Category: Community

This year, Canada Mental Health Week runs from May 2nd to May 8th. This annual awareness week discusses the topic of mental illness and mental health. It draws attention to its importance, and how we can help ourselves and others who may be struggling. On the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website, there is a toolkit directed at Canada Mental Health Week that includes infographics, social media post designs, posters, and many other things to help spread awareness. Not only this, but there is a helpful article section on the website to learn more about how to be empathetic and the power that lies within it.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings of another. This is when you put yourself into the other person’s shoes and try to feel what they are experiencing to help your understanding. However, this is not a trait you are born with; it can take time to learn and refine the skill. Empathy has much more to do with listening rather than trying to verbally make connections between experiences. The simple act of listening to someone tell their story and what they have struggled with helps break the stigma around mental illness. Listening without judgement creates a safe place to discuss these tricky subjects.

Empathy is often mixed up with sympathy, but they are very different concepts. Sympathy is when you feel pity or sorrow for another person. Empathy and sympathy can often go hand in hand, however sympathy focuses more on your reaction to a situation rather than the other person’s emotions. Being sympathetic is not a bad thing! When it comes to mental health, sometimes the last thing a person struggling needs is to be pitied. Pity can cause a feeling of embarrassment and shame, which can create a more uncomfortable environment. Empathy is the key to opening up the conversation about mental health and giving a platform to those who are struggling.

Mental health has been a large problem in my life. In the second grade I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, GAD, and ever since then I’ve been plagued with worry. Anxiety is something that runs in my family, so my diagnosis was not the end of the world. I learned quickly how to calm myself down and how large my comfort zone is. I made it my mission to help get rid of the stigma revolving around mental illness and help others open up and share their experiences. After so many years of facing this battle, I decided it was time for me to get medicated and start therapy. I was honestly ashamed at first. Why did I need all this extra help? Why can’t I just be normal? And that was when I figured out that normal is not a reliable idea.

Everyone on this planet is vastly different. We all experience life in different ways and we have our own battles. I didn’t hear of many people talking about mental illness and mental health and how important it is. I took it upon myself to be transparent with my anxiety and create a space where I, and others, can open up about mental health. I was vocal about my medications and going to therapy, and soon after my friends opened up to me about their struggles. Multiple friends told me about their own mental health struggles and they gave therapy a shot as well. I had complete strangers contact me on social media sharing their own stories. Being vulnerable was probably the scariest thing I have ever done. But hearing from all of these people who didn’t feel safe talking until now, made it all worth it. Being empathetic and receiving that empathy back from others made such a welcoming space, and it felt amazing to feel like I was not alone in this. Canada Mental Health Week is furthering this stigma breaking and helping people like myself feel accepted with our struggles.

This boundary breaking must continue to keep this conversation going. Be vulnerable, be empathetic, and be kind. Reach out to the people you love and let them know you’re there for them. This is a time to help each other and be better when it comes to mental health awareness.

 

Sources

Canada Mental Health Association. “Mental Health Week.” https://www.mentalhealthweek.ca/.

COVID-19 has devastated the job market. Many workers have been kept at home, and numerous businesses forced to close, while Canada has tried to battle the pandemic. For people who are differently abled, the job market has always presented additional challenges. But things are changing. The pandemic is drastically transforming the job market, from more work-at-home opportunities to significantly more struggles for in-person services. The job market will become harder for the differently abled, but there will be new advantages as well.

Studies have shown that those with disabilities have been disproportionally affected since 2020. According to Statistics Canada, at least 36% of individuals with a long-term condition or disability have reported losing their job, either temporarily or permanently. Over 60% of the differently abled have had trouble meeting at least one essential need or financial commitment, such as groceries or PPE. People with multiple conditions have been likelier to lose work than those with only one disability or condition. A flaw of CERB has been that many individuals receiving disability benefits have not reached the minimum income required to receive the benefit. All of this stress has made it even harder for disabled people to find work compared to others who are currently unemployed.

