Category: Blog: Miscellaneous

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Over the years, mental health has become part of the daily conversation for many, and there is a need for social policies that create collaboration space to improve human well-being. 

By Eanimi Deborah Agube, ESPC Volunteer

Introduction 

Although the term Mental Health has become more popular and acceptable today, there is still a need for awareness on implementing initiatives, procedures and policies. Social policies on mental health work to improve human well-being and contribute to better and more healthy communities.  These social policies ensure funding and collaboration opportunities to address access to the need for Mental Health services without discrimination. Many Mental Health initiatives are centred around communities for services, funding and support. However, “engaging community members in localized actions for well-being does not remove from governments’ responsibilities to provide high-quality social services” (Fisher, 2022, pp. 567–581).

Why is this important? 

The conversations around Mental Health are becoming more about action and awareness since the COVID-19 pandemic; there has been an increased observation on mental health individuals and organizations have become more aware of the need for mental health initiatives. It is reported that insurance companies paid out $580 million in mental health claims in 2022, a 75 percent increase from 2019 (O’Hara, 2022). This increase in awareness and action is also shown in a study by the Alberta Medical Association that noted that 70 percent of parents in Alberta said their children’s mental health was worse since the pandemic (Smith, 2022).  

Mental Health concerns have indeed existed long before the pandemic, as it is noted that “one in five adult Canadians will have a mental disorder in their lives” (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2023). However, the pandemic brought about a higher rise in awareness. The reality of so many Canadians surviving mental health issues makes it crucial that social policies address mental health in communities. These social policies should be able to manage mental health at all stages, which means including programs like the Provincial Mental Health Diversion. This program is intended to address the criminalization of mental health crises. Social policies around mental health ensure adequate funding, advocacy and mental health awareness. 

Mental Health and Social Policy in Alberta 

Organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Alberta Health Services (AHS) have taken action to advocate for mental health in Alberta. These actions include reviewing the AHS mental health and addictions programs (Bellefontaine, 2023). The logistics of this review are still in progress, as the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is seeking an outside contractor. The Government of Alberta is also working on a new Alberta model that adopts a recovery-oriented approach and will aid in building six new recovery communities (Government of Alberta, 2023).  

The province of Alberta continues to take numerous steps to acknowledge the need for better mental health measures and promote better funding for mental health advocacy. For example, the Red Deer News Now reported that in 2022, the Alberta government announced a $3.4 million investment (rdnewsNOW Staff, 2022) to build a Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC). The CACAC provides services to children facing abuse and mental health issues. This investment is part of a framework that collaborates in providing social services.  

How to get involved? 

Many communities and groups have taken various steps to continue the conversation around mental health; some of these steps include working with local organizations to provide services that address the different needs of the community. For a more general approach that ensures that the Government of Alberta introduces social policies, the CMHA suggests that members of communities reach out to their MLA to ask for more mental health programs.  (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2021)   

The Mental health and Addictions advisory council’s recommendation helps the Ministry of Health transform mental health services; this is evident in the recent recovery-oriented system approach. Community members can contact the board to voice suggestions and share experiences highlighting the importance of social services and policies.   

The CMHA Alberta Division also has multiple mental health programs that are community-based and grassroots-run, including;  

• Free virtual mental health resources  

• In-person and virtual community-based peer support for military and first responders  
• Community events like conferences, fundraising events, conversations and inclusivity support  

Summary 

In summary, awareness of mental health and the issues that arises from poor mental health is crucial for the well-being of Canadians. Alberta’s social policies ensure that mental health is not just a buzzword. Social policies ensure that steps are taken to ensure that the issues are being addressed. Mental health conversations and actions continue to be needed in today’s world, and policies are being implemented to ensure that actions are taken to improve citizens’ well-being. While there is evidence of change and implementation of social policies, this is only a journey. 

Eanimi Agube’s interest in working to understand better ways to empower communities and learn more about the challenges faced by marginalized communities has led her to complete her Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning. In her spare time, she is an avid podcast listener, an aspiring adventurer and an animal lover. 

