A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health Podcast Por CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels arte de portada

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

De: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
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A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.© 2025 CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels Ciencias Sociales Hygiene & Healthy Living Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental
Episodios
  • Episode 14: Debt & Mental Health
    May 14 2025
    In this powerful episode, Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk sit down with Maggie Sinclair from Beam Credit Union to unpack the current reality of debt in Canada—and the deep mental health impacts that often come with it. With household debt hitting record highs and many Canadians living just $200 away from insolvency, the conversation covers the emotional toll of financial strain, stigma, and the hard choices people are forced to make.Maggie sheds light on how seemingly small financial decisions—like “buy now, pay later” services—can spiral into overwhelming debt. Mike brings a mental health lens to the issue, connecting debt to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and the broader issue of poverty. Together, the trio discusses practical strategies to help manage debt and protect mental well-being, from budgeting and debt consolidation to knowing when to seek professional help.Key Topics Covered:The current state of household debt in CanadaThe hidden nature of modern debt (subscriptions, BNPL services)Emotional and psychological effects of debtThe stigma and shame often attached to financial hardshipHow debt can exacerbate existing mental health issuesSocial isolation and poverty as compounding factorsPractical advice: budgeting, talking to your financial institution, debt management optionsThe pros and cons of consolidation loans and bankruptcyImportance of financial literacy and seeking trustworthy support** ResourcesRising Debt for Canadians https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/527552/Debt-doubts-are-mounting-across-Canada-and-the-Okanagan-is-no-different#527552https://globalnews.ca/news/10946620/credit-card-debt-transunion-report/https://financialpost.com/news/canada-household-debt-hits-new-recordhttps://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-631-x/11-631-x2024002-eng.htmhttps://newsroom.transunion.ca/despite-interest-rate-cuts-more-than-1-in-4-canadians-expect-to-be-unable-to-pay-bills--yet-more-than-1-in-5-plan-to-take-on-more-debt/ Debt & MHhttps://www.ivey.uwo.ca/impact/read/2024/08/breaking-the-silence-on-canada-s-hidden-debt-crisis/https://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/san2024-5.pdfhttps://money.com/is-debt-impacting-your-mental-health/https://creditlift.ca/the-link-between-mental-health-and-debt-in-canada-understanding-the-connection-and-finding-solutions/https://crowemackayco.ca/b/how-debt-can-affect-your-personal-relationships-understanding-the-link-between-finances-and-romance/https://mnpdebt.ca/en/resources/mnp-debt-blog/canadians-inflation-isolation-rising-costs-mental-health-loneliness-isolation-stress-anxietyhttps://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/money-and-mental-health-facts/ Debt Managementhttps://www.creditcanada.com/blog/how-to-get-out-of-debt-on-a-low-income-10-strategieshttps://point.com/blog/how-to-manage-debt-effectivelyhttps://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-consumer-affairs/en/money-debt-and-giving/six-steps-get-out-debt Debt payoff servicesCredit CanadaCredit Counselling Society Using Debt Settlement Serviceshttps://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/debt/debt-settlement-company.htmlThank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union.
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    25 m
  • Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health
    May 8 2025
    In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help anyone take better care of their mental well-being, with a strong focus on understanding why these strategies work. Key Topics Discussed:Mental Health vs. Mental Illness Learn the critical distinction between having mental health (which we all do) and having a mental illness (a diagnosable condition). You can flourish or struggle with mental health — whether or not you have a diagnosis.Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing Not all “feel-good” actions are created equal. Mike and Jessica break down how to tell the difference: if it leaves you better after the fact, it’s self-care; if not, it may just be a momentary self-soothe.Tips & Tools for Everyday Mental Health From evidence-backed strategies to lived experience, they dive into:Nature and Exercise – How time outdoors and movement regulate stress and mood.Volunteering & Social Connection – Combat loneliness, build purpose, and improve emotional health.Pets – How furry companions promote mindfulness, routine, and connection.Kindness & Gratitude – Backed by science, simple acts can lift your mood and even boost your lifespan.Empowerment Through Action The episode emphasizes that managing mental health is not about perfection but about finding tools that support you — and using them regularly.Key Takeaways:“Mental health is like physical health — we all have it.”“Self-care is not selfish — it’s necessary.”“Seventeen minutes in nature can make a measurable difference.”“Acts of kindness can be more effective than therapy.”**Resources Self-carehttps://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-carehttps://cmha.ca/news/self-care-simplified-why-its-essential-and-how-to-make-it-happen/#:~:text=Regular%2C%20quality%20self%2Dcare%20has,symptoms%20of%20anxiety%20and%20depression.&text=It%20can%20also%20help%20build,life's%20many%20stressors%20and%20challenges.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202302/understanding-the-mental-health-and-self-care-connectionVS self-soothehttps://blog.ab.bluecross.ca/lifestyle/focus-on-you-self-care-versus-self-soothe/https://urbanwellnesscounseling.com/self-care-vs-self-soothing/Naturehttps://namica.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-nature/https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2015/06/hiking-mental-health-063015https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204431/https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/https://www.discoverycollegekelowna.com/courses-workshops/nature-mental-health-part-1Exercisehttps://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercisehttps://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-moodhttps://mentalhealthcommission.ca/blog-posts/57251-move-to-boost-your-mental-health/https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-moodVolunteeringhttps://cmhato.org/news/7-reasons-why-volunteering-is-good-for-our-mental-health/https://www.nami.org/people/how-volunteering-improves-mental-health/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-recovery-coach/202407/the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-volunteeringConnectionhttps://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/https://bc.cmha.ca/news/social-connection-is-the-cure/https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.htmlPetshttps://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-and-mental-healthhttps://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/health-benefits-of-pets-how-your-furry-friend-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/2024/04Pet & Autismhttps://habri.org/blog/the-human-animal-bond-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/nurturing-self-esteem-in-autistic-children/202211/is-owning-pet-beneficial-autistic-childrenGratitudehttps://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-...
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    23 m
  • Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward
    Apr 30 2025

    In this Forward Focus episode, Jessica Samuels and co-host Mike Gawliuk shine a spotlight on CRCL – Crisis Response Community Led, formerly known as PACT.

    Jessica and Mike break down what CRCL is, how it works, and why this model matters now more than ever:

    What is CRCL?
    CRCL provides community-based, in-person mental health crisis support for individuals 13 years and older. It addresses issues like emotional regulation challenges and substance use crises, offering immediate support, connecting individuals to services, and providing follow-up care.

    Why the name change from PACT to CRCL?
    To reduce confusion with other similarly named programs, and to better align with its Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) roots—a model recognized globally with over 200 programs in place.

    How is CRCL different?
    CRCL teams combine mental health professionals with individuals who have lived experience navigating mental health challenges. This pairing provides a more humane, empathetic, and relatable response during crises.

    Where is CRCL operating?
    Six CRCL teams are currently active across British Columbia, with a seventh launching soon in Kamloops. The provincial government has committed to expanding to 12 teams, including ones led by Indigenous organizations.

    Will CRCL come to Kelowna?
    Mike expresses hope, noting Kelowna's clear advocacy for a Circle team, especially highlighted in its community safety plan.

    Connect with Us:
    Got questions about Circle or mental health services?
    📩 Email: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org
    🌐 Website: cmhakelowna.org

    A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union

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    5 m
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