WEBVTT 00:00:00.720 --> 00:00:02.280 align:center line:-1 Hello, everyone. 00:00:02.280 --> 00:00:06.480 align:center line:-2 Hello and welcome to Bell Let's Talk Day! 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:11.480 align:center line:-2 Join us in creating positive change in mental health. 00:00:11.480 --> 00:00:15.680 align:center line:-2 Now, more than ever, every action counts. 00:00:15.680 --> 00:00:19.000 align:center line:-1 Welcome to Bell Let's Talk Day. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:23.800 align:center line:-2 Thank you for joining us in creating positive change. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:26.040 align:center line:-1 When it comes to mental health, 00:00:26.040 --> 00:00:30.760 align:center line:-2 now, more than ever, every action counts. 00:00:30.760 --> 00:00:33.080 align:center line:-1 My name is Nadia Cetoute 00:00:33.080 --> 00:00:37.560 align:center line:-2 and I am pleased to be the Master of Ceremonies 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:42.560 align:center line:-2 for this very important virtual event for National Defence. 00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:46.760 align:center line:-2 My name is Nadia Cetoute and I'm honoured and pleased 00:00:46.760 --> 00:00:50.400 align:center line:-2 to be the MC today for this very important event. 00:00:50.400 --> 00:00:54.160 align:center line:-1 Today marks the 11th anniversary 00:00:54.160 --> 00:00:56.720 align:center line:-1 of Bell Let's Talk Day. 00:00:56.720 --> 00:01:01.720 align:center line:-2 Bell Let's Talk is an important initiative in fighting stigma 00:01:01.720 --> 00:01:05.600 align:center line:-2 towards mental health issues, improving access 00:01:05.600 --> 00:01:10.600 align:center line:-2 to care and supporting research in the field of mental health. 00:01:10.600 --> 00:01:15.040 align:center line:-2 Our virtual event today is in support 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:19.760 align:center line:-2 of the national Bell Let's Talk campaign and reflects 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:24.080 align:center line:-2 the commitment of the Department of National Defence 00:01:24.080 --> 00:01:28.920 align:center line:-2 and the Canadian Armed Forces in supporting the mental health 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:33.920 align:center line:-2 and well-being of all Defence members and their families. 00:01:33.920 --> 00:01:37.080 align:center line:-1 To demonstrate this commitment, 00:01:37.080 --> 00:01:40.200 align:center line:-1 our mental health co-champion, 00:01:40.200 --> 00:01:43.280 align:center line:-2 Deputy Minister, Ms. Jody Thomas, 00:01:43.280 --> 00:01:45.520 align:center line:-1 Vice Chief of Defence Staff, 00:01:45.520 --> 00:01:48.720 align:center line:-1 Lieutenant General Rouleau, 00:01:48.720 --> 00:01:52.680 align:center line:-2 and Mr. Jerry Ryan, National President 00:01:52.680 --> 00:01:56.120 align:center line:-2 of the Federal Government Dockyard Trade 00:01:56.120 --> 00:01:59.480 align:center line:-2 and Labour Council are here with us today 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:03.480 align:center line:-2 and are pleased, and I repeat, very pleased 00:02:03.480 --> 00:02:06.960 align:center line:-2 to take an active role in this event. 00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:14.800 align:center line:-2 Also joining us are Chief Warrant Officer Colbert, 00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:17.480 align:center line:-1 Dr Carla Sowinski, 00:02:17.480 --> 00:02:20.760 align:center line:-2 she's a Defence scientist with DGMPRA 00:02:20.760 --> 00:02:25.400 align:center line:-2 and LCol Tuka, Chief of Psychiatry 00:02:25.400 --> 00:02:28.760 align:center line:-2 with the Canadian Forces health services. 00:02:28.760 --> 00:02:33.520 align:center line:-2 Our Deputy Minister, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:36.880 align:center line:-2 and Jerry Ryan will be participating 00:02:36.880 --> 00:02:39.760 align:center line:-2 in a mental health round table shortly. 00:02:39.760 --> 00:02:42.600 align:center line:-2 The panellists today will discuss 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:46.840 align:center line:-2 strengthening resilience together during the pandemic. 00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:51.040 align:center line:-2 They will share their perspective and real life 00:02:51.040 --> 00:02:53.840 align:center line:-2 experiences on overcoming adversity 00:02:53.840 --> 00:02:57.520 align:center line:-2 and becoming more resilient as a result. 00:02:57.520 --> 00:03:02.520 align:center line:-2 They will also talk about some of the mental health resources 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:06.000 align:center line:-2 available to the Defence Team members and their families 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:08.880 align:center line:-1 and answer a couple of questions 00:03:08.880 --> 00:03:12.200 align:center line:-2 that were submitted by the Defence Team members. 00:03:12.200 --> 00:03:16.640 align:center line:-2 I would like now to invite our mental health Co-Champion, 00:03:16.640 --> 00:03:21.640 align:center line:-2 Deputy Minister, followed by our Vice Chief of Defence Staff 00:03:21.640 --> 00:03:24.680 align:center line:-2 and Mr Ryan to offer opening remarks. 00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:28.960 align:center line:-2 So, Deputy Minister, I give you the floor. 00:03:28.960 --> 00:03:31.200 align:center line:-1 Thank you Nadia. 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:34.920 align:center line:-1 Today is Bell Let's Talk Day. 00:03:34.920 --> 00:03:39.320 align:center line:-2 I'm really glad we could be here together for this discussion, 00:03:39.320 --> 00:03:41.840 align:center line:-2 this great group, and I'm enthralled 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:45.080 align:center line:-2 to once again have you here moderating, Nadia. 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:46.920 align:center line:-1 So thank you all, 00:03:46.920 --> 00:03:50.680 align:center line:-2 particularly my co-champion General Rouleau and Jerry Ryan. 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:54.520 align:center line:-2 This year's Bell Let's Talk Day really does feel timely 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:58.440 align:center line:-2 and needed. You know, I was part of a virtual discussion 00:03:58.440 --> 00:04:02.320 align:center line:-2 a couple of weeks ago with parents on the Defence team. 00:04:02.320 --> 00:04:06.360 align:center line:-2 And we were talking about the strain and the struggle 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:10.880 align:center line:-2 to manage what's going on in the community and in our work, 00:04:10.880 --> 00:04:14.400 align:center line:-2 and one of the things that came out frequently 00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:18.680 align:center line:-2 was how frustrated and isolated some people are feeling, 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:20.960 align:center line:-1 especially working from home. 00:04:20.960 --> 00:04:24.280 align:center line:-2 They are desperate to find ways to connect. 00:04:24.280 --> 00:04:27.880 align:center line:-2 I think we are all looking for ways to connect. 00:04:27.880 --> 00:04:31.720 align:center line:-2 One of the things that came out frequently was how frustrated 00:04:31.720 --> 00:04:34.560 align:center line:-2 they are and that they're physically isolated 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:38.160 align:center line:-2 from their wider family, their friends, their colleagues. 00:04:38.160 --> 00:04:41.040 align:center line:-2 There are people who've joined this department 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:45.120 align:center line:-2 and never been in the building, because COVID has prevented them 00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:48.400 align:center line:-2 from coming in and connecting with their colleagues. 00:04:48.400 --> 00:04:51.560 align:center line:-2 That's kind of remarkable when you think about it. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:54.720 align:center line:-2 And people are distant from their support network. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:57.960 align:center line:-2 They're distant from the people who gave them strength 00:04:57.960 --> 00:05:01.760 align:center line:-2 and opportunities to talk out problems. 00:05:01.760 --> 00:05:06.520 align:center line:-2 And they are distant from that personal connection we all need. 00:05:06.520 --> 00:05:09.280 align:center line:-2 You know, when we talk about being away from family, 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:11.560 align:center line:-2 it's very chronic and critical in this department where, 00:05:11.560 --> 00:05:14.240 align:center line:-2 of course, there are Canadian Armed Forces members 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:16.160 align:center line:-2 who are posted and their families could be 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:19.840 align:center line:-2 anywhere in the country, but they can't get home to see them. 00:05:19.840 --> 00:05:22.040 align:center line:-2 And it adds an extra level of stress 00:05:22.040 --> 00:05:23.920 align:center line:-1 in this particular department. 00:05:23.920 --> 00:05:27.480 align:center line:-2 I'm from a military family. I lost my mother in November. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:30.840 align:center line:-2 My dad and my sister in Victoria, I can't go see them. 00:05:30.840 --> 00:05:34.400 align:center line:-2 It's hard. It's hard for all of us. And it doesn't matter 00:05:34.400 --> 00:05:36.560 align:center line:-2 where you work in the organization. 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:39.440 align:center line:-2 We're all feeling it. It's odd because we have 00:05:39.440 --> 00:05:42.760 align:center line:-2 so many different platforms and tools to communicate 00:05:42.760 --> 00:05:44.440 align:center line:-1 yet it still feels distant. 00:05:44.440 --> 00:05:46.760 align:center line:-2 It doesn't feel like we are connecting 00:05:46.760 --> 00:05:48.840 align:center line:-2 despite the best efforts of people. 00:05:48.840 --> 00:05:51.360 align:center line:-2 And too often we're exchanging information 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:54.920 align:center line:-2 but not actually talking to each other on the level we need 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:56.800 align:center line:-1 to truly feel human connection. 00:05:56.800 --> 00:05:59.560 align:center line:-2 So when you're stressed and you feel isolated, 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.600 align:center line:-2 you can feel like you're so alone. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:03.160 align:center line:-1 And that's when 00:06:03.160 --> 00:06:05.360 align:center line:-2 your mental health can really start to suffer. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:07.120 align:center line:-1 There are lots of great things 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:09.240 align:center line:-2 about the Bell Let's Talk initiative, 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:11.320 align:center line:-2 and Bell has done a wonderful job of raising money 00:06:11.320 --> 00:06:13.600 align:center line:-2 for mental health programs in Canada. 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:15.760 align:center line:-2 It's played a key role in helping to break down 00:06:15.760 --> 00:06:19.040 align:center line:-2 the stigma that exists when it comes to openly talking 00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:21.880 align:center line:-2 about mental health. But the other great thing 00:06:21.880 --> 00:06:25.680 align:center line:-2 about today is a simple invitation: Let's talk. 00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:30.480 align:center line:-2 And I would add to that: Let's listen. We need to hear people. 