Undercover Mental Health

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Mental Health - Real Stories - Real People This podcast is about mental health and PTSI. Admitting you have struggled with mental health is probably one of the hardest things to do, listen, share and help us end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Steve Serbic


    • Dec 26, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 84 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Undercover Mental Health

    Fighter

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 50:04


    This is not a story of a kids journey to the NHL, it's about the will to live. Fighter - defying the NHL odds, by Aaron Polvatti. A story of grief, terror, personal tragedy, uncertainty, and happiness, this story will inspire you to dig deep within yourself to find your own strength to walk into your darkest moments and come out of them with a determination and mindset to achieve your wildest dreams. Think of this story as a guide to find the fighter inside of you. A guide that will push you to fight for what you want and what you love in life. To purchase Aaron's book go to: Fighter: Defying The NHL Odds: Volpatti, Aaron: 9781738700608: Books - Amazon.ca

    People Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2022 17:10


    Christmas is a very tough time for so many, please know you are not alone and people do care. Listen to the Fire Chief of Esquimalt being interviewed on Victoria's Rumble Room about struggling over the holidays. Crisis Line Canada Dial 1 833 456 4566 / Text 45645 Crisis Line USA Dial 988 / Text 741741 Crisis Line UK Dial 0800 689 5652 / Text 85258 Merry Christmas, Stay Safe

    Breaking Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 74:41


    Bryson Hill is an accomplished Police Officer who joined the RCMP to make a difference and help people; he achieved that goal over his his 21 year career. Having compassion in law enforcement can be very tough, Police Officers face countless difficult situations that can negatively affect their ability to have a sense of compassion. Overwhelming research is showing that first responders are battling compassion fatigue, burnout, and post trauma stress, which will eventually cause a person to shut down mentally, physically, and emotionally, leading to apathy, cynicism, and social dysfunction. It is crucial that Police Officers are fully supported when they suffer a psychological injury, so that they don't lose this ability to feel compassion. There should be no lines between membership and management when it comes to helping members struggling with a psychological injury, creating a culture of compassion in an agency starts with leadership. It is important that we all lead by example and create robust wellness programs and safe environments to discuss mental health challenges and help members struggling with compassion fatigue. Over time Officers may become emotionally detached or numb and many will then eventually completely break down if not supported. The momentum is just getting started because people like Bryson are out there and have the courage to tell their story. Bryson's story is about a career ending post-traumatic stress injury, incredible compassion, and an amazing journey of recovery.

    Surviving Trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2022 62:50


    Suffering a psychological injury can be personally devasting and possibly career ending if the claim is not managed properly by health professionals and work safe organizations. Matt Johnson is a clinical counsellor and a full-time professional firefighter. Health professionals with lived experiences, like Matt, separate themselves from other health professionals when it comes to treating psychological injuries amongst first responders. Matt's skill set is grounded by twenty years of study in the field of psychology and over ten years in clinical practice. His unique approach to conceptualizing trauma is an introspective blend of academic training, clinical practice and direct experience of attending thousands of emergency calls. The trickle down effect for first responders who manage to get help and are properly diagnosed, tend to recover faster and go on to help the organization with future claims. Matt breaks down what is working in North America and what is not when someone reaches out for help. Notice it - Name it - So we can tame it

    The Joker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2022 32:03


    Joking and laughter in the workplace has been diminishing over the years, and it actually can be a very important part of a healthy workplace if practiced respectfully.  These old firefighters laugh it up telling some memorable stories about getting through tough days while working in one of the busiest fire departments in the country. With normal work stressors being compounded by death and destruction and all of its effects, creating fun moments and deep belly laughter in your day can be pure medicine.  A Chief, Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief and a Captain who were legendary when it came to the odd joke at the fire hall, talk about the importance of having fun at work. Listener discretion not advised, as this is the most edited podcast ever created.

