Returning to school for many children, youth and families is an exciting time filled with mixed emotions. Whilst a new school year offers opportunities to build new relationships and provide new experiences, it also can mean uncertainty and anxiety about how things will unfold. The best thing you can do to prepare for September is to get ready to embrace the return to school with hope and optimism, while being prepared to face challenges and solve problems together as you journey throughout the year. The following are some tips to help support your child’s transition back to school, no matter the age.   Re-establish Routines. Getting back into a routine is a common challenge as students head back to school at every stage. Take the time to reset sleep and waking schedules as well as mealtimes. Establishing consistent routines is ideal for all family members, where possible. Flexibility is also important with older youth, especially if they are working part time as well. Talk about other ground rules you want to have in place as a family to support work/life/school balance and good physical and mental health. For example, discuss and establish habits around chores, eating, screen time, homework, family time and when friends visit. This will help set expectations and avoid conflicts. Where you can, co-create the expectations so that your child feels included and respected. Create visual charts of morning routines to help younger children.   Have conversations about school. One of the most powerful ways you can support your child through the process of returning to school is to talk about it, and trying to understand how they are feeling about it. Find the right time to ask them questions to get a sense of what’s on their mind, including any concerns. Listen to what they are experiencing and give them space to talk. Spend more time trying to understand your child’s point of view by asking questions instead of falling into the trap of only giving advice. For many children and youth, the more opportunities they have to be heard, the more likely they will feel comfortable to open up and talk. Here are some examples of conversation starters: “Who are you looking forward to connecting with this year?” “What is one thing you are hoping to do this school year? “How are you feeling about this school year? What is one thing you are excited about?” “Is there anything you're a bit worried about? How can I help? Validate Emotions Validate your child’s experience by letting them know whatever they are feeling is ok and reassure them by letting them know you are going to get through this together. Normalize fears as a response to the uncertainty of the new school year and let them know that their feelings are common. Ask your child how you can work together to make this a positive school year. Make a list of things that they are looking forward to, and things they enjoy about school. “I [...]

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or otherwise known as PTSD, can affect anyone who has survived a traumatic experience. The symptoms can vary on a person to person basis but some of the most reported symptoms are:   Flashbacks Intrusive thoughts or images Nightmares Feeling like nowhere is safe Feeling as if you cannot trust anyone Avoiding feeling or talking about the experience   When the topic of PTSD arises, it’s typically war veterans that people think of. Although they do struggle and experience this at very high rates, other incidents can cause PTSD. Individuals who experience a car accident, being bullied or assaulted, or even surviving a natural disaster can experience symptoms of PTSD.  A diagnosis of Complex PTSD may be given when the trauma takes place early in life or if it took place over an extended period of time. C-PTSD can have similar symptoms as PTSD however it can also include:   Regular feelings of suicide Difficulty controlling emotions Physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and chest pains Feelings of isolation and detach from society   There are many ways to go about treating PTSD including (but definitely not limited to) talk therapy, EMDR, and equine assisted learning. When an individual participates in equine assisted learning (EAL), they are given the opportunity to learn about themselves, their emotions, and work through strong feelings and intrusive thoughts. This is done by pairing individuals with horses to work through a series of activities and conversation prompts. Working with horses can open the door to self-reflection and personal development while maintaining a recovery-focused and forward thinking mindset at the forefront. Because horses are prey animals, they scan their surroundings and reflect their findings. They almost act like a mirror into our emotions. They can sense an increase in heart rate, when the warmth in your body migrates, or if you fidget. These are all symptoms that give the horses insight as to what emotions you’re experiencing and then we receive the non-judgemental and genuine feedback from the animals.  It gives individuals with PTSD and C-PTSD a break from ruminating on the past and reliving their experiences and puts them in a position to make changes to improve their present and future self.

