Episode 42
Workplace wellness chat: Psychological health and safety
Back by popular demand! Our podcast series “Carrying On” welcomes Dr. Bill Howatt back into our podcast “studio” to share some mental health insights. He’s joined by Andrew Harkness, Strategy Advisor of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, to discuss psychological health and safety.
Episode 41
Coping skills considerations
We’ve all had to create and discover coping-skills. The dangers with at-risk coping skills are the frequency, duration, and intensity. These will create illusions of immediate symptom-relief. Dr. Bill Howatt encourages us to discover pro-social coping skills.
Episode 40
Building trust
Building trust is foundational to successful human relationships, which plays a big part in successful workplaces. What is the formula for building trust? Dr. Bill Howatt shares his insights.
Episode 39
“New normal”
Let’s start to notice the opportunities associated with a “new normal”—new work, new habits, new relationships, etc. Engaging in new skills will allow you to keep pace with innovations. Dr. Bill Howatt helps us navigate the idea of a “new normal.”
Episode 38
Finding silver linings
It’s been approximately 100 days since onset of COVID-19. There have been so many hardships; what is the silver lining? Dr. Bill Howatt elaborates on his personal ups and downs during this pandemic and helps us understand how to find the silver lining in all of this.
Episode 37
Worry management
While many consider worry to be exclusively negative, Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us there are some positives. Worry helps us identify when something needs to be addressed or fixed. The challenge is when it becomes overwhelming. Learn how to manage worry.
Episode 36
Returning to the workplace
It’s June 2020… Some are on their way back to work, some never left (thank you, essential workers!), and some will not go back to an office. There’s all kinds of change happening so what can we expect for back to work? How do you navigate through a new process?
Episode 35
Inclusion and diversity
Diversity and inclusion are limited by many factors, one of which being implicit biases. These are unconscious and often go unnoticed within the thoughts they occupy. Dr. Bill Howatt addresses ways to identify your own biases.
Episode 34
Parenting
Let’s face it: parenting is tough and even more so during a pandemic. Dr. Bill Howatt offers a set of 5 fundamentals he views as useful and effective when navigating everyday challenges faced by parents.
Episode 33
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Sleep disturbance occurs as a result of risk factors (COVID-19, financial stress, troubled relationships, professional stress, etc.). Lack of sleep will lead to irritation, uncontrolled emotions, and other undesirable outcomes. Dr. Bill Howatt provides 5 easy-to-remember tricks for falling asleep.
Episode 32
Reinforcing social connections with networking skills
During the COVID19 pandemic, Dr. Bill Howatt has shared with us the many benefits of creating and maintain social connections, mostly supporting good mental health. One key strategy in building social connections and reducing risk of feeling isolated and lonely is to develop networking skills. Learn the how-to’s.
Episode 31
Creating intentional, non-negotiable habits and behaviours
Psychologically, it takes 6 weeks to create a habit. Improved mental health is a result of maintaining intentional, non-negotiable habits. Dr. Bill Howatt provides you with ideas you can exercise for the next 6 weeks. Will you build a habit over this time period?
Episode 30
Generating awareness about suicide
Something that is interesting about the Mental Health space, is that we don’t talk about suicide. We should not avoid tough topics, especially during a pandemic. Learn from Dr. Bill Howatt on how to increase conversation, thus awareness.
Episode 29
Ways to reduce mental fatigue
Has your mind been feeling tired? You may not realize but “Zoom” fatigue is an emerging issue… overload on new processes is an issue… worry of spreading, catching and living with contagion is an issue. Dr. Bill Howatt provides a framework for managing mental fatigue.
Episode 28
Types of stigma and reducing it in the workplace
Common feelings and fear of being socially rejected often stem from stigma—self-stigma, peer stigma, and organizational stigma. The latter creates fear of putting your career at risk. How does one manage organizational stigma?
Episode 27
Mentally preparing for return to work
Different jobs require different skills. Some physical, some mental, some social. Dr. Bill Howatt highlights some key focus areas upon returning to work.
Episode 26
Mental fitness
20% of Canada, at any point in time, is dealing with a mental illness. About 20-30% is dealing with loneliness, which is probably 50% or so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from Dr. Bill Howatt for guiding principles on how you can make your mental health a priority.
Episode 25
Managing alcohol consumption during COVID-19
COVID-19’s effects on individual stress have added to the over 75% of Canadians who consume alcohol yearly. The danger lies in habit creation. Dr. Bill Howatt discusses alcohol consumption for the mental health series.