    Flow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2022 37:25


    Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. Tomasz Drybala is the mindfulness master, and he lives his life 15 minutes at a time. Tomasz is running the circumference of the globe to help break down the the stigma around mental health and helping people better understand depression and anxiety. Starting his journey in Sept 2022 and then completing it in March 2026, running over 40,000 kms. There are many reasons why people take up running; to improve mental health is undoubtedly one of the main ones. Studies have shown that running can help prevent depression, make people happier and, if stopped, can induce symptoms of depression. For Polish-born, England-based adventurer Tomasz Drybala, he discovered that sport, namely running seriously long distances, was key to helping him recover from mental health problems. To follow Tomasz Drybala go to Unleash Your Best Self (tomaszdrybala.com)

    Never Give Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 42:31


    Marcus Da Silva has challenged himself his entire life, and he set his eyes on breaking the world record for most pull ups in 24 hours. To become the best in the world, you need to set micro-goals. Learn to focus on one thing at a time, and avoid all distractions. The best athletes on the planet achieve this by determining their overall objective, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and training until they get to minute-by-minute pieces. Marcus illustrates this through his tattoo, which is from the Huna teachings: "Expect the best, bless the present, trust yourself." Marcus is the only human on the planet who mentally and physically prepared himself to do over 7000 pull ups in 24 hours

    Behind The Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 49:09


    Lindsay Faas have spent over a decade working in the field of trauma therapy, and many of those years working one-on-one with First Responders and Front Line Workers struggling with the weight of their work. Her specialty and focus is working with Police, Fire Fighters, Paramedics, Corrections, Dispatchers, Nurses, and Military. The guests on her podcast " Behind The Line" tell stories of tough calls, tough workplaces and organizational stress. The goal of her work is to keep the conversation going, break down the stigma and help someone out of a tough spot. Check out Behind The Line at Behind The Line Podcast for First Responders by Lindsay Faas (thrive-life.ca)

    The Good Doctor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 64:46


    Dr. Mark Vu sees trauma everyday, if not in the emergency or in surgery, then on the streets as the Medic Lead for a Regional Police Public Safety Unit.  Juggling work life / balance is really hard for everyone, Mark's unique outlook on life is super contagious, we should all be taking a page out of this mans recipe for happiness.

    Dare to Lead

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 37:27


    A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. Our guest Keith Lidner speaks to his 35 years of experience in Policing. He has held almost every position from drug enforcement, Major Crimes Unit, to ERT. He is very well respected and is a leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

    A Good Cry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 26:11


    Steve Robinson was hired by the Surrey Fire Service in 1992, leaving Surrey Fire Service as an Assistant Fire Chief,  Steve went on to become the Fire Chief of the City of Kamloops. When in Surrey, Steve was involved in helping develop an amazing CISM team from its infancy. Steve was one of the go-to resource for delivering CISM sessions to firefighters after being exposed to trauma. SFS built one of the best mental health support systems for firefighters in North America. Steve also sat on the Fire Chiefs Canadian Mental Health Committee and was instrumental in bringing the Resilient Minds Program to KFR and text to counseling appointment services. Steve sat on the Canadian Mental Health Committee for Fire Chiefs. Steve talks about why it's not only OK to get emotional, it's encouraged and that he wants people to know they are supported.

    What a Ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 63:15


    When firefighters arrive to a scene, there is the adrenaline rush, the heat, the smoke, kicking in the door and then truly fighting the fire. Isabel Ruediger talks about how fulfilling the job can be, and after putting 30 years in, she left as one of the most respected leaders on the job. Leading the departments CISM team and helping her fellow firefighters when they were struggling, Izzy decided she wanted to continue making a difference and is now am established and very busy Clinical Counsellor. What a career, what a human, what a story!

    The Why

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 33:52


    Why would someone want to take their own life? Paul Rosen is a suicide survivor and recovering addict, he talks openly about his mental illness and his road to recovery. In 1975 as a promising 15-year-old Midget AAA hockey player, Rosen was skating hard in tournament when he caught a rut in the ice, fell and snapped his leg in 14 places. Over the next 24 years, Rosen underwent countless surgeries to repair his leg, however, in 1997 his leg snapped again. Over the next 18 months he suffered through 14 more unsuccessful surgeries until doctors discovered a massive infection in his knee and delivered the diagnosis that at age 39, his right leg would have to be amputated. Paul Rosen has represented Canada as a member of the Paralympic ice hockey team three times, winning gold in 2006. The former goaltender joins CBC/Radio-Canada's broadcast team for the Paralympic Winter Games as an ice hockey analyst.