References

Alberta Health Services. (2018). Provincial Mental Health Diversion Program Service Operating Requirement. Calgary: Alberta Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page2767.aspx 

Bellefontaine, M. (2023). Alberta Health Services to undergo review of mental health, addictions services. CBC. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-health-services-to-undergo-review-of-mental-health-addictions-services-1.6736266 

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2021). Mental Health Must Be Part of the Equation.  Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved from: https://alberta.cmha.ca/news/mental-health-must-be-part-of-the-equation/ 

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2023). Mental Illness in Canada. Alberta Division Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved from: https://alberta.cmha.ca/mental-illness-in-canada/ 

Fisher, M. (2022). Moving Social Policy from Mental Illness to Public Wellbeing. Journal of Social Policy, pp. 567–581. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279421000866 

Government of Alberta. (2022). Mental health and addictions advisory council. Government of Alberta. Retrieved from: https://www.alberta.ca/mental-health-and-addiction-advisory-council.aspx 

Government of Alberta. (2023). The Alberta Model: A Recovery-Oriented System of Care. Government of Alberta. Retrieved from: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-recovery-oriented-system-of-care.aspx 

O’Hara, C. (2022). Insurers see leap in claims for mental health services amid pandemic strains. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-insurers-see-leap-in-claims-for-mental-health-services-amid-pandemic/ 

Red Deer News Now Staff. (2022). Province announces $3.4 million investment for Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre. Red Deer News Now. Retrieved from: https://rdnewsnow.com/2022/03/01/province-announces-3-4-million-investment-for-central-alberta-child-advocacy-centre/ 

Smith, K. (2022). More than 70% of teens report worse mental health compared to before COVID: Survey.  Global News. Retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/8882754/alberta-teens-mental-health-covid-survey/ 

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Childhood trauma not only affects the present lives of children, but it can affect their future as adults. Their mental health can be impacted for the long term. However, a good support system can have powerful positive effects on their lives, creating resilience. 

By Alejandra Hasbun, Practicum Student

Childhood is the most essential time for development. A child who experiences neglect, too much stress, and trauma, can have serious negative consequences on that child’s life and future. A traumatic childhood can critically affect adult life.  

Children are learning how to regulate emotions, problem-solve, and acquire basic skills. Further science has shown us how trauma and stress impact children’s developing brains, affecting how they react to day-to-day situations. (1) If natural processes of child development are interrupted, they can have lasting outcomes as an adult. A child that is never spoken to will not acquire a language (2); a child that is never loved will struggle to love. The main caregivers are usually the child’s role models, and whatever they do or not do impacts what the child learns about life and their behaviour. (3) A supportive adult figure, whether caregiver or not, in a child’s life can help them excel and overcome hardship through the development of resilience.  

How Childhood Trauma affects adults? 

In Canada, 1 in 3 people has experienced traumatic childhood experiences. (4) How does this affect later life? Adults with a past of childhood trauma can have heightened rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, difficulty regulating emotions, substance use, experience being unhoused, and live in poverty or with low income. (5) Early chronic life stress, which can be caused by abuse or trauma, can cause the body to not be able to regulate stress properly. (6) Stress management is important because stress affects almost every aspect of a person’s life. Chronic or unhealthy stress can cause negative health impacts including heightened rates of mental unwellness, heightened blood pressure, heart disease, substance use and more. Chronic or unhealthy stress can impact people emotionally and socially including difficulty maintaining relationships, or adhering to social norms (7)  

The lasting effects of trauma can also be seen through generational and historical trauma, defined as transmitting the impact of traumatic events to younger generations.  Older generations not being able to receive the help they needed, can transfer negative emotions to the younger generation, unintentionally contributing to a continuation of a trauma cycle, or cannot help the new generation deal with traumas they are experiencing. (8) Usually, this trauma is caused by recurring systemic oppressions, colonization and violence. (9) It can be hard for those that experienced generational/historical trauma to search for the help needed, because of, discrimination, cultural barriers, or unavailability.  

Resiliency 

A traumatic childhood does not have to equal a bad adulthood. Children that have at least one supportive figure in their life are more likely to have reduced stress and clear goals for their future. Even if that figure is not a parent, the support can highly affect the child’s life positively. (10) Children that have experienced abuse and trauma need a healthy adult role model, someone that is by their side, does not give up on them, and is someone they can trust, for this marks a significant difference in their lives helping them build relationships and confidence.  Early intervention can foster resilience in children, which is defined as the capacity to utilize holistic resources to maintain one’s well-being during challenging times. Resilient children can manage external stressors positively and develop a problem-solving mind. (11) 

What can be done? 

Awareness of the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health is the first step as every person can start to make a difference in the lives of future generations. You can help support organizations that help families grow together. You can help impact a person’s life, consider volunteering at these organizations: Boys and Girls Club, Bent Arrow, Africa Centre, and Terra Centre. 

Here are three agencies in Edmonton, Alberta that can help children experiencing trauma or learn more about how to take action: Little Warriors, Zebra Centre, and Metis Child & Family Services.  

