A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

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.

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.orgA 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

In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore what it means to have a mentally healthy workplace—and why it's a shared responsibility across the entire organization. They discuss how measuring psychological safety, addressing burnout, and making evidence-informed decisions can drive long-term culture change in the workplace.Key Topics Discussed:1. What Is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?Why it’s more than just a CEO or HR declaration.The role of shared responsibility and leadership buy-in.Importance of aligning actual work with job descriptions and expectations.2. Measuring Psychological SafetyIntroduction to Guarding Minds at Work, a free, evidence-based assessment tool.Explanation of the 13 psychosocial factors that influence workplace mental health.How asking staff for input—and acting on it—can improve trust and engagement.3. CMHA Kelowna’s Journey to Address BurnoutUsing data to identify burnout risk as a key area for improvement.Shifting onboarding practices and job clarity to reduce staff overwhelm.Why meaningful change took two years—and how it led to better hiring, reduced turnover, and deeper organizational insight.4. From Insight to ActionThe importance of going beyond surveys to follow through with transparent communication and real change.The impact of getting senior leaders involved in front-line observations.How even small, focused actions can spark broader transformation.5. Starting the Conversation as a LeaderTips for senior leaders to break the stigma and foster openness about mental health.The power of vulnerability in leadership: "I’m not feeling like myself—anyone else?"Using relevant stats or research to spark meaningful workplace conversations.Key Takeaways:A mentally healthy workplace requires more than intention—it needs measurement, leadership, follow-up, and time.Burnout can be addressed by tackling root causes like onboarding, job clarity, and realistic expectations.Just asking how staff are doing can start a ripple effect—but only if it's followed by action.Leaders set the tone. Courageous conversations from the top can help break stigma and shift culture.Resources:What is MH in the Workplacehttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-workplace.htmlhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-workhttps://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-mental-health-and-the-workplace/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/mh/mentalhealth_address.htmlhttps://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/workplace/ Stats on MH in workplacehttps://cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/workplace-mental-health/takeaways/https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-workhttps://www.mhrc.ca/workplace-mental-healthhttps://www.mhrc.ca/psychological-health-and-safety-2024 Burnouthttps://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-workplace-burnout/https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-burnouthttps://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/wellness-inclusion-diversity-public-service/health-wellness-public-servants/mental-health-workplace/preventing-burnout.htmlhttps://workplacementalhealth.org/employer-resources/infographics/infographic-beating-burnout-at-work Achieving and Maintaining MH in the workplace https://13factors.ca/13-factors#:~:text=13%20psychosocial%20risk%20factors%20were,manager%20mental%20health%20and%20wellbeing.https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/13-factors-addressing-mental-health-in-the-workplace/https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/guarding-minds-at-workhttps://www.guardingmindsatwork.ca/https://www.cmhakelowna.com/education-training/workplace-traininghttps://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/https://www.ccohs.ca/healthymindshttps://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/hospitality-tourism/https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/community-social-services/https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/healthcare/ 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

In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addressing homelessness and mental health. They delve into key topics such as Housing First, complex care, and the broader systemic issues impacting affordable housing in Canada.Key Topics Discussed:1. Understanding Supportive HousingThe difference between Housing First and complex care.Why supportive housing is a crucial component in addressing homelessness.The role of wraparound services in housing stability.2. Housing as a Social Determinant of HealthHow access to safe, stable housing impacts mental and physical health.The historical recognition of housing as a human right (e.g., UN declaration, Canadian Housing Strategy Act).The significance of federal funding through the Reaching Home initiative.3. The Evolution of Housing FirstOrigins of Housing First: Developed by Sam Tsemberis and the Pathways to Housing model in New York City.The At Home/Chez Soi study in Canada and its impact on policy.Challenges in implementing Housing First effectively, including the need for adequate funding and comprehensive support services.4. Complex Care and Its Role in Supportive HousingThe introduction of complex care by the BC government.Differences between Housing First and complex care, particularly in levels of autonomy and service provision.How complex care supports individuals with high needs, including mental health, substance use, and brain injuries.5. Addressing Misconceptions and Policy ChallengesWhy Housing First has received criticism and how misinterpretations of the model have affected its implementation.The need for a multi-faceted approach ("silver buckshot" rather than a "silver bullet").How systemic issues like housing affordability and the toxic drug crisis impact supportive housing efforts.Key Takeaways:Supportive housing is more than just shelter; it includes necessary wraparound services to ensure stability.Housing First works when implemented correctly, but requires proper funding and comprehensive support.Complex care provides a higher level of support for individuals with severe needs but operates differently from Housing First.There is no single solution to homelessness; a combination of strategies is necessary to address diverse needs.**Resources**Housing – a SDoHhttps://www.cpha.ca/what-are-social-determinants-healthhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/housing-and-health#key-factorsHousing Strategy / Reaching Homehttps://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/ptch-csd/index-eng.htmlhttps://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/index-eng.htmlHousing First – history and practical applicationhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36092852https://www.journeyhome.ca/stories/solving-homelessness-it-just-makes-sense/https://homelesshub.ca/collection/programs-that-work/housing-first/https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/resources-ressources/housing-first-logement-abord-eng.htmlhttps://homelesshub.ca/collection/programs-that-work/housing-first-for-youth/Is Housing First Working?https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/why-housing-first-failed-in-canadahttps://ciceroinstitute.org/research/housing-first-is-a-failure/https://endhomelessness.org/blog/the-truth-about-housing-first/https://www.city-journal.org/article/states-say-no-to-housing-firstComplex Carehttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/complex-care-housinghttps://www.kelowna.ca/our-community/social-wellness/complex-careSupportive Housing – here to stay? https://globalnews.ca/news/8824827/homelessness-kelowna/https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/01/why-its-so-hard-to-end-homelessness-in-america/https://caeh.ca/six-measures-the-federal-government-can-introduce-in-budget-2024-to-fix-the-housing-crisis-and-solve-homelessness/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