It is unclear when the pandemic will be over. Concerns of subsequent waves of infections and uncertainties about a potential vaccine loom large. As cities and places begin to reopen, they have proven difficult for the differently abled to find work. The long lines have been a challenge for individuals with mobility issues. People with vision loss have struggled with the new rules that are posted on signs, and guide dogs are having difficulty understanding these changes. Masks have presented challenges for people who rely on lip reading to communicate. While these precautions have merely been inconveniences for many, they have been new barriers to finding work for the disabled.

Yet it is not all bad news. The pandemic has presented the opportunity for many businesses to shift to work from home setups, which greatly benefit those with disabilities. This also makes it more likely that their work will be assessed on their performance, with fewer judgments made based on flawed preconceived notions of the differently abled. The accessibility features already present in technology, such as closed captions and the ability to share documents that can be zoomed in on a screen, can be taken advantage of more than ever. When companies strive for great inclusion, there is a track record of success. Holland Bloorview, a children’s rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, has launched numerous return-to-work programs. Project SEARCH, for example, has assisted disabled students in their final year of high school find work, and has helped 75% of graduates find employment.

There have been many new challenges brought about, as well as many existing challenges worsened, due to COVID-19. This is the case for everyone, but particularly so for those with disabilities. However, with these challenges come opportunities to transform the world of work for the differently abled. It is important to advocate for these changes and to push companies to make them happen. This will play a critical role in the recovery of the global economy and ultimately shaping the post-pandemic world.

Sources:

CBC. “Advocates say people with disabilities ‘disproportionately’ impacted by unemployment amid pandemic.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/advocates-disabilities-impacted-unemployment-1.5703186

The Conversation. “Coronavirus could revolutionize work opportunities for people with disabilities.” https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-revolutionize-work-opportunities-for-people-with-disabilities-137462

MacLeod, Nicola. “Pandemic financial hardships worse for Islanders with disabilities, survey suggests.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-financial-hardships-disabilities-covid19-1.5704217

Sikand, Meenu. “Opinion: Pandemic laid the foundation for a newly accessible Canada.” Financial Post. https://financialpost.com/opinion/opinion-pandemic-laid-the-foundation-for-a-newly-accessible-canada

After two long, agonizing years, there seems to be a light at the long, dark tunnel that is the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are still some positive cases, the government has, little by little, been lifting restrictions. As of late, we are increasingly returning back to normal life. I know that there are millions of other people like myself, whether it be students, employees, or teachers, who have gotten far too used to our new routines of staying in all day and communicating with the world behind the safety of their computer screens.

Keep in mind, the pandemic hit when I was in my second semester of grade 11. I remember it being quite the exciting time for me; my friends and I were looking forward to our final year of high school. When we went into lockdown, I was just like everyone else, I was thinking it would be gone as fast as it came. Of course, this was not at all the case, and now look at me, a first-year university student at the University of Toronto.

A couple weeks ago, my school campus opened up and two of my classes were moved to being in-person. I am not even going to lie, the moment that I found out that I would be going back to in-person learning, I was hit with this overwhelming anxiety. And honestly, that unnerved me; the words “restrictions lifting” did not overjoy me like I thought they would. Instead, I felt absolutely terrified of the world around me, especially since I was so accustomed to my routines at home. If you are also feeling panicky or anxious about the decreasing restrictions, that is completely normal, and you’re not alone.

In all honesty, my first day on campus was a scary experience to say the least. I had forgotten what it was like to be in an actual classroom, plus, I was new to the campus – I had never been there before. The world had never felt so foreign; it just felt like this big mass in which I knew absolutely nothing about. I felt terrified, but I did not specifically know why: was it the virus? Was it being around people again? Again, these feelings were normal, but they were still extremely overwhelming to me and my mental health. In an effort to help others out, I have created a list of methods and things to keep in mind that have helped me even in the smallest of ways when it comes to journeying through the new normal of our world.