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, please call the crisis line at 2-1-1.  

Alejandra Hasbun (she/her), an international student from El Salvador, possesses a strong interest in the field of human behavior and mental health advocacy. In her spare time, her passion lies in travelling and exploring the world, immersing herself in new cultures, and gaining a different understanding of the world through meeting new people. 

REFERNCES:  

1- Perry B. (2005), Maltreatment and the Developing Child: Early Childhood Experience Affects Child and Culture. https://www.lfcc.on.ca/mccain/perry1.html 

2-  Linguistic Society of America, FAQ: Language Acquisition |. (n.d.). https://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/faq-how-do-we-learn-language 

3- CDC (2021, September 23), Child Development Basics |.. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html 

4- McGill University. (2023). Too many Canadian children and youth are impacted by trauma. Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma. https://www.traumaconsortium.com/en/ 

5- ISTSS – Childhood Trauma. (n.d.). https://istss.org/public-resources/trauma-basics/what-is-childhood-trauma/effects-of-childhood-trauma 

6- Carpenter, L. L., Shattuck, T. T., Tyrka, A. R., Geracioti, T. D., & Price, L. H. (2010). Effect of childhood physical abuse on cortisol stress response. Psychopharmacology, 214(1), 367–375. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-2007-4 

7- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, July 8). Chronic stress puts your health at risk. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037?reDate=31012023 

8- Ryder, G. (2022, April 15). How Intergenerational Trauma Impacts Families. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-intergenerational-trauma-impacts-families 

9- Resource Guide to Trauma-Informed Human Services. (n.d.). The Administration for Children and Families. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/trauma-toolkit 

10- Harvard University. (2021, April 23). Three Early Childhood Development Principles to Improve Child Outcomes. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/three-early-childhood-development-principles-improve-child-family-outcomes/ 

11-  Ungar, M. (2021, July 19). U is for Michael Ungar: Developing Resilience In Children. The Positive Encourager. https://www.thepositiveencourager.global/michael-ungar-talks-about-developing-resilience-in-children-video/ 

Mental health and substance use often co-occur and are complications that require trauma-informed and person-centred care. Destigmatization and harm reduction approaches are important in these circumstances.   

By Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer

Substance use and mental unwellness can be interlinked. When they are co-occurring they typically reinforce each other which has many adverse effects on well-being and life functioning. (1)  It is indeterminable if mental health complications or substance use comes first for many reasons: drugs may be used for self-medication purposes, they have common risk factors (such as genetic predisposition, stress, and/or trauma), and the substance(s) may heighten/awaken preexisting mental illness or even cause them by altering brain structure. (1) (2) Nonetheless, substance use and its interaction with mental health is a grave and serious reality in Canada, as reflected by the ongoing opioid crisis. (3)  

There have been 1443 deaths from drug poisoning (any substance) in Alberta between January and November 2022, with 556 occurring in Edmonton. (4) Furthermore, more than 1 in 4 adults living with a mental health diagnosis also struggle with substance misuse, (5) and people with mental illness are twice as likely as other Canadians to engage with substances. (6) Common susceptible mental disorders include ADHD, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. (2) (5) For example, those with major depressive disorder (MDD) are twice as likely to use alcohol harmfully, with drug dependence being four times as likely. (7) Those with both substance dependence and MDD are less likely to seek treatment while more likely to have heightened suicidal thoughts and psychological distress. (7)  

Stigmatization 

Despite a need for respectful and effective intervention, mental unwellness and substance use are frequently marginalized and stigmatized – much to the detriment of impacted individuals. (3) (8) This negatively affects how the (opioid) crisis is perceived, hinders the establishment of necessary help-giving services, perpetuates misinformation on mental and substance use disorders, and poses a barrier to accessing treatment. (3) These negative effects are further complicated when judgment comes from medical professionals, which can result in inadequate care and system mistrust. (3) Destigmatization is paramount. It involves challenging the misconceptions that people who struggle with mental health and/or substance misuse are morally corrupt or unworthy. (3) (8) It also requires addressing systemic gaps, training for trauma-informed care in healthcare (and other front-line services), establishing contact, and educating on substance use and recovery. (3) (8)  

Because abstinence from substance use is not always possible, harm reduction is a beneficial approach to addressing the use of substances. (8) (9) Harm reduction aims to minimize harm from substance use by providing care that is inclusive, trauma-informed and person-centred. (8) (9) Rather than focusing on abstinence, this approach meets individuals where they are, listens to them, and recognizes the person’s particular circumstances and needs. (8) (9) It serves those who use substances by providing them with information on the potential risks along with informing them on safe use. (8)  