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:34.680 align:center line:-2 We need to absorb what they're saying 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:37.280 align:center line:-2 so that we can reach out and help. 00:06:37.280 --> 00:06:40.000 align:center line:-2 It's an invitation to really find out 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:43.400 align:center line:-2 and ask one another how we're holding up. 00:06:43.400 --> 00:06:45.880 align:center line:-2 There's no substitute for that kind of engagement, 00:06:45.880 --> 00:06:47.560 align:center line:-1 especially this year. 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:50.440 align:center line:-2 We really need to talk and we really need to listen. 00:06:50.440 --> 00:06:52.320 align:center line:-2 I'm looking forward to this panel. 00:06:52.320 --> 00:06:54.000 align:center line:-1 I'm looking forward to hearing 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:55.960 align:center line:-2 what all my colleagues have to say, 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:57.800 align:center line:-2 and particularly my co-champions, 00:06:57.800 --> 00:06:59.680 align:center line:-2 but also the experts in the field. 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:02.960 align:center line:-2 We're a unique department, and we're a massive department. 00:07:02.960 --> 00:07:06.080 align:center line:-2 We are a 130 000 strong and we need to connect 00:07:06.080 --> 00:07:10.320 align:center line:-2 with every single one of that 130 000 people and person force. 00:07:10.320 --> 00:07:12.600 align:center line:-2 So thank you for being here today. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:15.400 align:center line:-2 Thank you for introducing this discussion 00:07:15.400 --> 00:07:18.440 align:center line:-2 and I look forward to hearing my colleagues. 00:07:18.440 --> 00:07:20.440 align:center line:-1 Over to you, General Rouleau. 00:07:20.440 --> 00:07:24.280 align:center line:-2 Thank you, Deputy Minister. My name is Mike Rouleau. 00:07:24.280 --> 00:07:26.760 align:center line:-2 I am the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, 00:07:26.760 --> 00:07:29.440 align:center line:-2 and on behalf of our Chief of the Defence Staff, 00:07:29.440 --> 00:07:31.960 align:center line:-2 Admiral McDonald, I am pleased to be here 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:35.600 align:center line:-2 to act as spokesperson for the Canadian Armed Forces 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:38.880 align:center line:-1 in conjunction with the others. 00:07:38.880 --> 00:07:42.680 align:center line:-2 Our reality today, as the Deputy Minister said, 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:46.000 align:center line:-2 is one of great uncertainty in our lives. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:49.920 align:center line:-2 I myself and my 76-year-old mother here in Ottawa are trying 00:07:49.920 --> 00:07:53.200 align:center line:-2 to take care of her so that she does not get sick. 00:07:53.200 --> 00:07:56.200 align:center line:-2 There is a lot of stress in our daily lives. 00:07:56.200 --> 00:07:59.080 align:center line:-2 Like the deputy minister, you know, I want to speak 00:07:59.080 --> 00:08:01.200 align:center line:-2 from a bit of personal experience too. 00:08:01.200 --> 00:08:04.440 align:center line:-2 I lost my brother to cancer in the midst of the pandemic. 00:08:04.440 --> 00:08:07.760 align:center line:-2 You know, hands on windows, not being able to say goodbye, 00:08:07.760 --> 00:08:11.120 align:center line:-2 and then no funerals like the deputy minister went through, 00:08:11.120 --> 00:08:13.040 align:center line:-2 and it's just such a bizarre time. 00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:15.280 align:center line:-2 And so, like everyone else, I sort of felt 00:08:15.280 --> 00:08:17.720 align:center line:-2 my own unique stress and superimposed on that, 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:19.800 align:center line:-2 I lost my home to a flood that happened 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:22.000 align:center line:-2 and was living in hotels for five months. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.120 align:center line:-2 So all of that took me to a place where, 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:26.760 align:center line:-2 at a certain point last year, I had to reach out. 00:08:26.760 --> 00:08:29.040 align:center line:-2 I was like: "Woah! Something is not right." 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:33.160 align:center line:-2 And in reaching out and probing these sorts of things, 00:08:33.160 --> 00:08:36.640 align:center line:-2 I came to discover that I was actually hanging 00:08:36.640 --> 00:08:40.840 align:center line:-2 on to some combat experiences which dated back to 1991, 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:44.720 align:center line:-2 if you can imagine. 30 years ago. And so, you know, 00:08:44.720 --> 00:08:49.160 align:center line:-3 one PTSD diagnosis later, I came to realize the importance 00:08:49.160 --> 00:08:51.560 align:center line:-1 of mental health professionals, 00:08:51.560 --> 00:08:55.840 align:center line:-2 of not sort of pushing the problem back and just saying: 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:58.480 align:center line:-2 "There's nothing wrong. I'm okay." 00:08:58.480 --> 00:09:02.360 align:center line:-2 I actually had to confront all that and when I tell people 00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:06.480 align:center line:-2 as I wish all this would happen to me like 15 or 20 years ago, 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:08.800 align:center line:-2 because it made me a better person, 00:09:08.800 --> 00:09:12.200 align:center line:-2 certainly a better leader, and I think leaders have 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:14.680 align:center line:-2 a unique sort of stress in this time, 00:09:14.680 --> 00:09:17.960 align:center line:-2 because we're supposed to also look after people. 00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:21.320 align:center line:-2 But those are different than the unique stress that workers feel, 00:09:21.320 --> 00:09:23.360 align:center line:-2 because they are somewhat isolated 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:25.200 align:center line:-1 from top-level information, 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:27.920 align:center line:-2 and so their awareness of what's happening is less. 00:09:27.920 --> 00:09:31.600 align:center line:-2 So we all have different levels or own unique stresses. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:35.360 align:center line:-2 I think what the deputy minister said 00:09:35.360 --> 00:09:38.400 align:center line:-2 in terms of compassion is that connection is the key, 00:09:38.400 --> 00:09:40.440 align:center line:-1 like real conversations, 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:42.960 align:center line:-2 real questions about how you're doing. 00:09:42.960 --> 00:09:46.800 align:center line:-2 And not just asking so you can get past that, 00:09:46.800 --> 00:09:49.680 align:center line:-2 but actually asking so that you can help. 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:53.360 align:center line:-2 Empathy and compassion are not contradictory 00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:55.480 align:center line:-1 to a really strong workforce. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:57.720 align:center line:-2 And I really come to see the value 00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:59.440 align:center line:-1 and that is a force multiplier. 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:01.600 align:center line:-2 And so I look forward to the question, 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:03.320 align:center line:-2 I look forward to the discussion, 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:06.200 align:center line:-2 and I'm super happy to be the mental health co-champion 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:09.040 align:center line:-2 for the Armed Forces, because until the last day 00:10:09.040 --> 00:10:11.840 align:center line:-2 that I'll work, it's a space that I want to try 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:14.120 align:center line:-2 to do some good and reduce the stigma. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:17.400 align:center line:-2 I wrote a letter to my forces at Christmas and opened up to them 00:10:17.400 --> 00:10:20.480 align:center line:-2 a little bit more about the fact that I, myself, was dealing 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:23.560 align:center line:-2 with some of these, and I think, as a leader, it's important 00:10:23.560 --> 00:10:26.200 align:center line:-2 that we try to shed whatever vestige of stigma left, 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:29.080 align:center line:-2 because that has no place in this discussion. Thank you. 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:34.200 align:center line:-1 Thank you. 00:10:34.200 --> 00:10:38.560 align:center line:-2 So right now I would invite Mr. Jerry Ryan to give his remarks. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:43.040 align:center line:-2 Hi, everyone. It is my privilege again to be here 00:10:43.040 --> 00:10:44.920 align:center line:-2 for Bell Let's Talk conversation. 00:10:44.920 --> 00:10:48.200 align:center line:-2 Having been involved in this field for quite a long time, 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:50.560 align:center line:-2 I can go back and relate to the 11 years. 00:10:50.560 --> 00:10:53.040 align:center line:-2 I also look back to 2013, when the standard 00:10:53.040 --> 00:10:56.120 align:center line:-2 for psychological health in the workplace was passed, 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:59.320 align:center line:-2 when Canada did that as the first country in the world. 00:10:59.320 --> 00:11:02.880 align:center line:-2 Now, as it moves forward, we see now that we're into a place 00:11:02.880 --> 00:11:05.400 align:center line:-1 where the vision is that 00:11:05.400 --> 00:11:07.880 align:center line:-2 the health and safety committees will start to look 00:11:07.880 --> 00:11:10.040 align:center line:-2 and people will share through that community. 00:11:10.040 --> 00:11:12.280 align:center line:-2 And being part of that community as the co-chair 00:11:12.280 --> 00:11:14.280 align:center line:-2 for health and safety for the department, 00:11:14.280 --> 00:11:16.280 align:center line:-1 we see that that's our future. 00:11:16.280 --> 00:11:19.880 align:center line:-2 That this issue, where physical health was 50 years ago, 00:11:19.880 --> 00:11:23.480 align:center line:-2 mental health in the workplace, it's coming there. 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:26.560 align:center line:-2 And those conversations, each and every movement that's made 00:11:26.560 --> 00:11:29.320 align:center line:-2 as the new bill C-65 put the new legislation in place, 00:11:29.320 --> 00:11:32.080 align:center line:-2 it starts to create an environment where we can expand 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:33.960 align:center line:-2 the number of champions that we have. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:36.240 align:center line:-2 I mean, it's great that we're the champions, 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:39.240 align:center line:-2 but I have a vision where 500 safety and health committees 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:41.480 align:center line:-2 in DND, we have 500 mental health champions. 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:44.440 align:center line:-2 It is as important spending the time to look after 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:47.840 align:center line:-2 your physical health as looking after your mental health. 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:50.440 align:center line:-2 I have my personal stories and most of it is 00:11:50.440 --> 00:11:52.520 align:center line:-2 about care giving in the last year. 00:11:52.520 --> 00:11:54.680 align:center line:-2 When COVID struck, me and my fiancé, 00:11:54.680 --> 00:11:58.040 align:center line:-2 we were on the way back from Mexico and when we arrived, 00:11:58.040 --> 00:12:01.240 align:center line:-2 she left by ambulance and went right to the hospital. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:04.960 align:center line:-2 I thought she had COVID but it was actually a heart condition. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:07.920 align:center line:-2 And we've been there three times a week at a time 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:09.560 align:center line:-1 in the last year. 00:12:09.560 --> 00:12:12.600 align:center line:-2 So looking at it and look what we could do differently. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:15.640 align:center line:-2 We adopted a park and Jody probably knows this park. 00:12:15.640 --> 00:12:17.800 align:center line:-2 It's the Kiwanis Park in Morris Lake. 00:12:17.800 --> 00:12:21.080 align:center line:-2 And went down there, did some landscaping to be outside 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:24.280 align:center line:-2 and try and rebuild their strength and energy back up. 00:12:24.280 --> 00:12:27.400 align:center line:-2 Now, we cut a little pond for kids to play hockey on. 00:12:27.400 --> 00:12:29.600 align:center line:-2 So being able to give back in the community 00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:32.320 align:center line:-2 and spending the time with kids, that's healing time. 00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:34.320 align:center line:-2 That's what a lot of people need to do, 00:12:34.320 --> 00:12:36.560 align:center line:-2 realize you are a caregiver first, a parent. 00:12:36.560 --> 00:12:39.440 align:center line:-2 Whether you're caring for parents, your kids, your pets. 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:41.920 align:center line:-2 Whatever it is. You need to look after yourself. 00:12:41.920 --> 00:12:45.560 align:center line:-2 It's the airplane experience. Put the mask on yourself first. 00:12:45.560 --> 00:12:48.840 align:center line:-2 So if you're feeling that, all the resources are there. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:52.240 align:center line:-2 They're available everywhere. You just need to reach out. 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:55.080 align:center line:-2 Back to the point of starting that conversation, 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:57.200 align:center line:-2 that's exactly what needs to happen. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:12:59.840 align:center line:-2 Once you share, other people share. The world comes down. 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:02.160 align:center line:-2 We're all humans. There's eight billion of us. 00:13:02.160 --> 00:13:05.880 align:center line:-2 We'll get through this together. Thank you. 00:13:05.880 --> 00:13:08.840 align:center line:-2 Thank you very much, Deputy Minister, 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:13.800 align:center line:-2 Lieutenant-General Rouleau, and Mr. Ryan, for your comments. 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:18.520 align:center line:-2 A huge thank you to our Deputy Minister, M. Rouleau 00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:21.840 align:center line:-2 and M. Ryan for sharing the insight. 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:26.040 align:center line:-2 Now having said that, I'm now going to invite 00:13:26.040 --> 00:13:30.400 align:center line:-2 our mental health co-champions, Deputy Minister 00:13:30.400 --> 00:13:34.840 align:center line:-1 followed by our panellists 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:37.280 align:center line:-1 to join us for our discussion 00:13:37.280 --> 00:13:41.040 align:center line:-2 on mental health and answer some very important questions. 00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:44.440 align:center line:-2 I'm really looking forward to this discussion this afternoon. 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:47.000 align:center line:-1 So I'm going to start by asking 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.680 align:center line:-2 the first question to you, Ms. Thomas. 00:13:49.680 --> 00:13:52.400 align:center line:-2 And the question goes as follows: 00:13:52.400 --> 00:13:56.920 align:center line:-2 the national theme for Bell Let's Talk this year is 00:13:56.920 --> 00:14:00.000 align:center line:-1 "When it comes to mental health, 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:04.040 align:center line:-2 now, more than ever, every action counts." 00:14:04.040 --> 00:14:08.880 align:center line:-2 What do you want the Defence Team members to know 00:14:08.880 --> 00:14:13.880 align:center line:-2 about how our leadership feels about one supporting 00:14:13.880 --> 00:14:18.680 align:center line:-2 Defence Team mental health during this very trying time? 00:14:18.680 --> 00:14:21.880 align:center line:-2 Well, thank you very much for that question. 00:14:21.880 --> 00:14:23.720 align:center line:-1 It's an important question. 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:25.920 align:center line:-2 There's a few things to unpack here. 00:14:25.920 --> 00:14:27.920 align:center line:-1 Number one, we need to recognize 00:14:27.920 --> 00:14:30.800 align:center line:-2 that the pressure to deliver hasn't diminished. 00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:32.360 align:center line:-1 The Canadian Armed Forces 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:34.760 align:center line:-2 and therefore the Department of Defense 00:14:34.760 --> 00:14:38.120 align:center line:-2 coordinating the Canadian Armed Forces are at the core 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:40.360 align:center line:-2 of this country fight against COVID. 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:43.560 align:center line:-2 The Canadian Armed Forces has to deliver for Canada 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:46.600 align:center line:-2 and that means that the department has to support 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:49.080 align:center line:-2 the Canadian Armed Forces in doing that. 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:52.360 align:center line:-2 So, in parallel with the expectations of taking care 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:55.760 align:center line:-2 of your health and having to homeschool your children, 00:14:55.760 --> 00:14:58.440 align:center line:-2 we still have to deliver a massive program. 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.960 align:center line:-1 And as a result of that, 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:02.440 align:center line:-2 I'm hearing a lot of the word "should". 00:15:02.440 --> 00:15:04.360 align:center line:-2 I should be able to work full-time 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:05.960 align:center line:-1 and homeschool my kids. 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:08.560 align:center line:-2 I should be grateful because, look, I have a job 00:15:08.560 --> 00:15:11.240 align:center line:-2 and I have it so good and others have it worse. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:13.280 align:center line:-2 I should be able to just suck it up. 00:15:13.280 --> 00:15:15.480 align:center line:-2 That word "should" is a dangerous word. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:19.200 align:center line:-2 People are beating themselves up because they're not feeling okay 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:22.800 align:center line:-2 and they're feeling overwhelmed, or they're feeling overwhelmed 00:15:22.800 --> 00:15:24.680 align:center line:-1 and they're feeling overwhelmed. 00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:27.400 align:center line:-2 And we don't want people pushing themselves 00:15:27.400 --> 00:15:29.200 align:center line:-1 beyond what they can handle, 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:32.800 align:center line:-2 because they're afraid of being penalized professionally. 00:15:32.800 --> 00:15:35.840 align:center line:-2 I hear about people putting the kids to bed at 8 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:38.040 align:center line:-2 and working until 1 in the morning, 00:15:38.040 --> 00:15:41.880 align:center line:-2 because that's their quiet time. That worries me as a leader. 00:15:41.880 --> 00:15:45.320 align:center line:-2 And so, first of all, I want you to know we all deeply appreciate 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:47.920 align:center line:-2 everything you're doing and we understand, 00:15:47.920 --> 00:15:50.600 align:center line:-1 we know that it's not let up. 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:54.120 align:center line:-2 And we know that there's an enormous amount of pressure 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:56.280 align:center line:-2 on individuals in this department. 00:15:56.280 --> 00:15:59.280 align:center line:-2 And we know this is hard on you and your family 00:15:59.280 --> 00:16:01.560 align:center line:-2 and everybody is trying their best. 00:16:01.560 --> 00:16:03.880 align:center line:-2 So, first, it's okay not to be okay. 00:16:03.880 --> 00:16:06.080 align:center line:-2 You're allowed to say: "This is too much." 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:08.360 align:center line:-2 You're allowed to say: "This stress of this, 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:11.400 align:center line:-2 "this strain of this, I don't know where my priorities are. 00:16:11.400 --> 00:16:13.120 align:center line:-1 It's all becoming overwhelming." 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:15.640 align:center line:-2 This is a hard period and we're all tired of it. 00:16:15.640 --> 00:16:17.680 align:center line:-2 And it is new. Every single day is new. 00:16:17.680 --> 00:16:20.160 align:center line:-2 You don't know what's coming at you, 00:16:20.160 --> 00:16:22.440 align:center line:-2 whether it's the numbers you hear on the news, 00:16:22.440 --> 00:16:24.640 align:center line:-2 it's what you read on the papers, 00:16:24.640 --> 00:16:27.760 align:center line:-2 it's the new math problem you got to work your kids through 00:16:27.760 --> 00:16:31.720 align:center line:-2 on the end of a computer as doing homeschooling. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:35.000 align:center line:-1 So it's okay not to be okay. 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:37.600 align:center line:-2 And third, it's that you're not alone. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:40.880 align:center line:-2 We're a massive team and we can do support you. 00:16:40.880 --> 00:16:43.480 align:center line:-2 And we do need to support each other. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:46.320 align:center line:-2 And so we have a team here who can help. 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:48.760 align:center line:-2 That doesn't just mean that there are people who care 00:16:48.760 --> 00:16:50.840 align:center line:-2 how you're doing and who you can talk to. 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:53.000 align:center line:-2 I mean, we can offer you flexibility 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:55.560 align:center line:-2 to help and to reduce the pressure on you. 00:16:55.560 --> 00:16:57.480 align:center line:-1 We can help you take some time. 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:59.600 align:center line:-2 So, as we're talking about talking, 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:02.440 align:center line:-2 talk to your manager, and please keep talking. 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:04.560 align:center line:-2 Because the reality is that we're not wandering 00:17:04.560 --> 00:17:07.200 align:center line:-2 around the floor looking in somebody's cubicle 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:10.760 align:center line:-2 and seeing: Joe isn't smiling today. 00:17:10.760 --> 00:17:14.400 align:center line:-2 Joe always smiles. What's going on? 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:17.560 align:center line:-2 Kathy, who's normally always at her desk, 00:17:17.560 --> 00:17:21.360 align:center line:-2 and we know there's something wrong when she's not there 00:17:21.360 --> 00:17:23.200 align:center line:-2 and she's not bringing in cookies 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:26.240 align:center line:-2 for everybody in the office. We know something's wrong then. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:28.840 align:center line:-2 None of that connection is happening now. 