A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health Podcast Por CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels arte de portada

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

De: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
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A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.© 2025 CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels Ciencias Sociales Higiene y Vida Saludable Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental
Episodios
  • Episode 19: Navigating Mental Health as a Gay Man

    Episode 19: Navigating Mental Health as a Gay Man
    Nov 6 2025

    In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Matteo Stewart to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by gay men. Matteo shares his lived experience navigating identity, community, and mental health—from coming out in the 1990s, to the ongoing effects of societal expectations, to finding belonging and resilience later in life.

    Together, they unpack what it means to be “out to yourself,” the impact of code-switching, the intersection of trauma and identity, and how political and social climates continue to affect 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health today. Matteo’s honesty about his own journey—including his cancer diagnosis and how community has become his lifeline—offers a moving reminder of the healing power of connection and authenticity.

    Key Themes

    - Identity & Mental Health: Understanding the mental health impacts of being “out” versus “not out,” and the internal work of self-acceptance.

    - Code-Switching & Survival: How changing behaviour to fit in affects emotional well-being, even for those long out of the closet.

    - Community & Connection: Why safe spaces and supportive networks are critical for thriving, not just surviving.

    - Trauma & Resilience: The lasting mental health effects of discrimination, loss, and societal stigma—and the ways gay men build strength and healing.

    - Barriers to Health Care: The inequities gay men face in accessing medical and mental health supports, particularly outside major urban centres.

    Resources Mentioned:

    https://checkhimout.ca/
    https://pflagcanada.ca/
    https://gmsh.ca/
    https://advocacy-canada.lgbt/

    Takeaway:

    Matteo reminds us that mental health and identity are deeply intertwined—and that thriving comes from being seen, heard, and supported for who we truly are. Building community, finding purpose, and showing up authentically are not only acts of courage, but acts of healing.

    The A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union.
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    37 m
  • Episode 18: Involuntary Care

    Episode 18: Involuntary Care
    Oct 24 2025
    Episode 18: Involuntary CarePresented by: Beam Credit Union Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA KelownaEpisode OverviewIn this episode, Jessica Samuels speaks with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk about the complex and often divisive topic of involuntary care in British Columbia’s mental health system. Together, they unpack what involuntary care means under the BC Mental Health Act, explore how and when it’s used, and discuss why it continues to spark debate around human rights, compassion, and the need for a stronger voluntary care system.Mike offers insight into the legal framework, current practices, and the growing conversation around compassionate mandated care—especially in the context of the province’s drug poisoning crisis and rising homelessness. The conversation also touches on concerns about overrepresentation of marginalized groups and what safeguards and accountability measures exist within the system.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the Mental Health Act: The Act defines how involuntary and voluntary mental health treatment occurs in BC, with four key criteria determining if someone can be certified for involuntary care.Checks and balances: Certification requires medical assessment and multiple approvals, but review mechanisms like the Mental Health Review Board are underused.Human rights and consent: BC is the only province with a “deemed consent” clause, meaning individuals certified under the Act are considered to have consented to treatment decisions made by their care team.The role of the drug crisis: Rising substance use and homelessness have led to increased use of involuntary care as a response to complex community issues.Need for stronger voluntary care: A lack of accessible, early, and voluntary mental health services may be driving reliance on involuntary interventions.Evidence and evaluation: Research on involuntary care shows mixed results, underscoring the need for better data on outcomes and long-term support.Equity and representation: There is concern about disproportionate impacts on Indigenous and marginalized communities.A last resort: CMHA Kelowna supports involuntary care as a necessary but last-resort option, emphasizing that it must exist alongside a robust voluntary care system.Resources Mentioned:What is involuntary carehttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-acthttps://www.healthjustice.ca/fast-facts-mhahttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e34ed207332cf46d561c2da/t/66f5e892880abb36086f9736/1727391891785/GetTheFactsAboutInvoluntaryTreatment_2024_HealthJustice.pdfhttps://bc.cmha.ca/news/charter-challenge-on-bcs-mental-health-act/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pEp16qiCGE - Mayor Krog’s comment at the end is interesting. How it workshttps://www.bcmhsus.ca/about-us/who-we-are/governance/mental-health-acthttps://thetyee.ca/News/2021/11/23/BC-Forced-Mental-Health-Treatment-Spikes/ https://vancouversun.com/health/does-involuntary-care-work-three-bc-residents-share-their-personal-storiesYour Rights under BC's Mental Health Act | Here to Help Does It workhttps://bc.cmha.ca/news/involuntary-care-in-bc/https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2024/09/24/Involuntary-Care-What-BC-Should-Do-Instead/https://vancouversun.com/health/does-involuntary-care-work-three-bc-residents-share-their-personal-storieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSTFDuVnvHk Appealing https://www.bcmhrb.ca/https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/your-rights-under-bcs-mental-health-act Recent developmentsCharter ChallengeEby’s expansion of involuntary carehttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-involuntary-care-guidelines-1.7482295Health first vs Housing FirstKamloops Council wants in prisonsAbout the PodcastA Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, explores timely and complex mental health topics with local experts, sharing insights that help build healthier, more compassionate communities.
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    32 m
  • Episode 17: First Responders & Mental Health

    Episode 17: First Responders & Mental Health
    Oct 9 2025

    Being a first responder means running toward the situations most of us run away from. But that comes with an emotional and mental toll. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Kelowna Fire Captain David McCarthy, who shares what it’s like to experience trauma on the job and how the fire department is working to ensure firefighters get the support they need.


    David discusses the evolution of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) within the Kelowna Fire Department, the importance of peer support and early intervention, and how breaking the stigma around mental health has changed the culture for first responders. He also touches on new partnerships with CMHA Kelowna that are helping connect firefighters and their families to mental health resources and education.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Mental health support for first responders has come a long way — but it’s still evolving.
    • Peer support and connection among crews can make all the difference after a traumatic call.
    • Families play a crucial role in helping first responders find balance and healing.

    Listen now to learn how Kelowna’s firefighters are building a healthier, more open approach to mental wellness — for themselves, their families, and their community.


    A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, proud to support honest conversations that help build stronger, healthier communities.


    Resources
    https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/

    https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Recommended-Practices-for-Supporting-Mental-Health-in-First-Responders-170615.pdf

    https://www.bcpffa.net/mental-health-resources
    Mental Health Support Services | Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
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    32 m
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