May 2-8, 2022 marks the 71st CMHA Mental Health Week and this year’s theme is all about empathy. The pandemic has had a significant effect on our mental well-being leading to reduced overall civility and respect at work. Empathy has now been touted as the most important skill we can have to support each other. Ways we can practice empathy to support ourselves and others are by listening to understand, not replying, only offering help if asked, and not putting a silver lining on things. For more organizational well-being resources visit.
Community News
Acupuncture for Mental Health
Health Canada reports that suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds and 16% among 25 to 44-year-olds. Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Studies have suggested that acupuncture might help with symptoms of anxiety and depression as part of a multi-faceted wellness plan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is thought to allow life energy (qi) to flow, which is often explained in modern medicine as a possible release of endorphins. This can potentially help with underlying issues that may cause anxiety and depression, including grief or pain.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is an ongoing immune response to something your body believes is damaging your cells. This involves increased blood flow to the damaged area and the release of antibodies and proteins. Chronic inflammation can have a negative impact on your tissues and organs and has been linked to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Some of the possible causes of chronic inflammation include long-term exposure to toxins, untreated causes of acute inflammation like injury or infection, and autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Smoking, chronic stress, obesity, and alcohol use may also contribute to chronic inflammation.
Government Grant for Restrictions in Walking
With tax season upon us, it’s important to consider whether you are eligible for the disability credit. If you have had a prolonged disability due to a hip or knee condition or other medical conditions such as copd, diabetes, neuropathy, etc, that cause restrictions in walking or dressing, you may qualify for a $2,500 yearly credit, as well as a $20,000 Lump Sum Refund. We have assisted thousands of Canadians to get this credit and can help you get the money you deserve. For the most reliable service in Canada and the lowest fee, call Brett Scott 204-453-5372.
From Surviving to Thriving
Is your partner or adult child suffering from a substance abuse or mental health problem?
Learn about the recovery process, develop a plan for success, and retake control of your life. Our Family Program offers individual and couples counselling for friends and family of individuals suffering from substance abuse problems. Our Spring program begins on Monday evening, April, 25th, 2022. Spots are limited, register today! 204-956-6650 or [email protected].
Pay it Forward
Your help is vital to saving lives. Be a hero today. Donations of money or time can make a big difference to a small local charity like SRWC Wellness Centre. For over 25 years, SRWC has helped people from all walks of life find their personal recovery path. SRWC supports recovery and harm reduction for substance abuse, addictions, and other mental health issues. You can donate over the phone by calling Cindy at 204-956-6650 ext. 101 or mail a check or a money order to: St. Raphael Wellness Centre Inc. 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Donations can also be completed online.
Who is SRWC?
SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples counselling, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs and support for individuals and their families. The Access, program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by helping you find the services you need.
Meet Your Practitioner: Cheryl LeMay
Cheryl LeMay is a Social Worker/Therapist who has 21 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, and relationship issues. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba in 2006 and is a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Work. Cheryl uses a number of therapy approaches when working with clients, including cognitive behavioural therapy, strengths-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and relaxation strategies. She helps clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour and learn new coping skills for managing a variety of stress-related issues and mental health concerns.
Stop and Take a Break
The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.
Acupuncture for Infertility
Roughly 16% of couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help to reverse these numbers. Some studies have found that acupuncture may help with things like sperm quality, motility and counts in men, and increased blood flow to the uterus, with an impact in their quality of their eggs and regulation of hormones in women. Acupuncture has been used as a protocol all over the world when couples going through IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment, as it may increase the number of follicles produced and studies showed that the patients who received acupuncture before and after IVF transfer increased significantly their outcomes.
Mental Health & Plants
Plants reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plants have shown an increase in creativity, both in school and the workplace. They found plants brought a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression and a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. Studies showed an improvement in preschooler’s memory, and cognitive function when participants walked in nature. Children with ADHD had better concentration after a walk in the park than after an urban neighborhood walk. Taking breaks to view or be in nature helps restore everyone’s attention.
