Public speaking is the number one fear that people have and the experience of anxiety surrounding presenting is not unusual. Public speaking anxiety is not just a personal hurdle. It’s a workplace challenge that can affect confidence, collaboration and innovation. This webinar is about addressing anxiety during public speaking.s
In this episode of 5 FAQs, host Jonathan Friedman speaks with Dr. Suanne Wong about levels of care when it comes to navigating mental health and addiction care.
Everyone that begins treatment does not arrive at the same place on the spectrum.
The Secrets and Science of Mental Toughness from TEDx Talks
The Silent Crisis of Men’s Mental Health from TEDx Talks
“Our latest report reveals that while economic strain, social media overload, and healthcare gaps challenge mental well-being, community involvement and social connections support a stronger sense of belonging.
Key findings include:
Financial Stress and Mental Struggles: 42% of Canadians report a negative impact on their mental health due to economic conditions, the highest level recorded since MHRC began polling. Additionally, 39% of Canadians struggle to pay their bills.
Impact of News and Social Media: Social media’s impact is at an all-time high, with 33% reporting negative effects, and young adults spending more time online than ever before. More than four in ten Canadians (43%) say watching the news negatively affects their mental health, a 7% increase from Poll 22 in December 2022.
Additional major findings from Poll 23 include:
Community Participation and Mental Health: Canadians who participate in community groups feel a stronger sense of belonging, which is linked to improved mental health, while 62% of non-participants report feeling disconnected.
Healthcare Access Barriers: 19% of Canadians do not have a family doctor, with vulnerable groups—including racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and those with financial challenges—facing the greatest barriers.
This study was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights with an online sample of 4,050 adult Canadians between February 4 and 19, 2025. The results from this study provide insights into the mental health of Canadians and reveal concerning trends. Results from a probability sample of this size could be considered accurate to within ±1.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Results have been weighted based on age, gender and region to be representative of the Canadian population.
A series of research briefs that provide an in-depth, specific investigation of our polling results can be found here. Results of earlier polls are compared when applicable.
Findings from our polls are searchable on our free Data Portal.”
Originally posted by Mental Health Research Canada
Have you ever said “I’m fine” when you were anything but fine? Or pushed through burnout or exhaustion because you didn’t want to seem weak? Have you ever kept parts of your identity hidden to feel safer or more accepted? If so, you’re probably masking.
Masking is when we hide or suppress something about ourselves — emotions, personality traits, behaviours, or symptoms — from others. It’s a coping mechanism used to protect one from judgment, stigma, or discrimination and might be done consciously or unconsciously.
Following a traumatic injury, Jess began masking as a coping mechanism with one goal: to get through the day feeling and seeming as “normal” as possible.
I was masking all the time in all areas of my life…
“…I recall in the weeks after the accident, I would try and go about life as regularly as possible: meeting up with friends after work, going for walks around my neighbourhood, etc., but was feeling the need to act like the person I was before it all happened… essentially pretending it hadn’t happened at all.”
Everyone wears a mask sometimes—at work, online, even with loved ones. But while it may help us get through the day, it can come at a deep personal cost. Suppressing emotions can increase stress, reduce self-esteem, and make it harder to seek help when it’s most needed.
It can also prevent others from truly seeing us—and supporting us. When we mask, we unintentionally teach people that we’re “fine,” even when we’re not. Over time, this can lead to feelings of isolation, disconnection, and burnout.
It was absolutely exhausting to be constantly acting like everything was business as usual.
“Directly following my traumatic injury, it was a really strange feeling, and absolutely exhausting, to be constantly acting like everything was business as usual when my physical injuries were still bandaged up and in a state of healing. Now, nearly six years after the injury, I still get startled by environmental triggers that remind me of the experience and feel the need to internalize those feelings in the moment to push through. Internalizing my feelings doesn’t usually feel good because I’m not honouring my needs in the moment, but sometimes that’s (unfortunately) what’s required to carry on with the day.”
Masking isn’t just an individual coping strategy—it’s a reflection of a society that still stigmatizes vulnerability. But we can change that. Every time someone shares their story, checks in on a friend, or opens up about how they’re really doing, they help create a culture where it’s safe to show up as we are.
Practice active listening: Everyone unpacks at their own pace. Be patient, avoid pushing, and let them know you’re there whenever they’re ready to share. Sometimes the best support is simply being there. Avoid jumping to solutions and instead offer a listening ear: “I hear you. That sounds really tough. Do you want to talk more about it?”
Check in regularly: You don’t need a crisis to check in. A simple “Hey, how’s your headspace lately?” can go a long way.