Welcome to Season 2 of A Way Forward, presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk discuss strategies for managing mental health during turbulent times. With a 24-hour news cycle, social media, and ongoing global events, many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain. Jessica and Mike explore how our bodies react to stress and share practical tips for maintaining mental well-being in the face of ongoing uncertainty.Key Discussion Points:1. How Are We Coping in a Heavy World?Mike and Jessica discuss their own experiences with stress and uncertainty.Acknowledging the collective fatigue from ongoing global and local crises.The importance of checking in with ourselves and recognizing signs of distress.2. The Impact of Constant Information IntakeThe human brain seeks information to create a sense of control, but too much exposure can be harmful.The physiological response to stress: fight-or-flight activation, increased adrenaline, and cortisol production.The concept of doomscrolling and how it can negatively reinforce anxiety and stress.The double-edged sword of seeking certainty through news consumption.3. Managing Information Intake for Mental Well-BeingSetting boundaries around news consumption: limiting screen time, turning off background news, and curating information sources.The benefits of reading news instead of watching video reports to reduce emotional impact.Establishing personal limits on conversations about distressing topics.Seeking alternative sources of joy and relaxation, such as nature, mindfulness, and exercise.4. Recognizing When Stress Becomes Too MuchHow to identify when normal stress levels turn into something more serious.Signs to watch for: prolonged changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability.The importance of self-awareness and seeking support when needed.5. Practical Steps for Mental Health ManagementSetting boundaries with news consumption: opting for daily email digests instead of real-time updates.Engaging in mindfulness and physical activities to reduce stress levels.Seeking social support and setting personal boundaries in conversations.Understanding when professional help might be necessary and how to access it.Key Takeaways:It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by current events, but we can take control of how we engage with information.The physiological impact of chronic stress underscores the need for proactive mental health management.Simple adjustments—such as limiting news intake, practicing mindfulness, and recognizing stress signals—can significantly improve mental well-being.Seeking professional support is always an option if stress becomes overwhelming.**Resources Mentioned:Impacts of exposure to negative informationhttps://changemh.org/resources/news-consumption-and-your-mental-health/#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20negative%20events%20can,trigger%20a%20prolonged%20stress%20response.https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/how-the-news-rewires-your-brain/https://growtherapy.com/blog/is-news-bad-for-mental-health/Fight or Flight Responsehttps://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fight-or-flight-response-2795194https://hr.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/JHEAP_Negative-News-Coverage-and-Mental-Health.pdfManaging News Consumptionhttps://insidepsychotherapynyc.com/2024/07/16/navigating-anxiety-the-case-for-lowering-your-news-consumption-during-election-season/https://growtherapy.com/blog/is-news-bad-for-mental-health/https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/Ways-to-Cope-With-the-Newshttps://www.calm.com/blog/news-anxietyThank 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

In Episode 6 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, to discuss findings from the State of Mental Health in Canada report. They delve into the report’s key insights, the challenges facing mental health care in British Columbia, and the steps needed to address these issues. From the toxic drug crisis to housing affordability, this episode highlights the pressing need for systemic change while exploring innovative approaches that offer hope for the future.Key Topics Discussed:Mental Health in BC:BC’s attempt to manage mental health care through a specialized ministry, rather than integrating it into the Ministry of Health, has been described as a "seven-year failed experiment." The challenges of this model and its impact on service delivery are unpacked.Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health:BC has the highest rates of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and substance use in Canada. Mike and Jessica explore the potential causes and implications of this troubling statistic.The Toxic Drug Crisis:The ongoing opioid epidemic is discussed as a major issue in BC, underscoring the need for urgent action to reduce overdoses and provide support for substance users.Mental Health Data and Measurement Gaps:Questions arise about the accuracy and validity of provincial mental health data. Mike explains how data inconsistencies complicate efforts to measure progress and allocate resources effectively.Innovative Solutions in BC:The episode highlights programs like the PACT initiative (Peer Assisted Care Teams), which provides non-police responses to mental health crises. Originating in North and West Vancouver, this program has shown promising results and could expand to Kelowna.Housing and Affordability:Housing affordability remains a critical issue in BC, with seniors and vulnerable populations increasingly affected. Despite recent investments, more action is needed to address homelessness and ensure affordable housing for all.National Recommendations:The report calls for:Legislating that 12% of provincial health spending be dedicated to mental health and substance use services.Eliminating poverty, recognizing its direct connection to mental illness.Collecting better data to improve service delivery and outcomes.Calls to Action:Advocacy: Listeners are encouraged to advocate for increased mental health funding and policy changes.Support Those Affected: Check in with your friends, family, and those struggling with mental health in your life.Read the Report: Access the full State of Mental Health in Canada report here.**Resources: https://cmha.ca/what-we-do/policy-research/state-of-mental-health-in-canada/**General Mental Health Resources:**If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now