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.

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.

MARIJUANA (Cannabis) Although Marijuana was one of the most widely used illegal drugs in Canada, there was only limited research on the prevalence of Marijuana use, and its effects before it became legalized in Canada. The legalization of Marijuana served to reinforce the belief that there was no health risks associated with using Marijuana. Although medical research has now identified a number of health risks with the use of Cannabis, knowledge about the potential risks of use during pregnancy remain largely unknown by the general public. This article addresses the effects of Marijuana on the fetus, infants, and childhood development.
PREVELANCE OF USE: Marijuana is the most common psychoactive substance used by women of child-bearing age, and the most commonly used drug among pregnant women. On average THC levels are 7 times higher, than in the past, increasing the harmful effects of Marijuana.
MYTH: It is a commonly held belief that the Placenta which provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus through the mother’s bloodstream does not cross the placenta.
FACT: THC rapidly crosses the placenta. Also Marijuana can stay in the mother’s body for weeks, depending on the strength, how often it is used, and the mother’s metabolism.

What are the Health Effects of Marijuana Exposure to the unborn fetus:
While some mothers might use Marijuana to treat the negative symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, and pain, the latest research shows that no amount of Marijuana is safe during pregnancy. The effects of Marijuana can be passed onto the fetus through the placenta. Research has indicates that infants exposed to Marijuana in the womb, when compared to mother’s who did not use Marijuana during pregnancy, found that it effected the baby’s mental and physical development, as well as higher risks of being born too small and too early. Fetal growth is an important sign of the baby’s wellbeing.

SRWC Offers Specialized Recovery Support for Women with Children. For women with at least one month of stable recovery, this program offers opportunities for reuniting and bonding with their children, and to help them provide a safe environment for their children. The program includes practicing mindfulness, medicine walks, exercise, artistic expressions, picnics, play time, etc. Participants are also offered help navigating systems such as E.I.A., housing, transportation, returning to work, and C.F.S.

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.

Breastfeeding is an ideal choice for infants, but if the mother is using marijuana – risks outweigh the benefits. THC is a fat soluble liquid, which goes through the mother’s bloodstream, and stored in body fat, resulting in high concentrations in the brain and body. THC accumulates in the mother’s breast milk and may produce severe cognitive and behavioural consequences. Infant may also show signs of sedation, reduced muscle tone, poor sucking response and digestive issues. Other effects include; irritability, excitability, exaggerated startle responses, and diminished crying in newborns. Some studies have found decreased motor development at 1 year of age.