            International Day of Friendship was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (U.N.). On July 30, we acknowledge and give gratitude for these relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace, happiness, and unity. Healthy Friendships We know from our lived experiences that friends can play a significant role in promoting our mental and physical health and well being. For children and adolescents, friendships can provide opportunities for developing a sense of identity, learning social skills and exploring interests. For adults, having positive social relationships can help to alleviate stress, boost happiness, and support us when we are managing challenging life experiences. Research confirms that healthy social connections reduces risks of many mental and physical health problems, including depression and high blood pressure, and can lead to extended life expectancy. Qualities of a Healthy Friendship: What are They? Consider the people who you would count as your friends, and also think about yourself as you review the following ten qualities of a healthy friendship. Are there areas that you can improve? Nurturing friendships is as important as nurturing family relationships if you want them to be strong and healthy. Respect and Trust: feeling respected for who you are and knowing that you can trust your friend are important foundational qualities of a healthy friendship. Being able to disagree at times while maintaining both your self respect and respect for your friend helps to build strength and openness in the relationship. Talking and Listening: sharing thoughts and feelings, taking the time to listen without judgement helps to build intimacy in a friendship. Ideally there is a give and take in the exchanging of communication and reaching out to one another to connect. Listening without giving advice unless asked to do so is a way to offer unconditional support. Safety: physical, psychological and emotional safety are important for any healthy relationship. Fear of being harmed is not part of a healthy friendship or relationship. Boundaries: Respect each other’s boundaries, including keeping confidential information private, are ways to create safety and deepen friendship over time. Non-Judgement: a healthy friendship provides a space where you can be yourself without fear of criticism or rejection. While you may not agree with all of your friend’s choices, you can accept them for who they are and validate their lived experiences. Forgiveness: a healthy relationship is not a perfect one. The ability to acknowledge our mistakes, make amends and seek forgiveness in a relationship is part of what helps it to grow. Our ability to accept apologies from others and offer forgiveness is equally important. Kindness and Caring: showing kindness, thoughtfulness and offering gratitude toward our friends brings joy and strengthens the bond. Simple gestures and sharing words of appreciation for the friendship are meaningful ways we can show we care. Dependability: being your word and following through on commitments are important for a healthy friendship. When both people make time for the friendship it shows that it is valued. Fun: [...]

  Understanding Addiction: Addiction is a chronic disease. It alters both brain function and structure. The release of Dopamine interacts with Glutamate in the brain and hijacks its process of reward-related learning. This key system is responsible for sustaining life, as it links activities needed for human survival with reward and pleasure. Translation? Addiction can build pathways in the brain that link the addictive behaviour to a need for survival. Addiction is not only substance related. Addiction can also be linked to pleasurable activities such as gambling, sex and shopping for example.   Ways in which you can support a loved one struggling with addiction: Obtain your own support. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are just two of several support groups available. This is especially important in terms of freeing yourself of blame and not taking it personally. There are several treatment options that can effectively treat addiction. Encourage your loved one to speak with their family doctor to access support. Do not criticize or threaten. You cannot force them to quit, but you can be a source of strength and positive encouragement. Expect setbacks. The road to recovery is not straight and flat. There will be difficulties and detours. As much as possible, establish trust and communicate effectively. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-talk-to-an-addict-22012 Educate yourself on addiction and if applicable what to expect with treatment. Know when to take a step back and let a crisis happen. Don’t enable their behaviour and do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour   Canada’s Opioid Crisis: In 2017, approx. 11 lives were lost per day due to opioid overdoses. 94% of these deaths happened by accident Naloxone is a fast-acting drug medicine that can restore breathing within 2-5 minutes and reverse the effect of an opioid overdose. You cannot use it incorrectly, as it only works if you have opioids in your system. It is safe for all ages and has no negative impact if given to a person who has not had an opioid overdose. You can get a Naloxone kit free of charge at most local pharmacies! See more information @ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/naloxone.html   How can I get help? A simple solution would be to consult your family doctor. In addition, Connex Ontario is an online resource for mental health and addiction services all across Ontario. It is a helpful hub for supportive system navigation. https://www.connexontario.ca/all-mental-health-addiction-service-types  

