The Mental Health Podcast
Good information. Good advice. Positivity. A safe place of belonging for good mental health with the latest information and research from Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Every episode includes the "Coping" segment, a practical and effective tip for dealing with your mental health.
Episodes
The Mental Health Podcast | Pharmacogenetics
Season 3 | Episode 21
Medication is never one size fits all, especially in mental health care. Even a difference of less than 0.01% in our genes can mean the same medication works beautifully for one person but causes serious side effects or no benefit at all for someone else.
That’s beginning to change thanks to advances in pharmacogenetics, a field that uses a person’s genetic profile to help pr
The Mental Health Podcast | Behaviour Analysis: Feelings in Action
Season 3 | Episode 20
Our daily habits can be a powerful lens into our mental health. Behaviour analysis can provide essential tools to changing our lives and helping with discovery and recovery.
The Mental Health Podcast | OCD: Not a Cliche
Season 3 | Episode 19
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not the humorous quirk that makes us laugh at a TV character. It’s a serious illness, one that can often take almost two decades to diagnose and treat. Our guest is Merissa Little, founder of OCD North.
The Mental Health Podcast | Hope: More Than a Feeling
Season 3 | Episode 18
Dr. Robyne joins Kevin again to talk about her new book, “I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It’s Hard.”
The Mental Health Podcast | The Disappeared Woman
Season 3 | 17
Stress and burnout for high-performing women can often go unchecked. Essentially, they don’t have time for it, which makes the need to find solutions even more imperative. Dr. Julie Merriman has researched burnout in women and offers insights into alleviating it, especially among women over 50.
The Mental Health Podcast | Shattered: Living in The Shadows of Addiction
Addiction is a serious mental illness. We know that it can actually alter a person’s brain. But what about those supporting a person living with a substance use disorder? Family? Friends? The impact on their mental health is often overlooked. Kevin talks with a psychotherapist who specializes in helping those supporting loved ones living with addiction.
The Mental Health Podcast | Caregiving for the Caregivers
Season 3 | Episode 14
Caring for a teen living with a mental health challenge can push a family to the brink. Recovery College at Ontario Shores is offering a new course on how to care for your teen and yourself in this tumultuous time.
The Mental Health Podcast | The Psychology of Money
Season 3 | Episode 13
Almost half of all Canadians report finances as a leading cause of stress. This can lead to insomnia, high blood pressure and headaches. Anxiety over money can also result in social isolation, reduced productivity and shame. Rina Winston is an executive life and leadership coach. She explains how you can rise above feeling shame about your finances.
The Mental Health Podcast | In Focus: Alzheimer’s
Season 3 | Episode 12
In our semi-regular feature, In Focus, we take a deep dive in Alzheimer’s Disease. We reveal 14 peer-reviewed modifications you can make to your life to possibly delay or even prevent almost half of Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Guests include one of Canada’s leading researchers of the disease, a newly diagnosed patient and an advocate who is working towards dementia friendly commun
The Mental Health Podcast | Let’s Talk, Let’s be Vulnerable
Season 3 | Episode 11
Bell Let’s Talk Day is the largest corporate initiative for mental health in Canada. Chair, Mary Deacon, not only talks the talk, but she also indeed walks the walk when it comes to mental health. In this emotional episode, she is quite candid about her mental health journey.
The Mental Health Podcast | Parents and Kids, The Stress Ripple
Season 3 | Episode 10
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Often, a stressed-out kid at school means a stressed-out parent at home. This was just one result of a study released by Trent University that explains an epidemic of anxiety among youth. Parents tell researchers that they are “struggling to hang on.” One of the study's authors, Professor Naomi Nichols, shares additional results and w
The Mental Health Podcast | Good Mental Health Gifts
Season 3 | Episode 9
Giving the gift of good mental health is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving, especially for caregivers. This week, we sit down with Rita DeMontis, the award-winning lifestyle and food editor at Sun Media. A caregiver herself, she shares thoughtful ideas designed to bring real peace to the holiday season and beyond.
The Mental Health Podcast | Combatting Holiday Shopping Stress
Season 3 | Episode 8
Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a Professor of Consumer Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, U.K., is the expert retailers rely on to understand how we think—and spend. Chances are, her insights have influenced some of your past purchases without you even realizing it.