A substantial percentage of people who experience mental and/or substance use difficulties do not seek treatment or services, which is heightened in street-involved populations. (10) Studies conducted in Edmonton have found that such populations have complex circumstances, enduring trauma and facing both social and care exclusion. (10) (11) According to a study published in 2022, Edmontonians in this situation often perceive a need for health services (89%) and do pursue them (73%). (10) However, only 8% of respondents who sought help had their needs met. (10) This percentage of unmet care is much higher than what is reported in the general population, indicating a care system in need of improvement for this underserved community. (10)  The reported reasons for not accessing care were wanting to manage care by oneself (most common), not wanting help at the time, not knowing where to find help, and being allowed a limited amount of time (least common); this could reflect mistrust in the system, based on intersectional negative biases/discrimination that persons who are unhoused experience. (10) 

Finding Help and Responding to Drug Poisoning 

Challenging misconceptions about mental illness and substance dependence is important in minimizing harm and destigmatizing these serious (and often co-existing) conditions. Further, recognizing and knowing the signs and symptoms of mental unwellness and substance misuse can be the first step in initiating healing (HelpGuide lists some indicators). (1) If a mental or substance use disorder is suspected, professional advice should be sought.  

Preventing overdose and minimizing harm from substance use is crucial. If you suspect an overdose is occurring call 911 immediately. (12) Signs of drug poisoning, as outlined by Alberta Health Services (AHS) are (12): 

For opioid overdose, Naloxone Kits are vital and are available here. (13) For other drug poisonings, stay with the person and call 911. (13) Placing the individual in the recovery position may also be helpful–especially for alcohol poisoning. (13) Avoiding overdose can also occur by not using substances alone, and by utilizing supervised consumption sites. (14) (15) AHS educational tools are available here, along with their information on drug safety available here. Further supports available are as follows: 

• AHS offers a 24/7 line for Addiction & Mental Health available at 780-424-2424  
• Indigenous-specific substance use and wellness support can be found through The Thunderbird Partnership Foundation or from the Government of Canada’s website 
• Edmonton services for mental health and addiction for adults, youth, and seniors 

• The Edmonton Housing Directory lists places and services for those in need of housing (PDF for the latest 2022 version) 

Amethyst Zapisocky is working towards a BA in psychology at the University of Alberta. A fourth-year undergraduate student, her career focus is on research and social development. She values equity, learning, and philanthropy. Personally, Amethyst enjoys statistics, mindfulness and jazz music. 

References 

1. Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2023, January 4). Dual diagnosis: Substance abuse and mental health. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/substance-abuse-and-mental-health.htm  
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2021, March). Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health  
3. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2020, October 14). Stigma and the opioid crisis: Summary. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/stigma-and-the-opioid-crisis-summary/  
4. Government of Alberta. (2023, January). Acute substance deaths overview. Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://healthanalytics.alberta.ca/SASVisualAnalytics/?reportUri=%2Freports%2Freports%2F1bbb695d-14b1-4346-b66e-d401a40f53e6&sectionIndex=0&sso_guest=true&reportViewOnly=true&reportContextBar=false&sas-welcome=false  
5. MentalHealth. (2022, March 10). Mental Health and substance use co-occurring disorders. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mental-health-substance-use-disorders  
6. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (n.d.). Mental health and substance use. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/mental-health-and-substance-use/  
7. Currie, S. R., Patten, S. B., Williams, J. V., Wang, J., Beck, C. A., El-Guebaly, N., & Maxwell, C. (2005). Comorbidity of major depression with substance use disorders. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 50(10), 660-666. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370505001013  
8. Danda, Michelle. (2022). Meeting substance use patients where they are. American Journal of Nursing, 122(4), 11. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000827256.97267.59  
9. Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Harm reduction: Harm reduction services. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15432.aspx  
10. Hyshka, E., Anderson, J. T., & Wild, T. C. (2017). Perceived unmet need and barriers to care amongst street-involved people who use illicit drugs. Drug & Alcohol Review, 36(3), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12427  
11. Addorisio, S., Kamel, M. M., Westenberg, J. N., Heyd, A., Maragha, T., Abusamak, M., … & Krausz, R. M. (2022). Unmet service needs and barriers to care of individuals experiencing absolute homelessness in Edmonton, Canada: a cross-sectional survey. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 57(2), 387-395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-021-02080-2  
12. Alberta Health Services. How to spot an overdose. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page16025.aspx#symptoms  
13. FraserHealth. (n.d.). Information, resources and tips on how to respond to an overdose. https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/mental-health-and-substance-use/overdose-prevention-and-response/responding-to-an-overdose  
14. Alberta Health Services. (n.d.) Supervised consumption services. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15434.aspx 
15. Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). DrugSafe. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page12491.aspx  

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Grief is a response to profound loss which comes in many forms and affects people differently. Resources, wellness practice and support networks are important ways to facilitate healing from this experience, especially as it pertains to marginalized loss.    

By Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer

Grief is the experience of and response to loss. (1) Although typically associated with the death of a loved one, it can occur after any loss. (1) (2) It can take many forms, making it difficult to pinpoint because grief varies across persons, situations and cultures. Some examples of specific subforms are abrupt (sudden/unexpected), climate (environmental anxieties), and anticipatory (loss about to happen) grief. (3) Major systemic forms of grief are demonstrated through collective grief (grief typically found in large-scale tragedies or under human rights violations) and disenfranchised grief (when grief is stigmatized or disregarded by others). (3) Connected to this latter form is disenfranchised guilt and stress, whereby an individual feels frustrated yet unentitled to grieve because it has been socially disregarded. (4)  

On the broadest level, grief can be separated into two categories: uncomplicated and complicated. (2) The former follows the healthiest progression where the person’s grieving journey finalizes with acceptance and/or peace. Uncomplicated grief rarely needs medical intervention, as it is healthy to allow the grieving process to play out with appropriate wellness and support systems in place. (2) Conversely, complicated grief is prolonged suffering, where the individual is perpetually yearning and in distress from their loss. (2) In this case, targeted therapies can be important for the griever’s well-being. (2) 

There are many physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms attached to grief, including isolation, eating and/or sleep disturbances, distress, shock, denial, anxiety, and (when extreme) substance abuse and/or suicidality. (1) (2) (5) (6) Many wellness techniques can be beneficial for relieving grief whenever it arises, including self-care and connecting with others. (1)  

Disenfranchised and Collective Grief 

Collective grief is a result of large-scale tragedies, disasters or loss that affect all members of a population. (7) Examples include the devastating Fort MacMurray fire in 2016, (8) as well as Edmonton communities forming from widespread eco-grief. (9) Such events can negatively impact community, interpersonal and intrapersonal functioning. (7) In this case, grief, confusion, disrupted living, safety fears, and disenfranchisement are common. (7) Furthermore, social justice implications are involved in collectivized grief because the pain of marginalized populations is more likely to be stigmatized, undermined and/or unacknowledged. (7) (10) The impacted communities are less likely to receive the support or resources they need for healing/rebuilding. (10) In some cases, the grievers are viewed as at fault for their circumstances and are, subsequently, underserved. (10)  

Grief from and alongside drug addiction or overdose is frequently invalidated, despite the ongoing crisis and cycle of guilt, trauma, and loss associated with those affected. (11) (12) Despite efforts such as Edmonton’s Overdose Awareness Day (first held on August 31, 2022), those struggling with addiction have difficulty accessing adequate treatments and resources. (11)  

Indigenous communities face disproportionately high levels of loss, which is further complicated by stigmatization, difficulty accessing resources (such as rehabilitation centers), and a need for thorough investigations/justice for violence against Indigenous Peoples (for example, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). (13) (14) A recent workshop intended for Inuvialuit and Gwich’in youth was hosted by the Western Arctic Youth Collective in Inuvik; it targeted mental wellness by establishing an Indigenous safe space for discussion and activities on grief and promoting hope which yielded promising results for healing. (15) (16)

Collective and disenfranchised grief are intertwined. Outside observers can also experience collective grief as a result of being exposed to the loss of others. (7) As such, adequate and honest exposure to the loss of marginalized communities is imperative for understanding, destigmatization, and inclusive efforts for healing. (7) Bearing witness to grief is a powerful way to support grieving communities. The pain that loss brings needs to be attended to through acknowledgement, support, and resources, with systemic gaps needing to be filled in order to help every griever.  

