Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Many people in our community’s experience stress, anxiety, depression and isolation. The public health and safety response to COVID-19 has required us to maintain physical distancing measures that have dramatically increased instances of isolation. An individual who commented, on my Facebook page, asked me to share the domestic violence and mental health support services available in British Columbia. CLICK HERE to view a comprehensive listing of all the services here. As of publishing this post the government webpage was last updated on May 14, 2020. Please visit the link above to make sure you are accessing the most up to date information available. If you need assistance, or know someone who does, please do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate service(s). If you need advocacy (which is always confidential) from my constituency team, please contact us by email or phone 250-655-5600. Adam Olsen (S Ⱦ HENEP) … serves as the Member for Saanich North and the Islands and Inter...

On Wednesday Judy Darcy, the Minister responsible for Mental Health and Addictions, announced schools in British Columbia will now have access to enhanced wellness supports and programs with $8.87 million being invested over the next three years.  “ Students need a safe place to say, ‘I’m not ok’, whether they’re struggling with anxiety or depression or any mental health issue ”, said Darcy. “ This investment will help provide students, parents and educators with the tools they need to support mental well-being for students across BC for years to come .” Funding will be used to provide individual grants to all 60 school districts, as well as independent schools, to help them better support mental health for all children and for those with substance-use challenges. While I agree fully with the need for resources to help students with mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, can our NDP government truly say this financial inje...

Mental health issues ... hidden disabilities ... you normally don’t see them unless they are extreme. I myself have a range of depressive moods, I can have sudden attacks of anxiety, and experience panic attacks as well – conditions for which I have been medically diagnosed.  Sometimes it takes awhile to realize I am in a depressive state ... anxiety and panic attacks on the other hand are recognized fairly quickly. Those who are reading this may not know that I suffer from these things --- or even realize when they are happening.  Some unfortunately can unwittingly do things which will compound these issues. And a rare few simply seem unable to understand what their actions are doing.  I have been off work for nearly a year and a half now because of these medically diagnosed issues ... issues that can at times make my life difficult.  Sometimes for a day ... an afternoon ... or a string of days in a row. For example, durin...