The Mental Health Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 unplug and reconnect.

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.

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

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.

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.