Many parents struggle with how to approach a conversation with their kids about mental health. It is not uncommon, as many of us as adults also struggle with how to talk about our mental health. The summer presents a perfect opportunity, when the rush of work, school and extra-curricular activities have slowed down, to spend quality time and check in with your kids. Tips for having these conversations: For little kids, making a connection to something familiar, for example, Winnie the Pooh, may help kids to develop an understanding. The character of Eeyore may be a great way for kids to relate to some of the symptoms of mental illness. Create a connection in the conversation to physical health. Kids understand the concept of not feeling well physically. Speaking about how mental illness affects the brain can help kids to make a physical connection they can better understand. Be sure to avoid pressuring them into a conversation. Letting them know that you are there for them and there to talk if they want to may help them to feel comfortable opening up when they are ready. Be sure to communicate to them that this is not their fault. Normalize the conversation. Using tough words like “depression” and “suicide”, (as age appropriate), shows comfort in talking about the subject.  It creates a safe space for your child to   Open up about their mental health. Be sure to make your child feel heard by validating their feelings, listening and paying careful attention to non-verbal cues like body language. Don’t hesitate to share your own personal experience (if applicable). This normalizes the conversation and communicates to your child that they are not alone. Things that are helpful to say: “Do you want to talk about it?”, “How can I help?”, “I’m here if you need me”, “I’m sorry that you are going through this”, “Are you looking for advice or would you rather I just listen?” Common misconceptions/mistakes to avoid: Don’t make assumptions because they “seem to be ok” or aren’t showing any signs or symptoms of struggling with their mental health. Kids, just like adults, can be very good at masking. Don’t overreact if your child opens up about feelings of suicide or self-injurious behaviour. Reassure them that you are glad that they felt safe sharing this with you and that you will find them help and be there for them along the way. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes depression can come out as anger or other emotions. Try to understand where emotional outbursts may be coming from. Be careful not to tell them more about mental illness than they are ready to hear. Things NOT to say: “it’s all in your head”, “snap out of it”, “things could be worse”, “get over it”, etc. This invalidates how they are feeling! Getting help: Access support services made for kids and teens that allow them to communicate by text, email, phone or in person, depending on their comfort level. https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Safety Planning [...]

Mental health in the workplace has been a topic that, unfortunately until the second half of the 2000’s, was ‘swept under the rug’ as a non-issue or at least one that ‘could not’ and ‘should not’ be talked about. The majority in the workforce were of course comfortable telling a superior at work about medical and/or personal needs such as medical and dental appointments, physical injuries, physical health issues and time needed for bereavement, but any mental health struggles could not be revealed or made evident, sadly, for numerous reasons. These reasons, with some continuing today, include the stigma attached to mental health (I.e., being ‘mentally ill’ or ‘unstable’), being viewed as ‘weak,’ and/or being viewed as incapable of managing stress or the demands of one’s job. The good news is that many of those who were once in positions of leadership at companies and organizations, who were of what most consider an ‘old school mentality,’ are now entering retirement and those who have been raised in a world where increased education in, and understanding and acceptance of, mental health has taken place are now in positions of leadership. While Canadians become slowly and steadily more understanding and accepting of mental health in the workplace, below I explore the challenges many still encounter at the workplace and how you can help yourself and your co-workers manage their mental health at work too. 1) Communication with Co-Workers and Leadership As we go about our daily lives in today’s fast paced world and the demands it brings, we have become less skilled at what therapists and counsellors call ‘active listening.’  Active listening is a skill in which we listen fully and intentionally without thinking about what we are going to say next/going to respond with while the other person is talking. It is also paying attention to one’s body language, tone of voice and what the other person is trying to convey is key to understanding and providing support to a co-worker in need. This may sound easy enough, but it is actually a skill counsellors and therapists themselves are trained in and must learn to practice intentionally! Paraphrasing or ‘parroting’ what a struggling co-worker is saying to us is also a great skill to practice as, when we occasionally repeat back to someone a main point/concern they have expressed to us, it signals to that person that they are not only being heard, but truly cared for, supported, and understood. This is a key component in trust being built in the workplace and employees obtaining the help they may need regarding their mental health struggle(s) (E.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, depression, etc.). Expressing empathy towards a co-worker who has opened up about their mental health is also a valuable tool in building trust and contributing to a workplace that is more open, supportive and accepting. Expressing empathy is perhaps the simplest, yet severely underestimated, act we can take to support co-workers who may be struggling. Showing true empathy is not showing [...]