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:31.080 align:center line:-1 And it happens in the workplace. 00:17:31.080 --> 00:17:34.520 align:center line:-2 Every little workplace has an ecosystem and you can't feel 00:17:34.520 --> 00:17:37.120 align:center line:-2 that ecosystem when you're working from home. 00:17:37.120 --> 00:17:41.240 align:center line:-2 So take the time to talk and keep talking. 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:45.200 align:center line:-2 And that goes both ways. I need management to reach out. 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:47.760 align:center line:-2 Managing a team as working from home is a lot of work 00:17:47.760 --> 00:17:50.040 align:center line:-2 because it's not about the output, 00:17:50.040 --> 00:17:52.320 align:center line:-2 it's about who they are as people and we can't forget 00:17:52.320 --> 00:17:57.320 align:center line:-2 who people are in this sort of strain of what's going on. 00:17:57.320 --> 00:18:01.680 align:center line:-2 I think that what is really important is two-way dialog, 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:05.240 align:center line:-2 and if you hear something, not that we want to gossip, 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:09.040 align:center line:-2 but if you hear something about somebody working too hard, 00:18:09.040 --> 00:18:11.640 align:center line:-2 they're finding it difficult, reach out. 00:18:11.640 --> 00:18:14.040 align:center line:-1 I think that more connections 00:18:14.040 --> 00:18:18.760 align:center line:-2 rather than less connections is what's critical right now. 00:18:18.760 --> 00:18:23.360 align:center line:-2 Virtual is hard. You don't get that same sense of people 00:18:23.360 --> 00:18:27.840 align:center line:-2 and we really need to make that extra effort. Thank you. 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:33.080 align:center line:-2 Thank you so much for the great advice 00:18:33.080 --> 00:18:36.200 align:center line:-1 and reminding managers 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:40.720 align:center line:-2 that they have an important role in supporting their employees 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:43.480 align:center line:-1 and allowing their employees to, 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:46.760 align:center line:-2 somebody said it earlier, talk, but also listen. 00:18:46.760 --> 00:18:50.320 align:center line:-2 Well, thank you so much for sharing that insight. 00:18:50.320 --> 00:18:54.680 align:center line:-2 So I would invite the Vice Chief of the Defense Staff 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:57.360 align:center line:-2 to answer the following question. 00:18:57.360 --> 00:19:00.360 align:center line:-1 The global pandemic has created 00:19:00.360 --> 00:19:03.680 align:center line:-1 a collective sense of grief 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:07.040 align:center line:-2 among members of the Defence Team, 00:19:07.040 --> 00:19:12.040 align:center line:-2 including loss of contact with others, loss of a routine, 00:19:12.040 --> 00:19:15.280 align:center line:-2 and even the loss of a loved one. 00:19:15.280 --> 00:19:18.840 align:center line:-1 How do you get someone 00:19:18.840 --> 00:19:21.680 align:center line:-1 to get help 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:26.240 align:center line:-2 when you know they won't ask for it, 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:29.560 align:center line:-1 even if it's pretty obvious 00:19:29.560 --> 00:19:32.560 align:center line:-1 that they need it? 00:19:32.560 --> 00:19:35.800 align:center line:-2 So, I invite you to answer this question. 00:19:35.800 --> 00:19:37.840 align:center line:-1 Thank you Nadia. 00:19:37.840 --> 00:19:41.680 align:center line:-2 So, just to reinforce the point I made 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:44.520 align:center line:-2 at the very beginning, in the introduction, 00:19:44.520 --> 00:19:47.920 align:center line:-2 we need to reduce the stigma around this issue. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:51.200 align:center line:-2 So I talked a bit about a letter I had written 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:54.480 align:center line:-2 to tell people: Listen, it's not because 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.560 align:center line:-2 I'm the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff 00:19:56.560 --> 00:19:58.840 align:center line:-2 that someone like me can't be affected 00:19:58.840 --> 00:20:01.800 align:center line:-1 by the pressures we feel today. 00:20:01.800 --> 00:20:05.640 align:center line:-2 So first and foremost, I think that's important. 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:09.640 align:center line:-2 The second thing, as leaders, it's our responsibility 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:11.960 align:center line:-1 to ensure a healthy environment 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:15.920 align:center line:-2 and culture within our organization. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:20.320 align:center line:-2 So it is a responsibility, and by establishing a culture 00:20:20.320 --> 00:20:24.080 align:center line:-2 and then an environment like the one I mentioned 00:20:24.080 --> 00:20:27.200 align:center line:-2 that is healthy, part of that is to say: 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:30.200 align:center line:-2 Listen, we are going to put a special emphasis on it 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:33.120 align:center line:-1 during these times, with COVID, 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:37.520 align:center line:-2 where we are going to look after our staff more. 00:20:37.520 --> 00:20:40.080 align:center line:-2 Perhaps more than we would have done two years ago. 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:42.280 align:center line:-2 So, knowing a little bit about our people. 00:20:42.280 --> 00:20:44.800 align:center line:-1 I have a policy. 00:20:44.800 --> 00:20:46.920 align:center line:-2 Sometimes I'm going to pick up the phone and call. 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:49.040 align:center line:-1 I know a few people 00:20:49.040 --> 00:20:52.160 align:center line:-2 who are going through a bit of a difficult time. 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:56.560 align:center line:-2 Perhaps they recently separated from their wives or husbands. 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:59.560 align:center line:-2 Maybe it's somebody who has the transition group, 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:01.800 align:center line:-2 because they're having difficulty, 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:03.960 align:center line:-2 well I call them or I email them. 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:08.160 align:center line:-2 Just checking in. How are you doing? So it's carving out 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:11.280 align:center line:-2 a little bit of deliberate time to do those check-ins. 00:21:11.280 --> 00:21:14.040 align:center line:-2 Sometimes, I'll call subordinates and I'll say: 00:21:14.040 --> 00:21:16.480 align:center line:-2 "Yeah, it's me." And they'll start talking about a file, 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:18.600 align:center line:-2 and I'm like: "No. This call is not for any business. 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:20.320 align:center line:-2 I just want to see how you're doing." 00:21:20.320 --> 00:21:22.080 align:center line:-1 And it always throws them off. 00:21:22.080 --> 00:21:23.600 align:center line:-2 Now, they're used to a little bit 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:25.240 align:center line:-1 as you do it a couple of times. 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:27.600 align:center line:-2 But just a call to ask how you're making out. 00:21:27.600 --> 00:21:31.160 align:center line:-2 In a military context, our senior enlisted leaders, 00:21:31.160 --> 00:21:33.720 align:center line:-2 and M. Colbert is on the line for me. 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:36.440 align:center line:-2 He represents a whole different ability 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:39.440 align:center line:-2 to bore into the chain of command than I do 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:41.160 align:center line:-1 as a lieutenant-general. 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:43.640 align:center line:-2 So deliberately checking in for me, 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:47.240 align:center line:-2 as a lieutenant-general, means also walking around. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:50.840 align:center line:-2 And when I just take a couple of hours to walk around the offices 00:21:50.840 --> 00:21:53.400 align:center line:-2 at Carling or what not, I talk to young people 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:55.520 align:center line:-2 and I get a sense of what's happening. 00:21:55.520 --> 00:21:57.560 align:center line:-2 So I'm also encouraging them, to say: 00:21:57.560 --> 00:22:00.000 align:center line:-2 "Hey, you know, there's resources out there. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:03.040 align:center line:-2 How are you making out? You know I've had this issue." 00:22:03.040 --> 00:22:04.560 align:center line:-1 It's on a more human level. 00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:06.880 align:center line:-2 It's not a three-stars talking to a caporal. 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:08.360 align:center line:-1 It's two people talking. 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:10.440 align:center line:-2 Fundamentally, we have to break down 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:12.640 align:center line:-2 the walls of this place sometimes. 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:14.840 align:center line:-2 It's reinforcing that there is a balance 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:18.400 align:center line:-2 between the mission and people's health, and that, yeah, 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:20.280 align:center line:-1 we'll accomplish the mission, 00:22:20.280 --> 00:22:22.480 align:center line:-2 but there's multiple ways we can do that. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:25.600 align:center line:-2 We don't need to leave burnt-out, injured people 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:27.600 align:center line:-2 behind us in accomplishing the mission. 00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:30.040 align:center line:-2 And I guess the final thing I would say, Nadia, 00:22:30.040 --> 00:22:31.640 align:center line:-1 in all of this, it's about... 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:34.800 align:center line:-2 You know, I have an aunt in Montreal. She's 80 years old. 00:22:34.800 --> 00:22:36.920 align:center line:-2 She lives alone. She never had children 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:38.520 align:center line:-1 and I'm kind of like her kid. 00:22:38.520 --> 00:22:41.080 align:center line:-2 And I call her once a week and she said to me: 00:22:41.080 --> 00:22:43.280 align:center line:-2 "Mike, every day, I try to remind myself 00:22:43.280 --> 00:22:45.280 align:center line:-2 of one thing that I'm thankful for." 00:22:45.280 --> 00:22:47.400 align:center line:-2 And you know, when Jacky told me that, 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:50.760 align:center line:-2 I was like: That's a good idea. And so I try to tell people: 00:22:50.760 --> 00:22:52.480 align:center line:-1 "I'm thankful for this today." 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:55.560 align:center line:-2 Like there's so many things I have to be thankful for, 00:22:55.560 --> 00:22:58.640 align:center line:-2 but sometimes, in my job, I can feel a bit overwhelmed. 00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:00.800 align:center line:-2 And just share those human connections. 