May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to educating, informing, and raising awareness about mental health.
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve curated a collection of mental health resources connected to women’s health care research. This month is an opportunity to shine light on critical mental health resources that can aid individuals and challenge harmful stigmas for women and gender-diverse people.
We encourage you to explore these resources created by the women’s health research community and share them with anyone who may find them helpful. It is important to emphasize that mental health is an integral aspect of our holistic understanding of women’s health. Let’s continue to raise awareness together!
To stay connected with the WHRI, visit our Instagram for the latest publications, news, events, current research and exciting opportunities.
Mental Health Bundle
Join #CompassionConnects with CMHA
This years Mental Health Week, organized by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), highlights the theme of compassion. The theme is on the healing power of compassion, especially in a world where mental health concerns are growing. It is important to call to attention how acts of compassion can bridge divides and create human connection.
From May 6 to 12, 2024 CMHA invites everyone to explore how compassion connects us all.
Creating Comfort in Choice Theory: Animated Video
This charming animation is based on extensive research done by Dr. Catriona Hippman.
This educational video, Creating Comfort in Choice Theory, describes the personal journey women take in deciding whether to take antidepressant medication during pregnancy. It is created in the hopes that others can understand the complexities of making such a decision, while navigating internal and external influences, and to support those facing this decision. Resources References in the video:
BC Reproductive Mental Health Program: Reproductive Mental Health Services (bcwomens.ca)
Pacific Post Partum Support Society:Pacific Post Partum Support Society – Vancouver, BC Canada
The Adapt Clinic: For Patients & Families | BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (bcchr.ca)
@WomensResearch, Episode 18: Reproductive mental health
This insightful @WomensResearch podcast episode, on Reproductive mental health, was in honour of World Maternal Mental Health day, hosted by Dr. Kathryn Dewar with guests Dr. Catriona Hippman and Claire Lawrence about their research on reproductive mental health.
Knowledge Translation: YouTube Videos
#Notinyourhead
#NotInYourHead is a campaign spearheaded by Dr. Lori Brotto, professor in the faculty of medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and our Executive Director at the WHRI, to raise awareness for the chronic genital pain condition known as Provoked Vestibulodynia or PVD. PVD is characterized by provoking pain with touch to the vulvar area, and affects up to 10% of women. This campaign also shares evidence based research of psychological treatments that can help manage female genital pain. It is important to remember that knowledge and understanding are the first steps in an individual’s journey to recovery. Click below to learn more!
#debunkingdesire
UBC Sexual Health Research created the #DebunkingDesire campaign that addresses myths surrounding low sexual desire and highlights what can be done to help. This video investigates the role of chronic stress and how it is correlated with women’s low sexual desire. Low sexual desire is common. In fact, 1 in 3 women experience it. Their study suggests that managing stress is key. Try activities such as deep breathing practices, physical activity, yoga and many more!
The Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab: Infographic on Postpartum Harm Thoughts
The Perinatal Anxiety Lab (PAR Lab) is thrilled to share their infographic on Postpartum Harm Thoughts. Their team of experts (clinicians, researchers, and patient partners) worked to ensure this infographic was informative, engaging, and thoughtful.
This infographic educates pregnant and postpartum people, their partners and families, and maternity care providers about unwanted, intrusive thoughts of infant-related harm experienced by many new parents. This information can help make these kinds of thoughts less frightening to those who experience them and reduce the risk that they may develop into a mental health difficulty.
Reducing Stigma in Primary Care
The Reducing Stigma in Primary Care project is focused on reducing stigma of substance use and building capacity in patient-oriented primary care research. Together, community and academic researchers analysed data and created a map of what would make people who use substances feel safe to go the doctor. Focus groups identified eight key themes that would make people who use substances feel safe to go the doctor. Learn more about the themes identifies and the plans in action to implement these findings.
The PHSA POD has also has a Wellness Webinar Series throughout the month of May where you can learn more about compassion, increasing mental health literacy in the workplace, psychological hygiene and many more insightful topics!
If you are looking for medical advice please contact you health care provider and you can visit Canadian Health Association for guidance.
If you have comments or questions, please contact us at whri.communications@cw.bc.ca.