DCO Discourse...

DCO Discourse...

Discussions on topics related to mental health, addictions, and life in Ontario, Canada. We aim to provide our listeners with tools and resources that will help them to improve their own mental health and wellness, as well as tools to help them support their family members, loved ones, and their communities at large. If you would like to provide feedback and/or request future topics, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/MhSNiyMm2c2xsiv8A. We regret to announce that the ONTX text and chat program will cease operations on November 30th, 2023. Text and chat services will remain available until that date, however, they will no longer be accessible starting December 1st, 2023. If you are seeking support alternatives, we encourage you to visit our website at www.dcontario.org/locations to locate your nearest Member centre, some of which provide their own text and/or chat support services.

Episodes

Episode 332: The Loss That Lingers: Holding Space for Grief

May 12, 2025 • 18 mins
In this solo episode, podcast host Christina Droumtsekas reflects on the kind of grief that lingers—the kind that reshapes who we are and how we move through the world. She opens up about the recent passing of her grandmother and the end of her marriage, sharing honest stories about how loss can show up in unexpected ways. Christina explores how grief isn’t limited to death—it can also come from losing a friendship, a dream, a role...
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Episode 331: On “Stressed Out: How to Cope Before You Burn Out”

May 5, 2025 • 48 mins
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in this episode of Stressed Out: How to Cope Before You Burn Out, host Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Registered Psychotherapist Tracey Sebastian for an honest conversation about one of the most common mental health struggles we all face—stress. Together, they explore how stress shows up in our bodies and minds, the connection between chronic stress and mental well-being, and practical s...
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Episode 330: On Understanding Distress, Crisis, and How to Support Others

April 28, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Val Brosseau, and together they explore the difference between being in distress or in crisis, and knowing when to reach out for help. They will also discuss the role of a crisis responder and what you can expect when you call a support line. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to f...
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Episode 329: On Identity with Vijay pt 4: Expanding the Narrative

April 21, 2025 • 55 mins
In the final episode of this series, Vijay, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continues to share their experiences as a trans non-binary individual of color, as well as sharing the experiences of others in the queer community. The discussion between Vijay and Caitlin focuses on the importance of timely and appropriate interventions for queer individuals, the need for better understanding and training in queer issues among healt...
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Episode 328: On exploring the heart of Distress and Crisis Ontario

April 14, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode as the new host, Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, to explore the organization at the core of this podcast. Together, we dive into DCO’s mission, its evolution, and the powerful ways it supports individuals and communities across the province. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.d...
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Episode 327: On Mental Health In the Workplace

April 7, 2025 • 23 mins
In today’s episode Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, is joined by Ryan to discuss mental health in the workplace. Specifically, Ryan share’s his experience of seeing how mental health is approached in the food service and construction industries. This episode does contain some rather heavy discussion of mental health, substance use, and suicidality. To connect with support related to this episode, or fo...
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Episode 326: On Exploring Identity with Vijay pt 3: Tackling the “Tough Questions”.

March 31, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode, Caitlin continues her conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, sharing their journey of self-discovery as a trans, nonbinary person of color. In part three Caitlin and Vijay delve a little deeper into some of the tougher questions surrounding identity, coming out, the suicide crisis in the trans community, and more. As discussed in the episode, the following are s...
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Episode 325: On Creating Your Own Path: Pursuing an Artistic Career and Protecting Your Mental Health

March 24, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Kyla Salliss, a professional makeup artist and young entrepreneur, about navigating the challenges of pursuing a non-conventional career in the arts while maintaining mental well-being. Kyla shares her journey from starting out in the creative industry to building her own business, offering valuable advice on managing the pressures of entrepreneurship and staying true to her passion. T...
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Episode 324: On Navigating Political Stress: Strategies for Mental Well-Being

March 17, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode, Navigating Political Stress: Strategies for Mental Well-Being, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager, is joined by Amanda Giorgini, a thanatology graduate from King’s University, to discuss how to manage stress in today’s political climate. We explore how to recognize when political events are impacting mental health, ways to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, and how to engage in politica...
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Episode 323: On Exploring Identity with Vijay pt 2: Understanding the 2SLGBTQIA+ Experience & Allyship