Start Slow, Be Gentle

Transition periods are never easy. This was a transition that none of us ever expected to have to make at all, so start slow and do not be hard on yourself. As restrictions start to lift everywhere, it will feel tempting to push yourself to get right back into exactly how things were before. But you have to be gentle. When you feel anxious or nervous when you’re outside, try to keep track of it and find the source – what seems to be causing it? If there seems to be no apparent cause, just focus on the task at hand. Try to get home as soon as you can, but also focus on positioning yourself comfortably in the outside world; normalize it as part of your routine. As you go on, try to make more plans. Remember, push yourself, but be wise enough to know your limits.

Talk About It! (It’s Easier than it Sounds, I Swear)

Anxiety is one of those things that becomes easier to cope with when you talk to someone about it. I made a point to talk to some people in my classes, and I ended up making a friend! Talking to her throughout this transition of going back to campus has made the process much easier. However, if you’re a student, I would also advise you to possibly seek the counselling services on your campus; scope out your resources. Or, try therapy! Talking to a therapist, someone from an unbiased standpoint in your life, makes it a bit easier to be able to navigate your experiences. Therapists are also trained to help you and give you a new perspective on the issues in your life; you could learn breathing exercises or coping mechanisms to help you with your way in this new world.

Relax

When you get home, take a warm shower, and take at least an hour to yourself. With such hectic schedules, that can sound like an utter and complete impossibility. But it’s easier than it sounds. In high school, they give you at least 40 minutes just to eat, to take some time for yourself and rejuvenate; that is still important, no matter where you are in your life. In fact, according to a Tork survey, 90% of North Americans say that breaks increase their mental well-being and overall productivity levels (Kohll 2018). If you’re hesitant about giving yourself time to relax, remember this: if you don’t take the break, the break takes itself. Somehow, your burnt-out state of mind will find a way to seep through. Like I said, be gentle. This new world is scary to navigate, especially when we have to learn to let go of all the restrictions.

 

References

Kohll, Alan. “New Study Shows Correlation Between Employee Engagement And The Long-Lost Lunch Break.” Forbes, PARS International Corp, 29 May 2018,  https://www.forbes.com/sites/alankohll/2018/05/29/new-study-shows-correlation-between-employee-engagement-and-the-long-lost-lunch-break/?sh=4db7ab3c4efc.

Zlotnick, Sarah. “How to Cope With Re-entry Anxiety During COVID-19.” Montgomery Magazine. Montgomery Magazine, 21 August, 2020. https://www.montgomerymag.com/how-to-cope-with-re-entry-anxiety-during-covid-19/.

How Should Disabilities be Addressed?

There are two types of language that are primarily used when describing disabilities: person-first language and identity-first language.

In Canada, person-first language has been used by organizations since the 1980s. It places disability as something that people have, rather than something that fully defines them — a person is not their disability. However, person-first language could be thought of as something that describes disability as an individual aspect, rather than a wider issue.

In contrast, identity-first language affirms a person’s disability — it is integral to their identity. To separate a disability from a person in a way like the statement “person with a disability” does is akin to taking away from their lived experiences.

Say for example you are describing an individual who is autistic. Person-first language would refer to them as “an individual who is autistic” or “an individual who has autism.” Identity-first language would refer to them as “an autistic person.” The terms vary case-by-case; therefore, it would be best to consult with the person in question how they would like to be addressed.

In short, if you can ask someone how they wish to be addressed, go with their answer. If you cannot consult with other people, the Government of Canada prefers the usage of person-first language over identity-first language.

Depictions of Disabled Characters within Canadian Media

Children and teens are aware of the stereotypes that plague current media and the hole it leaves for diversity, according to the “Being Seen: Children’s Media Report” published earlier this year. Unfortunately, it is hard to rid the media of stereotypes in the cases when representation is often written and portrayed by people without those experiences.

