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  • Episode 18: Involuntary Care

    Episode 18: Involuntary Care
    2025/10/24
    Episode 18: Involuntary CarePresented by: Beam Credit Union Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA KelownaEpisode OverviewIn this episode, Jessica Samuels speaks with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk about the complex and often divisive topic of involuntary care in British Columbia’s mental health system. Together, they unpack what involuntary care means under the BC Mental Health Act, explore how and when it’s used, and discuss why it continues to spark debate around human rights, compassion, and the need for a stronger voluntary care system.Mike offers insight into the legal framework, current practices, and the growing conversation around compassionate mandated care—especially in the context of the province’s drug poisoning crisis and rising homelessness. The conversation also touches on concerns about overrepresentation of marginalized groups and what safeguards and accountability measures exist within the system.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the Mental Health Act: The Act defines how involuntary and voluntary mental health treatment occurs in BC, with four key criteria determining if someone can be certified for involuntary care.Checks and balances: Certification requires medical assessment and multiple approvals, but review mechanisms like the Mental Health Review Board are underused.Human rights and consent: BC is the only province with a “deemed consent” clause, meaning individuals certified under the Act are considered to have consented to treatment decisions made by their care team.The role of the drug crisis: Rising substance use and homelessness have led to increased use of involuntary care as a response to complex community issues.Need for stronger voluntary care: A lack of accessible, early, and voluntary mental health services may be driving reliance on involuntary interventions.Evidence and evaluation: Research on involuntary care shows mixed results, underscoring the need for better data on outcomes and long-term support.Equity and representation: There is concern about disproportionate impacts on Indigenous and marginalized communities.A last resort: CMHA Kelowna supports involuntary care as a necessary but last-resort option, emphasizing that it must exist alongside a robust voluntary care system.Resources Mentioned:What is involuntary carehttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-acthttps://www.healthjustice.ca/fast-facts-mhahttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e34ed207332cf46d561c2da/t/66f5e892880abb36086f9736/1727391891785/GetTheFactsAboutInvoluntaryTreatment_2024_HealthJustice.pdfhttps://bc.cmha.ca/news/charter-challenge-on-bcs-mental-health-act/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pEp16qiCGE - Mayor Krog’s comment at the end is interesting. How it workshttps://www.bcmhsus.ca/about-us/who-we-are/governance/mental-health-acthttps://thetyee.ca/News/2021/11/23/BC-Forced-Mental-Health-Treatment-Spikes/ https://vancouversun.com/health/does-involuntary-care-work-three-bc-residents-share-their-personal-storiesYour Rights under BC's Mental Health Act | Here to Help Does It workhttps://bc.cmha.ca/news/involuntary-care-in-bc/https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2024/09/24/Involuntary-Care-What-BC-Should-Do-Instead/https://vancouversun.com/health/does-involuntary-care-work-three-bc-residents-share-their-personal-storieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSTFDuVnvHk Appealing https://www.bcmhrb.ca/https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/your-rights-under-bcs-mental-health-act Recent developmentsCharter ChallengeEby’s expansion of involuntary carehttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-involuntary-care-guidelines-1.7482295Health first vs Housing FirstKamloops Council wants in prisonsAbout the PodcastA Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, explores timely and complex mental health topics with local experts, sharing insights that help build healthier, more compassionate communities.
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    32 分
  • Episode 17: First Responders & Mental Health

    Episode 17: First Responders & Mental Health
    2025/10/09

    Being a first responder means running toward the situations most of us run away from. But that comes with an emotional and mental toll. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Kelowna Fire Captain David McCarthy, who shares what it’s like to experience trauma on the job and how the fire department is working to ensure firefighters get the support they need.


    David discusses the evolution of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) within the Kelowna Fire Department, the importance of peer support and early intervention, and how breaking the stigma around mental health has changed the culture for first responders. He also touches on new partnerships with CMHA Kelowna that are helping connect firefighters and their families to mental health resources and education.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Mental health support for first responders has come a long way — but it’s still evolving.
    • Peer support and connection among crews can make all the difference after a traumatic call.
    • Families play a crucial role in helping first responders find balance and healing.

    Listen now to learn how Kelowna’s firefighters are building a healthier, more open approach to mental wellness — for themselves, their families, and their community.


    A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, proud to support honest conversations that help build stronger, healthier communities.


    Resources
    https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/

    https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Recommended-Practices-for-Supporting-Mental-Health-in-First-Responders-170615.pdf

    https://www.bcpffa.net/mental-health-resources
    Mental Health Support Services | Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
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    32 分
  • Episode 16: Corey Hirsch

    Episode 16: Corey Hirsch
    2025/09/24

    In this powerful episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Corey Hirsch — former NHL goaltender, Stanley Cup champion, Olympic silver medalist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate.