March 10, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional. Vijay shares their journey of self-discovery as a trans, nonbinary person of color, offering insight into the differences between trans and cis experiences, common misconceptions about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and the importance of allyship. We discuss how small acts of support can make a big impact, key te...
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Episode 322: On Starting Over: The Mental Health Impact of Immigration

March 3, 2025 • 67 mins
In this episode, Prabhvir Gill, a student placement at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Neta Gear, Executive Director of the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre and Distress and Crisis Ontario. As a registered social worker with extensive experience in crisis services, brain injury support, and community care, Neta brings valuable insight into the mental health challenges faced by immigrants. Together, they discuss how the stre...
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Episode 321: On the Foundations of a Healthy Relationship with Christina Droumtsekas

February 24, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Christina Droumtsekas, a therapist with a background in both therapy and the arts, about building healthy and fulfilling romantic relationships. Christina shares insights on key relationship dynamics including communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. She explores how attachment styles shape the...
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Episode 320: On Building Healthy Workplace Relationships

February 17, 2025 • 47 mins
In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, is joined by Program Manager Caitlin Plant to explore the importance of fostering positive workplace relationships. Using insights from Psychology Today, they discuss key elements like trust, communication, setting boundaries, and managing conflicts professionally. They also touch on the role of emotional intelligence, the impac...
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Episode 319: On Exploring Identity with Vijay

February 10, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode, Caitlin Plant, Program Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, speaks with Vijay, a Psychology & Neuroscience student and mental health professional, about their journey as a trans, nonbinary individual of color. Vijay shares their personal experiences navigating identity, mental health, and some of the challenges of being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They discuss the impact of current social and political cli...
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Episode 318: On Divorce and Its Impact: Understanding, Coping, and Healing

February 3, 2025 • 46 mins
Editors note: sorry for the delay in the podcast upload I (Damien) was busy having a baby over the weekend and i'm just getting back up to speed now. In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen speaks with Samantha Cranston, a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, about the emotional and psychological impact of divorce on children and young adults. Samantha shares insights on navigating major life changes, setting boundaries in family relationsh...
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Episode 317: On Understanding Children's Mental Health

January 27, 2025 • 35 mins
This week on the podcast, Prabhvir Gill, a Humber College student completing his placement with DCO, sits down with Zeryab Ayub, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies at York University. Together, they explore the crucial topic of children’s mental health. From recognizing early warning signs to understanding the long-term effects of trauma, Prabhvir and Zeryab discuss practical ways parents, caregivers, and ...
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Episode 316: On Rethinking Masculinity: part 2

January 20, 2025 • 41 mins
Continuing last week’s conversation on masculinity, Marissa Rasmussen is joined by therapist Chad MackIntosh from The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre. Together, they delve deeper into the impact of toxic masculinity, discussing societal pressures, media influences, and practical ways to foster healthier perspectives on masculinity and emotional well-being. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going ...
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Episode 315: On Rethinking Masculinity: Breaking the Cycle of Harm

January 13, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen has a thoughtful conversation with Caleb Pauze about toxic masculinity and its impact on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole. They discuss how societal expectations and media influence shape ideas of masculinity and explore the challenges men face in expressing emotions and breaking free from harmful stereotypes. Caleb also shares insights on fostering healthier, more inclusive appr...
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Episode 314: On Exploring the Connection Between Wilderness and Mental Health

January 6, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode, I’m joined by Caleb Pauzé, a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, Wilderness First Responder, and experienced canoe trip leader, to explore the transformative power of wilderness adventures on mental health. Caleb shares what canoe tripping is and reflects on how extended time in nature impacts mental clarity and mood, the role of solitude and disconnection from technology, and the resilience built through the physical ...
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Episode 313: On Realistic Goal Setting

December 30, 2024 • 42 mins
In this episode, Marissa Rasmussen, Communications and Marketing Manager at Distress and Crisis Ontario, chats with Program Manager Caitlin Plant about tackling the annual challenge of New Year’s resolutions. Instead of setting lofty, unsustainable goals, they dive into practical tips for realistic goal setting, based on the Positive Psychology article What is Goal Setting and How to Do it Well by Elaine Houston. From staying motiv...
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