Tag: Mental Health and Self-Care
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When Silence Heals and When It Hurts: Reflections on Speaking Up
I came across a Ukrainian Facebook discussion that got me thinking deeply about silence – when it protects us and when it harms us. The original Facebook post argued that silence breeds resentment, that we should speak up about our pain and needs instead of expecting others to read our minds. But the 100+ comments…
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“I Laughed So I Wouldn’t Cry”: Hope Against Hope in the Age of Postponed Living
In his sharp and deeply human article, Ukrainian social psychologist Oleg Pokalchuk tackles what he calls the syndrome of postponed life, not as a diagnosis, but as a way of thinking that paralyzes us in the face of uncertainty. This is where contra spem spero lives. Hope in defiance of reason. Laughing instead of crying.…
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Finding Balance in the Garden When the World Breaks
This morning I needed to see the bees. Not because I woke up wanting to garden or write about nature, but because I woke up to news of more lives lost, more families shattered, more care workers burning out from carrying unbearable loads. Yesterday’s forum on love, care, share was a stark reminder of how…
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Scrolling Through What Could Have Been
Scroll. There it is – that photo from a year ago. You are boarding the plane to Montreal, probably tired from packing at the last minute, maybe annoyed about the early departure time. The CASWE-ACFTS conference registration receipt is still in your bag, and the presentation slides saved on your laptop. Just another work trip.…
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A Powerful Resource for First Responders: Introducing “Testimony After Trauma”
I am beyond honoured to introduce an extraordinary book that is set to make a profound impact: “Testimony After Trauma – Preparing Public Safety Personnel Before, During, and After the Courts.” This book is a critical resource for Public Safety Personnel (PSP), first responders, and their families, addressing the unique challenges they face when testifying…
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Bullies Aren’t Just Teenagers in School: Recognizing and Addressing Adult Bullying
Over the years, my students have shared with me countless stories of adult bullying, illustrating how it can occur anywhere: workplaces, family gatherings, or even places of worship and classrooms. Unlike playground bullying, which is often associated with youth, adult bullying is usually more covert and insidious, exploiting professional titles, social hierarchies, or family dynamics…
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A Lecture That Bridged Continents: Dr. Oleksandr Kondrashov’s Inspiring Session at Cherkasy State Technological University
On October 10, 2024, as the world observed Mental Health Awareness Day, an extraordinary lecture unfolded at Cherkasy State Technological University in Ukraine. Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, speaking from Kamloops, Canada, delivered a powerful presentation on “Teaching Social Policy and Social Welfare in Canada” via Zoom. The lecture, which began at 8:30 a.m. Kyiv time…
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Comprehensive Mental Health Course: First Responders and Military Personnel
This event took place from September 12, 2024 to November 28, 2024. Join a groundbreaking course designed for first responders, military personnel, social workers, clinicians, mental health professionals, and concerned citizens. Gain crucial insights into the unique mental health challenges faced by these vital community members. Mental Health for First Responders and Military Personnel 🗓️…
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Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Analysis of Mental Health Resources for First Responders and Military Personnel in Canada and the UK
In the demanding and often high-stress fields of first response and military service, mental health support is not just beneficial. It’s crucial. A new resource guide, developed through a collaboration between Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and MITACS, offers an unprecedented overview of the mental health support landscape for these vital professionals in Canada and the…
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When Your Loved One Dies in War and Your “Neighbour” Blames You
I recently read a number of posts where people who are grieving the death of loved ones in the war meet someone they know (“a nieghbour”) who blame them that they allow their loved ones to go to war. I tried to construct an educational post that incorporates feedback from different users on how to…
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The Crowdsourced Life Guide: Extracting Meaning from Experience
By Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov We’ve all received advice and words of wisdom that stuck with us over the years – some from parents, teachers, mentors, friends or even strangers. The collective life experience of humanity offers an invaluable guide to navigating life’s ups and downs. Recently, the Facebook community “Power of Positivity” https://www.facebook.com/powerofpositivity crowd-sourced…