Archive for category: Mental Health

VIDEO: Tired and Wired: Sleep and Hyperarousal

Optimal sleep is a pillar of mental health and resilience. With acute or chronic stress, sleep disturbances can precipitate and perpetuate disorders of hyperarousal, and in turn, impede recovery and diminish the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments. However, sleep-focused interventions can improve both sleep and daytime symptoms of hyperarousal and treatment outcomes. Join Anne Germain, PhD, Founder and CEO, NOCTEM Health, Inc., for a discussion about the clinical relevance of sleep in the context of hyperarousal using post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a case example.

VIDEO: 5 FAQs about Grief

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, Jason MacKenzie, leadership coach, author, and grief expert, sits down for an honest conversation about love, loss, and healing.
Having endured profound personal tragedy, Jason has transformed his pain into purpose, helping others navigate the complexities of grief with courage and compassion.
From understanding how grief evolves over time to learning how to show up for others who are suffering, Jason shares hard-earned wisdom that challenges the myths
of “moving on” and redefines what healthy grieving can look like.

VIDEO: Speaking with Confidence: Tackling Anxiety and Thriving Under Pressure

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

5 FAQS About Navigating Mental Health

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.

Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians Through Covid 19 and Beyond

“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.

Read the FULL report

Read the ABRIDGED report

ABOUT THE STUDY

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

What masking is and why it may be doing more harm than good

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.

How to support someone who masks

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

Is Alcohol Addiction Hereditary? Understanding Genetics and Risk Factors

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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.

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

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:

  • Craving alcohol even when it causes problems.
  • Difficulty limiting the amount of alcohol consumed.
  • Physical withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

The causes of alcohol addiction are multifaceted, with genetics being one of the contributing factors.

Is Alcohol Addiction Hereditary? The Role of Genetics

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

  • Certain genetic variants affect how quickly the body metabolizes alcohol. For example, some people inherit a gene that slows alcohol metabolism, leading to unpleasant effects like flushing and nausea, which can reduce the likelihood of heavy drinking.
  • Conversely, those with genes that promote faster alcohol metabolism may drink more, increasing their risk of addiction.

2. Impact on the Brain’s Reward System

  • Genes linked to dopamine regulation play a significant role in alcohol addiction. Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Genetic predispositions may heighten sensitivity to alcohol’s effects, making individuals more prone to addiction.

3. Family History of Alcohol Addiction

  • A family history of AUD significantly increases an individual’s risk. Children of parents with alcohol addiction are approximately four times more likely to develop the disorder themselves.

Environmental Factors That Contribute to 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

  • Growing up in a household where alcohol use is normalized or excessive can shape attitudes toward drinking.
  • Children of alcoholics may mimic behaviours they observe or turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for family-related stress.

2. Stress and Trauma

  • High levels of stress, trauma, or exposure to adverse life events can increase the likelihood of alcohol misuse.
  • Individuals with genetic vulnerabilities may be more sensitive to these triggers, amplifying the risk.

3. Peer Influence

  • Social environments that encourage heavy drinking can lead to addiction, particularly for those already genetically predisposed.

4. Mental Health Conditions

  • Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can contribute to alcohol addiction. Genetic predispositions to these conditions can further compound the risk.

Nature vs. Nurture: How Do They Interact?

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:

  • Someone with a genetic predisposition but a supportive environment with limited access to alcohol may never develop AUD.
  • Conversely, someone with no family history but a high-stress environment and frequent exposure to alcohol may still develop addiction.

Can Alcohol Addiction Be Prevented?

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.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

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.

FAQs About Alcohol Addiction and Heredity

  1. Can you inherit alcohol addiction from your parents?
    While you can inherit a genetic predisposition, addiction itself is not directly inherited. Environmental factors play a significant role.
  2. If alcohol addiction is hereditary, does that mean it’s inevitable?
    No. While genetics increase the risk, lifestyle choices and a supportive environment can prevent addiction from developing.
  3. Are there specific genes linked to alcohol addiction?
    Yes, certain genes influence alcohol metabolism and the brain’s response to alcohol, affecting the likelihood of addiction.
  4. Can someone without a family history of alcohol addiction still develop it?
    Absolutely. Environmental factors like stress, trauma, and social influences can lead to addiction even in those without genetic predispositions.
  5. How can I reduce my risk if I have a family history of alcohol addiction?
    Limit alcohol consumption, seek healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and build a supportive social network.

Final Thoughts

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.