What is EMDR? EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It is an evidenced-based approach that has been highly researched over the course of many years. The acronym EMDR stands for ‘Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing’.   What sounds like a complicated approach is actually a very gentle and ‘organic’ approach to reprocessing trauma, and other difficult situations that emerge in life such as depression and anxiety.   EMDR is considered the ‘gold standard’ of treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as well as for traumatic situations in general including ongoing traumatic situations that are complex, as well as for developmental traumas. It is also used to address various other issues ranging from anxiety to depression to issues emerging from ADHD. A great deal of research has been done which offers evidence for the efficacy of this treatment approach.   When speaking with clients, I often characterize it as a ‘gentle’ process because fundamentally, I am asking clients to simply relax and notice their own responses as we go through the process. We focus on helping them to become aware of their own body sensations (ie chest tightening, lump in throat, body tension etc), emotions and thoughts in the moment, as we process the targeted memory or situation.   The process relies on something called ‘bilateral stimulation’ to encourage the client’s brain to begin to adaptively process the situation/memory/emotion.   How can this possibly work when some therapists are only offering EMDR online? For the past two years in particular, as we have all been faced with COVID-19, many therapists have offered EMDR through online video meetings. There are several ways that this can be done effectively. The two most common ways that I use are either to simply have clients track my fingers visually as I move them from side to side on the screen or alternatively to employ the ‘butterfly tapping’ method which has a client crossing their arms or hands in front of themselves and then tapping from side to side. These ways of facilitating the ‘Bilateral Stimulation’ element of EMDR have been very effective online.   What is supposed to happen in EMDR? There is really no right or wrong way to experience EMDR from a client perspective. Nor is there a particular outcome that a client is ‘supposed’ to achieve specifically. This is because EMDR is about your brain (as the client) adaptively processing your unique experience. Simply put, it is about me, as the therapist, facilitating your process of where your brain takes you. Having said that, some clients have noted that after an EMDR session they feel distance from the memory that we targeted in the first place, sometimes they report that it feels as if something has ‘shifted’ in the way they view the memory and in the way they view themselves as a result.   How does it work if I haven’t really experienced a trauma? Sometimes what we are processing is an emotion. For [...]

