations.

Media Contact:

Nichole Desrosiers Vice President, Marketing
ndesrosiers@homewoodhealth.com
403.617.6193

Homewood Health Launches New Trauma Support Program in Vancouver Clinic

VANCOUVER, BC -- (November 6, 2017) - Homewood Health is pleased to announce the launch of a new intensive outpatient Trauma Support Program in Vancouver. As part of a national treatment network, the new Trauma Support Program at The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver will offer immediate access to customized, intensive outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

On November 9^th please join The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver for a panel discussion on trauma, resilience and Vancouver’s opioid crisis from 4:30pm-6:30pm at 575 W. 8^th Ave, Suite 600. Panelists:

• Richard Marquez, Trauma Therapy Specialist

Richard Marquez has over 20 years of clinical, research and counselling experience in Canada and the United States. With graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and the California State University at San Francisco, Marquez adds breadth to his trauma expertise with deep knowledge and experience in social welfare, public health, community organizing, and shelter housing support.

• Travis Lupick, author of Fighting for Space

Travis Lupick is an award-winning journalist based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Lupick received the Canadian Association of Journalists’ prestigious Don McGillivray award for best overall investigative report of 2016 and two 2017 Jack Webster awards for excellence in B.C. journalism. His first book, Fighting for Space, is the story of how a group of addicts transformed Vancouver’s struggle with addiction.

• Lynn Noftle, Staff Sergeant, Mental Health Portfolio, Vancouver Police Department

Lynn Noftle began her career with the Vancouver Police Department in 1998. Her career includes working as a Sergeant in the Downtown Eastside, serving Vancouver’s most challenging mental health and addiction population. Noftle transferred to the Mental Health Unit in June of 2014 and has been in the role of Staff Sergeant with the Mental Health Portfolio since September of 2016. Prior to policing, Noftle worked as an architect and a physiotherapist.

• Moderator: Dr. Estelle Toomey, Director of The Homewood Clinic in Vancouver

With 30 years of multi-sector experience, BSW and MSW degrees from McGill University and PhD from Oxford University, Estelle Toomey brings clinical, management and advanced research expertise to her role. She has lived in 10 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, is a retired 2^nd Lieutenant with the Canadian Forces and serves in the Reserves.

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About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is Canada's leader in mental health, addiction and trauma treatment. With 135 years of experience, we achieve outstanding outcomes every day through our national network of over 4,500 local employees and clinical experts, The Homewood Clinics, 360⁰dtx, and through the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON – Canada's largest and leading facility for medical treatment of mental health, trauma and addiction disorders. We support individuals and their families, employers and organizations, insurers, and medical professionals with a full suite of outcome-focused services for prevention, assessment, treatment, return-to-work, and ongoing recovery management.

Media Contact:

Cherie Payne, BA, LL.B

Director of Communications
778.386.4347 or cpayne@homewoodhealth.com

Homewood Health Clinicians Shine Light on PTSD at Schedule 2 Employers Group Conference

TORONTO, ON -- (October 24, 2017) - Homewood Health is pleased to announce its continued support of efforts to address PTSD in the workplace. Homewood Health was a lead sponsor of last week’s Schedule 2 Employers Group Conference, an annual gathering of industry professionals from across Ontario focused on workplace wellness, health and safety, workers’ compensation and disability management.

The Director of Trauma Services for Homewood Health, Stacey Ferland joined Toni Harrington, Director of Specialized Services for Homewood to present insights on trauma support in the workplace based on Homewood Health’s pioneering treatment programs that began at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph and have continued at The Homewood Clinics in Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal.

“Looking at research coming out of our national medical clinics and Health Centre, we see a real need for increased attention and support for PTSD in the workplace,” noted Stacey Ferland. “Ontario has made significant progress in delivering provincial support for individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress and other trauma related conditions, and Canadians across the country could benefit from similar levels of support.”

Reducing productivity loss through absenteeism is important to employers Toni Harrington pointed out.

“Providing employees with professional support to manage PTSD, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders is both compassionate and makes good economic sense,” Harrington said.

Homewood Health is Canada’s leader in treating addictions, trauma and other mental illnesses.

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About Homewood Health

Homewood Health is Canada's leader in mental health, trauma and addiction services. With over 135 years of experience, we achieve outstanding outcomes every day through our national network of over 4,500 local employees and clinical experts, The Homewood Clinics, 360⁰dtx, and through the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON – one of Canada's largest and leading facilities for medical treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. Homewood Health offers Canada's only complete continuum of mental health and addiction treatment services. We support individuals and their families, employers and organizations, insurers, and medical professionals with a full suite of outcome-focused services for prevention, assessment, treatment, return-to-work, and ongoing recovery management.