00:23:00.800 --> 00:23:03.520 align:center line:-2 At the end of the day, this is a human business, 00:23:03.520 --> 00:23:05.840 align:center line:-2 and while we all have different positions 00:23:05.840 --> 00:23:08.840 align:center line:-2 and different ranks and stuff, at the end of the day, 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:11.120 align:center line:-2 we're all as fallible as the next person 00:23:11.120 --> 00:23:13.160 align:center line:-2 and we all need the same connection, 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:16.760 align:center line:-2 and so I'm trying to break down some of those walls. Thank you. 00:23:16.760 --> 00:23:20.440 align:center line:-2 Thank you very much, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:23.880 align:center line:-2 Thank you for reminding us that as leaders, 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:27.520 align:center line:-2 we have a responsibility to talk about our own struggles, 00:23:27.520 --> 00:23:30.520 align:center line:-1 the things that bother us. 00:23:30.520 --> 00:23:32.440 align:center line:-2 Thank you for reminding us that you too, 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:35.040 align:center line:-2 as someone in such a senior leadership position, 00:23:35.040 --> 00:23:37.120 align:center line:-1 have personal experiences. 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:40.120 align:center line:-2 Thank you for reminding us that as leaders, 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:44.160 align:center line:-2 we need to create a healthy environment, but thank you again 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:47.720 align:center line:-2 for reminding us to stay in touch with our teams. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:50.560 align:center line:-2 And then the fact that you walk around the Carling Campus 00:23:50.560 --> 00:23:53.080 align:center line:-2 to see how people are doing, you're talking to people 00:23:53.080 --> 00:23:55.600 align:center line:-2 who are younger, it allows them to see that they're supported 00:23:55.600 --> 00:23:57.560 align:center line:-1 and that they're not alone. 00:23:57.560 --> 00:23:59.120 align:center line:-1 So thank you very much 00:23:59.120 --> 00:24:03.440 align:center line:-2 for your words of advice this afternoon, 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:06.000 align:center line:-2 and even more importantly, for sharing your own experiences. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:08.440 align:center line:-1 Thanks again. 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:13.240 align:center line:-2 So, at this time, I'm going to be asking 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:16.520 align:center line:-2 the next question to Dr. Sowinski. 00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:19.280 align:center line:-2 So, Dr. Sowinski, here's the question: 00:24:19.280 --> 00:24:24.280 align:center line:-2 in these trying times, the focus is now on resilience. 00:24:24.280 --> 00:24:29.280 align:center line:-2 What do you suggest Defence Team members do 00:24:29.280 --> 00:24:34.280 align:center line:-2 if they are experiencing suicidal or negative thoughts 00:24:34.280 --> 00:24:37.240 align:center line:-2 as a result of mental health struggle? 00:24:38.840 --> 00:24:40.600 align:center line:-1 Okay, well, thank you. 00:24:40.600 --> 00:24:42.840 align:center line:-2 There's actually been a lot of great discussions so far 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:44.360 align:center line:-2 so I might echo some of the things 00:24:44.360 --> 00:24:46.080 align:center line:-2 that have already been discussed. 00:24:46.080 --> 00:24:48.760 align:center line:-2 One of the first things I would say 00:24:48.760 --> 00:24:52.800 align:center line:-2 is to try to be open about your own negative emotions. 00:24:52.800 --> 00:24:57.240 align:center line:-2 We have a tendency to be afraid of talking about them, 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:59.600 align:center line:-1 but actually, research shows 00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:01.520 align:center line:-2 that if you're vulnerable and open, 00:25:01.520 --> 00:25:04.240 align:center line:-2 that's when we form these really great social connections 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:06.640 align:center line:-2 and we can draw on that social support 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:08.400 align:center line:-1 that may be available to us. 00:25:08.400 --> 00:25:11.000 align:center line:-2 For sure, if you're really feeling distress, 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:13.400 align:center line:-2 you should probably seek professional help. 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:18.040 align:center line:-2 I know that the public service has extended its health benefits 00:25:18.040 --> 00:25:19.680 align:center line:-2 to be a little bit more inclusive. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:21.520 align:center line:-2 You don't need a doctor's note right now 00:25:21.520 --> 00:25:24.640 align:center line:-2 and you can have people like psychologists to counsel you. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:26.480 align:center line:-1 But there are also some things 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:28.480 align:center line:-2 that you might just do in your own life 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:29.960 align:center line:-1 to help look after yourself 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.520 align:center line:-1 and that could be before 00:25:31.520 --> 00:25:33.520 align:center line:-2 you're already experiencing negative emotions. 00:25:33.520 --> 00:25:36.440 align:center line:-2 So, you can think of them as more as a healthcare regime, 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:38.440 align:center line:-1 but for your mental health. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:40.960 align:center line:-1 Think about trying to become 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:43.800 align:center line:-2 more mindful and aware of your own thoughts and feelings 00:25:43.800 --> 00:25:46.120 align:center line:-2 and how you might be responding in a situation. 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:47.800 align:center line:-2 The more that you pay attention to that, 00:25:47.800 --> 00:25:49.520 align:center line:-2 the more that you can kind of pick up 00:25:49.520 --> 00:25:53.280 align:center line:-2 on when you're not doing as well as maybe you used to be 00:25:53.280 --> 00:25:55.080 align:center line:-1 and try to do things 00:25:55.080 --> 00:25:59.280 align:center line:-2 to ameliorate that before it gets worse. Right? 00:25:59.280 --> 00:26:03.040 align:center line:-2 Meditation is also part of that practice. 00:26:03.040 --> 00:26:05.160 align:center line:-2 So, there's actually a lot of evidence showing that 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.960 align:center line:-1 that is quite helpful. 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:09.920 align:center line:-2 But also just reaching out those social connections. 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:13.680 align:center line:-2 This pandemic is really tough because, 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:15.440 align:center line:-1 it has already been mentioned, 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:18.040 align:center line:-2 we're missing those social connections and we're missing, 00:26:18.040 --> 00:26:20.880 align:center line:-2 you know, we have a basic need for autonomy and control, 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:22.600 align:center line:-1 we don't have a lot of control 00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:24.560 align:center line:-2 over a whole bunch of things in our lives right now 00:26:24.560 --> 00:26:26.080 align:center line:-1 and that's really tough. 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:28.920 align:center line:-2 So, being able to gain some control where we can 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:32.040 align:center line:-2 will probably help people in some ways. 00:26:32.040 --> 00:26:34.040 align:center line:-2 So, even simple things like exercise. 00:26:34.040 --> 00:26:37.240 align:center line:-2 Exercise is a great way to treat depression. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:39.280 align:center line:-1 Try to get outside. 00:26:39.280 --> 00:26:40.960 align:center line:-2 The fresh air is really good for us. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:45.240 align:center line:-2 If you have a nice view, it can foster the sense of awe 00:26:45.240 --> 00:26:49.360 align:center line:-2 which helps to ground us and makes us feel happier, in fact. 00:26:49.360 --> 00:26:52.240 align:center line:-2 And even things like, you know, sometimes, we're at home 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:55.600 align:center line:-2 in our pyjama pants working from home, 00:26:55.600 --> 00:26:57.080 align:center line:-1 maybe take a shower 00:26:57.080 --> 00:27:00.040 align:center line:-2 or schedule a date night or game night with, 00:27:00.040 --> 00:27:02.800 align:center line:-2 you know, a loved one or friends over Zoom, 00:27:02.800 --> 00:27:04.480 align:center line:-1 it could be anything, 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.720 align:center line:-2 but try to put some fun activities on your schedule. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:08.840 align:center line:-2 That might be something for you to look forward to 00:27:08.840 --> 00:27:12.880 align:center line:-2 and also be a way to connect with other people. Thank you. 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:16.360 align:center line:-2 Thank you so much for your insight. 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:18.800 align:center line:-2 What I've retained from what you said is 00:27:18.800 --> 00:27:20.600 align:center line:-1 to keep that social connection. 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:23.400 align:center line:-2 It's definitely not easy during this pandemic, 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:26.960 align:center line:-1 but A) that social connection 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:31.960 align:center line:-1 B) meditation C) exercise, 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:33.480 align:center line:-1 not only at home, 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:35.400 align:center line:-2 but going out there to get some fresh air 00:27:35.400 --> 00:27:37.200 align:center line:-1 and you know, going out there. 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:38.800 align:center line:-1 Great, great insight 00:27:38.800 --> 00:27:41.280 align:center line:-2 and thank you so much again, Dr. Sowinski, 00:27:41.280 --> 00:27:43.720 align:center line:-1 for your advice and guidance. 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:46.880 align:center line:-2 I'm now going to move on to our next panellist. 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:49.280 align:center line:-1 I would like to ask 00:27:49.280 --> 00:27:53.880 align:center line:-2 the following question to LCol Andrea Tuka. 00:27:53.880 --> 00:27:55.880 align:center line:-1 So, here's the question: 00:27:55.880 --> 00:28:00.720 align:center line:-2 the Bell Let's Talk campaign advocates talking about 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:04.720 align:center line:-2 eliminating the stigma around mental illness. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:07.280 align:center line:-1 What are some ways 00:28:07.280 --> 00:28:10.400 align:center line:-2 that we can make it safe for others 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:12.800 align:center line:-1 to open up about their struggle? 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:19.680 align:center line:-2 Thank you very much, Nadia. Good afternoon, everyone. 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:23.400 align:center line:-2 And thank you very much for this very important question. 