    From the outside, Corey seemed to be living the dream at the height of his hockey career. But behind the mask, he was struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and suicidal thoughts that nearly cost him his life.

    Corey opens up about:
    -The hidden reality of living with OCD while playing in the NHL.
    -Why stigma kept him silent for over 20 years.
    -How sharing his 2017 Players’ Tribune article, “Dark, Dark, Dark”, changed the conversation for him and countless others.
    -The importance of being “that person” someone can talk to without judgment.
    -The tools he uses today to manage his mental health, from therapy and medication to exercise, meditation, and community.

    This candid and inspiring conversation reminds us that talking about our struggles saves lives — and that healing begins when we break the silence.

    ✨ Key takeaway: Mental health is health. Be the person someone can turn to.

    Resources & Links:
    Dark Dark Dark - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-dark-dark-dark
    You are not alone - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-you-are-not-alone
    Canucks Hockey Talks Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOmVmAIXX7Y
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOmVmAIXX7Y

    Learn more about OCD at www.cmhakelowna.org

    If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada to connect with suicide prevention support.

    🎧 A Way Forward is presented by Beem Credit Union, with deep roots in BC and a commitment to supporting strong, healthy communities.
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    30 分
  • Episode 15: Workplace Mental Health pt. 2

    Episode 15: Workplace Mental Health pt. 2
    2025/06/11
    In this follow-up to Episode 11, host Jessica Samuels continues her conversation with CMHA Kelowna's Director of People, Culture & Engagement, Candace Giesbrecht.The focus of this episode is burnout and its relationship to the workplace. Candace and Jessica dive deeper into what burnout looks like, how it manifests in professional environments, and how organizations and individuals can begin to address it.Topics Covered:- The definition and symptoms of burnout- How burnout differs from general workplace stress- The systemic and organizational contributors to burnout- What workplaces can do to prevent burnout- The importance of psychological safety and leadership- How employees can advocate for their well-beingRESOURCESBurnouthttps://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-workplace-burnout/https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-burnouthttps://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/wellness-inclusion-diversity-public-service/health-wellness-public-servants/mental-health-workplace/preventing-burnout.htmlhttps://workplacementalhealth.org/employer-resources/infographics/infographic-beating-burnout-at-work Non-workplace Burnouthttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/burnout#:~:text=These%20forms%20of%20burnout%20are,that%20caused%20by%20career%20stresshttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-workplace.htmlhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-workhttps://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-mental-health-and-the-workplace/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/mh/mentalhealth_address.htmlhttps://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/workplace/ Stats on MH in workplacehttps://cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/workplace-mental-health/takeaways/https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-workhttps://www.mhrc.ca/workplace-mental-healthhttps://www.mhrc.ca/psychological-health-and-safety-2024 Achieving and Maintaining MH in the workplace https://13factors.ca/13-factors#:~:text=13%20psychosocial%20risk%20factors%20were,manager%20mental%20health%20and%20wellbeing.https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/13-factors-addressing-mental-health-in-the-workplace/https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/guarding-minds-at-workhttps://www.guardingmindsatwork.ca/https://www.cmhakelowna.com/education-training/workplace-traininghttps://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/https://www.ccohs.ca/healthymindshttps://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/hospitality-tourism/https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/community-social-services/https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/healthcare/Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union.
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    23 分
  • Episode 14: Debt & Mental Health