Media Contact:

Cherie Payne, BA, LL.B | Director of Communications
778.386.4347 or cpayne@homewoodhealth.com

Understanding Depression

Everybody goes through ups and downs in their lives, but normal life experiences shouldn’t be confused with the serious mental disorder known as Depression. One of the most common mood disorders, depression can have serious and lasting implications on an individual's mental and physical health. (e.g. increased aches and pains, chronic fatigue, heart disease, etc.).

A study in 2012 by Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) on Mental Health identified that 5.2% of Canadians over the age of 15 reported having had a depression in the last 12 months. The same study also identified that 11.3% of all Canadians will experience depression in their lifetime.¹

Although the number of people suffering from depression continues to rise, there are misconceptions between sadness and depression. In this edition, we will identify what depression is, symptoms of the depression, and how to manage those symptoms.

The Differences Between Sadness and Depression

Sadness is a normal human emotion we all experience, often triggered by difficult, challenging, hurtful, or disappointing experiences or situations. Sadness is typically linked to a specific event or scenario; we experience sadness about something.

This means when that ‘something’ changes, our emotional well-being improves and returns to our pre-event state.²

Depression, on the other hand, is a mental disorder which makes individuals feel sad or indifferent to many events or scenarios. There may be no specific trigger, situation, loss, or change that causes the depressive symptoms, just an overwhelming and perpetual state of unhappiness.²

Signs of Depression

Those who suffer from depression see and experience life differently than other individuals. Depression can drastically impact an individual’s energy level, motivation, and ability to experience joy, pleasure, excitement, satisfaction, connection, and meaning.²

It is important to realize that the resiliency of those suffering from depressive disorders is much lower as compared to individuals who are not diagnosed with depression. Depressed persons often reach states of anger or frustration faster over the same experiences compared to their counterparts. They are also more likely to break down emotionally and take longer to recuperate from those experiences.²

If someone experiences five or more of any of the symptoms below for at least two weeks, then depression may be the cause:³

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that don’t ease, even with treatment
• Appetite and/or drastic weight changes
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Noticeably depressed
• Persistent sadness, anxiousness, or “empty” mood
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

How to Manage Depression Symptoms 

In addition to medically supervised pharmaceutical treatment, there are many psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and support groups that can be helpful.* Here are some non-medical approaches that may improve the symptoms of depression:

Stay active. Studies have shown that 20 to 30 minutes of regular physical activity a day can help to relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Physical activity, releases endorphins, a powerful chemical in the brain that energizes and lifts one’s spirits.⁴

Practice mindfulness. Being mindful of negative thoughts can help to isolate feelings, and reframe the experience in a constructive manner. Through consistent practice, individuals may recognize negative thoughts, and work to change the way the experience is perceived. Over time this will retrain the brain to think more positively.⁵

Sleep schedule. Having a regular sleep schedule can help train the body in knowing when it is time to rest and re-energize. Many people with depression often have symptoms of insomnia, which can impact someone’s ability to fall asleep and often worsens depressive symptoms. Staying active and building a sleep routine may help with falling asleep, allowing one to better prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow’s challenges.⁶

Eat better. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals are known to help regulate serotonin levels which may help to reduce symptoms of depression and mood swings. Here is a list of vitamin rich foods to try:⁷

• B12 and folate – lentils, almonds, spinach, chicken, fish
• Omega-3 fatty acids – haddock, salmon, nut oils, algae, cod
• Selenium – cod, brazil nuts, walnuts, poultry
• Vitamin D – bread, milk, breakfast cereals

If you or someone you know may be facing extended periods of depression, seek out professional support from a qualified healthcare professional. They will be able to provide you with a range of options from therapies to medications, or lifestyle approaches to alleviate symptoms of chronic depression.

*Always consult with a physician or qualified health care professional to identify the right course of treatment for depression.

Sources

1. Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. "Institutional links." What is depression? - Public Health Agency Canada. N.p., 30 Dec. 2016. Web. 14 July 2017. <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mi-mm/depression-...

2. Winch, G., Dr. (2015, October 02). The Important Difference Between Sadness and Depression. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-w...

3. National Institute of Mental Health . (2016). Depression. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/...

4. Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2014, November). Physical Activity and Mental Health. Retrieved July 14, 2017, from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/treatmentswe...

5. Teasdale, John D., J. Mark G. Williams, and Zindel V. Segal. The mindful way workbook: an 8-week program to free yourself from depression and emotional distress. New York: The Guilford Press, 2014. Print.

6. Edlund, Matthew. "Want to Treat Depression? Get People to Sleep." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 July 2017. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-res...