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:28.400 align:center line:-2 I would say that the stigma around mental illness 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:30.440 align:center line:-1 is a complex phenomenon 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:34.800 align:center line:-2 involving stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination 00:28:34.800 --> 00:28:37.400 align:center line:-1 leading to negative consequences 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:41.960 align:center line:-2 such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, hopelessness, 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:44.160 align:center line:-1 increase of suicidal thoughts 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:47.480 align:center line:-2 and not seeking help when needed. 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:49.600 align:center line:-1 Recent research shows 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:53.040 align:center line:-2 that stigma impacts every domain of our life. 00:28:53.040 --> 00:28:57.400 align:center line:-2 But the area, which is most important, is work. 00:28:57.400 --> 00:29:00.680 align:center line:-1 So, what can be done 00:29:00.680 --> 00:29:04.800 align:center line:-2 for people to feel safe to open up about their struggles? 00:29:04.800 --> 00:29:09.160 align:center line:-2 The stigma itself is a multifaceted issue, 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:12.880 align:center line:-2 we need a multifaceted approach to combat it. 00:29:12.880 --> 00:29:16.640 align:center line:-2 We need to take this stigma at the community level, 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:20.560 align:center line:-2 organization level, interpersonal level 00:29:20.560 --> 00:29:23.840 align:center line:-1 and individual level as well. 00:29:23.840 --> 00:29:27.520 align:center line:-2 At the community level, the perfect example 00:29:27.520 --> 00:29:29.000 align:center line:-1 is Bell Let's Talk. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:32.120 align:center line:-2 Talking about mental health and mental illness 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:34.920 align:center line:-2 through sharing stories, experiences, 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:38.800 align:center line:-2 struggles and successes increase awareness, 00:29:38.800 --> 00:29:42.080 align:center line:-2 help to normalize. So, it helps to change 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:46.640 align:center line:-2 the attitude towards mental illness in the community. 00:29:46.640 --> 00:29:49.320 align:center line:-1 At the organization level, 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:53.760 align:center line:-2 one of the most important strategies: education. 00:29:53.760 --> 00:29:56.000 align:center line:-1 The Canadian Armed Forces 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:59.600 align:center line:-2 has a robust mental health literacy program, the R2MR, 00:29:59.600 --> 00:30:03.120 align:center line:-2 which is embedded throughout the member's career, 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:05.400 align:center line:-1 including the deployment cycle. 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:09.080 align:center line:-2 The R2MR educates how to recognize 00:30:09.080 --> 00:30:11.200 align:center line:-1 the signs of mental illness 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:14.480 align:center line:-2 and encourages seeking help in a timely fashion. 00:30:16.280 --> 00:30:21.280 align:center line:-2 Our head services focus on providing patients centre care, 00:30:21.280 --> 00:30:26.040 align:center line:-2 which means that the individual patient's preferences, 00:30:26.040 --> 00:30:31.040 align:center line:-2 needs and values guide the clinical decisions 00:30:31.040 --> 00:30:33.680 align:center line:-1 along with the opportunity 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:37.800 align:center line:-2 to involve families in the treatment process. 00:30:37.800 --> 00:30:40.160 align:center line:-2 An additional strategy to decrease 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:44.000 align:center line:-1 stigma is the integrated care. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:46.680 align:center line:-2 For example, in Victoria where I work, 00:30:46.680 --> 00:30:51.360 align:center line:-2 they collocated the primary care and mental health services 00:30:51.360 --> 00:30:55.640 align:center line:-2 so the primary care clinicians and the mental health clinicians 00:30:55.640 --> 00:30:59.120 align:center line:-2 such as social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:02.120 align:center line:-1 work side-by-side. 00:31:02.120 --> 00:31:04.920 align:center line:-2 So, members all to the same place 00:31:04.920 --> 00:31:09.400 align:center line:-2 regardless if they have a knee pain or anxiety. 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:13.800 align:center line:-2 And they can feel that they are treated in the same way. 00:31:13.800 --> 00:31:16.480 align:center line:-1 Also, members feel that 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:19.200 align:center line:-2 the care providers know them much better 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:21.760 align:center line:-2 as a result of this strong collaboration. 00:31:23.600 --> 00:31:25.760 align:center line:-1 I would like to bring out 00:31:25.760 --> 00:31:29.160 align:center line:-2 the implementation and enhancement of virtual care 00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:31.040 align:center line:-1 related to the pandemic. 00:31:31.040 --> 00:31:34.000 align:center line:-2 I think it is also a great strategy 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:36.240 align:center line:-1 to increase the sense of safety 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:38.680 align:center line:-2 as now members can have treatment sessions 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:42.280 align:center line:-2 in the comfort of their home where they can be suited 00:31:42.280 --> 00:31:44.720 align:center line:-1 by their dogs or cats 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:49.360 align:center line:-2 and the spouses can easily participate in the process too. 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:53.360 align:center line:-1 Mutual care likely stabilizes 00:31:53.360 --> 00:31:56.080 align:center line:-1 even after the pandemic status 00:31:56.080 --> 00:31:59.760 align:center line:-2 with the combination of the traditional in person care. 00:32:01.800 --> 00:32:06.280 align:center line:-2 A good example addressing stigma at the interpersonal level 00:32:06.280 --> 00:32:11.280 align:center line:-2 is using the right language when we talk to each other. 00:32:11.280 --> 00:32:14.840 align:center line:-2 We've heard it from the other panellists as well 00:32:14.840 --> 00:32:17.520 align:center line:-2 that talking about mental illness, 00:32:17.520 --> 00:32:20.680 align:center line:-2 talking to people who are struggling, 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:24.160 align:center line:-2 we need to ensure that we listen to them. 00:32:24.160 --> 00:32:27.800 align:center line:-1 People need to feel being heard, 00:32:27.800 --> 00:32:30.600 align:center line:-1 included and supported. 00:32:30.600 --> 00:32:34.280 align:center line:-2 And we need to also try to instill hope. 00:32:34.280 --> 00:32:37.800 align:center line:-2 Because as with proper and timely care, 00:32:37.800 --> 00:32:41.320 align:center line:-2 improvement and recovery are possible 00:32:41.320 --> 00:32:44.480 align:center line:-1 very much for mental illness. 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:48.240 align:center line:-2 And finally, at the individual level, 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:51.920 align:center line:-2 I would like to still call back to the patient centre care 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:56.560 align:center line:-2 when patients and members express their preferences, 00:32:56.560 --> 00:32:58.720 align:center line:-1 needs and values. 00:32:58.720 --> 00:33:01.280 align:center line:-2 So, they can actively participate 00:33:01.280 --> 00:33:03.760 align:center line:-2 in the management of the mental illness 00:33:03.760 --> 00:33:07.520 align:center line:-2 and not only passive recipients of the treatment. 00:33:07.520 --> 00:33:10.280 align:center line:-2 And I think this can be very, very empowering. 00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:16.160 align:center line:-1 Thank you so much, LCol Tuka, 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:19.000 align:center line:-2 for your insight and for linking, 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:24.000 align:center line:-2 a line must be linked between stigma in the community level, 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:27.440 align:center line:-2 individual level, organization level, 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:29.080 align:center line:-1 but very importantly, 00:33:29.080 --> 00:33:30.760 align:center line:-2 like you said, interpersonal level. 00:33:30.760 --> 00:33:33.360 align:center line:-2 So, thank you so much for your guidance and advice 00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:36.840 align:center line:-2 this afternoon on this so important subject. 00:33:36.840 --> 00:33:41.600 align:center line:-2 So, to our next panellist, Mr. Jerry Ryan, 00:33:41.600 --> 00:33:43.960 align:center line:-2 here's the question that I have for you: 00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:48.760 align:center line:-2 what are some tips you have to limit yourself 00:33:48.760 --> 00:33:52.240 align:center line:-2 from thinking negatively in this climate? 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:58.720 align:center line:-2 Hi. Sure, Nadia. I guess, first of all, 00:33:58.720 --> 00:34:01.320 align:center line:-2 it is what the other panellists have mentioned 00:34:01.320 --> 00:34:03.040 align:center line:-2 about the control, the lack of control 00:34:03.040 --> 00:34:06.160 align:center line:-2 that people feel when we're all going through this. 00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:09.640 align:center line:-2 So, we have the problem of so much information, 00:34:09.640 --> 00:34:12.040 align:center line:-1 over-information 00:34:12.040 --> 00:34:14.480 align:center line:-2 and recognizing where we are in the continuum. 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:16.760 align:center line:-2 That one day, we're good with all this information, 00:34:16.760 --> 00:34:21.120 align:center line:-2 all these cases and all this negativity 00:34:21.120 --> 00:34:22.640 align:center line:-1 and other days, we're not. 00:34:22.640 --> 00:34:24.560 align:center line:-2 So, we need to be able to get away from that. 00:34:24.560 --> 00:34:26.120 align:center line:-1 You need to be able to separate. 00:34:26.120 --> 00:34:28.080 align:center line:-2 You need to be able to figure out plans 00:34:28.080 --> 00:34:29.600 align:center line:-1 and spend time with your kids. 00:34:29.600 --> 00:34:31.560 align:center line:-2 I'm lucky enough to have a 5-years-old grandson. 00:34:31.560 --> 00:34:33.800 align:center line:-2 I'm expecting a granddaughter any day now. 00:34:33.800 --> 00:34:35.920 align:center line:-1 So, for me, those are things 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:38.800 align:center line:-2 that give me hope for the future. That is the future. 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:40.800 align:center line:-1 But sleeping every day, 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:43.200 align:center line:-2 making sure that you get regular routines going. 00:34:43.200 --> 00:34:45.280 align:center line:-2 That you share when you're stressed. 00:34:45.280 --> 00:34:46.840 align:center line:-1 That when you're burned out 00:34:46.840 --> 00:34:48.600 align:center line:-2 because you're trying to care for your kids 00:34:48.600 --> 00:34:50.120 align:center line:-2 and you're trying to care for issues, 00:34:50.120 --> 00:34:51.920 align:center line:-2 you have a conversation with another adult, 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:54.920 align:center line:-2 a friend or someone to say where you're coming from. 00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:56.760 align:center line:-2 And when you do that, they come back 00:34:56.760 --> 00:35:00.280 align:center line:-2 and they give you their view in what we've learned... 