Respect boundaries: Everyone unpacks at their own pace. Be patient, avoid pushing, and let them know you’re there whenever they’re ready to share.
Although it may be daunting, unmasking, when it’s safe to do so, can help people form deeper connections, increase self-esteem and reduce stigma, all of which supports good mental health.
When asked what advice she would give someone struggling with masking or who feels like they need to mask to be accepted, Jess says:
Find the people you can be fully authentic with and keep them close…
“…Appreciate them (thank them for being a safe space), and don’t take them for granted. And try to be that person for someone else who needs it, too. Being a support system for others can be mutually beneficial in moving towards acceptance.”
Originally posted by the Canadian Mental Health Association
The truth about mental illness: how to live with it from PsycHacks
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), affects millions of people worldwide. A common question asked by individuals and families affected by AUD is whether alcohol addiction is hereditary. Research shows that both genetic predispositions and environmental factors play a role in the development of addiction.
Let’s dive into the science behind alcohol addiction, the influence of genetics, and how lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to this complex disorder.
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. Common signs of alcohol addiction include:
The causes of alcohol addiction are multifaceted, with genetics being one of the contributing factors.
Studies suggest that genetics account for 40% to 60% of a person’s susceptibility to alcohol addiction. Specific genes influence how the body processes alcohol and how it impacts the brain’s reward system.
1. Genetic Variants and Alcohol Metabolism
2. Impact on the Brain’s Reward System
3. Family History of Alcohol Addiction
While genetics play a role, environmental factors are equally important in determining whether someone develops alcohol addiction.
1. Exposure to Alcohol in the Home
2. Stress and Trauma
3. Peer Influence
4. Mental Health Conditions
The interplay between genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) is crucial in understanding alcohol addiction. While genetics may predispose an individual to alcohol use disorder, environmental factors often determine whether that predisposition manifests into addiction.
For example:
While genetics cannot be changed, understanding your family history and risk factors can help mitigate the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction.
1. Know Your Risk
If alcohol addiction runs in your family, be aware of your increased vulnerability. Limit alcohol consumption and adopt healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
2. Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with people who support healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid environments where excessive drinking is encouraged.
3. Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Issues
Addressing underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can reduce the risk of self-medicating with alcohol.
4. Educate Yourself and Your Family
Open conversations about the risks of alcohol use and the role of genetics can help family members make informed choices.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are effective treatments available. Understanding the hereditary and environmental factors behind addiction can help guide recovery.
1. Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches help address the root causes of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medications like naltrexone and acamprosate can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
3. Support Groups
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a community of individuals who share similar experiences, providing encouragement and accountability.
4. Rehabilitation Programs
Comprehensive rehab programs provide a structured environment for detox, therapy, and long-term recovery planning.
Is alcohol addiction hereditary? The answer lies in the complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors. While genetic predispositions can increase the risk, they do not guarantee that someone will develop alcohol use disorder. Environmental influences, personal choices, and mental health also play critical roles in shaping an individual’s relationship with alcohol.
If alcohol addiction runs in your family or you’re concerned about your drinking habits, understanding these factors is the first step toward prevention or recovery. Seek professional help and surround yourself with a supportive community to manage your risks effectively.
Remember, alcohol addiction is a treatable condition. With the right approach, anyone can overcome the challenges of addiction and build a healthier future.
Originally posted by Addiction Rehab Toronto.
On January 10, Federal Minister of Health, The Honourable Mark Holland, issued a letter of interpretation on the Canada Health Act to the provinces and territories with new guidance and timelines for ending the practice of extra-billing patients for medically necessary services. The letter outlines how some medically necessary services, once delivered exclusively by physicians, are now provided by other health care professionals— such as nurse practitioners, midwives and pharmacists. The Minister’s letter states that Canadians can no longer be billed additional fees (known as extra-billing) to receive these publicly funded services.
By recognizing “physician-equivalent services,” CMHA believes that Minister Holland’s letter holds promise—and paves the way— for including mental health and substance use health services, like psychotherapy, counselling, and addictions services, in our publicly funded (free) healthcare system.
Across Canada, psychotherapists, psychologists, registered social workers and occupational therapists treat and support and diagnose people with mental health and substance use healthcare needs. In some cases, these professionals work alongside doctors on family health teams to ease the demand for care and provide expertise that improves health outcomes. The services they provide are “physician equivalent.”