7. Gaynor, Mitchell L., M.D. "Diet and Depression." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 25 Oct. 2014. Web. 17 July 2017. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-genetic-...

8. Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. "Publications." Depression - Mental Health - Publications - Public Information - MOHLTC. Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2017. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications...

9. Canada, Government Of Canada Statistics. "Health Reports Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24Health Reports Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24." Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. N.p., 12 July 2017. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2017001/arti...

10. Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. "Institutional links." What is depression? - Public Health Agency Canada. N.p., 30 Dec. 2016. Web. 17 July 2017. <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mi-mm/depression-...

Youth, Teens and Mental Health

It’s no secret the emotions and actions of youth and teenagers can be a dizzying array of ups, downs, quirks and contradictions. But, where mood swings, tantrums, and dramatic phases do constitute what have always been accepted as a normal part of growing up, there are notable instances when shifts in mood and behaviour may be indicators of a larger, more daunting issue: mental illness.

Children and Mental Health Disorders: The Challenges They Face

As adults, it may be difficult to imagine children suffering from such difficult challenges, yet child psychiatrist, Dr. Jean Clinton, worries the number of young people today experiencing mental health problems is on the rise. The statistics do paint a striking portrait: close to 20 percent – one in five – young people are actively dealing with a mental health issue. These include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Suicidal ideation

Of these, anxiety disorders most commonly affect children and teens, with six percent experiencing them at some point. Suicide, the most concerning of mental health issues, is the number one non-accidental cause of death among Canadian youth. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reported that a shocking five percent of youth attempted suicide in the past year, while another 12% had given suicide serious thought. Without question, our youth and teens are facing stressors and pressures in their lives which are manifesting in ways that go well beyond the often inconsequential “growing pains”.

Just as concerning, only one in four will get the help they need. This can create a disruptive ripple effect: the mental illness itself makes its way into the daily fabric, relationships, academics and physical health of the child. This, in turn, can negatively impact their future development, their overall mental and physical well-being and their perceptions of success in their adult lives.

It’s crucial that we eliminate the stigma and fear surrounding mental health, while opening up helpful dialogues that will benefit youth now and in the years to come.

Mental Health Disorders: What To Look For

With 50-70% of mental health disorders showing up before 18 years of age, it’s important to identify those who are struggling as early as possible. Some of the most common signs to watch for are:

• Avoiding people, places or situations they normally engage with or suddenly keeping to themselves
• Changes in eating patterns, feelings or behaviour surrounding food, weight or physical appearance
• Changes in self-esteem or self-image
• Changes or decline in relationships at school, home, or with other kids
• Changes or decline in school or extracurricular performance
• Changes or inability to sleep, relax or concentrate
• Deliberately hurting themselves or others
• Inability to cope with everyday life, issues or activities
• Lack of regard or interest in the feelings or property of others
• Lack of self-care or neglecting themselves
• New or increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
• New or unusual physical behaviours or ailments like recurring head or stomach aches, neck pain, excess energy or nervous habits (i.e.: nail biting, hair twisting, thumb-sucking, odd or repetitive movements)
• Overreactions to relatively small incidents
• Reduced interest in social or extracurricular activities they normally enjoy
• Speaking of suicide or having a preoccupation with death
• Sudden changes or extremes in emotion such as feeling rejected, worthless, hopeless, sad, helpless, anxious, worried, guilty/self-blaming, disillusioned, angry or afraid
• Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour (i.e.: an active child becomes withdrawn or a good student’s grades drop)

Certain circumstances may also make children more susceptible to mental health disorders. These include:

• A family history of mental health disorders
• A history of previous suicide attempts
• Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered
• Ethnicity and societal discrimination
• Facing or having witnessed trauma, including abuse
• Having been the victim of, or having engaged in bullying
• Having recently gone through a major life change (moving to a new country, city or school)
• Having substance abuse problems

If you’re concerned about your child, talk to them about how they’re feeling. Letting them know you care is a powerful first step in showing they aren’t alone.

Ensuring Children Don't Suffer Alone: Being Proactive and Offering Support

Daunting as it may be to broach the subject of mental health and kids, there’s reason to be optimistic: 70 percent of mental health cases that appear in children can be addressed through early intervention.

Getting ahead of mental health disorders, and offering support to those who need it empowers both the at-risk child and the adults who love them. The good news? There are a multitude of ways to do just that.

Foster resiliency: As a parent, resist the urge to “bubble-wrap” or constantly protect your kids. Instead, actively provide the tools and skills to help your child problem solve, resolve conflict and help cope with the normal roadblocks, responsibilities and inevitable setbacks they’ll face. Boost their self-confidence by supporting good decision-making, assertiveness, perseverance and self-determination.

