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A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

By: 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 Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health

    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 mins
  • Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward

    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 mins
  • Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving

    Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving
    Apr 23 2025
    In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving. As millions of Canadians provide unpaid care to loved ones, the toll on caregivers—especially family caregivers—is growing. Jessica and Mike unpack new data, share personal stories, and offer guidance for those dealing with this often-invisible situation. Key Topics Discussed:Who is a caregiver? Defining the broad range of caregiving roles: professional, family, and volunteer caregivers.The unpaid care crisis in Canada 5.7 billion unpaid hours of care are provided annually—valued at over $97 billion.Aging population = Rising demand With an aging demographic, caregiving needs are set to double—impacting both unpaid and professional caregiving systems.Mental health impacts of caregiving Caregivers often experience fatigue, stress, financial strain, and social isolation. Jessica and Mike discuss both the rewarding and difficult aspects of caregiving.Caregiver burnout and what to watch for Learn to recognize early signs of burnout: low mood, sleep issues, appetite changes, and increased substance use.Strategies for self-care & support Tips include accepting help, seeking respite care, connecting with others, and using caregiver assessments to monitor your own well-being.Global examples of caregiver support Countries like the UK, Germany, and Australia offer caregiver allowances, respite care, and training programs—what can Canada learn?Key Takeaways:Caregiving is everywhere – 1 in 4 Canadians are caregivers; this will rise to 1 in 2.Most care is unpaid – Over $97B worth of unpaid caregiving in Canada annually.Older caregivers are rising – Many are 65+ and need care themselves.Canada lags in supports – Other countries offer stipends, respite, training.Caregiver burnout is real – Watch for sleep/mood changes, withdrawal, overwhelm.Marginalized groups hit harder – Racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers face extra barriers.Support is available – Use tools, groups, and respite services to cope.Resources:Caregiver statshttps://canadiancaregiving.org/sage-magazine-fall-2024-issue-caregivers-need-support-now/https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/2649-more-half-women-canada-are-caregivershttps://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200108/dq200108a-eng.htmhttps://www.federalretirees.ca/en/news-views/news-listing/november/caregivers-need-support-now#:~:text=Statistics%20Canada%20reports%20almost%20eight,or%20problems%20related%20to%20aging.What it means to be a caregiverhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnoutImpacts of caregiving https://canadiancaregiving.org/media-release-caring-in-canada/https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-46-on-the-coast/clip/16067739-caregiver-survey-reveals-dire-situation-canadahttps://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/family-caregivers-say-lack-of-disability-services-leading-to-burnout-in-nunavut-study/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/caregivers-accessible-supports-1.7324691https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2791523/https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/compensation-and-benefits/caregiving-responsibilities-holding-back-workers-careers-says-expert/388600https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnoutTaking care of yourselfhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/Thank 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 mins
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