Our Minds Matter

Boxing isn't only about fitness. Underdogs Boxing Club runs a program so women and self-identified women who have been abused can regain their self-esteem and power over their lives. Underdogs Boxing Club runs non-contact boxing classes mainly mainly focused on getting physically fit. But the club also works with women and self-identified women who have suffered physical or sexual abuse. Founder Laura Ip talks about how a boxing program helps women regain their self-esteem and regain control of their lives.

Therapist Steve Abma talks about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, known as ACT, helps people who are suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. Steve explains the difference between ACT and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Catie Cordes searched for a holistic approach to add to her treatment for anxiety. She started with a combination of essential oils and meditation using the Calm app on her phone. She also consulted with her doctor and found help from CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabis oil which doesn't cause a high.

Anxiety and panic attacks often control your life. They determine what you do, how you work, people you see and what you do for fun. Jennifer Fisk, President of the Board of the Canada Mental Health Association, Niagara became a mental health advocate because of her severe anxiety. She uses these examples of how anxiety affects her work. Sometimes she'll take 5 pencils to a meeting and line them up in a row on the table in case they break. She leaves hours early for appointments, panicking that she might be late. Many people can relate. This type of behaviours are what they struggle with to some degree every day.

How can we understand why someone chooses to live on the street? This is the story of Freddy Boyd a homeless man who lived with schizophrenia. Freddy died in January with his family at his side. The news of his death resulted in an outpouring of emotion on social media and for that moment, people thought about Freddy as a person. Freddy's sister, Darlene, tells the story of loving her brother, a gentle, kind man who could also be angry and had trouble living a normal life. Darlene wrote a poem about Freddy and read it at his funeral which you can read below in Show Notes.

It's very hard for a parent to see their child battle with mental health issues. In this episode Natalie Haig and her daughter, who is in high school, openly share how the bond between mother and daughter has made both of them stronger.

Jennifer McCready has lived with depression for most of her life. It shattered her self-esteem. She found a way to help herself and many other women by opening a unique photo business - Lady Luck Pin Ups. She's helped many women build their self-esteem and confidence and see themselves as beautiful women.

University and college students can be under a lot of stress leading to mental health issues, and tragically an unknown number of students are dying by suicide. Brock University has an extensive program and website to help students. Sarah Pennisi, director of the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, says awareness goes from mental health services right into the classroom.

Ann Dowsett Johnston is a 5 time National Magazine Award Winner who battled depression and alcohol for years while hiding it behind a successful but stressful career. She has a bestselling book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol where she argues women are closing the gender gap when it comes to drinking. Ann Dowsett Johnston is the keynote speaker at the Niagara Women and Wellness fundraiser for Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Walk-In Counselling February 15, 2018.

Ontario MPP Lisa MacLeod didn't know what to expect when she opened up to her constituents about her deep depression. After all, her job depends on their support. What she got was wholehearted support from them and her colleagues Queen's Park.

Therapy is an integral part of dealing with mental illness and mental health. There are various types of cognitive therapies. Psychologist Steve Abma specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which can be particularly effective for anxiety disorders.

For most of her life Brianna Schwenker has looked in the mirror and not seen who she really is. Brianna talks candidly about body dysmorphia and her anorexia in her teen years and after her daughter was born and the tools she uses today help her handle her view of herself.

Darcy Patrick's book, Why I Run, chronicles his lifelong battle with depression and his journey of recovery. He worked with a therapist using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, meditation and a healthy lifestyle.

27 years ago Sandie Bellows was abducted in broad daylight on a main street in St. Catharines. She was driven hours away and repeatedly raped and beaten. Sandie shares her story, her victory over fear of her abductor and her lifelong struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as she relives the horror every year.

Funding for mental health services in Ontario is spread across 11 ministries which leads to confusion and a bad allocation of money. Niagara Falls Councillor Wayne Campbell and his wife Helga are working to change that. Niagara Falls City Council has passed a motion for the creation of a single ministry for mental health and the Campbell's want cities across the province to do the same.

People grieve for many different reasons and in different ways. Sometimes it's deep sadness at the loss of a friend or devastation from a tragedy. In this episode Janice talks with Laura Ip about both their experiences of losing someone suddenly and tragically and the difference when you have time to prepare for your loss.

Indigenous people often face different problems with mental health and well being which can require unique solutions. I talk to Karl Dockstader, host of One Dish, One Mic on the Niagara Podcasters Network. Our apologies for the sound issues.

Brian Hansell talks about how his son, Paul, lost his life to suicide and how he wants to make mental health a part of our every day conversations. He started the Paul Hansell Foundation and looked for ways to get people talking about mental illness. The Conversation Plate - #ConvoPlate - was born.

Stuart Dorricott, past President of the Board of the Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara talks about his daughter who began struggling with her mental health in grade six. Stuart talks about how he knew nothing about mental illness when his daughter started to self-harm and how his journey with his daughter through her teenage years and into early adulthood led him to get involved in the mental health community.

When a loved one takes her or his own life it is devastating for family and friends. Those closest can blame themselves for not realizing the depth of the person's despair. In this episode Janice talks to Laura Ip who candidly shares the story of what led to her sister's suicide and how she struggles to understand and cope with the loss.