Communicate: Openly, honestly and often. Some of our favourite expert advice:

• Notice the little conversation openers your child offers up
• Ask non-judgemental questions and really pause to listen to what they have to say
• Acknowledge their feelings
• Answer questions directly and honestly
• Give your undivided attention
• Resist the urge to quickly jump in with solutions or advice
• And, above all, make time to connect whenever you can

Apart from keeping the lines of communication open and natural, checking in frequently also provides a great baseline; if things change where your child’s mental health is concerned, you’ll be far more likely to notice it, and they’ll be far more likely to share their struggles with you.

You and your child may also consider creating a signal (i.e.: a code word or specifically worded email or text message) to be used when they’d like to open a discussion about something important. This can help set the stage for a conversation they may not otherwise know how to begin.

Nurture a healthy, safe environment at home: Establishing routines and setting clear boundaries, rules and limits are key, as is building in daily time together. Mealtimes are fantastic opportunities to talk and listen (especially when devices are put away!). In fact, research suggests kids who share fewer meals at home with their family actually become sexually active or experiment with drugs at earlier ages, while kids living in a healthy, supportive environment have better mental health and less risk of mental health disorders.

Be respectful: Demonstrate that you value and accept your child for who they are.

Create a network of strong relationships: Help your child build a wider support system through friends, team sports, their church or other social activities. Even taking care of a pet can prove deeply fulfilling and beneficial to mental health.

Provide outlets to relieve anxiety and stress: Physical activity, meditation and the arts are super for self-expression, growth and work wonders on a young person’s overall mental health and ability to handle stress.

Avoid involving children in adult problems: When dealing with your own personal issues, look to other adults for support instead of bringing your child into the fray. Not arguing in front of your child or asking them to pick sides is important to ensuring your child’s mental health is maintained.

When necessary, seek professional help: If your child needs more intensive support, don’t hesitate. Your EFAP or family doctor are great places to start. They can help you navigate the various therapists, therapies, support groups, help lines and other services available, and determine which may be the best fit for your child. Provide information on your EFAP or local help line to your child so they can access services themselves, confidentially, if they ever need someone else to talk to.

Mental Health and Stability Outside the Home: Staying Informed About Your Child

Whether school, sports, work or their social lives, your child likely spends significant time away from the predictability of home. Be assured, however, that staying in the loop is possible, encouraged and supported by your community. You need only reach out or take some initiative to get a read on how your child’s doing outside the home.

Consider:

Keeping an eye on online activity: Monitor your child’s social media activity or messaging apps to see how they’re feeling, coping and interacting with others. Keep it subtle and non-intrusive so your child feels their self-expression and privacy are being respected.

Communicating frequently with those who interact with your child: Teachers, guidance counsellors, administrators, friends, youth leaders and other parents can offer unique insights into how your child or teen may be acting or feeling when you’re not present.

Getting involved…together: Joining your child in activities they enjoy, or volunteering together for a good cause provides a space for bonding, self-esteem building, communication and connections that are often different than at home.

Mental health disorders in children and teens can be a source of great trepidation and fear, but it needn’t be. Acknowledging the very real challenges and complexities facing children – and letting them know you’re there to listen and help – this can be just what’s needed to ensure they feel supported, allowing them to flourish, during this exciting and dynamic time in their lives.

Mental Wellness at Work

Even if you absolutely love what you do, at times the pace of work can become overwhelming and exhausting.

Many aspects of work can be stressful: co-worker issues, a demanding boss, an unhappy customer, a looming deadline, too much paperwork, and so on.

It is important to take time during our busy workdays to replenish and re-energize. Taking time to relax in the workplace is important, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Sometimes even a small investment of time for relaxation can have a big payoff. In fact, the following exercises can free up more time than they use because, when you refresh yourself, you are more productive and efficient.

You can use the following relaxation exercises at work to help you manage your stress, maximize your energy, and maintain a healthy and positive attitude at work. In just a few minutes you will feel more relaxed.

Exercise # 1 - Deep Breathing:

1. This Deep Breathing exercise is a simple but very effective method of relaxation. Here’s how you do it: Take a long, slow, deep breath. Inhale through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to fill with air and letting your chest expand.
2. Exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, dig deep and allow any stress, anxiety, or tension to be released along with that breath.
3. Try, as best you can, to empty your head of all thoughts, plans, and worries: right now all you need to do is relax. Allow yourself to exhale negative thoughts along with your breath.
4. Continue steps 1-3 for at least 10 seconds. When you feel more relaxed, allow your breath to return to normal.

