Ep. 154: What Can I Do to Promote Mental Health?
Listen, Rate & Subscribe*
Apple Podcasts // Spotify // Google Podcasts // Stitcher // Amazon Music // YouTube
Mary Deacon (above, left) has been pioneering efforts to improve Canada’s mental health for 25 years. She’s the founding president of the CAMH Foundation and the founding chair of Bell Let’s Talk, which she still leads today. She’s also worked with Medcan CEO and True Patriot Love chair Shaun Francis (above, right) on a million-dollar fund to support military members, Veterans and their families. Here, the two friends discuss the past, present and future of mental health in this country, with a view to providing us with ways to improve access and reduce stigma. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss.
LINKS
Check out the Bell Let’s Talk 2023 campaign website or their Tools and Resources.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, dial 911. If you or someone you know needs the support of a crisis responder without judgment, visit Talk Suicide Canada or call their toll-free number, 24/7: 1-833-456-4566.
Learn more about Medcan’s Mental Wellbeing programs, or book a consultation with a Medcan psychologist or therapist by emailing mentalwellbeing@medcan.com.
Learn more about the million-dollar True Patriot Love Fund for military members, Veterans and their families.
Check out the True Patriot Love Foundation, founded by Shaun Francis.
Read about a 1978 study, which found that most people who failed to commit suicide did not attempt to commit suicide again. Over 90% of people who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge were still alive, or had died from natural causes.
In case you missed it, episode 153 was about how to talk to someone who is struggling with their mental health. Check it out.
INSIGHTS
How has Bell Let’s Talk contributed to mental healthcare in Canada since it began in 2011? [1:50]
Who is Mary Deacon, and how does she know Shaun Francis? [3:03]
What is Mary’s take on the state of mental healthcare in Canada? [4:47]
What’s the association between people who experience homelessness, and people who deal with mental health issues? [11:01]
The majority of in-patient mental health programs are expensive and not always accessible. Is there any way for someone experiencing homelessness to access these programs? [12:22]
How are not-for-profits improving access to mental health resources? [13:28]
What can be done on the policy front to improve mental health in Canada? [15:03]
Why did Mary choose to make mental health her life’s cause? [18:49]
How have attitudes around mental health changed since Mary began her life’s work? [22:41]
What are signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health? [26:25]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.