At this time of year, the competition for your attention can feel overwhelming. We asked Professor Ja
The Mental Health Podcast | Beyond Nail Biting
Season 3 | Episode 7
Many people bite their fingernails from time to time. For some, it’s just a habit, but in certain cases, it can be a sign of stress or an underlying mental health concern. Dr. Suzanne Mouton-Odum is a leading expert in North America on body-focused repetitive behaviours, such as nail-biting, cheek-biting, skin-picking and more.
The Mental Health Podcast | In Focus: Bipolar Disorder
Season 3 | Episode 6 - In the first episode of our new feature series, In Focus, we take a closer look at bipolar disorder, a condition that’s often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.
We hear from Pat Taylor, author of a powerful memoir about her journey living with bipolar disorder, which began before the term was even widely recognized. We also speak with a clinical expert to share the l
How Being Thankful Can Change Your Life
Season 3, Episode 5 – It boosts mood and happiness. It reduces stress and anxiety. It improves sleep and your overall health. It’s not a pill. It’s gratefulness. Appreciating and being thankful for people and things has been proven to do all of this, and more. Jeremy Godwin is an Australian life coach and counsellor as well as the host of the Let’s Talk About Mental Health podcast. He discusses ho
The Mental Health Podcast | Building Resiliency
Season 3, Episode 3 -The strength of anything depends entirely on its resilience. This is especially true when it comes to our mental health. Dr. Robyne is a sought-after speaker, author and podcast host who specializes in resiliency. Discover how a near-tragic accident taught her powerful lessons about resilience, and how those lessons can help improve your mental health.
The Mental Health Podcast | Not Criminally Responsible: The Case for The Defence
Season 3, Episode 4 - Stigma is still very much an obstacle to recovery from a mental illness. Forensic patients, those ordered into treatment by the courts, face a much stronger stigma. Being held Not Criminally Responsible is one of the most misunderstood of mental illnesses. This episode, a forensic psychiatrist tries to put all of this into perspective.
The Mental Health Podcast | 988: A Direct Line to Hope
September 10 is Suicide Prevention Day. On average, 12 people per day die by suicide in Canada. Shockingly, it is the third leading cause of death for pre-teens and the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults. 988 is working to change these numbers. This episode’s guest is the Chief Medical Officer for the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, Dr. Allison Crawford.
The Mental Health Podcast | Give me the simpler life!
Improving your health should be simple. In fact, complicated fixes and therapies might be making things worse. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is the author of "Prevention Over Prescription," a book that challenges you to rethink your approach to mental health. A lot of the time, the real reason why you struggle is due to a health vulnerability that could have been prevented.
The Mental Health Podcast | Learning to Cope
Does anxiety and fear get in the way of doing things? Psychiatrist Dr. Lorraine Patterson shares simple, science-backed coping strategies, including an unexpected trick: carrying a rock in your pocket. Tune in to explore ways to feel more grounded.
The Mental Health Podcast | Buddy Up
As Men’s Mental Health Month winds down, we speak with the leaders of the Buddy Up program, a national campaign that encourages men to check in on each other’s mental health.
The Mental Health Podcast | Conversation Café: Stubbornness and Stigma
Stubbornness or stigma? Why are men so hesitant to seek help for their mental health? June is Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s also the month during which we celebrate Father’s Day. In a new feature called Conversation Café, we’ve assembled a panel of men to discuss this issue.
The Mental Health Podcast | Walk on The Mindful Side
Walking is a great way to boost your mental health—now, let's take it one step further (pun intended!). Join Ontario Shores’ social worker and mindfulness expert, Dylan Zambrano, for a guided mindfulness walk. Put in your earbuds and take a Walk on the Mindful Side with us.
Smartphone Addiction, Unplug and Reconnect
It is perhaps the most prevalent addiction in the world. A Canadian study has found that one-third of the world’s population may be at high risk for smartphone addiction. This addiction has been linked to worsening mental health and well-being, poorer sleep, and lower grades in teens. Seth Fletcher is an addiction counsellor who specializes in smartphone addiction and has great advice on how to un
The Power of Nurses
Nurses. They are the backbone of health care, standing on the front lines every day. National Nurses Week runs from May 12–18, and in this episode, we celebrate those working in mental health. Our guest, Nate Ballantyne, is more than a registered nurse—he’s also mentor, teacher, and role model.
