The Mental Health Podcast

The Politics of Addictions

The final episode in a three part series dealing with addictions. Kevin’s guest is Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. He discusses the impact addiction has on our society especially the fact that it is connected with 70% of crime in Ontario. With a background in treating addictions, he has some interesting insights into how we should be dealing with it.

From Rock Bottom Right to The Top

He is the mayor of Ontario's 6th largest city. That is a long way from where he came from. Homeless and addicted to drugs and booze, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter not only cleaned himself up, he now leads the fight to help others who were just like him. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from Rock Bottom Right to The Top. (This is the second in a 3 part series on addiction)

The Morning Man: Waking up Sober

He helped reimagine morning radio, listened to by millions. However, Humble Howard had a secret...an alcohol addiction. Without telling anyone, he quit the bottle 8 years ago and has been sober ever since. In this episode, he opens up with his deepest dive to date into his addiction. (Part 1 of a 3 part podcast series on addiction) 

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Child

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions, we seldom think of making them for our kids, especially around their mental health. Child Psychologist Dr. Khush Amaria joins Kevin to talk about how new "habits" for our children that not only can be achievable, but that will give them coping lessons that will carry them into adulthood. Stay tuned at the end for our regular Coping Segment. 

Holiday Health

It's supposed to be the "most wonderful time of year". For many, especially those living with depression disorders, it's a time of anxiety. Whether it's because of being lonely, money issues or struggling with family dynamics, some are left wishing for January 2nd to come so it can all be over. In this episode, Psychologist Dr. Lorraine Patterson talks about why we can't find the magic of the season and has some tips on coping with the holidays.  

Dementia from the inside; Bea’s Story

As our population ages, the numbers of those living with dementia will increase right along. There is no cure and often the person's lifespan is only between 6 to 10 years. We rarely hear directly from those living with dementia exactly what it feels like. In this emotional episode, Bea Kraayenhof gives a first hand account of cognitive decline with messages for those diagnosed, their loved ones and for the public at large.

Lonely in a Crowded World

It can have the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is a serious mental health issue, further complicated by the pandemic. Kevin's guests include social worker Loretta Karikari, from The Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, and Michael DiIorio, a Loneliness Life Coach.

Growing Pains; The Mental Health Journey of Our Youth

When it comes to mental health, our youth are in big trouble. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for kids aged 10 to 19 years.  Youth who need mental health services are often not well supported: less than 20 per cent receive appropriate treatment. Why is it worse for youth today than it was years ago? What can we do about it? What should parents know? That is the topic of this episode of the Mental Health Podcast. Kevin Frankish's guests include Stacey Beaveridge, who works with adolescents at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health, and Mike Foreman, star of an award winning documentary called "When Hope Breaks Through". 

Mental Health 101

What better place for a new podcast on mental health to begin than, well, the beginning. Dr Phil Klassen from Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences gives us the basics on depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Also in this episode, Christina Fuda explains what Mental Health First Aid is and how you can use it with yourself and others. We also have what will be a recurring feature, "Coping", some quick advice and tips for dealing with your own mental health.