    The Spiritual Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 35:41


    Depression is characterized by despair, hopelessness, and a disconnect from one's everyday. This condition often requires professional treatment, such as therapy or medication or both, but spirituality can also play a significant role in alleviating the harmful effects of depression. Mindfulness, yoga and getting out into nature. The question that everyone needs to ask themselves, why am I here, what it my purpose. In this episode Dr. Chuck challenges us on our spiritual philosophy

    What's Happening

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 27:31


    A courageous story of survival from an author, musician, songwriter. Michael Barry is someone who has suffered from Disassociated Disorder and PTSD most of his life. Understanding what is happening when you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis is next to impossible to recover from without help from a health profession. Getting the right diagnoses and then the correct treatment is absolutely critical in moving forward. Michael talks about how he has survived to this point in his life and how he gets through each day. It starts with being kind to yourself and realizing that getting help is the most important thing you can do towards living a healthier life. Author - Rooftops, available on Amazon

    The Long Road Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2022 29:24


    Brady Leavold grew up in Greater Vancouver, playing AAA minor hockey kept him out of trouble; he was a really good hockey player and scouts  started to take notice.  Brady started experiencing anxiety and using drugs just as his Western Hockey League career started to take shape, it was all there for this young hockey player to make his way to the show; he eventually did sign with the Tampa Bay Lighting, but it was short lived.  His life started to spiral out of control and he ended up homeless, on the east side of Vancouver. His story could be a best seller in how hard he works to stay clean and how he helps others. He speaks opening about the mistakes he has made and tells his tragic story courageously in hopes to help others, and prevent kids from following the same path. Check out Bradys podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/hockey-2-hell-and-back/id1506430895

    The Occupational Athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 53:43


    Firefighters often suffer injuries in the line of duty. As “occupational athletes” Firefighters often face the risk of injury and must frequently cope with post traumatic stress injuries. Arron Fields has developed a program that tens of thousands of Firefighters have used to better prepare themselves when responding to fires, which is helping reduce the risk of being Injured physically and mentally.

    Day It All Changed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2022 32:38


    A snowy night in Winnipeg changed the lives of so many. Our guest has dedicated his life to training others and coaching them to be the best they can be, so that event never happens again. Lionel Crowther is one of the most courageous firefighters in the country, not because he was involved in a tragic event, but because he is willing to talk about it and help others. His words are powerful, his message is strong and he speaks openly about the support of his amazing wife Joanna, and the doctors, caregivers and all the fellow firefighters he has met along the way who helped him through the toughest time in his life. 

    Heads Up Guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 35:36


    Dr. John Ogrodniczuk talks about anxiety over the holidays, breathing, sleep and visualizations can help you get through some of these stressful periods of your life. Heads Up Guys is an online resource created at the University of British Columbia and was created by Dr. John.  Men will often talk about feeling angry or irritable rather than sad or down. These myths can also feel like handcuffs for men, preventing them from reaching out to others for even a little support. This contributes to many men not seeking support until their depression is very severe, if at all. This can place men at an increased risk of taking their own lives HeadsUpGuys | Manage & Prevent Depression in Men

    Firefighting and CISM the First Nations way

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 25:06


    First Nations Firefighters are not just on the front lines when it comes to fighting fires, they are also suffering a higher level of post traumatic stress  injuries. First Nations communities are disproportionately threatened by wildfires, along with medical and fire calls within some of their more remote communities. Our guest is Kynan O'Rourke, a Deputy Fire Chief who helped build up British Columbia's First Nations Emergency Services Society, training Firefighters and helping communities in a time of crisis and then to help them to better prepare for emergencies.

    Time to Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 29:27


    "You must leave this area immediately," that is what is broadcasted when a wildfire is raging toward your community, people frantically rushing toward their homes, packing up their belongings and leaving your community in less than three hours.  The town of Logan Lake spent a decade in preparation, focusing on fire mitigation that definitely saved the community from a behemoth of a wildfire that threatened the community and everyone who lived there. This Podcast features one of the few who stayed behind to help support the firefighters coming in to take a stand on that wildfire. Krista Dick tells what it is like to live in a remote community, have family members who are firefighters, and then decide whether to stay or to go. Krista stayed, and was so helpful to those folks who came in and tried to help out this small town.

