Tuning in to Y Station: Mental Health Week
“I get it. I’ve been there. I can relate.”
For Mental Health Week, we're dedicating this Tuning in to Y Station to sharing the resources, articles and podcasts that have helped our team reflect on and manage our own mental health. Before you weigh in, tune in.
Content Warning: This blog contains discussion of suicide, depression and references to mental health that may be triggering or harmful to some readers. Please continue at your own discretion.
Chosen by Alana Williams, CEO
Podcast: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Episode: Stepping Off the Path of Anxiety
Anxiety has been a theme in my life since I was five years old. I’ve tried, and continue to try, any and all things to bring me a calm, healthy state of mind. I agree with Dr. Santos in this podcast when she refers to needing a whole toolbox of things to try. For me at least, breathing exercises and positive thinking rarely help when I’m already down the anxiety rabbit hole. Though you’re meant to put three drops under your tongue, I once drank a whole bottle of Rescue Remedy in the hopes of alleviating my stress. So, although I found the hushed tones these two speak in overly pacifying at times, this podcast was a nice reminder to tools that have worked for me in the past and gave me a couple new things to try.
Chosen by Emily Mack, Senior Associate
Article: “How Headspace Health is tackling the global mental health crisis” by Zachary DiRenzo
The stigma attached to mental health treatment within our healthcare system and disrupted access to resources because of the pandemic are making it increasingly difficult for many of us to get help and support. This article spotlights the rise of digital care services and what it means when we work to make these services more accessible.
Chosen by Chris Henderson, Chief Strategist
Resource: “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis” by National Alliance on Mental Illness
If you are anything like me, you feel relatively awful as you go about your day-to-day business. It’s hard to be motivated, even as certain things we shut down become more commonplace. Two years into the pandemic and the simultaneous social upheaval we have seen, it seems like everyone is feeling the weight of a world that seems to deliver one setback after another. Just this week, millions of people are mourning not just the loss of an established legal (and human) right in Roe v. Wade, but anxiety around the next domino to fall. It’s hard out there. It seems like everyone is feeling it. Some more than others, though. While many of us are able to cope with this onslaught (even if just barely), for some this stacking effect can break people. In a world where we have so little control over the stresses that befall us, I firmly believe we can all do two things: look out for each other and be prepared when we see someone who needs help.
To that end, I want to share a helpful guide from the National Alliance on Mental Illness – “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis.” It’s a little bit long, but it’s written in plain language and it is comprehensive. One read and you’ll have more confidence that you can help someone (or yourself) if needed.
Chosen by Jenny Black, Digital Strategist
Podcast: Terrible, Thanks for Asking Episode: What Do You Say About Suicide?
Being a support for someone struggling with their mental health can be difficult to navigate, but the most impactful action you can take is to listen.
This two-part episode offers perspectives and stories from people who have experienced suicidal ideation and suicide loss in hopes of starting conversations, as difficult, uncomfortable, or upsetting they may be. It unpacks the range of reasons why some of us struggle to talk about suicide—being scared to say the wrong thing when so much is at stake, a misconception that talking about it gives ideation more power, that stigma will override empathy.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, the Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566.
Chosen by Anthony Fisher, Junior Associate
Podcast: Speaking of Psychology, American Psychological Association Episode: How to keep stress from harming your health with George Slavich, PhD
Stress might be “a part of life”, but it affects all of us differently and the long-term upheaval to our mental health and physical wellbeing is often glossed over. What impact does the mental strain of stress have on our bodies? How can it be managed? These are just some of the questions explored in this episode of Speaking of Psychology.
Chosen by Tracy With, COO
Article: “The art of listening in six simple steps” by Canadian Mental Health Association
One of the best ways to support friends, coworkers and loved ones facing mental health challenges is to simply listen. This article offers guidance for becoming a better mental health ally by practicing empathy and active listening.