mental health

Long-time B.C. paramedic Jeff Smith stands beside his former colleague Shelley O’Rourke. Smith has partnered up with health care professionals and first responders to launch a non-profit aimed at helping first responders who suffer from PTSD. (Submitted photo)

Paramedic with PTSD launches new mental health tool for first responders

Former B.C. paramedic Jeff Smith says the detachment technique saved his life

 

Minister Sheila Malcomson speaks at an Oct. 29 announcement of new treatment spaces at Red Fish Healing Centre on Kwikwetlem territory. (Goverment of BC/YouTube)

B.C. announces $4.2M to expand free, low-cost counselling services at 49 organizations

Funding will enable services to continue until March 31, 2023

 

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2007, file photo, psilocybin mushrooms are seen in a grow room at the Procare farm in Hazerswoude, central Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

Update on psychedelic therapy drugs a positive step in mental-health care: experts

Move will allow physicians to request restricted psychedelic drugs for patients as part of psychotherapy

 

The Team 4 Hope (donated by Mayfair Optometric) tree during the 30th Festival of Trees Victoria earned top Judges Choice award as voted by the volunteer committee. (Courtesy BC Children’s Hospital Foundation)

Festival of Trees Victoria raises $171,000 for BC Children’s Hospital mental health initiative

Mindfulness program open to young patients, caregivers, family and health professionals

The Team 4 Hope (donated by Mayfair Optometric) tree during the 30th Festival of Trees Victoria earned top Judges Choice award as voted by the volunteer committee. (Courtesy BC Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Dylan Joss, a Victoria man who lives in the Fernwood area, is running to raise money for youth struggling with depression and anxiety. (Dylan Joss/Facebook)

Victoria man to run a total of 800 km for youth struggling with depression

Dylan Joss hopes to take a group of 15 youth to Tofino for mental health surf trip

Dylan Joss, a Victoria man who lives in the Fernwood area, is running to raise money for youth struggling with depression and anxiety. (Dylan Joss/Facebook)
Beth Burton-Krahn (right) stands among her BC Cancer Victoria colleagues. She says the holidays can be especially stressful for her clients impacted by cancer. (Courtesy of BC Cancer)

Loved ones need extra support during the holidays: BC Cancer

Victoria counsellor stresses the importance of connection for those impacted by disease

Beth Burton-Krahn (right) stands among her BC Cancer Victoria colleagues. She says the holidays can be especially stressful for her clients impacted by cancer. (Courtesy of BC Cancer)
Romana Didulo is a Victoria resident who falsely claims to be the Queen of Canada. (YouTube/Reine Romana Didulo)

Violent rhetoric by self-proclaimed ‘Queen of Canada’ concerning: extremism experts

Romana Didulo has called for the execution of anyone assisting in vaccinating children

Romana Didulo is a Victoria resident who falsely claims to be the Queen of Canada. (YouTube/Reine Romana Didulo)
To support mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital, Amica Douglas House purchased a $1,000 tree and spent an evening decorating for the Festival of Trees, on through Jan. 4 at The Bay Centre in Victoria. (Courtesy Amica Douglas House)

Christmas tree forest in Victoria raising funds for children’s mental health programs

Festival of Trees, on now through Jan. 4 at The Bay Centre, celebrates its 30th year

To support mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital, Amica Douglas House purchased a $1,000 tree and spent an evening decorating for the Festival of Trees, on through Jan. 4 at The Bay Centre in Victoria. (Courtesy Amica Douglas House)
Sara Maksymowicz worries about the effect of cuts to non-emergency care on the South Island for adults facing eating disorders. (Courtesy Sara Maksymowicz)

‘A system of failures:’ South Vancouver Island adult eating disorder services quietly removed

Non-emergency resources have been a lifeline for Greater Victoria residents

Sara Maksymowicz worries about the effect of cuts to non-emergency care on the South Island for adults facing eating disorders. (Courtesy Sara Maksymowicz)
It’s Tough To Talk is a free course developed by men for men (pixabay)

Free B.C. designed app offers mental health course for men

The Canadian Mental Health Association and HeChangedIt developed a course on the app he.