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:03.480 align:center line:-2 I've learned, a book that I read about a psychologist 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:07.760 align:center line:-2 who spent time in concentration camps in Nazi Germany era, 00:35:07.760 --> 00:35:10.400 align:center line:-2 is that the people that spent time caring for other people 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:13.800 align:center line:-2 felt that about everyone else in that situation. 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:15.800 align:center line:-2 So, caregivers, they're critical. 00:35:15.800 --> 00:35:18.720 align:center line:-2 You take that role where it's appropriate 00:35:18.720 --> 00:35:20.480 align:center line:-2 and you do what you can to help others. 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:23.320 align:center line:-2 And when you do that, it strengthens you inside 00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:26.080 align:center line:-2 and allows you to be able to move on. 00:35:26.080 --> 00:35:28.040 align:center line:-1 Be grateful. 00:35:28.040 --> 00:35:33.040 align:center line:-2 It was mentioned earlier by LGen Rouleau 00:35:33.040 --> 00:35:36.760 align:center line:-2 that the whole issue of being grateful for something. 00:35:36.760 --> 00:35:38.560 align:center line:-2 You have your health, for instance. 00:35:38.560 --> 00:35:40.640 align:center line:-2 You have something so many people don't have. 00:35:40.640 --> 00:35:43.000 align:center line:-2 So, you have that. You have that. You can work on that. 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:44.640 align:center line:-2 You have something to look forward to. 00:35:44.640 --> 00:35:47.760 align:center line:-2 Book a trip for the future. Look into past troubles. 00:35:47.760 --> 00:35:49.520 align:center line:-1 If you were running a race, 00:35:49.520 --> 00:35:51.160 align:center line:-2 you're well past the halfway mark. 00:35:51.160 --> 00:35:52.800 align:center line:-2 And all this that have done that, 00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:55.320 align:center line:-2 that's the part that carries you to the finish. 00:35:55.320 --> 00:35:59.320 align:center line:-2 But we all have to understand our attitude is critical. 00:35:59.320 --> 00:36:02.000 align:center line:-2 You can have a positive attitude and a negative attitude. 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:04.720 align:center line:-2 I've lived through the experience of my wife passing. 00:36:04.720 --> 00:36:06.800 align:center line:-1 She was terminal for 15 months. 00:36:06.800 --> 00:36:09.440 align:center line:-2 What she used to say to everyone she talked to was: 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:12.040 align:center line:-2 "I know you feel bad for me. I know you feel that way, 00:36:12.040 --> 00:36:13.720 align:center line:-2 but don't get down in front of me 00:36:13.720 --> 00:36:16.120 align:center line:-2 because I may never be able to get back up." 00:36:16.120 --> 00:36:19.080 align:center line:-2 So, it's one of those things that we all have to deal with, 00:36:19.080 --> 00:36:20.960 align:center line:-2 we all have to get up every day, get dressed, 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:23.480 align:center line:-2 go out there and do the best we can. 00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:25.040 align:center line:-1 But the more we're smiling, 00:36:25.040 --> 00:36:26.840 align:center line:-2 when we're saying happy things to people, 00:36:26.840 --> 00:36:28.520 align:center line:-2 when we're pushing that positivity 00:36:28.520 --> 00:36:31.440 align:center line:-2 even when we're faking it, it has an effect. 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:33.960 align:center line:-1 I'll stop. Thank you. 00:36:35.560 --> 00:36:37.760 align:center line:-1 Thank you so much, Mr. Ryan. 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:39.960 align:center line:-2 And thank you so much for bringing back 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:42.000 align:center line:-1 the piece about being grateful 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:45.560 align:center line:-2 and being grateful for health and because you have health, 00:36:45.560 --> 00:36:47.800 align:center line:-2 then, you can look forward to when this pandemic is over, 00:36:47.800 --> 00:36:49.880 align:center line:-2 be able to take a trip with your loved ones. 00:36:49.880 --> 00:36:54.680 align:center line:-2 And, you know, reminding us that our attitude is key. 00:36:54.680 --> 00:36:57.120 align:center line:-1 Think positive and not negative. 00:36:57.120 --> 00:36:58.680 align:center line:-2 So, thank you so much for these nuggets 00:36:58.680 --> 00:37:00.400 align:center line:-2 that you shared with us this morning. 00:37:00.400 --> 00:37:03.160 align:center line:-2 Sorry, this afternoon. Much appreciated. 00:37:03.160 --> 00:37:06.280 align:center line:-2 So now I'd like to ask the next question 00:37:06.280 --> 00:37:09.920 align:center line:-2 to Chief Warrant Officer Colbert. 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:14.600 align:center line:-1 So what can the Defence Team do 00:37:14.600 --> 00:37:18.600 align:center line:-1 to make others feel comfortable 00:37:18.600 --> 00:37:22.760 align:center line:-1 talking about their challenges? 00:37:22.760 --> 00:37:25.800 align:center line:-2 Thank you. Good afternoon, Deputy Minister, 00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:28.840 align:center line:-1 General and fellow panellists. 00:37:28.840 --> 00:37:31.520 align:center line:-2 Thank you for this great question. 00:37:31.520 --> 00:37:34.920 align:center line:-2 It was mentioned earlier that leadership is important. 00:37:34.920 --> 00:37:37.480 align:center line:-2 It is important at all levels. OK? 00:37:37.480 --> 00:37:39.880 align:center line:-2 At all levels, we must be able, first of all, 00:37:39.880 --> 00:37:42.480 align:center line:-2 to create an environment of respect, 00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:45.680 align:center line:-2 whether at work or with our friends. 00:37:45.680 --> 00:37:48.400 align:center line:-1 Then we need to talk. 00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:51.160 align:center line:-1 The secret is to talk about it. 00:37:51.160 --> 00:37:54.480 align:center line:-2 So, as leaders, we have to be the first to talk about it. 00:37:54.480 --> 00:37:57.400 align:center line:-2 I think we all have a story somewhere in our lives 00:37:57.400 --> 00:38:00.680 align:center line:-1 about an experience we had. 00:38:00.680 --> 00:38:02.440 align:center line:-1 For myself, when I was 20, 00:38:02.440 --> 00:38:04.800 align:center line:-2 I lost my mother in a car accident. 00:38:04.800 --> 00:38:07.360 align:center line:-2 I was the one driving. My mother died next to me 00:38:07.360 --> 00:38:10.160 align:center line:-2 a month after I got my driver's licence. 00:38:10.160 --> 00:38:14.560 align:center line:-2 I managed to get through it by talking to my friends, 00:38:14.560 --> 00:38:16.280 align:center line:-1 talking to my colleagues, 00:38:16.280 --> 00:38:18.160 align:center line:-2 talking to my family about how I felt. 00:38:18.160 --> 00:38:21.320 align:center line:-2 So it's by creating that environment 00:38:21.320 --> 00:38:23.400 align:center line:-1 of respect and openness. 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:26.160 align:center line:-1 The more we talk about it, 00:38:26.160 --> 00:38:30.320 align:center line:-2 the more people will be able to open up. 00:38:30.320 --> 00:38:31.800 align:center line:-1 This has an effect 00:38:31.800 --> 00:38:33.720 align:center line:-2 that must never be underestimated 00:38:33.720 --> 00:38:35.200 align:center line:-1 and it is important. 00:38:35.200 --> 00:38:38.880 align:center line:-1 I think people need to know 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:43.040 align:center line:-2 that we are involved throughout the year on mental health. 00:38:43.040 --> 00:38:47.080 align:center line:-2 Bell Let's Talk is a great initiative and I love it. 00:38:47.080 --> 00:38:50.240 align:center line:-2 It reminds us of the importance of talking about it. 00:38:50.240 --> 00:38:53.360 align:center line:-2 So I'm going to challenge my fellow chief warrant officers 00:38:53.360 --> 00:38:55.320 align:center line:-1 and non-commissioned officers 00:38:55.320 --> 00:38:57.440 align:center line:-2 to keep talking about this throughout the year. 00:38:57.440 --> 00:39:00.800 align:center line:-2 This is important. Because we are concerned. 00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:03.920 align:center line:-2 We have so many wonderful resources at National Defence, 00:39:03.920 --> 00:39:06.520 align:center line:-2 the Canadian Forces and our health services. 00:39:06.520 --> 00:39:09.160 align:center line:-2 We have chaplaincy services that are there for us, 00:39:09.160 --> 00:39:10.760 align:center line:-1 the family centres. 00:39:10.760 --> 00:39:12.600 align:center line:-2 Everything is there to help our members. 00:39:12.600 --> 00:39:15.280 align:center line:-1 But sometimes, when a member 00:39:15.280 --> 00:39:17.960 align:center line:-1 is in a situation of stress, 00:39:17.960 --> 00:39:20.080 align:center line:-2 when a member has a mental health situation, 00:39:20.080 --> 00:39:21.720 align:center line:-1 sometimes it's not clear. 00:39:21.720 --> 00:39:24.800 align:center line:-2 That's why it's important for us to stand together. 00:39:24.800 --> 00:39:29.160 align:center line:-2 It is important that we be alert as leaders. 00:39:29.160 --> 00:39:31.000 align:center line:-1 When I was in Wainwright 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:32.480 align:center line:-1 as Sergeant-Major 00:39:32.480 --> 00:39:34.600 align:center line:-2 of the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre 00:39:34.600 --> 00:39:37.800 align:center line:-2 with Colonel Martin Frank, we had a young soldier, 00:39:37.800 --> 00:39:39.600 align:center line:-2 a young administrative assistant, 00:39:39.600 --> 00:39:43.360 align:center line:-2 she had health problems and was new to the military system 00:39:43.360 --> 00:39:46.280 align:center line:-2 and didn't really understand how it worked. 00:39:46.280 --> 00:39:47.920 align:center line:-1 She did not really understand 00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:50.000 align:center line:-2 how doctors were looking at her case. 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:52.600 align:center line:-2 Then, at some point, she was found crying. 00:39:52.600 --> 00:39:56.720 align:center line:-2 Our Chief Clerk found her in the women's washroom crying. 00:39:56.720 --> 00:39:58.600 align:center line:-1 She came and told us. 00:39:58.600 --> 00:40:01.320 align:center line:-2 So the Commanding Officer and I decided to go to the hospital, 00:40:01.320 --> 00:40:03.600 align:center line:-2 we had a meeting with the base surgeon, 00:40:03.600 --> 00:40:05.680 align:center line:-2 we had a meeting with care givers 00:40:05.680 --> 00:40:07.280 align:center line:-1 to understand a little bit, 00:40:07.280 --> 00:40:08.760 align:center line:-1 and we explained to them 00:40:08.760 --> 00:40:10.240 align:center line:-1 that this little woman there, 00:40:10.240 --> 00:40:11.960 align:center line:-2 she has to understand how you, you... 00:40:11.960 --> 00:40:14.440 align:center line:-2 Because sometimes, as doctors, they are too used to... 00:40:14.440 --> 00:40:17.160 align:center line:-2 We assured this little lady, our little soldier, 00:40:17.160 --> 00:40:18.880 align:center line:-2 that she was getting the proper follow-up. 00:40:18.880 --> 00:40:21.000 align:center line:-2 We monitored her closely, the Commander and I, 00:40:21.000 --> 00:40:23.080 align:center line:-2 and that made all the difference. 00:40:23.080 --> 00:40:24.880 align:center line:-1 It took the stress off her. 00:40:24.880 --> 00:40:27.320 align:center line:-2 She felt supported by her chain of command, 00:40:27.320 --> 00:40:29.800 align:center line:-1 and now, well, she's a soldier 00:40:29.800 --> 00:40:32.280 align:center line:-2 who got married, who's doing well. 00:40:32.280 --> 00:40:33.840 align:center line:-1 Just that level of support. 00:40:33.840 --> 00:40:35.640 align:center line:-2 So sometimes, it just takes a little gesture. 