What shapes our mental health? It is easy to imagine psychological distress as something that exists entirely within an individual, a chemical imbalance, a diagnosis, or a problem located inside the brain. The illustration by Nate Kitch accompanying Richard Bentall’s 2016 The Guardian article, “Mental illness is a result of misery, yet still we stigmatise […]
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kijqi2c584c9ntpe/Amanda_Podcast_2_-_2025-06-03_602_PMabo0y.mp3 In this episode of the Trauma and Mental Health Report’s podcast, contributing writer Amanda Fernandes interviews Dr. Stephen Lewis, Associate Professor in psychology and Research Leadership Chair at the University of Guelph. His research has focused extensively on lived experiences in mental health, as well as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among youth and young adults. […]
The Crowded Room (2023), a television show on Apple TV, is inspired by real events, following Danny. A man navigating life with dissociative identity disorder. Played by Tom Holland, Danny’s story unfolds not in shocking reveals, but in quiet, disorienting moments that show how fragile and resilient the human mind is. The show highlights mental […]
"There is a unique kind of pain in losing your mind, not just once, but over and over. Losing your perception of reality, of your emotions, of your closest relationships– both across months and multiple times a day. Knowing deep down that something is wrong but being unable to stop it." Leena (name changed for […]
In 2013, 194 countries adopted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020. This plan acknowledged the growing burden of mental health issues and underscored the urgent need for resources geared towards prevention, intervention, and treatment. Refugees represent one of the most vulnerable populations that the mental health system has consistently struggled […]
The hospitalization rates for young men with eating disorders have increased by an astonishing 416% from 2000 to 2019. Despite this dramatic increase, eating disorders are nevertheless commonly perceived as a “women’s issue”, perpetuating stigma and misconceptions. Eating disorders carry the highest death rate of all mental health concerns, underscoring the severity of the trend. […]
Kevin Breel is a Canadian comedian, writer, and mental health advocate. In his TedTalk, "Confession of a Depressed Comic," he bravely opens up about his struggles with mental health, shedding light on the silent battle many face. Through his candid storytelling and compelling talks, Breel strives to break down mental health stigma. Breel talks about […]
This art piece was created by Kim Noble who is a mother, artist, and author who has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Through her thought provoking artwork she illustrates her experience with DID. DID is a way to cope with pain, the main personality splits into several parts. Kim has been in and out of the […]
Kitty Westin highlights that many of the key people we know and look up to such as Winston Churchhill, Angelina Jolie, Micheal Phelps, Lady Gaga, and Vincent Van Gogh are all prime examples of people who have been affected by mental health issues. Mental health does not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, occupation, sexuality, or […]
Mental Health challenges are at an all time high right now with people still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and the risk of a recession due to the economic crisis as a result from the pandemic. With this comes the need for more available and affordable mental health services and resources. In this interview we […]