The Mental Health Podcast

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 they can get support. 

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.

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 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.

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)

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) 

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. 

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 and for the public at large.

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.