In recent years, I have written extensively about the evolving mental health landscape—one where the challenges are well-documented, yet solutions remain frustratingly slow. As Viewpoint Foundation’s main strategic focus is in this sector, I have seen firsthand how systemic barriers—such as funding constraints, limited access to care, and persistent stigma—prevent many from receiving the support…

In today’s digitally connected world, we have unprecedented access to news from around the globe. While staying informed is essential, continuous exposure to negative news content can have profound effects on mental health, leading to increased anxiety, feelings of powerlessness, and overall psychological distress. Understanding News Avoidance News avoidance—the deliberate decision to disengage from news consumption—is on…

In my research for this piece, I uncovered a scientific rationale for my love of old European architecture and beautifully designed everyday objects. More than just an aesthetic preference, research increasingly affirms that our surroundings profoundly shape our mental well-being. Every element of our built environment—from the trash cans on a street corner to the…

Last month, I wrote about community-based mental health care, highlighting the Recovery Café model. We are thrilled to announce that this model has inspired the creation of a new peer-led mental health support space at Mount Royal University (MRU), set to launch this month as students return to campus. Collaborating with the MRU team has…

Last year, I wrote a series of articles on the programs and approaches that the Viewpoint Foundation champions within the mental health sector. This month, I’m taking a closer look at one of these initiatives: the Recovery Café. This community-based program, which offers an alternative to emergency departments (EDs) for people in crisis, has been…

This month, we are diving into the final area of the mental health care sector in which Viewpoint Foundation wants to make headway: supports for de-escalation. Emerging mental health crises can be challenging to navigate, both for the individuals experiencing them and those around them. However, with the right support and strategies, it is possible to…

Last month we explored the first of the three areas of crisis care that Viewpoint Foundation wants to make headway in – diverting patients away from emergency rooms and into community-based care. This month we will look at who needs to be in the ER and how their experience can be better suited to their…

As we have been discussing this year in Invested, mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, and the need for comprehensive support systems has never been more apparent. Last month, we discussed crisis care in the mental health sector. In this issue, we are diving a little deeper into the first of the…

We have talked a lot about mental health in previous issues of Invested. This is because at Viewpoint Foundation we have a vision of Calgarians in mental health crises having equal access to humane, compassionate, and competent supports, regardless of the nature of their crisis. And we aim to reduce harmful outcomes of mental health…