In 2019, less than 3% of characters in North American media were disabled. Furthermore, 95% of those characters were portrayed by able-bodied actors. Between 2020-2021, this percentage was 3.5%.

Also from 2019, “The Landscape of Children’s Television in the US & Canada” report showed that overt representations of disabled characters in children’s TV was severely lacking. It reviewed over 1,000 children’s TV shows in North America during 2017. Zero per cent of characters in Canadian children’s TV shows were disabled, and their American counterparts barely fared better at 1%.

The number of disabled characters hardly holds a candle to how prevalent disabilities are in North America: more than 20% of Americans, and more than 20% of Canadians, have a disability.

Depictions of Disabled Athletes within Canadian Media

Perhaps disabled fictional characters, the few that exist, do not resonate with audiences. There are plenty of real-life notable people with disabilities out there with an (albeit limited) national media presence. Look no further than the Paralympics, which are held every two years.

Despite being heralded as the “world’s number one sport event for driving social inclusion” by The International Paralympic Committee’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Craig Spence, representation is not handled perfectly. An analysis of Canadian coverage of the 2016 Rio Paralympics found that depictions of Paralympians was mostly positive, if not for the abundance of stereotyping.

Athletes were portrayed as “overcoming” their disabilities to participate in the games, or that their success was owed to their adaptive equipment. To make matters worse, Paralympians’ records were often compared to their able-bodied counterparts, as if the athletes could not have their own victories.

People with disabilities should not be “congratulated” for living with their disabilities. To live with a disability is a full-time responsibility, not a small issue that people can easily overcome with enough blood, sweat, and tears. Paralympians are athletes, but often the wrong achievements are put on a pedestal over their medals.

Solutions to These Issues

One of the biggest steps, and most difficult steps to take, towards solving this issue is to employ people with disabilities to help tell their stories. Everyone has a story to tell, but everyone has lived experiences unique to them. Without personal experiences or thought-out research, future portrayal of people with disabilities will continue to be few and limited in scope.

Helping disabled writers, producers, actors, and other roles related to media production will not only employ more authentic perspectives to stories but will also benefit companies financially. A 2019 study showed that Hollywood was losing an estimated $125 billion USD per year due to lacking appropriate disability representation.

Tearing down hurtful stereotypes in the process will also display people with disabilities in a more genuine perspective. Like all people within a group should be, they should be varied: disabled people do not exist in real life as a couple of archetypes.

Furthermore, disabilities can be obtained at any point in one’s life. Some people may be born with their disabilities, some people may acquire disabilities through various events in their lives, and some people may acquire disabilities due to old age. Including people with disabilities means accounting for a group of the world’s population that is not necessarily specific to one demographic.

 

Sources:

Appelbaum, Lauren. “Percentage of Characters with Disabilities on TV Reaches 11-Year Record High.” RespectAbility, 14 Jan. 2021, https://www.respectability.org/2021/01/glaad-report-2020/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2022.

Brevig, Sheena. “The Case for Authentic Disability Representation in Media and Why Our Society Desperately Needs It.” Center for Scholars & Storytellers, https://www.scholarsandstorytellers.com/blog-main/diversity-in-hollywood-the-case-for-authentic-disability-representation-in-film-and-tv. Accessed 15 Mar. 2022.

Dallaire, Justin. “Calgary Non-Profit Uses Fake Ads to Show Lack of Representation of Disabilities.” Strategy Online, 3 Dec. 2019, https://strategyonline.ca/2019/12/03/calgary-non-profit-uses-fake-ads-to-show-lack-of-representation-of-disabilities/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2022.

Dickson, Jeremy. “Kids Talk Representation and Authenticity in Being Seen Report.” Kidscreen, 28 Feb. 2022, https://kidscreen.com/2022/02/28/kids-talk-representation-and-authenticity-in-being-seen-report/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2022.