It’s Tough To Talk is a free course developed by men for men (pixabay)
A home has its foundation ripped away by the Coquihalla River near Hope, B.C., Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Disaster expert urges those affected by B.C. flooding to take care of mental health

Effects could include anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder

A home has its foundation ripped away by the Coquihalla River near Hope, B.C., Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett at a news conference after the federal cabinet was sworn in, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. Some provinces are pushing back against an election promise by the Liberals to offer a new mental heath transfer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Provinces take issue with proposed federal mental health transfer

Despite differing approaches to mental health care, neither Alberta, nor B.C. favour the program

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett at a news conference after the federal cabinet was sworn in, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. Some provinces are pushing back against an election promise by the Liberals to offer a new mental heath transfer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Interior Health's 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.

B.C.’s mental health crisis is bad and getting worse

Nearly half of British Columbians polled said their mental health was worse due to COVID-19

  • Nov 18, 2021
Interior Health's 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.
The 2019 attack took place in the area near 3rd Street and Menzies Avenue. Photo by Mike Chouinard

Violent random attack on Courtenay senior sparks call for more mental health supports

Accused found not criminially responsible, thought victim was a ‘lizard person’ because of gold purse

The 2019 attack took place in the area near 3rd Street and Menzies Avenue. Photo by Mike Chouinard
Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, is seen on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Tony Akoak, who has served as the hamlet’s member of the legislative assembly since 2013, says the community of about 1,300 people is growing quickly and needs more mental-health services to support its population. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Emma Tranter

‘We need help’: Nunavut politician wants mental-health facility in his community

Gjoa Haven is nestled on the south coast of King William Island about 1,900 kilometres north of Edmonton

Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, is seen on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Tony Akoak, who has served as the hamlet’s member of the legislative assembly since 2013, says the community of about 1,300 people is growing quickly and needs more mental-health services to support its population. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Emma Tranter
Former NHL player Jordin Tootoo spoke to a group of Indigenous youth about mental health and addictions on Oct. 28. Photo by Marc Kitteringham / Campbell River Mirror

VIDEO: Former NHL player Jordin Tootoo inspires Indigenous youth in Campbell River

Tootoo spoke about mental health and suicide prevention on Thursday night

Former NHL player Jordin Tootoo spoke to a group of Indigenous youth about mental health and addictions on Oct. 28. Photo by Marc Kitteringham / Campbell River Mirror
A man walked into a Campbell River store and threw eggs at employees and displays. Quinsam Communications security cam still

VIDEO: Man disgruntled over 5G network eggs inside of Campbell River business

Second incident of its kind according to Campbell River RCMP

A man walked into a Campbell River store and threw eggs at employees and displays. Quinsam Communications security cam still
Self-reported rates of anxiety and depression increased during parts of the pandemic. File photo.

Stats Canada reports significant pandemic-related jumps in depression and anxiety

Public health officer: ‘Huge amount of work ahead of us with restoring resiliency in our communities’

Self-reported rates of anxiety and depression increased during parts of the pandemic. File photo.
In this July 30, 2019, file photo, the social media application, Facebook is displayed on Apple’s App Store. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Amr Alfiky

Most Canadians believe Facebook harms their mental health: survey

Vast majority also agreed Facebook amplifies hate speech

In this July 30, 2019, file photo, the social media application, Facebook is displayed on Apple’s App Store. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Amr Alfiky
New data suggests COVID-19 has accelerated the decline in mental health among young Canadians. (Black Press Media File)

B.C. teachers eager to EASE high school anxiety

New resource aimed at high-levels of anxiety among high school students

New data suggests COVID-19 has accelerated the decline in mental health among young Canadians. (Black Press Media File)