    Whispers on the Ocean

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 40:35


    Tracee Andrews is a mental health ally, former paramedic, author and an amazing Canadian. After graduating from the Justice Institute of British Columbia's Paramedic Academy, the author spent most of her sixteen year medical career working in Vancouver's infamous Downtown Eastside. In her first novel, she delves into the lives and histories of the people she came to know while working as a paramedic in Canada's poorest neighborhood. Tracee's book speaks to one of Canada's greatest wrongs and its lasting impact on generations of people, related and otherwise. It is a story of how institutionalized bigotry has shaped Canada's relationship with its First Nations Peoples. It exposes a dark, and until recently, hidden chapter in Canadian history, that of Indian Residential Schools; the effects of which the Canadian Government now acknowledges as being “profoundly negative.”

    Mysteria

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 27:40


    There has never been a better time to seek – and be accepted for – help with your mental wellbeing. Marcus Da Silva hosts The Mysteria Podcast and he interviews Steve Serbic about his book The Unbroken. Discussing feelings of being alone as a kid and struggling with mental health before becoming teenager can be difficult but Steve tries to normalize that conversation and he wants to create an environment where its OK to not be OK, and to be able to talk about it.                         The full version of this podcast will be released on October the 13th 2021 at - themysteriapodcast.com, its very deep.  Talking to someone you trust, a close friend or family member, even your doctor, are very important to learn early in life so that you can maintain not only strong mental health, but understanding that it's ok to talk about how you feel.  Steve Serbic shares his story and experiences as a way of encouraging others to do the same, his book The Unbroken can be purchased at all major bookstores and on amazon.

    The Mental Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 33:13


    Children benefit from playing sports in many ways. Through participation, teamwork, improved motor skills and of course physical health.  This podcast focuses on the most important aspect of sport; the mental aspect.  Professional athletes are pushed each and every day to give 100% of their physical ability, but many people are unaware that being a professional athlete and performing at an elite level requires more of your mind than body. Our guest is a coach and former pitcher of one of the toughest mental sports on the planet, baseball. This podcast is about mental preparation; not just for your sport but for your life.

    Mental Judo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 45:39


    Mental Health Judo breaks down the concepts of Mindfulness, Empathy, Self-compassion and the daily rituals we need to practice in order to stay healthy. Stress and suffering are actually part of the human experience, so you need to learn how to be kind to yourself and understand that things from your past or your daily thoughts don't define you as a person and that you can build a healthy daily routine to manage those thoughts. Strong mental health is enhanced by physical, mental, and spirit, understanding that mind body and soul are the three components of our system that need to all be working together on a daily basis. Dr. Chuck Allen and Dr. Jim Keats guide us in improving our mindfulness and self-compassion by helping us understand how to manage our thoughts and get us into the now.

    Mental Health Mayday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2021 54:35


    When a firefighter has a mental health crisis, he makes the decision to call his Battalion Chief from the hospital. In some organizations this might be career ending, but this firefighter tells how that call helped him rise from the darkest moment in his life to feeling supported and having a sense of wellbeing. Telling your boss that you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue is terrifying. Andrew proves that it was the best thing he could have done. Evidence-based research states that when the employer steps up and supports an employee when they suffer a mental health injury or crisis, the organization will benefit when that employee returns to work. The fire service leads the way in helping others see the benefit of creating education and awareness around mental health, and then stepping up and supporting employees when they go through difficult times.

    Rising to the challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 36:51


    Rising to the challenge when it comes to mental health, Steve Farina from the British Columbia Professional Firefighters Association talks about working together with the employer on how to reduce the stigma in the Fire Service.  In 2019, the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC (FCABC) and the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) held a two-day BC Fire Leadership Summit in Victoria. This was an opportunity for leaders to gain a greater understanding of our respective challenges, with a focus on successful labour relations, mental health. Membership and management working towards common goals, we are all in this together!

