Episode 3: Cost of Living

Episode 3: Cost of Living

Author: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels October 24, 2024 Duration: 26:28

In Episode 3 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on the cost of living and how it can affect one's mental health. This episode, Jessica and Mike explore how increased living expenses contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Connection Between Cost of Living and Mental Health:
    • Highlighting the link between low incomes and mental illness, exacerbated by rising costs and interest rates.
    • The psychological burden of financial strain, emphasizing the stress on those with limited resources.
  • Impact of Inflation on Social Interaction:
    • The term "inflation isolation" is introduced, addressing how financial strain limits social activities that are crucial for mental well-being.
    • Isolation can worsen mental health, transitioning from anxiety to more serious mental health issues.
  • Vulnerable Populations:
    • Identifying various groups particularly affected, including nonprofit sector workers, seniors on fixed incomes, and service industry employees.
    • The challenges faced by these groups as costs rise.
  • Resources Available:
    • CMHA Kelowna’s Rent Bank program is highlighted, providing no-interest loans to those at risk of eviction.
    • Other community resources for financial literacy and mental health support are shared, including food banks and counseling services.
  • Managing Mental Health:
    • An emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and recognizing changes in behavior and mood.
    • Strategies for managing mental health during tough financial times are discussed, such as limiting technology use, seeking social connections, and engaging in free activities.

**Resources Mentioned:

**General Mental Health Resources:**
If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now


Hosted by Jessica Samuels and presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association's Kelowna branch, A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health digs into the real-world factors that impact our psychological well-being. This isn't just a discussion of symptoms, but a thoughtful exploration of the societal, cultural, and personal stressors that weigh on us. Each episode moves beyond simply identifying problems to focus on practical approaches and tangible practices that can make a difference. You'll hear conversations that acknowledge how interconnected our mental health is with our physical fitness, our community, and the world around us. Supported by Beem Credit Union, the podcast provides a grounded space where complex topics feel accessible. Tuning in offers more than just insight; it’s about gathering useful information and realistic tools that you can apply to your own life. The goal is to leave each conversation with a clearer sense of direction and, as the title suggests, a genuine path toward resilience. This is a resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental health and find actionable strategies for themselves and their communities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Episode 14: Debt & Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:03
In this powerful episode, Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk sit down with Maggie Sinclair from Beam Credit Union to unpack the current reality of debt in Canada—and the deep mental health impacts that often come with it.…
Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and…
Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:26
In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving. As…
Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore…
Episode 10: Housing First & Complex Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addres…
Episode 9: Exploring Counselling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:54
Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward, Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counsellin…
Episode 8: Mental Health in Heavy Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
Welcome to Season 2 of A Way Forward, presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk discuss strategies for managing mental health during turbulent times. With a…
Episode 7: Loneliness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
In Episode 7 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO, Mike Gawliuk to dive into the topic of loneliness—what it truly means,…