In reflecting on resiliency in the field of mental health and addiction as a front-line social worker. I have two perspectives: the resiliency of the front-line worker, and the resiliency of those who we are called to serve. As a seasoned social worker with over fifteen years of experience in the field, ranging from a focus on at-risk youth, HIV AIDS, mental health and addiction, housing and social services, I feel as though I have the experience to speak to the resiliency of both social workers and clients alike. Resiliency is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness” (Oxford Languages). As front-line workers, we are privileged to hear the stories of those we serve. The stories shared with us are seen as “gifts” because not everybody is able to receive them. Often times a call for help is overwhelming for individuals; it can be scary, embarrassing, and at times, very emotional. For those reaching out for help, we are often their first p ...

  As the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact Ontario, there was an abrupt disruption to in-person treatment services in Ontario. Some services temporarily closed, others limited the services they could offer and others began to offer services virtually or by phone. BounceBack (BounceBack@Ontario.cmha.ca) is an example of an available online option. BounceBack is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skill-building program for adults and youth 15+ across Ontario. Through one-on-one telephone coaching, workbooks, and online videos that participants can do from home, they learn CBT skills to help them better manage their symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. In the spring of 2019, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided funding to new initiatives in an effort to have services available to individuals virtually. Funding was given to service providers to offer Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). These programs allowed people dealing with depress ...

  Traumatic events are experienced and interpreted differently depending on each individuals’ circumstance which makes it difficult to define trauma with one definition. Trauma can be buried, from acute to chronic and complex, often based on the event itself and the individual. In its simplest form, trauma is a term used to describe an emotional consequence of a distressing event an individual has experienced. TRAUMA AND PTSD Trauma is directly linked to PTSD (Posttraumatic stress disorder) which is a response to a dangerous experience that involves serious harm to oneself or others. The devastating event could be anything from a serious accident, to being a victim of violence, or having survived a natural disaster. The effects of the devastating event can lead to intrusive thoughts and memories that affect their day-to-day lives as there is still a sense of danger, even though they may be safe. Those signs and symptoms specific to PTSD can lead to psychiatric assessment to determine d ...