//podcastplus.net/feed/distress-and-crisis-ontario~7f4acc63 Here at DCO Discourse we have discussions related to mental health, addictions, and life. We aim to provide listeners with tools and resources that will help them improve their own mental health and wellness, and support their family members, loved ones, and their community at large. If you would like to provide feedback or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A.If you are seeking support, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest member centre. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:35 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/51eb1038-4d86-44df-9f6c-b780a43817ad.mp3 In this deeply personal and candid conversation, Vijay sits down with their friend "Sarah" (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), a trans woman with lived experience navigating systemic barriers in mental health care.Recorded in an intimate setting, this episode explores Sarah’s mental health journey and her firsthand experiences with emergency services, psychiatric wards, and crisis lines. She shares how systemic underfunding, lack of training, and resource shortages shaped her care, and how individual acts of compassion by staff often weren’t enough to overcome structural problems.Through Sarah’s story, listeners will hear the cracks in our mental health systems, the ways they fall short, and the human resilience it takes to navigate them. Despite hardship, Sarah emphasizes that the people working within these systems care deeply and it’s the systems themselves that need transformation.If you want to better understand the realities of mental health care from the perspective of someone directly affect... Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/51eb1038-4d86-44df-9f6c-b780a43817ad.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/f52319de-83b3-4705-a891-ac7a3aad7077.mp3 In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay and Caitlin turn the spotlight on World Suicide Prevention Day, reflecting on how awareness days help bring vital attention to urgent mental health issues. Together, they explore the work of programs aimed at Suicide Prevention, highlighting the diversity of programs aimed at a common goal.From Sri Lanka’s national pesticide ban to Canada’s Buddy Up campaign, which tackles men’s mental health and suicide prevention, they discuss how different approaches can make a life-saving impact. They also highlight Roots of Hope, a national suicide prevention initiative here in Canada, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and share ways you can get involved in upcoming World Suicide Prevention Day activities.To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centers operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this... Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/f52319de-83b3-4705-a891-ac7a3aad7077.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/e27a957a-2f6b-4773-8b36-d3e53a510ab9.mp3 This week, Caitlin Plant and Sabrina Popernitsch, a registered psychotherapist and person with lived experience, discuss Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as an important tool for increasing accessibility to mental health support and reducing stigma. They explored the key components of MHFA, including the ALGES approach and the importance of person-first care and self-care for those providing support. If you are interested in learning more about MHFA, a great starting point is with the Mental Health Commission of Canada at https://openingminds.org/?source=mhcc. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. If you have feedback or future content requests, please email us at info@dcontario.org or use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/e27a957a-2f6b-4773-8b36-d3e53a510ab9.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/1bf45041-cb2a-43db-9b45-eedebbd17379.mp3 In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay starts a new mini-series entitled "Crisis Reports", looking at current literature in the sector. This installment, we look at a paper entitled "Enhancing Equity on Crisis Lines: Understanding the Background, Practices, and Learning Needs of Responders in Canada". How well do responders handle crises involving mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts? What gaps exist in their ability to support marginalized groups such as Black communities, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals? Tune in as we discuss the importance of cultural humility, the role of training, and the resources needed to improve support for these critical populations.To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centers operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversatio... Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/1bf45041-cb2a-43db-9b45-eedebbd17379.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/46bf123c-efd1-44e7-bf5e-92310c523fcf.mp3 This week, on DCO Discourse… we’ve done something a little bit different. In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Director of Operations at DCO, sat down with her young son to read the book “Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang. After reading the story they talk about what strategies we can use when we are grumpy to feel better, and how we might support others. A synopsis of the story is as follows:“Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?”To connect with support please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. If you have feedback or future content requests, please email us at info@dcontario.org or use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/46bf123c-efd1-44e7-bf5e-92310c523fcf.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/46b5c5fb-be5e-4a89-b753-d0f842ca6e3a.mp3 In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with master's student Tristan, Dr. Monica Sesma-Vazquez, and Dr. Tara Collins, academic researchers involved in a study looking at queer callers in crisis line settings. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by queer service users in crisis lines, highlighting the significant mental health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Tara and Tristan shared alarming statistics, such as 27% of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing major depressive episodes and 40% having lifetime suicide ideation, while emphasizing the impact of discrimination and the importance of gender-affirming care. Monica noted that while statistics are crucial for strategic decisions, they cannot fully capture the callers lived experiences, and the team aims to use these numbers to transform crisis response by addressing the underlying social conditions. The conversation also touched on the politicization of LGBTQ+ issues, which can hinder support and implementation of effective interventi... Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/46b5c5fb-be5e-4a89-b753-d0f842ca6e3a.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/2d7db3f8-f4cd-4e21-af28-54229a7e055d.mp3 On this week’s episode of DCO Discourse… Caitlin Plant is joined by her brother, a teacher with six years of experience, to explore how parents can prepare for back-to-school season with intention. Using added insights from a Psychology Today article, also titled Back-to-School Parenting (https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/a-different-kind-of-therapy/202408/back-to-school-parenting), they explore strategies for building excitement in your kids, suggestions for connecting with teachers and school administrators, share tips for where to start with back-to-school prep, and more. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/iG2JiZL7AMyiFhY46. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/2d7db3f8-f4cd-4e21-af28-54229a7e055d.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/c7c3e7b3-ab94-45b0-a5f1-48e1261b89ae.mp3 This week on DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant to talk about the hidden emotional weight of summer. From FOMO and disrupted routines to grief triggers and social media comparison, we’re holding space for the parts of summer no one talks about. Summer is often portrayed as a season of joy, sunshine, and connection—but for many, it can be a time of stress, pressure, and unexpected loneliness. We also explore what summer looks like for parents—especially single parents—who are working and juggling the pressure to create memorable experiences for their kids while holding everything together. We are here to remind listeners: your summer doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. If summer has ever left you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of sync—you’re not alone. Tune in for a gentle, honest conversation about permission, presence, and self-care. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, ple... Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/c7c3e7b3-ab94-45b0-a5f1-48e1261b89ae.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/133c5dd7-f834-4730-b743-0a603362069a.mp3 This week on DCO Discourse, podcast host Christina Droumtsekas, is speaking about reimagining self-care—not as bubble baths or luxury escapes, but as everyday survival.Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s maintenance, nourishment, and coming home to yourself in a world that constantly pulls you away.Whether you’re burnt out, grieving, caregiving—or just tired of “doing it all”—this episode is your reminder that small moments count.Tune in as we unpack what self-care really looks like, what gets in the way, and how to make space for yourself without guilt or shame.To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/133c5dd7-f834-4730-b743-0a603362069a.mp3 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/dbaf98d6-5500-40b6-98c8-7ca473bf12dc.mp3 In this powerful episode of DCO Discourse, Vijay talks with Dr. Michael Woodford and Dr. Tin Vo, two academic researchers involved in Thriving On Campus, an Ontario-wide study of 2SLGBTQ+ university students’ experiences, wellbeing, and academic development.The discussion centered on the "Thriving on Campus" project, a comprehensive study examining LGBTQ+ students' experiences in Ontario universities, highlighting its unique scope and commitment to fostering change through research. The conversation explored various aspects of the project, including intersectionality challenges, mixed-methods findings, knowledge mobilization efforts, and the importance of socially responsive program design for LGBTQ+ students. The discussion concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future of LGBTQ+ research in Canada, emphasizing the strong support for equity-focused research and the current safety of trans rights in the country.To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, ... Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/af59e1bb-60d8-4cec-a4c0-5d0b5f0e111c/dbaf98d6-5500-40b6-98c8-7ca473bf12dc.mp3