RECOVER’s Soloss Project 

Albertans are not immune to grief. RECOVER’s Soloss project targets disenfranchised grief in street-involved Edmontonians. (17) Soloss conducted an ethnographic study which found that profound grief was pervasive in this population, which has been minimized and ignored (disenfranchised) producing further stigmatization, mental illness, substance use, isolation, and eviction. (17) Subsequently, Soloss has become a community care intervention which employs diverse Losstenders (trained recruits who connect with grieving Edmontonians) to facilitate intercultural healing through art and bearing witness to loss. (17) This has not only helped marginalized persons receive important support for their bereavement but also informs fellow Edmontonians to understand this suffering. (17) The project has helped many grieving populations including Indigenous Peoples, those in addiction recovery, refugees and immigrants, and social service workers through acknowledgement and holistic therapies. (17) Overall, this intervention seeks to fill the gap in resources available to equity seeking grievers in Edmonton by establishing connections and integrative practices to facilitate peace. (17) 

Establishing Wellness in The Face of Grief  

There are many ways to promote healing when grief arises. Different resources and wellness practices work for differing persons and circumstances, but some tips for healing are as follows: 

• Connect with loved ones and/or a support network (1) 
• Practice self-care/self-loving strategies (1) (6) 
• Avoid trying to rush the healing process (1) 

• Plan ahead for triggering holidays or occasions which may reignite grief (1) 
• Be honest about your feelings and acknowledge your loss (1) (6) 
• Allow for life to change while still remembering and honouring your loss (1) (7) 

Connecting with resources can also be beneficial, with many targeted programs/services available to help. Edmonton’s Grief and Trauma Healing Centre is available for therapeutic aid. Alberta Health Services lists many services for grief available here. As previously described, Soloss is also open for disenfranchised grievers, with Losstenders available to be booked here. 

Amethyst Zapisocky is working towards a BA in psychology at the University of Alberta. A fourth-year undergraduate student, her career focus is on research and social development. She values equity, learning, and philanthropy. Personally, Amethyst enjoys statistics, mindfulness and jazz music. 

References 

1. Canadian Mental Health Association (n.d.). Grieving. CMHA Alberta Division. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://alberta.cmha.ca/documents/grieving/  
2. Zisook, S., & Shear, K. (2009). Grief and bereavement: What psychiatrists need to know. World Psychiatry, 8(2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2009.tb00217.x  
3. Gillette, H. (2022, December 19). 9 different types of grief. PsychCentral.  Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/health/types-of-grief  
4. Degges-White, S. (2021, March 30). Disenfranchised grief: Mourning events that never were. Psychology Today. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/lifetime-connections/202103/disenfranchised-grief-mourning-events-never-were  
5. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. (n.d.). Your journey to healing. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/  
6. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022, September 6). Grief and loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/grief-loss/index.html  
7. Kropf, N. P., & Jones, B. L. (2014). When public tragedies happen: Community practice approaches in grief, loss, and recovery. Journal of Community Practice, 22(3), 281-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2014.929539  
8. Baretta,, G. (2016, June 1). The fire is out, but the grieving continues. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/blog/fire-grieving-continues  
9. Wdowczyk, A. (2022, August 29). Edmonton climate activists use their ‘eco-grief’ as a tool for building communities. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-climate-activists-use-their-eco-grief-as-a-tool-for-building-communities-1.6562046  
10. Bordere, T. C. (2016). Social justice conceptualizations in grief and loss. In D.L. Harris, R.A. Neimeyer & T.C. Bordere (Eds.), Handbook of social justice in loss and grief (pp. 9-20). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315659756  
11. Junker, A. (2022, August 30). Edmonton and area to mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-and-area-to-mark-international-overdose-awareness-day-on-wednesday  
12. Giacomucci, S. (2020). Addiction, traumatic loss, and guilt: A case study resolving grief through psychodrama and sociometric connections. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 67, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2019.101627  
13. Stewart, C. (2022, September 28). ‘Nothing is being done’: Services desperately needed in Maskwacis says grieving father. APTN News. https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/grieving-father-services-drugs-murder-samson-cree-nation/  
14. Liewicki, N. (2022, December 4). Grief in Long Plain First Nation after 2 women from Manitoba community identified as homicide victims. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sadness-grief-long-plain-first-nation-chief-1.6673225  
15. ‘My pain had a place’: Youth mental health event in Inuvik focuses on grief and loss. (2022, December 17). CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuvik-youth-mental-health-gathering-1.6687303  
16. Western Arctic Youth Collective. (2022, November 18). WAYC is hosting a Youth Mental Wellness Gathering in Inuvik Dec 9-11, 2022 for youth ages 18-30. During [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/waycwaycwayc/photos/a.117064356752069/693637732428059  
17. RECOVER. (n.d.). Soloss. Urban Wellness Edmonton. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.urbanwellnessedmonton.com/soloss  

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