00:40:35.640 --> 00:40:37.280 align:center line:-2 Earlier, my boss Jean Rouleau said: 00:40:37.280 --> 00:40:39.040 align:center line:-2 "Take the time to pick up the phone and call." 00:40:39.040 --> 00:40:40.560 align:center line:-2 When I called the chain of command 00:40:40.560 --> 00:40:42.280 align:center line:-2 of the young person who had lost his child, 00:40:42.280 --> 00:40:45.240 align:center line:-2 even the chain of command was so happy to know 00:40:45.240 --> 00:40:47.040 align:center line:-2 that if there was a support problem, 00:40:47.040 --> 00:40:49.960 align:center line:-2 well, he would be supported throughout the chain of command. 00:40:49.960 --> 00:40:52.880 align:center line:-1 So it is extremely important. 00:40:52.880 --> 00:40:56.440 align:center line:-2 We must not remain silent. We want to hear you. 00:40:56.440 --> 00:40:58.400 align:center line:-1 We want to help you. 00:40:58.400 --> 00:41:00.880 align:center line:-1 No one should feel alone today. 00:41:00.880 --> 00:41:02.440 align:center line:-1 Especially when you think 00:41:02.440 --> 00:41:04.360 align:center line:-2 of all the means of communication we have today. 00:41:04.360 --> 00:41:06.400 align:center line:-2 So since the beginning of the pandemic, 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:09.040 align:center line:-2 like all leaders, much emphasis has been placed on: 00:41:09.040 --> 00:41:12.000 align:center line:-2 "Call your people. Stay in touch with your people, 00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:15.080 align:center line:-2 especially when we're asking everyone to stay home." 00:41:15.080 --> 00:41:17.240 align:center line:-1 Each case... 00:41:17.240 --> 00:41:21.120 align:center line:-2 As the Deputy Minister said earlier, each case is unique. 00:41:21.120 --> 00:41:24.120 align:center line:-2 I have a daughter who is a civilian, 00:41:24.120 --> 00:41:26.680 align:center line:-1 but she has to teach from home. 00:41:26.680 --> 00:41:30.120 align:center line:-2 We have Canadian Forces members who are single parents 00:41:30.120 --> 00:41:32.840 align:center line:-1 and they have to teach at home. 00:41:32.840 --> 00:41:34.960 align:center line:-2 Well, you have to make them feel supported, 00:41:34.960 --> 00:41:36.680 align:center line:-1 and you have to make them feel 00:41:36.680 --> 00:41:40.880 align:center line:-2 that they're contributing to the Canadian Forces effort 00:41:40.880 --> 00:41:42.920 align:center line:-1 by looking after their families, 00:41:42.920 --> 00:41:45.320 align:center line:-2 by staying healthy. This is important. 00:41:45.320 --> 00:41:47.840 align:center line:-1 So we must not feel isolated, 00:41:47.840 --> 00:41:50.000 align:center line:-2 we must create this environment of respect. 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:51.760 align:center line:-1 That is important to us. 00:41:51.760 --> 00:41:54.480 align:center line:-2 Then, the more we talk about it, the less taboo it becomes, 00:41:54.480 --> 00:41:58.080 align:center line:-2 and I think Bell Let's Talk reminds us 00:41:58.080 --> 00:42:02.560 align:center line:-2 that we have to do this all year long. Thank you. 00:42:04.040 --> 00:42:06.720 align:center line:-2 Could I just jump in and add something? 00:42:06.720 --> 00:42:09.880 align:center line:-1 So, I've just been fascinated 00:42:09.880 --> 00:42:12.560 align:center line:-2 by everything my colleagues on the panel had to say. 00:42:12.560 --> 00:42:14.440 align:center line:-2 And as always, every time we do this, 00:42:14.440 --> 00:42:16.520 align:center line:-2 I've learned something listening to them. 00:42:16.520 --> 00:42:20.520 align:center line:-2 I think that it's important for everybody out there 00:42:20.520 --> 00:42:25.080 align:center line:-2 to remember whether you're a colleague or you're a manager 00:42:25.080 --> 00:42:26.920 align:center line:-1 or you're a senior leader 00:42:26.920 --> 00:42:30.720 align:center line:-2 or you're a person in any of the strata 00:42:30.720 --> 00:42:33.080 align:center line:-2 that we have in this department who's suffering, 00:42:33.080 --> 00:42:37.000 align:center line:-2 feeling the strain of what's going on right now, 00:42:37.000 --> 00:42:39.440 align:center line:-1 of this panel of six people, 00:42:39.440 --> 00:42:41.040 align:center line:-2 we have two mental health experts 00:42:41.040 --> 00:42:42.640 align:center line:-2 and the rest of us are on this panel 00:42:42.640 --> 00:42:44.520 align:center line:-2 because we have a personal interest, 00:42:44.520 --> 00:42:47.080 align:center line:-1 a leadership interest... 00:42:47.080 --> 00:42:50.560 align:center line:-2 an interest in human beings and we want to help. 00:42:50.560 --> 00:42:52.520 align:center line:-2 We want to make sure we do the right thing. 00:42:52.520 --> 00:42:55.200 align:center line:-2 So, the question always is: what do I do? 00:42:55.200 --> 00:42:56.920 align:center line:-1 Because I'm not an expert. 00:42:56.920 --> 00:42:58.720 align:center line:-1 If I'm at the end of the phone 00:42:58.720 --> 00:43:01.280 align:center line:-2 or a video chat with somebody and I feel that he is suffering, 00:43:01.280 --> 00:43:02.920 align:center line:-1 what do I do? 00:43:02.920 --> 00:43:05.400 align:center line:-2 So, I think that's something we need to talk about 00:43:05.400 --> 00:43:09.240 align:center line:-2 because if you're in the office, it's an easier situation, 00:43:09.240 --> 00:43:11.080 align:center line:-2 you can go to your manager and say: 00:43:11.080 --> 00:43:15.200 align:center line:-2 "I think, you know, Joe down the hall isn't doing very well." 00:43:15.200 --> 00:43:16.920 align:center line:-1 So, what do you do now? 00:43:16.920 --> 00:43:18.480 align:center line:-2 I think you do all the same things. 00:43:18.480 --> 00:43:20.000 align:center line:-1 So we need to remind people 00:43:20.000 --> 00:43:23.000 align:center line:-2 that if somebody feels like he's in crisis, 00:43:23.000 --> 00:43:25.200 align:center line:-1 you can go see them. 00:43:25.200 --> 00:43:28.080 align:center line:-2 You know, the Premier, the Prime Minister have said: 00:43:28.080 --> 00:43:30.000 align:center line:-1 "Don't let people be alone." 00:43:30.000 --> 00:43:32.200 align:center line:-2 So, human connection can still happen, 00:43:32.200 --> 00:43:34.280 align:center line:-2 especially if you think somebody is suffering. 00:43:34.280 --> 00:43:36.080 align:center line:-1 You can still call. 00:43:36.080 --> 00:43:38.760 align:center line:-1 You have people like Mr. Colbert 00:43:38.760 --> 00:43:42.040 align:center line:-2 who are clearly experts at leadership 00:43:42.040 --> 00:43:43.760 align:center line:-1 and understanding human beings. 00:43:43.760 --> 00:43:45.320 align:center line:-2 You can go to the chain of command, 00:43:45.320 --> 00:43:46.800 align:center line:-1 like General Rouleau said. 00:43:46.800 --> 00:43:48.480 align:center line:-2 You can go to your bargaining agent, 00:43:48.480 --> 00:43:50.000 align:center line:-1 people like Jerry Ryan. 00:43:50.000 --> 00:43:52.080 align:center line:-2 You can go to experts within your domain. 00:43:52.080 --> 00:43:54.560 align:center line:-2 You can go to the person who works beside you 00:43:54.560 --> 00:43:57.440 align:center line:-2 and call him and say: "I think there's a problem." 00:43:57.440 --> 00:44:00.920 align:center line:-1 I worry that people 00:44:00.920 --> 00:44:03.480 align:center line:-2 put up their hand these days and say: 00:44:03.480 --> 00:44:06.640 align:center line:-2 "I'm not doing well", but because of physical distancing, 00:44:06.640 --> 00:44:09.240 align:center line:-1 people don't know what to do. 00:44:09.240 --> 00:44:11.600 align:center line:-2 I think that the message that's really clear 00:44:11.600 --> 00:44:13.280 align:center line:-1 is you do all the same things 00:44:13.280 --> 00:44:18.000 align:center line:-2 and that somebody's safety is what matters most 00:44:18.000 --> 00:44:23.000 align:center line:-2 and we can reach out and we can physically connect 00:44:23.000 --> 00:44:25.560 align:center line:-2 with people if the need is there. 00:44:25.560 --> 00:44:28.600 align:center line:-2 And so, I want people not to be hesitant. 00:44:28.600 --> 00:44:30.080 align:center line:-1 But the chain of command 00:44:30.080 --> 00:44:31.920 align:center line:-2 and the management in Labour relations 00:44:31.920 --> 00:44:36.920 align:center line:-2 and Human resources and CMP, the chaplains, 00:44:36.920 --> 00:44:41.520 align:center line:-2 everybody who's in this great, big department 00:44:41.520 --> 00:44:44.960 align:center line:-2 was there before COVID to help is still there to help. 00:44:44.960 --> 00:44:47.560 align:center line:-2 And so, I think that's just a really important message 00:44:47.560 --> 00:44:49.840 align:center line:-2 to get across because we're not mental health experts, 00:44:49.840 --> 00:44:52.360 align:center line:-2 but we care about every individual person. 00:44:52.360 --> 00:44:55.000 align:center line:-2 And there are two mental health experts here 00:44:55.000 --> 00:44:57.200 align:center line:-2 and they can correct me if I'm wrong 00:44:57.200 --> 00:44:59.000 align:center line:-1 and I just want to make sure 00:44:59.000 --> 00:45:01.840 align:center line:-2 that we understand that need to connect with human beings, 00:45:01.840 --> 00:45:04.280 align:center line:-2 if you think somebody is in trouble, still exists. 00:45:04.280 --> 00:45:06.280 align:center line:-1 Don't be afraid. 00:45:09.440 --> 00:45:11.280 align:center line:-1 Thank you so much. 00:45:11.280 --> 00:45:15.920 align:center line:-2 This was a really good nugget and a really great reminder. 00:45:15.920 --> 00:45:19.680 align:center line:-2 I really would like to take this opportunity 00:45:19.680 --> 00:45:22.720 align:center line:-2 to thank our distinguished panellists 00:45:22.720 --> 00:45:26.400 align:center line:-2 for taking the time and sharing their insight with us today 00:45:26.400 --> 00:45:31.400 align:center line:-2 as well as thanking our mental health co-host 00:45:31.400 --> 00:45:35.720 align:center line:-2 for taking the time to talk about this important issue. 00:45:35.720 --> 00:45:37.720 align:center line:-1 Today's virtual event, 00:45:37.720 --> 00:45:42.040 align:center line:-2 Together, Building Resilience During the Pandemic, 00:45:42.040 --> 00:45:46.440 align:center line:-2 is all about coming together as a Defence Team 00:45:46.440 --> 00:45:49.600 align:center line:-1 to fight stigma 00:45:49.600 --> 00:45:54.360 align:center line:-2 and join the conversation around mental health. 00:45:54.360 --> 00:45:56.320 align:center line:-1 We encourage you 00:45:56.320 --> 00:46:00.640 align:center line:-2 to continue this conversation throughout the year. 00:46:00.640 --> 00:46:03.720 align:center line:-2 As Chief Warrant Officer Colbert said, 00:46:03.720 --> 00:46:08.520 align:center line:-2 this Bell Let's Talk initiative is not just once a year. 00:46:08.520 --> 00:46:11.120 align:center line:-2 We have to talk about it year-round 00:46:11.120 --> 00:46:12.920 align:center line:-1 and reinforce that message 00:46:12.920 --> 00:46:15.520 align:center line:-2 so that we can get it into our heads, 00:46:15.520 --> 00:46:19.360 align:center line:-2 so that we can know that we are well supported. 00:46:19.360 --> 00:46:22.840 align:center line:-2 Take some time to talk to each other about mental health: 00:46:22.840 --> 00:46:27.720 align:center line:-2 managers, speak with your team, either formally or informally. 00:46:27.720 --> 00:46:32.040 align:center line:-2 Join the conversation to create positive change. 00:46:32.040 --> 00:46:36.280 align:center line:-2 Thank you for your participation here today. 00:46:36.280 --> 00:46:39.360 align:center line:-1 Thank you and have a great day. 00:46:39.360 --> 00:46:41.240 align:center line:-1 And please remember, 00:46:41.240 --> 00:46:43.680 align:center line:-2 there are mental health resources in place 00:46:43.680 --> 00:46:47.040 align:center line:-2 for Defence Team members and their families. 00:46:47.040 --> 00:46:50.160 align:center line:-2 If you or someone you know needs help, 00:46:50.160 --> 00:46:52.120 align:center line:-1 please, I beg you, 00:46:52.120 --> 00:46:55.880 align:center line:-2 please reach out to the Employee assistance program 00:46:55.880 --> 00:46:58.880 align:center line:-2 or the Canadian Forces Members Assistance Program 00:46:58.880 --> 00:47:03.640 align:center line:-1 at 1-800-268-7708. 00:47:03.640 --> 00:47:05.960 align:center line:-2 Thank you so much for joining us today.