    Episode 14: Debt & Mental Health
    2025/05/14
    In this powerful episode, Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk sit down with Maggie Sinclair from Beam Credit Union to unpack the current reality of debt in Canada—and the deep mental health impacts that often come with it. With household debt hitting record highs and many Canadians living just $200 away from insolvency, the conversation covers the emotional toll of financial strain, stigma, and the hard choices people are forced to make.Maggie sheds light on how seemingly small financial decisions—like “buy now, pay later” services—can spiral into overwhelming debt. Mike brings a mental health lens to the issue, connecting debt to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and the broader issue of poverty. Together, the trio discusses practical strategies to help manage debt and protect mental well-being, from budgeting and debt consolidation to knowing when to seek professional help.Key Topics Covered:The current state of household debt in CanadaThe hidden nature of modern debt (subscriptions, BNPL services)Emotional and psychological effects of debtThe stigma and shame often attached to financial hardshipHow debt can exacerbate existing mental health issuesSocial isolation and poverty as compounding factorsPractical advice: budgeting, talking to your financial institution, debt management optionsThe pros and cons of consolidation loans and bankruptcyImportance of financial literacy and seeking trustworthy support** ResourcesRising Debt for Canadians https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/527552/Debt-doubts-are-mounting-across-Canada-and-the-Okanagan-is-no-different#527552https://globalnews.ca/news/10946620/credit-card-debt-transunion-report/https://financialpost.com/news/canada-household-debt-hits-new-recordhttps://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-631-x/11-631-x2024002-eng.htmhttps://newsroom.transunion.ca/despite-interest-rate-cuts-more-than-1-in-4-canadians-expect-to-be-unable-to-pay-bills--yet-more-than-1-in-5-plan-to-take-on-more-debt/ Debt & MHhttps://www.ivey.uwo.ca/impact/read/2024/08/breaking-the-silence-on-canada-s-hidden-debt-crisis/https://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/san2024-5.pdfhttps://money.com/is-debt-impacting-your-mental-health/https://creditlift.ca/the-link-between-mental-health-and-debt-in-canada-understanding-the-connection-and-finding-solutions/https://crowemackayco.ca/b/how-debt-can-affect-your-personal-relationships-understanding-the-link-between-finances-and-romance/https://mnpdebt.ca/en/resources/mnp-debt-blog/canadians-inflation-isolation-rising-costs-mental-health-loneliness-isolation-stress-anxietyhttps://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/money-and-mental-health-facts/ Debt Managementhttps://www.creditcanada.com/blog/how-to-get-out-of-debt-on-a-low-income-10-strategieshttps://point.com/blog/how-to-manage-debt-effectivelyhttps://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-consumer-affairs/en/money-debt-and-giving/six-steps-get-out-debt Debt payoff servicesCredit CanadaCredit Counselling Society Using Debt Settlement Serviceshttps://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/debt/debt-settlement-company.htmlThank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union.
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    25 分
  • Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health

    Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health
    2025/05/08
    In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help anyone take better care of their mental well-being, with a strong focus on understanding why these strategies work. Key Topics Discussed:Mental Health vs. Mental Illness Learn the critical distinction between having mental health (which we all do) and having a mental illness (a diagnosable condition). You can flourish or struggle with mental health — whether or not you have a diagnosis.Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing Not all “feel-good” actions are created equal. Mike and Jessica break down how to tell the difference: if it leaves you better after the fact, it’s self-care; if not, it may just be a momentary self-soothe.Tips & Tools for Everyday Mental Health From evidence-backed strategies to lived experience, they dive into:Nature and Exercise – How time outdoors and movement regulate stress and mood.Volunteering & Social Connection – Combat loneliness, build purpose, and improve emotional health.Pets – How furry companions promote mindfulness, routine, and connection.Kindness & Gratitude – Backed by science, simple acts can lift your mood and even boost your lifespan.Empowerment Through Action The episode emphasizes that managing mental health is not about perfection but about finding tools that support you — and using them regularly.Key Takeaways:“Mental health is like physical health — we all have it.”“Self-care is not selfish — it’s necessary.”“Seventeen minutes in nature can make a measurable difference.”“Acts of kindness can be more effective than therapy.”**Resources Self-carehttps://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-carehttps://cmha.ca/news/self-care-simplified-why-its-essential-and-how-to-make-it-happen/#:~:text=Regular%2C%20quality%20self%2Dcare%20has,symptoms%20of%20anxiety%20and%20depression.&text=It%20can%20also%20help%20build,life's%20many%20stressors%20and%20challenges.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202302/understanding-the-mental-health-and-self-care-connectionVS self-soothehttps://blog.ab.bluecross.ca/lifestyle/focus-on-you-self-care-versus-self-soothe/https://urbanwellnesscounseling.com/self-care-vs-self-soothing/Naturehttps://namica.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-nature/https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2015/06/hiking-mental-health-063015https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204431/https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/https://www.discoverycollegekelowna.com/courses-workshops/nature-mental-health-part-1Exercisehttps://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercisehttps://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-moodhttps://mentalhealthcommission.ca/blog-posts/57251-move-to-boost-your-mental-health/https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-moodVolunteeringhttps://cmhato.org/news/7-reasons-why-volunteering-is-good-for-our-mental-health/https://www.nami.org/people/how-volunteering-improves-mental-health/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-recovery-coach/202407/the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-volunteeringConnectionhttps://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/https://bc.cmha.ca/news/social-connection-is-the-cure/https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.htmlPetshttps://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-and-mental-healthhttps://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/health-benefits-of-pets-how-your-furry-friend-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/2024/04Pet & Autismhttps://habri.org/blog/the-human-animal-bond-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/nurturing-self-esteem-in-autistic-children/202211/is-owning-pet-beneficial-autistic-childrenGratitudehttps://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-...
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    23 分
  • Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward

    Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) | Forward Focus #2 | A Way Forward
    2025/04/30

    In this Forward Focus episode, Jessica Samuels and co-host Mike Gawliuk shine a spotlight on CRCL – Crisis Response Community Led, formerly known as PACT.

