Today we can appreciate and reflect on people in our lives who lift us up. These may be individuals/groups who support your dreams, encourage your growth, want the best for you, offer love and acceptance, forgive generously, and make you feel safe and valued. #DCOWordsOfWellBeing

December 7th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Today, we honour the 14 women killed at l’École Polytechnique and stand against the gender-based violence that still impacts women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. 💜 #EndGBV #HumanRights

Today at DCO we are starting a new series highlighting our amazing team once again by focusing on celebrating their accomplishments and what professional advice they would give to their younger self. In our first post we have our wonderful executive director Neta Gear! ✨

🎙️ This week we're doing another instalment of Crisis Reports talking about a paper entitled “Rethinking Cultural Competence: Shifting to Cultural Humility”. This paper focuses on the shift happening across services from cultural competence and toward cultural humility.

Happy #DCOWellnessWednesday! 😊 Try these quick wellness boosts: 🧘🏾 5-min meditation 🍳 Mood-boosting breakfast 🧘🏻‍♀️ Desk stretch or mini yoga flow 📵 30-min digital detox to reset and recharge 🎨 Do something creative you love #MindfulHabits #CreativeWellness #WorkdayWellbeing

This week, we’re taking a closer look at cultural competence and cultural humility in healthcare and social services. This piece challenges long-standing assumptions about cultural competence training and highlights why shifting toward cultural humility is essential.

🎄✨ Taking a break with a comforting holiday movie can be a simple way to unwind, reconnect, and give yourself a moment with those closest to you. Here are a few family-friendly favourites. Hopefully these films help you smile and enjoy a well-deserved break this season. 💛

Enjoy our Winter Bingo! ☃️❄️ Check off cozy activities like baking holiday treats, sipping hot chocolate, watching a holiday movie, or visiting a Christmas market. Get outside for skating, sledding, snow angels, or enjoy a Christmas light show. Have fun and stay warm! 💙✨

If today feels heavy, let this be your reminder 💛 Take a moment to look at how far you’ve come, trust that things can work out, and give yourself grace and compassion along the way. ✨ This post was inspired by @jennamariejournals on Instagram.

Today, we’re sharing a bit of history. The modern crisis line movement began in 1963 in Australia, when Alan Walker founded Lifeline to ensure people in crisis were never alone. Just two years later, in 1965, Canada’s first crisis line opened in Sudbury, Ontario.

🎙️We're replaying a popular episode on sleep hygiene. Caitlin shares some information on why sleep is important to our mental health and some resources to learn more. Stay tuned to the end, where Vijay addresses something we didn't the first time, the dangers of oversleeping.

December 17 is Anti-Bullying Day in Canada. Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that causes harm. Teaching kindness, empathy, inclusion, and communication helps children/adults stand up for themselves/others. Remember STOMP: Several Times, One-sided, Mean, Purposeful.

For this week’s article, we're here to tell you that a common belief around suicide and the holidays is false. Contrary to common belief Christmas and other holidays are not associated with an increase in psychiatric emergencies, suicide attempts, or hospitalizations.

As you prepare for the holidays, remember this season isn’t joyful for everyone. Pressure, financial stress, isolation, or family conflict can arise. Be gentle with yourself set boundaries, check in with your mind and body, and prioritize your wellbeing. 💙 #MentalHealthMatters

Happy Saturday! Today’s #DCOWordsofWellbeing is a reminder that the holidays can bring a mix of emotions. You don’t have to feel excited, rest is productive, connection matters, perfection isn’t required, and it’s okay to choose what fits your capacity this holiday season. ❤️

The Winter Solstice falls on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night. From then on, daylight slowly returns. A reminder that darkness is temporary and brighter days will come. ✨🌲❄️

We have another new series related to our amazing member centres, specifically focusing on the programs they have. 💜 First, we are starting with Distress Centre Ottawa and Region: ➕ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ⚠️safeTALK 📓The Distress Centre Workshop

In this episode, Vijay breaks down the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario’s proposed reforms, with insights from the Psychology Advocacy Network, this episode explores what’s at stake and the growing push back from mental health professionals.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Distress and Crisis Ontario! We encourage you to spend time with loved ones, relax, and enjoy the magic of the holidays however you celebrate. May this time bring you warmth, joy, and peace. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! 🩵❄️

Merry Christmas from DCO ❤️🎄 A gentle reminder that this season looks different for everyone. May today bring moments of peace, comfort, connection, and small pockets of warmth, however that shows up for you. 🤍