    Second Chance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 47:30


    When most kids were starting College Ian Humphrey was starting a long term prison sentence, because of factors in life that he could not control, it was where he was supposed to be. Growing up in South Central LA, going to prison was a right of passage for most men, and Ian was convinced by many that he would be up there. Ian Humphrey is one of the most amazing speakers out there, he is humble, he is proud and he courageously tells his story to help others. It is a story of a young man who gave up on himself and was about to follow the path he thought was set out for him, ending up in prison. The change in his life came when he met a man who believed in him, looking at not where he was, but what he could become. When you believe in someone, anything can happen, and Ian Humphrey is an example of how a tragic story can turn beautiful. Please check out Ian's Goalcast story, it is one of the most motivational videos you will ever watch. (Ian Humphrey "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" - goalcast.com)

    A Fighting Chance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 43:01


    Call it guts, call it courage, boxing is one of the toughest sports on the planet. It takes incredible endurance and strength to box, but more than anything, it takes determination. Throughout life you are told you're not big enough, strong enough or tough enough, there are very few places where you can actually prove them all wrong. Our guest, Amelia Moore is one of the most determined human beings I have ever met and has an amazing outlook on life. She has worked so hard to get to where she is now, and she goes out of her way to inspire others along the way. Follow Amelia Moore on her quest for gold - WebsiteAmeliaMooreBoxing.com / Instagram @1Moore_Round / https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaMooreBoxing/

    The Sunday Night Health Show with Maureen McGrath and Steve Serbic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 11:41


    Join leading health expert Maureen McGrath tonight as she speaks to Mental Health Advocate Steve Serbic as he talks about his new book "The Unbroken". Please join Maureen every Sunday night for the Sunday Night Health Show , a live listener call-in radio program that educates listeners about sexual health, overall health, relationships and quality of life. LISTEN LIVE ACROSS CANADA 8pmPT-10pmPT

    The Fire Service Inside and Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 39:55


    Join host Susan Ney and her guest Steve Serbic as they talk about the culture of Fire Services departments and the fact that although surveys conducted have found that 95% of firefighters feel critical incident stress and 65% are traumatized by calls, over 80% of firefighters don’t feel they can talk to a peer/seek help about how they are feeling due to concern that they might be perceived as weak or unfit for duty. The suicide rate for this profession is high. Steve is making it his business to bring voice to this reality and concern. His book The Unbroken: A Firefighter’s Memoir will be available in bookstores soon. Steve will share his personal story and the work he is doing to change the culture in Fire and Protective Services departments across North America

    The Resilient One

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 35:12


    Most commonly, the term resilience has come to mean an individual’s ability to overcome adversity and continue his or her normal development and in some cases find growth. This Firefighter feels he has something special and Dr. Chuck talks about dealing with exposure and how significant adversity is effectively dealt with if the patient is able to wrap their head around what they were exposed to. The resilience of a person is both the capacity of an individual to navigate their way to the psychological, spiritual and physical resources that will help them sustain their well-being.

    Mindset Shift

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 36:40


    Covid and isolation, working from home, maybe loss of income and then add in a bit of fear, it's triggering a whole bunch of new mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people in this pandemic are facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety, our guest Sara Wegwitz is a resiliency team coach who works with organizations on overall health and mental wellbeing. She provides strategies that can help people refocus and maintaining perspective in the bigger picture. If you are interested in learning more, you can reach Sara Wegwitz at Sara@tailormakinghealth.ca

    3 Minute Sleep Tidbit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 3:28


    Sleeping allows your brain time to get back into balance all of the necessary chemicals and hormones that affect your mental clarity, mood and emotions and are so important for being calm, relaxed and happy. Sara Wegwitz is resiliency performance coach and an educator on getting good sleep. If you are interested in learning more or hearing about how Sara can support the overall health and mental wellbeing of team members in your organization you can reach Sara Wegwitz at Sara@tailormakinghealth.ca

    Equine Therapy - Saddles in Service (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2021 23:08


    Tammy and Mike Oluvic have donated their time and their ranch in San Diego to provide mental health wellness and healing for Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, and their families that are experiencing or have been diagnosed with symptoms related to post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety, depression, job-related stress, and/or traumatic brain injuries by partnering them with a rescued horse at no cost to them. Saddles In Service PO Box 692 Descanso, CA 91916 / 619 566-6208​ / contact@saddlesinservice.org

