Sylvia Foster MD’s Post

One of the most impactful tools in the pursuit of mental health is the power of presence. The presence of others in the life of a person struggling with their mental health. We all know and have heard that individuals struggling with mental illness often isolate themselves from things, activities, and people they once enjoyed. The almost imperceptible process for some of slowing down and shutting out begins to transfer more power to the struggle. Without knowing it, individuals give themselves over to a space that keeps them in the struggle. If you know someone in that place, be a presence in their life. The power of presence in the life of someone struggling with mental health provides support and connection to a way of living that person used to know. Be with that person, talk to that person, encourage them to revisit things they left behind, support them in seeking therapy or help. When it comes to improving mental health, the only thing worse than feeling alone, is being alone. Be a presence for someone. Best, Dr. Sylvia

Talking about mental health takes a lot of vulnerability. Today I had the opportunity to co-host D2L’s mental health panel. We got to hear from 5 amazing fellow D2Lers who bravely raised their hands to talk about their personal experiences with mental health. They shared their stories of the challenges they faced, the frustrations they felt, and the support they found helpful. Their stories displayed so much strength and resilience! There is a constant stigma surrounding mental health and with this stigma being present it tends to stop people from talking about it and seeking help. Some key points that I learned from this panel: 🌱 Be kind to yourself. 🌱 Healing is a journey, not a destination. 🌱 It’s okay to feel multiple emotions at one time. 🌱 Practice self-compassion, give yourself grace. Talking about mental health is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to help end the stigma! I am very grateful that D2L holds this panel, and I am honoured to be a part of the movement. 

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to remember that our support and understanding can make a significant difference in someone's life. Here are four things you can do to support someone in your life who is struggling with mental health challenges: Listen without judgment: Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to listen. Create a space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Encourage professional help: If someone is struggling, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. Offer to help them find resources or attend appointments if they're comfortable. Be patient and empathetic: Recovery from mental health issues is a journey, and everyone's path is different. Be patient, offer encouragement, and avoid pressuring someone to "snap out of it." Educate yourself: Understanding different mental health conditions can help you better support struggling people. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for various disorders.

Today is Time to Talk day. A day that is a perfect opportunity to talk about mental health. It's a day to come together in our communities, with friends and families and have conversations about mental health. Mental health impacts each and everyone of us. It's our collective responsibility to break down the stigma around mental ill-health and encourage healthy conversations. Life happens to each of us and with that are challenges that stretch our abilities to cope. Talking with friends, family or professionals can improve mental health and wellbeing. You don't have to bear your thoughts alone. Sharing how you feel in a safe, non-judgemental space helps you express, process and build on your coping skills.

Cultural, social and spiritual beliefs often prevent Black, Indigenous or other people of color from talking about mental health. As a result, those who need mental health care often neglect to get treatment. During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to get the facts about mental health, and realize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Visit https://lnkd.in/gaYP2mwX or https://lnkd.in/gWumUZM for a wealth of resources. Of course, we are always here to help. Visit www.cssbh.org/get-started.

We are only 11 days out from Mental Health Awareness Month, and taking care of your mental health has probably taken a back seat. If it's taken a back seat for you, you can bet many others have done the same. One of the simplest things we can do to support and care for others is to be kind. It should be part of who we are as good human beings to each other. Sometimes, in the business world, people forget the essential considerations of other people. Tolstoy said: "Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness." It isn't hard to do and has an immediate and lasting impact on those around you. Practice this simple gesture toward other human beings, and you'll go far in life. You never know what someone is going through. They may appear fine looking in from the outside, but who knows what they are struggling with, so show kindness to each other. Take care of your own mental health and be kind to others—you never know who may need that kindness at that moment in their lives.

Starting conversations about mental health isn't always easy, but it's essential for fostering understanding and support. Many people hesitate due to fear of judgment or not knowing where to begin. These tips shared by the MHCC provide practical guidance on initiating these important discussions with loved ones, creating a safe and supportive environment. Let's continue to break down stigma and encourage these conversations that can truly make a difference in someone's life!

These are great tips Mental Health Commission of Canada At The Wellness Nurse, this is a topic that often comes up with folks / conversations, boundaries, connection. What else would you add to this list of tips for starting a conversation about mental health?

3 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 During periods of change (expected and unexpected), and prolonged or acute stress (usual at this time of year), it is common for our mental health to be negatively impacted. I recently renewed my Mental Health First Aid accreditation. During the course, our facilitator shared 3 simple, positive coping mechanisms that can be employed immediately, should you find yourself in a difficult situation (at work or elsewhere). These 3 mechanisms are: *𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘯𝘨 & 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 (𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥) *𝘓𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 *𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, & 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 Nurturing our mental well-being increases our resilience, supports us in enjoying our work/life, and enhances our ability to build and maintain connections with others. For further information, please see the link in the comments.   Photo by: BWIB on Unsplash