The Summer Update and News from
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
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Welcome to the summer edition of the MDSC newsletter. It’s hard to believe that it is now August, as we make our way through an incredibly challenging year.
The COVID-19 virus come into our lives unexpectedly this spring and Canadians were not prepared – but it came anyway. Mental illness takes a similar course, like COVID-19, it is a serious illness that comes unexpectedly. Mental illness also requires medical assistance and affects family and friends alike, but sometimes the stigma surrounding it, prevents individuals from reaching out.
Forty-six percent of Canadians reporting feeling stress regularly or constantly since the start of the pandemic. This is double the numbers reported before the pandemic. In addition, 60 % of parents reported that their children are having drastic mood changes, emotional outbursts, sleep problems and persistent sadness. A recent Centre for Addiction and Mental Health survey showed that younger adults are experiencing more anxiety than older adults are and women are struggling more than men are.
Following the COVID-19 guidelines, we need to stay the course and work together to find our way back to a healthier world – both mentally and physically. MDSC has been working diligently to create new support programs and new resources to address the mental health crisis caused by the virus. Please take a minute to review them here if you haven’t already done so by Clicking Here
Please stay healthy.
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Caring For Your Mental Health during Covid-19
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We have developed new resources about mental illness that support your mental health needs related to COVID-19 including downloadable resources and videos. We created a comprehensive list of links to key resources from a wide array of government and stakeholders organizations. These tools are for your use, please access and use them to help you through this time. Share with colleagues, family and friends.
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The Emotional Overwhelm of a Global Pandemic Have Canadians Talking About Mental Health: A MDSC Essay for the times.
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Events during the beginning of 2020 have changed the world but we don’t know if the changes will last or if they will mute over time. The financial stress and family worries – not to mention having our world turned upside down, have meant that Canadians have had to deal with an emotional overload. This article will validate your feelings and help you better understand why most of us have struggled during this time. This is a very helpful article.
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A comprehensive guide to the new Canadian reality of legalized recreational cannabis.
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Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is proud to present this educational resource, Cannabis and You, as part of our popular public awareness educational series.
MDSC strives to provide up to date information on subjects that affect our mental health. As recreational cannabis is now legal in Canada, there are risks and benefits that we all need to be aware of. MDSC does not take any position on cannabis, that is your individual choice to make.
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Appointed as Regional Executive Committee Member representing the America’s Region of the Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN)
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MDSC is pleased to announce Sylvio (Syd) Gravel, co-lead – MDSC Peer and Trauma Support Services Team, has been appointed as the Regional Executive Committee Member for the Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN). In his role, he will be representing the America’s Region (Canada, USA, Central and South America)
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Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is proud to partner with MOODIE; a ground-breaking, evidence-based mental health app and innovative behavioural health platform. The MOODIE App is a tool for improving mental health supports available for youth, adults, and vulnerable populations. The App is designed to increase wellness maintenance and reduce risk factors associated with the worsening of symptoms. Download the free MOODIE APP today!
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Submit your nominations for the 2020 Award Program
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Each year the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) presents two awards – both in recognition of outstanding work and passion in the field of mental health. Nominations are open to submissions from Canadians who have knowledge of an individual and / or an organization who fits the nomination criteria until August 24, 2020 midnight eastern.
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With over 2.6 million visitors to our website, (500 visitors a day), MDSC’s depressionhurts.ca is a very valuable free resource for persons impacted by depression as well as their families, caregivers and health care providers. Offering information in four languages, this website has in-depth information, tools and supports. Please visit the website today and share with family and friends.
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NATIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
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The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) Youth Advisory Council is a network of students from colleges and universities across the country, aimed at engaging young adults in discussions and developing and sharing resources for issues surrounding mental health.
Recently we hosted a panel discussion on Men’s Mental health, click below to watch. We hope to feature more panel discussions like this in the future.
Follow us on social media for all the latest updates.
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ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM (EITR)
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The Elephant In The Room anti-stigma campaign is an international success which MDSC created in 2006. Since that time, many hundreds of corporations, workplaces, health providers, agencies, government departments, colleges, universities and schools have successfully implemented and used the campaign to eliminate stigma. The campaign offers a safe place for anyone to talk about mental illness without fear.
EITR continues help Canadians take stigma right out of the conversation and when you partner with MDSC, we personalize the campaign posters and resources to your school, workplace or organization.
To implement this turn-key, customizable anti-stigma campaign visit our EITR website today at: eitr.mdsc.ca and follow us on social media. Show you are fighting the stigma by implementing the campaign today! Share your photos!
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This year, due to COVID-19, we quickly adapted to our new reality and supported all local events in transitioning to Virtual Defeat Depression events. This meant that participants could choose the physical activity of their choice to complete and showcase their efforts through a virtual challenge. Whether it was taking a walk around the neighbourhood, running on a treadmill, riding a bike or taking a stroll on a trail, participants enthusiastically took part in the campaign and supported their local mental health services, that are so desperately needed, while this year, maintaining a safe physical distance.
To celebrate the virtual physical challenges, we held a national live stream event, followed by local live streamed events. This national live stream event was hosted by Jessica Holmes. Featured guest speakers included the Prime Minister of Canada, the Speaker of the House of Commons, community mental health leaders and advocates, indigenous and youth leaders, national sponsors and employers as well as incredibly talented international musicians, and persons with lived experience sharing their inspiring messages.
It was an incredible 1 1/2 hours of coming together and celebrating our efforts. In case you missed it, we have posted the streamed event on our website, Facebook and YouTube If you haven’t seen it, you can here: Defeat Depression Day
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Follow Defeat Depression on Social Media
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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Regardless of your existing public or private health coverage, innoviCares allows you to receive the brandname medications and healthcare products prescribed by your physician at an equal, or similar price to the generic alternative(s).
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Did you know you can create a fundraiser in facebook? Click on the image above and choose “Mood Disorders Society of Canada” as the non-profit to support. If you need help email support@mdsc.ca.
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With the COVID-19 Crisis impacting the charitable sector significantly, we are facing a crucial time. Increased demand for resource development and support provision at a time where we have seen donations drop by 52% is having a negative impact on our organization.
If you are able to afford to support us, please do, we would be greatly appreciative. Know that your donation help us continue to offer mental health programs, develop new effective resources and maintain our wellness promotion and education activities for all Canadians.
Please make your tax deductible charitable donation to MDSC by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!.
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Additional Educational Resources
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Our Organizational Profile
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We are proud to present our MDSC Organizational Profile which highlights our programs, educational resources, national campaigns, research activities, tools and supports for Canadians. This booklet offers a comprehensive overview of how MDSC is working diligently at developing and providing effective mental health resources for all. We are especially proud of our success in collaborating with partners to reach as many people as possible.
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