“Is the Advertising Industry Doing Enough for Disability?” International Paralympic Committee, 17 June 2019, https://www.paralympic.org/news/advertising-industry-doing-enough-disability. Accessed 10 Mar. 2022.

Lemish, Dafna, and Colleen Russo Johnson. The Landscape of Children’s Television in the US & Canada. The Center for Scholars & Storytellers, 2019, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c0da585da02bc56793a0b31/t/5cb8ce1b15fcc0e19f3e16b9/1555615269351/The+Landscape+of+Children%27s+TV.pdf. Accessed 14 Mar. 2022.

Pearson, Erin, and Laura Misener. “Paralympians Still Don’t Get the Kind of Media Attention They Deserve as Elite Athletes.” Phys.org, 2 Sept. 2021, https://phys.org/news/2021-09-paralympians-dont-kind-media-attention.html. Accessed 12 Mar. 2022.

Wong, Jessica. “Kids’ TV Lacks Gender Balance and Diversity, New Study Suggests.” CBC News, 4 May 2019, https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/childrens-tv-study-diversity-1.5118385. Accessed 12 Mar. 2022.

We’re now going into the third year of this pandemic. Looking back, it has been a non-stop rollercoaster. Not only is the pandemic, of course, a long-term, dire issue in and of itself, but COVID-19 brought upon more problematic events including a rise in hate crimes, controversial social/political movements, and other serious disputes.

Overall, with the way things have been, there’s a good chance people are coping with anxiety as well as depression because they’re anticipating that this pandemic and its negative implications will continue after 2022.

If this applies to you, here are some tips on how to cope:

Reflect on Yourself and How You’ve Handled Things since March 2020

If you find yourself feeling particularly depressed, here is a suggestion: Create a list of every specific thing you’ve accomplished/dealt with since everyone started isolating back in 2020. Some examples may include graduating, finishing a personal project, learning a new skill, or even helping out around your household more.

Ponder this thought: You’ve endured these tumultuous times thus far, with COVID-19 essentially creating new normalities. From not seeing people we love for extended periods of time to putting on masks before we enter a public space and sanitizing our hands non-stop, it can definitely seem disheartening. Even if adapting to certain changes has been difficult, you got through them and are still trudging onward. There is strength in that, and you should applaud yourself for doing so.

Focus On Taking One Day at a Time

Another way to cope is continuing to concentrate on taking one day at a time. This could help mitigate the depressing prospect of the pandemic lasting beyond 2022. Consider this fact: 2023 isn’t for another nine months. In the meantime, rather than thinking of a possibility happening that far into the future, focus on what’s currently important. Why not divert your attention to the things needed to be done tomorrow? Or even today?

Reach Out to a Trusted Person if You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

While what’s stated above may prove to be effective, you can still feel overwhelmed and have the need to speak with someone. Bottling your negative emotions inside obviously isn’t healthy, therefore, sharing how you’re feeling with a person you trust when feeling this way is crucial. It can be anyone – a family member, friend, etc. who you know will listen to you. If need be, you could also speak with a professional. A great source would be My SSP, which is an app that provides 24/7 counselling services for university students.

COVID-19 has made things very challenging. Living in this new normal for the foreseeable future seems bleak, but we have to learn how to take each challenge as they come. If things seem overwhelming, talk to someone when you need to get things off your chest.

Looking at this situation long-term, the best way to move forward with the possibility of the pandemic’s timeline extending beyond 2022 is focusing on everyday life, knowing that we’ve gotten through many of the pandemic’s hurdles and have the capability of continuing to do so.

 

References

My SSP. “My SSP – Homepage.” My SSP – Home Page

ADHD or Attention-Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder is most likely a term you’ve heard before. A number of TV shows and movies have depicted ADHD onscreen, like “Juno” and “Teen Wolf.” ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder, which is said to affect 5 per cent to 9 per cent of children and 3 percent to 5 per cent of adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on these individuals. But first, what exactly is ADHD?