Autism and Speech Therapy Services As many of you may already know, challenges with communication are one of the criteria that must be met for to reach a diagnosis of autism. When we talk about communication challenges it can include the following: Difficulties with understanding, Difficulties using language to communicate with other people. However, there is a wide range as to what communication skills may look like in an individual with autism. Verbal and Non-verbal We often hear of children with ASD being referred to as verbal or non verbal, and whilst some children may be very verbal and participate in full conversations, other may communicate completely without words (for example, using pictures, or through gestures or behaviours). Some children with ASD will also use a combination of ways of communicating. No matter how a child communicates, there are many ways we can build on their strengths and interests in order to support and help further develop their communication skills. Speech Language Services and children with ASD Speech-Language Pathologists are often one of the first professionals to become involved with a young child showing possible signs of autism, as communication differences or delays are often one of the first signs noticed by parents/caregivers/educators.  It is important to know that Speech-language Pathologists cannot diagnose autism, but can assist in helping support communication skill development even before a diagnosis is received, and can also help direct families to find the appropriate resources if they are looking to determine a diagnosis. If you are concerned about your child’s communication skills and would like more information, call us at 519.302.2300 or email reception@brantmentalhealth.com to book a free consultation with our Speech Language Pathologist.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more talked about in recent years, and its prevalence seems to be growing, the chances are you know someone whose family has been impacted by a diagnosis of ASD. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with ASD in this country. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but it is about 4 times more common among boys than girls. Studies are still being conducted to better understand where this disparity comes from. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people on the Autism spectrum can vary greatly, some people with ASD are extremely gifted, whilst some face severe challenges. We do know now, that signs of ASD begin during early childhood and that we should be watching for certain developmental milestones. Signs and Symptoms: The CDC has the following list outlining some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of. The child may not point at objects to show interest (for example, pointing at an airplane flying overhead.) They may not look at objects when another person points at them. They may have trouble relating to others, or not have an interest in people at all. They may avoid eye contact and want to be alone. They may have trouble understanding other people’s feelings, or talking about their own feelings. They may prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to. They may appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds. They may be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play or relate to them. They may repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language. They may have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions. They may not play “pretend games” for example, not pretending to “feed” a doll. They may repeat actions over and over again, They may have trouble adapting when a routine changes. They may have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or smell. They may lose skills they once had, for example they might stop saying words they were previously using. Behaviour considerations People with ASD can have behaviours or interests that might seem unusual to others. The CDC has listed the following examples of these behaviours: Lining up toys or other objects and getting upset when the order is changes. Repeating words or phrases over and over (also called echolalia). Playing with toys the same way every time. Focussing on parts of objects (for example wheels). Getting upset by minor changes. Having obsessive interests. Needing to follow certain routines. Flapping hands, rocking body or spinning self in circles. Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel. Other characteristics you may notice: Delayed language skills Delayed movement skills Delayed cognitive or learning skills Hyperactive, impulsive and/or inattentive [...]

All About Concussions... From Diagnosis to Symptoms What is a Concussion? A concussion is a trauma to the brain as a result of direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash) force to the brain.  The brain sits inside of our skull, surrounded by fluid that is designed to give it space to move ever so slightly.  When a force impacts the head or causes it to move in a certain direction rapidly, the brain can “slosh” inside the skull and bump into the hard bone.  This is the trauma that the brain can experience that causes a concussion.  Think of it like a bruise to the brain. In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, blood flow to the brain declines, preventing important energy molecules in the form of glucose from reaching your brain.  This creates an energy crisis in the brain which is why fatigue is a primary symptom people experience following an impact. If you, or your family are involved in sports, it is very likely that you know someone who has suffered from a concussion. Where else can a concussion occur? (Other than in sports) - Car Accidents - Slips/Falls - Work related injuries We all know that a concussion is not a good thing and we try to make sports and work as safe as possible to prevent, these or other types of injuries.  But sometimes it can still happen and is always best to know what to do if you or someone know has suffered a concussion. What to do if you think you have a concussion? If you or someone you know has a suspected concussion, it is important to give them immediate medical attention so that more severe consequences of brain injuries can be ruled out.  It also important to stop play or work until you can receive medical attention, as another impact to the brain immediately following the first, can be detrimental. In certain cases, bleeds can develop in the brain, leading to much more severe problems.  This can be ruled out by a trained professional, and may require a head scan at the hospital. Typically it is recommended that immediately after a concussion, the person should rest, stop all screen use and lie down in a dark room.  While these things can be important, some light cardio activity can actually help with recovery.  It is still important to stop any activity that could involve the risk of second impact, but light activity as tolerated is good to incorporate into a recovery program. It is important to see a qualified professional for specific advice, as each person and their experience with concussion will be unique.  Some are able to resume activities sooner, while others may need longer, depending on the severity of the impact. After seeing your family doctor, or a physician in an emergency room, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be your next stop for proper diagnosis and advice.  However, not all Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are qualified to properly diagnose and [...]