The News | Under Attack
In a flash, our world has become a lot more uncertain. World order, threats of a collapsing economy, friends become adversaries, adversaries become friends. With the news bombarding us hourly with the next crisis, it is hard not to be anxious. Our mental health is being tested to its limits. In this episode, we speak with two experts, a psychologist and a leading neuroscience researcher, on how we
The Mind Body Connection
A new study from The University of Edinburgh shows that depression speeds up physical illness. We talk to one of the authors of the study to find out more. Also, a wellness expert tells us how just 5 minutes a day could help.
Guests: Kelly Fleetwood/Study Co-author-University of Edenborough and Laurie Hales/Wellness Specialist-Ontario Shores
The Mental Health Podcast | Stronger with Stacie Part 2
In the second part of our conversation, former Degrassi star Stacie Moana Mistysyn opens up about her journey of overcoming dark thoughts and the importance of focusing on mental health. She shares how she's learned to embrace "glimmers" — moments of positivity — as a powerful tool for her well-being.
The Mental Health Podcast | Stronger With Stacie Part 1
Season 2, Episode 2—Stacie Moana Mistysyn was one of the stars of the Degrassi Street franchise, which critics call one of the greatest accomplishments in Canadian television. While her characters were working through serious adolescent issues on screen, behind the scenes, Stacie was living with depression and eating disorders. Discover the strength that lifted her from mental illness into a perso
Sick, not weak!
One of Canada’s best know sports broadcasters, and now mental health advocate, opens up about his own battle with depression including his darkest day.
Mind Over School; Overcoming Back to School Anxiety
A recent survey found that more than half of middle and high school students in Ontario say they’re experiencing a significant level of psychological distress. This is double the number from a decade ago. With limited resources for youth and long waiting lists, parents need to be a mental health advocate for their child or children. But how? Heather Carter is a mental health consultant and has som
Meditating; Give it another try Part 2
Meditating. Tried it. Didn't work.
This is part 2 of our episode on Meditating.
Mindfulness coach Marcelle Hutchins from West Hollywood, California, helps us give meditation another try with a different perspective. Marcelle leads us in an "eyes open" meditation.
Meditating; Give it another try Part 1
Meditating. Tried it. Didn't work.
OK. Maybe you put too much pressure on yourself. We know meditating can reduce anxiety, improve overall health and increase social connections. But still, a restless mind can be discouraging. Marcelle Hutchins is a mindfulness coach from West Hollywood, California, who helps people try meditation again, with a different perspective. Be sure to check out part 2 of
Friday's Mindful Minute
Here is another in our week of Mindful Minutes hosted by our Psychologists at Ontario Shores. Each morning, get a 2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day off in a positive way.
This episode; Dr. Lorraine Patterson talks about Eyes Wide Open Mindfulness.
Thursday's Mindful Minute
Here is another in our week of Mindful Minutes hosted by our Psychologists at Ontario Shores. Each morning, get a 2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day off in a positive way.
This episode; Dr. Karen Roberts let's us know that being in the present can have a lighter side to it.
Wednesday's Mindful Minute
Here is another in our week of Mindful Minutes hosted by our Psychologists at Ontario Shores. Each morning, get a 2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day off in a positive way.
This episode; Dr. Laruen Flavelle has a quick method to reduce tension right now.
Tuesday's Mindful Minute
Here is another in our week of Mindful Minutes hosted by our Psychologists at Ontario Shores. Each morning, get a 2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day off in a positive way.
This episode; Dr. Katie Stewart suggests a slight change in your thoughts about what you have to do today.
Monday's Mindful Minute
We begin a week of Mindful Minutes hosted by our Psychologists at Ontario Shores. Each morning, get a 2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day off in a positive way.
This episode; Dr Vanessa Epp reminding you to take time to breathe.
You Got This! Mastering The Skill of Self-Confidence
It can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to working on your depression, self-confidence! The doctor in this case is Dr. Ivan Joseph, an expert at coaching and developing individual confidence.
Body and Soul Part 3 | Better Sleep
“Body and Soul” is a 3 part series confirming the fact that our physical health and mental health are one and the same. While mindfulness is essential to healing anxiety and depression, good food, exercise and better sleep are instrumental to improving our mental health.
Part 3 - Better Sleep
We all know it. A good night's sleep makes us feel refreshed and energetic. It also is vital to good menta
Body and Soul Part 2 | Move it!