The symptoms may vary between children and adults, but generally, ADHD causes one to lack focus with tasks, be it a school project or a work deadline. At times, those with ADHD are also prone to unnecessary movements or fidgeting and tend to act on impulse at a particular situation without giving it much thought.

A child who has ADHD may talk too much without giving others a chance or have difficulty taking turns. For example, if a teacher asks the class to take turns in drawing on the board, a kid with ADHD may go ahead even when it’s not their turn.

An adult with ADHD, on the other hand, may have frequent mood changes and tend to feel impatient or frustrated if something doesn’t go their way.

We’ve probably displayed one or two symptoms like the above in our lives, and that doesn’t necessary mean it’s ADHD. In any case, one has to undergo a proper assessment and have a diagnosis of ADHD by a professional, either as a child or as an adult.  Treatment is recommended when the symptoms are severe enough to cause prolonged disruption in one’s daily life.

A multitude of treatment options are available according to the needs of the individual. If a child is diagnosed at an early age, the treatment plan is discussed among the child and family members to determine what the best route for treatment is, and the family is encouraged to work closely with others like healthcare providers, therapists, and coaches.

For adults, a number of treatment options are also offered, and some can turn to cognitive behavioural therapy, where the counselling sessions focus on managing one’s behaviour and changing negative thinking patterns to positive ones.

The onset of the pandemic, however, has made it even more challenging for those who are undergoing treatments.For individuals affected with ADHD, COVID-19 is a huge hurdle because it disrupted routines and schedules they have been accustomed to.

Kids with ADHD who moved onto online classes due to the implementation of restrictions may find it even more difficult to focus and be even more prone to distractions. In addition, this environment may make it more challenging for them to absorb lessons. When they become frustrated, they tend to become restless and argumentative.

COVID has truly made a big impact on people’s lives, even more than what we can actually gauge.

In fact, last year, Athenahealth, a technology company that creates practice management software that caters to health care providers revealed there has been an increase in patients ages 13 to 17 who received new diagnoses of ADHD. In addition, a similar spike among teenagers — particularly boys — has been observed who were prescribed ADHD medicines for the first time.

There are no quick treatment solutions for ADHD during the pandemic, but there are ways on how to manage it so it doesn’t worsen.

Adopting a regular schedule, not just with school or work, but also with activities like eating, sleeping, exercising, watching TV, and listening to music, are a big help. This creates a routine and therefore builds structure in one’s life.

Creating a calm environment can work too. This can be done by practicing breathing techniques and designating rooms for a specific purpose. For example, the living room can be assigned as a place for study, which means that while one is studying, the TV should be turned off.

Lastly, it’s always important to reach out to professionals if one feels overwhelmed with the symptoms or if they feel it’s taking a turn for the worse.

COVID certainly has affected us in a big way, and it’s amplified negative effects for those with ADHD. Still, there’s hope in that we’re nearing the end of the pandemic and there are ways to manage this more appropriately.

 

Sources

American Psychiatric Association. “What is ADHD?” https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

CADDAC. “General Info.” https://caddac.ca/understanding-adhd/in-general/

CDC. “Treatment of ADHD.” https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html

CDC. “What is ADHD?” https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20one%20of%20the,)%2C%20or%20be%20overly%20active

CTV News. “ADHD diagnoses have increased during COVID-19 pandemic: psychologist.” https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/adhd-diagnoses-have-increased-during-covid-19-pandemic-psychologist-1.5755675

Eske, Jamie. “How to manage ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-and-covid-19#when-to-seek-help

Mayo Clinic. “Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

Solon, Olivia. “The great attention deficit: More parents seek ADHD diagnosis and drugs for kids to manage remote learning.” NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/great-attention-deficit-more-parents-seek-adhd-diagnosis-drugs-kids-n1257660

Spinks-Franklin, Adiaha. “ADHD & Learning During COVID-19.” Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/ADHD-and-Learning-During-COVID-19.aspx