At Monarch Family Therapy, we offer a variety of therapeutic and educational services for children, adults, families, and professionals across Manitoba and provide an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all identities and abilities. We provide children and their parents/caregivers opportunities to build connection and healing with an emphasis on developing secure attachment relationships. Areas of support include: Attachment & Parenting; Grief & Loss (death, divorce, child welfare involvement/foster care, ambiguous loss); Complex Developmental Trauma/Childhood Trauma; Emotion Regulation (ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing & Trauma); Behaviour Challenges (home/school/community); Sensory Processing Disorders; Developmental Delays; Depression & Anxiety; Adoption; Abuse, Neglect & Child Welfare Involvement; Children in Care & Permanency Planning; and Developmental Assessments by our on-site occupational therapist.

Recently, society has made big strides in understanding mental health. Yet, one area that needs attention is mental health at work. Although things are improving, talking about mental health at work is still tricky. This can lead to silence and misunderstandings. It’s really important to change this and make a workplace where everyone understands, cares, and works well together. The Struggles We Don’t See. Many more people struggle with mental health than we think. It affects millions globally. However, because of the shame around it, lots of people feel like they have to hide their problems, especially at work. They’re scared of being judged, treated badly, or hurting their careers. This forces them to suffer in silence, hurting how they feel and how they work. What Happens When We Ignore Mental Health.
Ignoring mental health at work doesn’t just hurt individual workers; it hurts the whole company. Studies show that when workers feel good mentally, they do better at their jobs. If we don’t help with mental health issues, it can lead to less work getting done, more time off, and more people quitting their jobs. These problems cost a lot of money, and businesses can’t just ignore them. Changing How We Think.
To get rid of the shame around mental health at work, we need to change how everyone thinks. It starts with the bosses. Leaders and managers set the tone for how everyone feels about mental health. If they show that mental health is important and create a place where people can ask for help, workers will feel better about getting help when they need it. Talking About It. We need to encourage people to talk openly about mental health. This is a big step to ending the shame. When workers can talk about their mental health without worrying about what will happen, they’re more likely to get help early. This stops things from getting worse. Training that teaches workers and bosses about mental health, its signs, and where to get help can make a big difference. Being Flexible. It’s important to have flexible rules at work to help with mental health. Letting people take time off for their mental health without feeling bad about it shows that you care about how they feel. Having flexible hours or letting people work from home can also help those struggling with mental health take care of themselves while doing their jobs. Finding Help. Companies should offer ways for workers to get help with their mental health. Things like counseling, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and activities to help with wellness can really help. If companies make these things normal, it won’t feel like asking for help is weak. People will see that mental health is as important as physical health. Leading by Example. When bosses and managers talk about their own mental health, it sends a powerful message. It shows that mental health struggles are normal and getting help is a sign of strength. This can make a big difference in stopping the shame and making everyone feel supported. Checking How We’re Doing. To have a healthy workplace, we need to keep working on it. We need to check how well our mental health programs are working and make them better. Asking workers what they think and keeping an eye on things like how often they miss work or leave the company can show us how we’re doing. Good for Everyone. Ending the shame around mental health at work helps everyone. Workers can feel better, work better, and enjoy their jobs more. Companies benefit too, with more work getting done, fewer people leaving, and a better reputation. In the End. Taking care of mental health at work isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s also really smart. Companies that care about their workers’ mental health do better in many ways. To stop the shame, we need to keep working on it, teaching people about it, and creating a place where everyone feels safe. This helps everyone have a better future.

Linden Pointe is a premium, master-planned senior living campus nestled in one of Winnipeg’s premier shopping, restaurant and recreational neighbourhoods. The Courtyards at Linden Pointe is part of our initial offering that presents a vibrant living experience for independent seniors; we are excited by the opportunity we have been given to pamper residents with modern amenities, comforts and services. The Courtyards is also designed to provide a little extra assistance that allows us to promote and maintain an active lifestyle for each and every one of our residents. We call it Brightwater Tailored Living™.

Within the world of mental health treatment, art and music therapies have emerged as potent tools for addressing mood disorders. The fusion of creative expression and therapeutic intervention provides individuals with a unique way to understand, cope with, and recover from conditions like depression and anxiety. Art and music therapy tap into our natural ability to express ourselves, offering a safe way to navigate complex emotions without needing to speak. This article explores the profound impact of art and music therapy on mood disorders, looking into how they work, the benefits they bring, and their importance in the wider landscape of mental health care. How Art and Music Therapy Work: Art and music therapy are built on a powerful idea: engaging in creative activities can influence emotions, thoughts, and even the body itself. When a person creates art or engages with music – playing instruments or singing, for example – their brain releases dopamine, a chemical that brings pleasure and a sense of reward. This dopamine surge can counteract the effects of mood disorders, promoting a sense of well-being and even happiness. Additionally, these creative activities can lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, leading to reduced overall stress and anxiety. Art therapy often involves activities like drawing, painting, and creating collages. These activities let people visually express their emotions, giving shape to their inner world. For those who find it hard to talk about their feelings, visual art becomes a way to communicate. Similarly, music therapy uses rhythm, melody, and lyrics to offer a cathartic outlet. Playing instruments or engaging with music can trigger the brain’s emotional centers, helping to release and regulate emotions. The Benefits of Art and Music Therapy: The advantages of art and music therapy for mood disorders are many. Firstly, they empower individuals to take charge of their emotions. By creating art or making music, people actively shape their emotional stories, regaining a sense of control. This is particularly important for those dealing with mood disorders, which often make them feel helpless. Secondly, art and music therapy promote self-awareness. The process of creating prompts individuals to explore their feelings, triggers, and responses in a judgment-free space. This self-reflection can lead to insights into the root causes of their mood disorder symptoms, helping them develop better coping strategies with the help of therapists. Furthermore, these therapies encourage social interaction. Group art or music therapy sessions build a supportive community, combating the isolation that often comes with mood disorders. Sharing creative processes and finished works in a group setting fosters a sense of connection and belonging. Art and Music Therapy in Practice: Art and music therapy have found their place in various clinical settings, from individual therapy to hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Mental health professionals recognize the value of integrating creative therapies into treatment plans. While not standalone replacements for traditional methods like medication and talk therapy, they serve as potent additions that enhance overall well-being. Adding art and music therapy to standard treatment can make therapy more engaging and appealing, especially for young people like children and teenagers. Creative methods might be more comfortable for them to express themselves compared to traditional talk therapy.