“Body and Soul” is a 3 part series confirming the fact that our physical health and mental health are one and the same. While mindfulness is essential to healing anxiety and depression, good food, exercise and better sleep are instrumental to improving our mental health.
Part 2 - Move it!
Movement of your body enhances mental health by releasing endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters and st
Body & Soul | Part 1-Feeding Your Mind
“Body and Soul” is a 3 part series confirming the fact that our physical health and mental health are one and the same. While mindfulness is essential to healing anxiety and depression, good food, exercise and better sleep are instrumental to improving our mental health.
Part 1 – Feeding Your Mind
Just what does your stomach have to do with your mental health? Everything! Literally, everything. A
Care for The Caregivers
There are more than 8 million Caregivers in Canada, and that number is rising fast. They save the healthcare system more than $32 billion a year but get little compensation in return. If it weren't for them, the entire Canadian healthcare system would collapse in less than a day. More than half report they are at or near burnout. Our guests discuss how Caregivers don't have to be alone and where t
Ask The Pharmacist 1
This is the first of a recurring segment, Ask The Pharmacist. What does my mental health medication actually do for me? How do I know if it’s the right dosage or even the right type? Our pharmacist, who specializes in mental health meds has the answers. By the way, if you have questions about your prescription, send us an email thementalhealthpodcast@ontarioshores.ca.
Mental Health Bio-Hacks
While there are no easy fixes for depression or anxiety, there are some hacks to affect quick, temporary change. From manipulating what is sometimes called the "soul" nerve to twisting a certain finger to change your mood. This episode has bio-hacks for your sleep, what you eat and how you move.
The Politics of Addictions
The final episode in a three part series dealing with addictions. Kevin’s guest is Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. He discusses the impact addiction has on our society especially the fact that it is connected with 70% of crime in Ontario. With a background in treating addictions, he has some interesting insights into how we should be dealing with it.
From Rock Bottom Right to The Top
He is the mayor of Ontario's 6th largest city. That is a long way from where he came from. Homeless and addicted to drugs and booze, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter not only cleaned himself up, he now leads the fight to help others who were just like him. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from Rock Bottom Right to The Top. (This is the second in a 3 part series on addiction)
The Morning Man: Waking up Sober
He helped reimagine morning radio, listened to by millions. However, Humble Howard had a secret...an alcohol addiction. Without telling anyone, he quit the bottle 8 years ago and has been sober ever since. In this episode, he opens up with his deepest dive to date into his addiction. (Part 1 of a 3 part podcast series on addiction)
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Child
When it comes to New Year's Resolutions, we seldom think of making them for our kids, especially around their mental health. Child Psychologist Dr. Khush Amaria joins Kevin to talk about how new "habits" for our children that not only can be achievable, but that will give them coping lessons that will carry them into adulthood. Stay tuned at the end for our regular Coping Segment.
Holiday Health
It's supposed to be the "most wonderful time of year". For many, especially those living with depression disorders, it's a time of anxiety. Whether it's because of being lonely, money issues or struggling with family dynamics, some are left wishing for January 2nd to come so it can all be over. In this episode, Psychologist Dr. Lorraine Patterson talks about why we can't find the magic of the seas
Dementia from the inside; Bea’s Story
As our population ages, the numbers of those living with dementia will increase right along. There is no cure and often the person's lifespan is only between 6 to 10 years. We rarely hear directly from those living with dementia exactly what it feels like. In this emotional episode, Bea Kraayenhof gives a first hand account of cognitive decline with messages for those diagnosed, their loved ones a
Lonely in a Crowded World
It can have the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is a serious mental health issue, further complicated by the pandemic. Kevin's guests include social worker Loretta Karikari, from The Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, and Michael DiIorio, a Loneliness Life Coach.
Growing Pains; The Mental Health Journey of Our Youth
When it comes to mental health, our youth are in big trouble. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for kids aged 10 to 19 years. Youth who need mental health services are often not well supported: less than 20 per cent receive appropriate treatment. Why is it worse for youth today than it was years ago? What can we do about it? What should parents know? That is the topic of this episode o
Mental Health 101
What better place for a new podcast on mental health to begin than, well, the beginning. Dr Phil Klassen from Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences gives us the basics on depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Also in this episode, Christina Fuda explains what Mental Health First Aid is and how you can use it with yourself and others. We also have what will be a recurring f
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