    Jessica and Mike break down what CRCL is, how it works, and why this model matters now more than ever:

    What is CRCL?
    CRCL provides community-based, in-person mental health crisis support for individuals 13 years and older. It addresses issues like emotional regulation challenges and substance use crises, offering immediate support, connecting individuals to services, and providing follow-up care.

    Why the name change from PACT to CRCL?
    To reduce confusion with other similarly named programs, and to better align with its Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) roots—a model recognized globally with over 200 programs in place.

    How is CRCL different?
    CRCL teams combine mental health professionals with individuals who have lived experience navigating mental health challenges. This pairing provides a more humane, empathetic, and relatable response during crises.

    Where is CRCL operating?
    Six CRCL teams are currently active across British Columbia, with a seventh launching soon in Kamloops. The provincial government has committed to expanding to 12 teams, including ones led by Indigenous organizations.

    Will CRCL come to Kelowna?
    Mike expresses hope, noting Kelowna's clear advocacy for a Circle team, especially highlighted in its community safety plan.

    Connect with Us:
    Got questions about Circle or mental health services?
    📩 Email: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org
    🌐 Website: cmhakelowna.org

    A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union
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    5 分
  • Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving

    Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving
    2025/04/23
    In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving. As millions of Canadians provide unpaid care to loved ones, the toll on caregivers—especially family caregivers—is growing. Jessica and Mike unpack new data, share personal stories, and offer guidance for those dealing with this often-invisible situation. Key Topics Discussed:Who is a caregiver? Defining the broad range of caregiving roles: professional, family, and volunteer caregivers.The unpaid care crisis in Canada 5.7 billion unpaid hours of care are provided annually—valued at over $97 billion.Aging population = Rising demand With an aging demographic, caregiving needs are set to double—impacting both unpaid and professional caregiving systems.Mental health impacts of caregiving Caregivers often experience fatigue, stress, financial strain, and social isolation. Jessica and Mike discuss both the rewarding and difficult aspects of caregiving.Caregiver burnout and what to watch for Learn to recognize early signs of burnout: low mood, sleep issues, appetite changes, and increased substance use.Strategies for self-care & support Tips include accepting help, seeking respite care, connecting with others, and using caregiver assessments to monitor your own well-being.Global examples of caregiver support Countries like the UK, Germany, and Australia offer caregiver allowances, respite care, and training programs—what can Canada learn?Key Takeaways:Caregiving is everywhere – 1 in 4 Canadians are caregivers; this will rise to 1 in 2.Most care is unpaid – Over $97B worth of unpaid caregiving in Canada annually.Older caregivers are rising – Many are 65+ and need care themselves.Canada lags in supports – Other countries offer stipends, respite, training.Caregiver burnout is real – Watch for sleep/mood changes, withdrawal, overwhelm.Marginalized groups hit harder – Racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers face extra barriers.Support is available – Use tools, groups, and respite services to cope.Resources:Caregiver statshttps://canadiancaregiving.org/sage-magazine-fall-2024-issue-caregivers-need-support-now/https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/2649-more-half-women-canada-are-caregivershttps://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200108/dq200108a-eng.htmhttps://www.federalretirees.ca/en/news-views/news-listing/november/caregivers-need-support-now#:~:text=Statistics%20Canada%20reports%20almost%20eight,or%20problems%20related%20to%20aging.What it means to be a caregiverhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnoutImpacts of caregiving https://canadiancaregiving.org/media-release-caring-in-canada/https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-46-on-the-coast/clip/16067739-caregiver-survey-reveals-dire-situation-canadahttps://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/family-caregivers-say-lack-of-disability-services-leading-to-burnout-in-nunavut-study/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/caregivers-accessible-supports-1.7324691https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2791523/https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/compensation-and-benefits/caregiving-responsibilities-holding-back-workers-careers-says-expert/388600https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnoutTaking care of yourselfhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.Follow CMHA Kelowna:Website: CMHA KelownaInstagram: @cmhakelownaFacebook: CMHA KelownaA Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union
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    25 分