Episode 24
Celebrate what you have today
Overcome negative emotions by concentrating and rewarding the accomplishments. Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us all of the importance in celebrating big and small milestones during the COVID-19 pandemic, to better mental health.
Episode 23
Financial health management
Dr. Bill Howatt on Financial Health; it was the #1 cause of stress amongst Canadians pre-COVID-19. Hear Dr. Bill’s tips on financial health management, for better mental health.
Episode 22
Experiencing the stages of grief
How do you navigate grief? Loss? Regret? Canadian's are facing a time of loss—of routine, loved ones, hobbies, etc. How can you help those around you? Dr. Bill Howatt offers tips and insights on managing your mental health during COVID-19.
Episode 21
Acts of kindness
Dr. Bill Howatt on acts of kindness and their importance during COVID-19.
Episode 20
Frustration and anger
Dr. Bill Howatt on managing frustration and anger: Feelings are important and good, but our reactions to those feelings are what define us as individuals.
Episode 19
Cognitive behaviour and anxiety
Your neural pathways are not locked; there are ways to manage anxiety.
Episode 17
Emotional fragility
The COVID-19 era has challenged our mental health. Dr. Bill reminds us: you are not alone—be mindful of that and don’t forget to deal yourself some empathy.
Episode 16
Healthcare resiliency
Wondering how to HELP the healthcare system maintain resiliency? Dr. Bill Howatt asks us to focus on: honouring government restrictions, encouraging recognition, learning how to support, and promoting prevention.
Episode 15
Play with happiness
Did you know 50% of happiness is genetic, 10% stems from the environment and 40% from what you chose to do? Dr. Bill Howatt offers insights on crafting your happiness for better mental health during COVID-19.
Episode 14
BOND in your relationships during COVID-19
Break vs. Bond: How is your relationship weathering the COVID-19 test? Don't lose sight. Dr. Bill Howatt reminds us not to make big decision while under significant stress.
Episode 13
Get gratitude
It’s proven that people who practice conscious daily gratitude benefit from increased resiliency and joy. Focusing on real-time gratitude develops a more positive overall outlook.
Episode 12
Lowering anxiety if you develop symptoms
From a mental health perspective, what can you expect if diagnosed with COVID-19? Dr. Bill Howatt says one of the critical component is managing fear, in order to protect your immune system.
Episode 11
NEW beginnings
“We're building this spaceship as we’re flying,” says Dr. Bill Howatt of our adaptability as Canadians. Daily, we are seeing new norms, new processes, and new beginnings and much more.
Episode 10
Charging your battery
Don’t let your work battery drain your personal battery. Dr. Bill Howatt gives tips on how to recharge efficiently, day to day, during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 9
Managing anxiety and social isolation
Today's lessons on mental health from Dr. Bill Howatt address personal anxiety from self isolation and tackling it in a SAFE way.
Episode 8
Dealing with job loss
For some of us, COVID-19 may bring job loss; it’s an unfortunate and undesired reality that one may struggle to cope with. Dr. Bill Howatt shares his expertise on how to work through it.
Episode 7
SELF: Self-compassion, empathy, love, and fun
Today’s mental health podcast from Dr. Bill Howatt helps us understand the importance of SELF during COVID-19.
Episode 6
PURE: purpose, urgent, respect, and energy
Respect has always been important—now it’s crucial. How does upping your respect affect others? Dr. Bill Howatt shares insights in COVID-19 and mental health series.
Episode 5
Dealing with isolation
In this podcast with Dr. Bill Howatt, we learn how to identify and minimize perceived isolation and its effects. Dr. Howatt also touches on objective isolation and other ways COVID-19 may be affecting you.
Episode 4
Coping in the age of social distancing
Day 4 of our series on mental health with Dr. Bill Howatt covers the key elements in social distancing. Today, Dr. Howatt digs into what may be causing anxieties, best social practices, and more.
Episode 3
Calm in the midst of a crisis
Day 3 of Dr. Bill Howatt’s Mental Health and COVID-19 series highlights the importance in having the ability to find inner calm during these stressful times. Learn his tricks, and work to develop your own.
Episode 2
Coping with fear
This podcast focuses on fear and COVID-19. Dr. Bill Howatt explains how to deal with the benefits and drawbacks of fear.
Episode 1
Welcome to Mental Health and COVID-19 with Bill Howatt
Dr. Bill Howatt, our Chief of Research, has committed to offering podcasts with a focus on mental health to assist all employees and those at home during these stressful times.