Episode 6 - Dr. Allison Crawford Psychiatrist at CAMH, and Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

In the final episode of the season, host Gregg Taylor is joined by Dr. Allison Crawford, Psychiatrist at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Chief Medical Officer for the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Gregg and Dr. Crawford explore how the holiday season can be a time for family, community and joy, or a difficult season of stress, grief and challenging experiences. In episode six, learn how you can navigate the holiday season with self-awareness and new strategies for maintaining your wellbeing and perspective. When times get really tough emotionally for you or those around you, learn how the new national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Hotline can be of immediate help. If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8 is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgment, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help. A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call or text 988 Web: Visit 988.ca What is 9-8-8?What is the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)? The Centre for Addiction & Mental Health provides education and research information for Canadians through their website: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info During the episode, Allison expanded on her SEASONS model (graphic below), a list of top strategies for staying well and resilient through the holidays and beyond. Links mentioned in the Podcast: 988: Help when you need it most - Call or text 988 | Web: Visit 988.ca CAMH - The Centre for Addiction & Mental Health provides education and research information for Canadians through their website: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info Calltime’s MANAGING HOLIDAY STRESS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE https://www.calltimementalhealth.com/managing-holiday-stress - In this online guide (and downloadable PDF) we explore the reasons why this season can feel so stressful, and why some people get the ‘winter blues’. You’ll find tips and advice for developing plans and creating healthy habits so that you can feel calm and relaxed during the holiday season. Credits: Host / Executive Producer: ⁠Gregg Taylor⁠ Producer: ⁠Michael Levett⁠ Engineer and Editor: ⁠Gaëtan Harris