    Equine Therapy (Part one) - The FEEL Approach

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2021 21:11


    Speaking with Brenda Brown, the owner of Mystic Waters Ranch. The horses on her ranch help to reveal your true authentic self, and help you FEEL the positive emotions we naturally desire as human beings. FEEL stands for - Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning Approach. This experience will facilitate the reconnection of your heart and soul-inspiring healing and growth. Used to help people struggling with PTS, Anxiety and Depression. Brenda Brown - 604-788-7524 / brenda@mysticwatersranch.com / 3438 205 St., Langley, BC V2Z 2C9

    Over the Rail

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 41:34


    Kevin Briggs - known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge; a dedicated California Highway Patrol Officer who courageously helped people who were having their worst day. Kevin might look like just another Cop, but the truth is, he is something special.  He went above and beyond the call of duty every time he was called upon on when responding to someone in need on the bridge. Many of the people who climbed back to safety on the platform of the bridge will tell you that Kevin Briggs didn't just listen, in many cases he created a vision for them on how they were going to restart their lives, and why it was important for them to continue to live. Kevin shares the technique he used to gain trust, create conversation and then help people take the first step to starting a new life. Climbing back over the rail. 

    Wounded Heroes Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 28:43


    Our guest on this podcast is American Filmmaker Michael Gier, who has just completed a documentary that will honor our military and first responders. His goal is to bring more awareness to Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). There are millions suffering from PTS, with 22 Veterans a day taking their own lives; one every 65 minutes. Veterans are reluctant to seek help for PTS due to the negative stigma associated with it. It is a sad fact that over 50 percent of veterans suffering from PTS go untreated. Michael hopes this documentary will change that statistic, lower the suicide rate, and save lives. So inspired, he has spent the last three years researching several innovative treatments for post-traumatic stress which, in turn, have helped countless Veterans and First Responders.

    Addiction - A Mother's Story by June Ariano-Jakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 41:26


    June Ariano-Jakes tells a story of unconditional love as she deals with her son's devastating addiction. She talks about never giving up in spite of everything she and her son experience during his descent into addiction. It is a raw, open and honest account of a mother's determination to bring hope into a situation that seems hopeless. Her stories are heartbreaking and disturbing, yet she tells them with courage and integrity. A story told about a journey no one knows better than a parent or loved one who has walked that path. Part Two of Podcast #47 "The Burden of Abuse"

    The Burden of Abuse - Listener discretion is advised

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 31:46


    June Ariano-Jakes is one of the top High School speakers in the country, empowering kids to reach out for help and to let them know they are not alone. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, June shares her own personal story as she explains how keeping trauma bottled up can lead to extremely difficult and painful emotions. Every survivor responds to traumatic events in their own way. The effects of the trauma can last long after the event. June explains how reaching out for help can be terrifying but she explains the importance of doing so, and how she herself has recovered from trauma, and has now been able to help others. (Listener discretion is advised)

    One year ago today

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 16:04


    A big thank you to all the folks who helped put this podcast together, it was a year ago today that we started Undercover Mental Health. Its been so much fun, and we very excited about our second season! Thanks so much, Steve Serbic

    The Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 61:34


    Dr. Chuck and a Paramedic talk our world looks a little different today vs just a year ago. Citizens of towns, cities and counties across the globe are being asked to isolate themselves,  Paramedics and Firefighters are frontline warriors in this new era and having to respond into homes.  It’s a war they’ve trained for, and they’re answering every call – from working overtime to following strict PPE, infection control and documentation guidelines. Despite their training and new protocols, there are always high levels of stress and uncertainty in any major incident but that stress during this pandemic is taking its toll on all frontline workers. EMTs and paramedics and Firefighters must recognize and have to accept that they will likely encounter increased levels of stress as this pandemic evolves. What is the cost to them, their families and their future as first responders?

    Eating your way to better mental health

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 41:32


    Eating your way to better mental health: eat what ever makes you happy, along with a colorful variety of fruit & veggies. It is well known that eating lots of fruit and vegetables is good for your physical health, but the latest research suggests that it might be good for your mental health too. A study from Australia found improvements in psychological well-being after some adjust their diets, consuming more fruits and vegetables.