So why does it help?

Studies show the area of the brain that signals the stress response also signals the relaxation response. By breathing deeply for at least 10 seconds you signal your brain to switch from stress mode to relaxation mode, giving your body and mind a break.

Do you ever run out of steam half way through the day?

This breathing exercise can help with the afternoon blues. Breathing deeply allows oxygen to reach your brain, which makes you more alert and re-energized. So instead of grabbing another cup of coffee, eating a chocolate bar, or taking an aspirin to fend off a headache, take a few seconds and B-R-E-A-T-H-E.

Exercise # 2: Meditation

This next exercise is simple but very effective. For some of us, meditation sounds intimidating because we equate it with sitting for long periods of time, disciplining the mind, or having some sort of religious or spiritual experience. While it can be all of the above, it can also be much more basic.

Mediation is simply a way to quiet the mind and take a break from the millions of thoughts that pop in and out of your head every day. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a quiet, comfortable place and close your eyes.
2. Think of a mantra - a positive, inspiring word or phrase. For example, “Life is Beautiful!”
3. Clear your mind and begin to breathe deeply. With each complete breath repeat your mantra, creating a rhythm or pattern.
4. Continue for at least three minutes. If you are distracted by a thought or physical sensation, simply return your attention to your mantra and your breath. You may have to do this many times. Don’t worry – this is normal. Our mind can have a tendency to “chatter” and it takes practice for it to become quiet.

Research has scientifically proven that meditation is a safe and simple way to balance your physical, emotional, and mental state. Its countless values have been known and practiced for thousands of years in every country and culture.

We experience stress in different ways and are often unaware of how much stress we are holding onto. One of the most important benefits of the exercises above is that they release stress from our bodies. Practiced regularly, they will lead you to a deeper level of relaxation, they will enhance your energy, increase your ability to concentrate, and create an overall feeling of well-being.

Relaxation in the workplace is achievable. Keep in mind that taking some time out for yourself during your lunch or break does not have to be complicated or take away from productivity and accomplishment. In fact, the reverse is generally true. You’ll find, when you get back to work, what seemed overwhelming or unmanageable suddenly seems possible to accomplish. What you may have thought of as an indulgent break may in fact be an excellent boost to your productivity, good for both you and your employer!

​Helping Grieving Employees

Grieving is a normal process and the duration and intensity can vary depending on the individual and the situation. During this process, the mourner must come to terms with the fact that the deceased will never come back, and gradually learn to live with the memories that remain.

Mourners generally, but not necessarily, go through different stages (denial, anger, disorganization, reorganization) during which their daily functioning may be affected to varying degrees. Normal reactions include feeling sad, questioning the meaning of life in general, or of one’s own life, needing more solitude or more social support than usual, experiencing concentration problems, irritability, etc.

The loss of a loved one is a destabilizing experience that requires time for recovery. In the early stages, most people feel intense grief which diminishes over time, but may return with varying degrees of intensity when certain events rekindle the feelings of loss (the person’s birthday, the first office party without the person, etc.).

After a certain amount of time, which can last two years or more, mourners come to feel that they’ve done their grieving and have regained a feeling of stability that is comparable to (although different from) the stability they had before their loss.

How you can help

If any of your employees show signs of grief, either directly (by talking about it) or indirectly (by unusual behaviours or attitudes that emerged during the grieving process), here are some strategies that can be helpful:

• Tell them regularly that you care about how they’re feeling and that you’re there to help if they wish.
• Respect the fact that people may be deeply affected by a death, even if they did not have much direct contact with the deceased, because they may have been significant to them in some way. It’s also possible that the death may have reactivated another grieving process which they had not completed.
• Resist the temptation to want employees to “get on with it” quickly. Grieving is normal, and you can’t speed up the process. If you show signs of exasperation, this can make the grieving period longer and more difficult.
• If you obtain more information on the circumstances of the death, tell your employees. In the case of a suicide, consult your Assistance Program specialist, before sharing any information as some information may have a negative effect.
• Be on the lookout for signs of serious destabilization which could indicate that the person needs additional help (i.e. no improvement, or even deterioration of attitudes and behaviours). Offer your support, and encourage the person to contact the Assistance Program.
• Resist the temptation to use clichés like “I know how you’re feeling,” “It was fate,” or “At least now he’s at peace.” You’ll never know exactly how the mourner feels, and minimizing death is never helpful. Although such comments are intended to diminish the feeling of loss, they often have the opposite effect.

Feel free to contact the Assistance Program yourself if you’d like to obtain advice on how to help your employees, or if you’d like suggestions for improving the action plan you’ve already developed. We’re here for you, too.