The Minister’s letter acknowledges that health care has evolved since the Canada Health Act (the Act) was created in 1984, including the establishment of family health teams and the introduction of new regulated health professions, like registered nurse practitioners, who now deliver primary care equivalent to that of physicians. The delivery of mental health services has also changed significantly since 1984: the remaining asylums were downsized and closed; psychiatric hospitals were established; mental health in-patient services were further integrated into general hospitals; community mental health services were developed and expanded, and more provinces and territories created professional colleges to regulate psychologists, social workers and, in several provinces, psychotherapists.
Some regulated professionals currently deliver medically necessary services equivalent to those provided by physicians.
However, since the Canada Health Act was passed in 1984, public coverage for mental health and substance use health services has been guaranteed only if services are delivered by physicians or in hospitals and are considered “medically necessary” or “medically required.” This restriction means that many people who need lifesaving counselling or psychotherapy can only access it under certain conditions, or if they can afford to pay for it. Publicly funded services provided by the provinces and territories are limited, as are any employer-based insurance benefits that a person may have.
Canadians urgently need mental health and substance use health care. Every year in Canada, about 4,500 people die by suicide. In 2023, 8,538 people died from apparent opioid toxicity and two years prior, 3,875 lives were lost to harms from alcohol. Lives would be saved and so much suffering would be alleviated if people were able to get physician-equivalent treatment from registered social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, and occupational therapists.
While family physicians are primary providers of mental health services—and bill public health insurance plans for mental health counselling (and psychotherapy)—many people in Canada have no access to one. If the Canada Health Act recognized physician-equivalent services provided by mental health professionals, it would be closer to delivering on its promise to “protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada” and to ensuring that people in Canada have access to health services without financial barriers.
CMHA’s position is clear: The federal government must clearly extend its interpretation of the Canada Health Act to include mental health and substance use health services that are medically necessary, whether they are delivered by a physician or by another professional.
The federal government must also continue to modernize its health legislation and provide the provinces and territories with the resources necessary to ensure mental health and substance use health services are comprehensively covered under health insurance plans. It is only then that mental health and substance use health care will be universal.
Originally posted by the Canadian Mental Health Association
This Black History/Heritage Month we’re examining how the mental health experiences of Black people are unique. For Black people, the daily weight of racism1, discrimination2, and social injustice3 all factor into mental health—something many of us don’t even have to think about.
Dr. Regine King, a professor of social work at the University of Calgary, explains how social injustice and mental health are inextricably linked, with injustice creating “devastating mental health impacts.” 3
Social injustices and oppression are forms of violence, and violence is a traumatizing factor. Social injustices, overt or covert, impose a heavy weight and require a lot of physical, emotional, and psychological energy simply to endure them. Social injustices suck the life blood from individuals and families. They impact their self-worth, agency, self-confidence, and evaluation of their abilities. 3
— Dr. King
McMaster University Professor Ingrid Waldron, echoes this: “Racism is a significant structural determinant of health—one that has a very real, demonstrated impact on mental health and well-being, but historically hasn’t been taken seriously.”1
Data from a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention backed this up when it showed a more than 10 percent increase in clinical depression and anxiety among Black people following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.3
Discrimination also contributes to persistent inequalities in access to mental health care for Black people, making discrimination a health issue. The shortage of culturally relevant supports and/or Black psychologists4 also create barriers to care. In fact, a recent study5 found that over 53 percent of Black participants experienced significant racism when interacting with healthcare professionals—the very people who are supposed to help.
That helps explain why depression is more prevalent among Black people—one study found that, rates of depression among Black people in Canada were six times higher5 than the rest of Canada’s population—but it doesn’t make it okay.
Thankfully, organizations across Canada are leading the way to more equitable mental health care for Black people, including:
But it shouldn’t just be up to Black people to fight racism and social injustice. People with privilege, White or otherwise, can help advocate for change to make mental health care access available to everyone, no matter who they are, when and where they need it. That’s CMHA’s vision: universal mental health care. If you want to help, sign up for updates and opportunities to take action as we work to push for system and social change, or make a donation to help us continue this important work. Together we can make a difference.
1 Laux, S. 2024. Ingrid Waldron explores how racism — past and present — affects Black mental health. McMaster University.
2 Mental Health Commission of Canada. 2021. Shining a light on mental health in Black communities.
3 Lavoie, S. 2021. How social justice and mental health interconnect. University of Calgary.
4 Brandow, C. & Swarbrick, M. 2021. Improving Black Mental Health: A Collective Call to Action. Psychiatric Services.
5 Liggins-Chambers, L. 2024. Resistance in the Black Community to Mental Health Services. Psychology Today.
6 Cénat, J. et al. 2021. Prevalence and Effects of Daily and Major Experiences of Racial Discrimination and Microaggressions among Black Individuals in Canada. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
Originally posted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.