    The Downtown Eastside

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 46:27


    Depression - Addiction - homelessness - Heartbreak. A Paramedic that feels it is an honour to serve the citizens who are struggling on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Even though he battles depression himself, he loves what he does and feels like he is contributing to society by helping others. Canada is supposed to be a civilized country and an extremely wealthy country. But there are thousands of stories from people who have lost their way and have ended up homeless in Vancouver. 85 percent of people on the street have mental health issues, and drugs and alcohol complicate the situation. Research shows that you need to start with a roof over your head and have support before you can even begin to address the other issues. Dedicated first responders and support workers are the foot soldiers, savings dozens of lives each and every day on the eastside of Vancouver, and they never stop, working 24/7.

    Fire Department Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 26:27


    Funny man Jason Patton, takes a very unique approach to bringing awareness to mental health - he uses comedy. In this episode, Jason talks about the best way to treat firefighters when they are exposed to trauma and the thought process around getting help. He also talks about his personal views on what needs to change and what is already being done. Mental health providers face an uphill battle when treating firefighters. One of the biggest challenges within the fire service when seeking help is the stigma. Firefighters do not trust that mental health providers are able to understand their problems and therefore resist going into treatment. Firefighters like Jason Patton can speak the language and help get other firefighters into treatment by explaining the process and reducing the anxiety around the unknown. Having someone who has been there, telling you what to expect, is very powerful and extremely helpful for that person to take the first step. Check out one of his videos - ​ https://youtu.be/maGPLkOyUuE. Fire Department Chronicles You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZbWCodPFwH2QQn772QnUxQ Banyon Treatments Centers - https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/crew-therapeutic-programming/

    The Stigma of Suicide, when is end of life acceptable.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 52:03


    Dr. Chuck challenges the opposite, when is it ok to take your own life? We now live in a cultural moment in which it seems safe for so many to be upfront about their mental health diagnoses, even Firefighters. This is unquestionably a good thing, but the flip side of reducing stigma by going public with one’s struggles is respecting others who choose not to do so. So many Firefighters choose not to share their mental health challenges and that is their choice and their right. Steve and Dr. Chuck discuss suicide, the stigma in the fire service and how Psychologists use faith and the belief system to help intervene when someone is struggling and may not want to admit they have a mental health illness.

    Mindfulness - Change your story. Change your life.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 38:56


    Mindfulness is way of life, a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, creating a healthy story, and finding ways to relax the body and mind on a daily basis.

    Talking about Men's Depression on The Sunday Night Health Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 15:08


    Talking about Men's depression on The Sunday Night Health Show with Maureen Mcgrath and Dr. Kourosh Edalati. Understanding the difference between clinical and situational depression.

    The Exhausted

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 32:31


    Firefighters are just like anyone else. In fact, many firefighters do not eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and many are severely sleep deprived. The inability to fall asleep or get quality sleep contributes to the deadly heart conditions experienced by so many firefighters, and many start shifts with little or no sleep in the last 24 to 48 hours. Listen to our guest talk about his research into why firefighters have become sick, mentally and physically exhausted, and how the mental toll of the job and lack of sleep can affect a firefighters family and their careers.

    No PTSD for me

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 29:06


    Many people wrongly assume that Post Traumatic Stress is inevitable for anyone exposed to trauma, this guest states that for him personally, it is clearly not the case. He speaks openly about how he has endured trauma both at home and on the front lines as a Firefighter but has never suffered from PTSI.  In fact he believes that the majority of firefighters are not affected by trauma and live mentally healthy lives. Working in one of the busiest fire departments will definitely affect you and perhaps your family, but this 31-year veteran believes that he has retired from his career completely unaffected. Steve and this guest have worked together for over 30 years, they have a very special relationship, only one struggled and the other did not.  Listen to them talk about their different perspectives on mental health in fire service.

    The Spouse - Part two

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 38:11


    A continuation on the importance of communication between a Firefighter and their spouse/partner. The ability to successfully channel anger and how to stop or resist playing the blame game. Knowing when to encourage communication and when to hold and be patient, allowing open communication without judgement or conflict.

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