5 FAQs

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Dr. Ramasubbu, psychiatrist and trauma specialist, to explore trauma and PTSD through a clinical, cultural, and deeply human lens. Drawing on his work supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Dr. Ramasubbu breaks down what PTSD really is, why it affects people differently, and how military culture can shape both help-seeking and recovery. From early intervention to long-term care, this conversation highlights evidence-based approaches that honour both mental health and service.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• We hear the term PTSD a lot, but what does it actually mean?
• Why do some people develop PTSD while others, who experience the same event, don’t?
• What role do family and friends play in recognizing trauma or supporting recovery?
• How does military culture impact whether someone reaches out for help?
• What kinds of treatments work for PTSD, especially for people who served in combat?

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Jason MacKenzie, leadership coach, author, and grief expert, for an honest conversation about love, loss, and healing. Having endured profound personal tragedy, Jason has transformed his pain into purpose, helping others navigate the complexities of grief with courage and compassion. From understanding how grief evolves over time to learning how to show up for others who are suffering, Jason shares hard-earned wisdom that challenges the myths of “moving on” and redefines what healthy grieving can look like.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• How do I know if my grief is progressing healthily?
• How long does grief typically last? Is there a “right” timeline for healing?
• What is somatic experiencing therapy?
• Can grief resurface years after the loss? How should one handle delayed or re-emerging grief?
• How can I support someone who is grieving without saying the wrong thing?
• What role does community play in the grieving process?

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Geoff Ingram, National Research &Measurement-Based Care Coordinator at EHN Canada, to unpack what measurement-based care really means, specifically from the client’s perspective. Drawing from his lived experience in recovery and his work in research and clinical practice, Geoff sheds light on how data-driven insights can create more personalized, responsive, and empowering treatment experiences. Together, we explore how this approach bridges the gap between science and compassion, giving clients a stronger voice in their own healing journey.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• What is measurement-based care?
• How is it a step forward from evidence-based care?
• For clients navigating mental health or addiction challenges, how does measurement-based care actually show up in their day-to-day treatment experience?
• Do clients typically understand how their feedback is used in shaping their care?
• What are some ways measurement-based care can empower clients, rather than making them feel like they’re being “measured”?

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Susan Raphael, author of What’s Wrong with My Teen?, to explore how addiction and mental health challenges affect the entire family system. Drawing on her expertise and lived experience, Susan offers compassionate insights into the complex emotions, communication struggles, and healing opportunities that arise when a teen is in crisis. From breaking down myths about “tough love” to finding balance between support and self-care, this conversation helps families move from fear and frustration toward understanding and recovery.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• What can addiction or mental health concerns look like in teenagers?
• How can parents support a teen’s recovery without slipping into “tough-love” or enabling behaviors? What myths should parents unlearn?
• What is the best way to talk to a teen about substance use concerns without triggering defensiveness?
• How can the whole family heal alongside a teen in recovery? What’s the role of family therapy and joint activities?
• How does substance use and recovery affect a teen’s education and friendships, and what can be done to support them socially and academically?

Learn more about the exceptional work that Susan does here: https://www.sustainablerecovery.ca/

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Jeanne Foot, founder of The Recovery Concierge, to explore the hidden costs of compassion fatigue among caregivers and helping professionals. From recognizing the subtle signs that often go unnoticed to building resilience through mindfulness, boundaries, and self-compassion, Jeanne offers practical insights that blend clinical expertise with lived experience. Together, we examine how helpers can sustain their capacity to care without losing themselves in the process.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• What exactly is compassion fatigue, and how does it differ from general burnout?
• What are the most common early warning signs of compassion fatigue—especially those that often go unnoticed?
• How do self-compassion and mindfulness contribute to recovery and resilience among caregivers?
• What’s the role of setting strong boundaries?
• What advice would you offer someone just starting in a high-empathy caregiving role to build resilience from day one?
• How do helpers with personal trauma histories manage increased vulnerability to vicarious trauma or burnout?

Learn more about the amazing work that Jeanne does: https://therecoveryconcierge.com/

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

You’ve probably heard about the challenges cancer survivors face, but what about the emotional and mental health struggles that continue long after treatment ends? How can survivors manage anxiety, depression, and the weight of ongoing uncertainty, while also building resilience for the future? And what role do community, communication, and support play in recovery?

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Michael Friedman, cancer survivor, mixing & mastering engineer and drummer extraordinaire.  Michael, who also happens to be the host’s brother, shares his personal journey through treatment, recovery, and the ongoing process of healing. Together, we unpack what it means to live with both hope and hardship, and how survivors can find strength in vulnerability.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• How can someone manage anxiety and depression after cancer treatment?
• What strategies can help improve mental well-being post-treatment?
• Are there support groups for cancer survivors facing mental health challenges?
• How can someone communicate their ongoing needs to family and friends?
• What does the future of mental health and cancer care look like in an ideal world?

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Sydney Marcoux, MSW, RSW, Clinical Director at Victim Services of Durham Region, to unpack the realities of gender-based violence and its far-reaching impact. From recognizing early warning signs to supporting survivors with compassion, Sydney helps us separate fact from misconception, while shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and social challenges people face when seeking help.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• What exactly is gender-based violence, and how does it differ from other forms of violence or abuse?
• What are some early signs someone might be experiencing gender-based violence, and how can loved ones safely offer support?
• How does trauma from gender-based violence affect someone’s long-term emotional and psychological well-being?
• What role does shame or stigma play in preventing people from seeking help after experiencing gender-based violence?
• What resources and approaches can make a difference in supporting survivors and fostering safer communities?

Learn more about the amazing work that Sydney does here: www.victimservicesdurham.ca/home

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

You’ve probably heard the word breathwork tossed around, but what does it really mean? Can something as simple as breathing help calm the body, manage trauma, and build resilience in high-pressure professions? And how does it actually stack up against practices like meditation or yoga?

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Emily Day from EHN Guardians Gateway to explore how intentional breathing techniques can become a powerful tool for military members, first responders, and anyone living under constant stress. From daily routines to common myths, Emily helps us separate fact from fiction and shows how breathwork can play a key role in mental wellness.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• What exactly is breathwork?
• How does breathwork help in managing stress and trauma experienced in high-pressure professions?
• How does breathwork compare to other stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga?
• How can breathwork be integrated into the daily routines of those in high-stress professions?
• What are some common misconceptions about breathwork among military and first responder communities?

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs, we sit down with Jordan Anderson, Executive Director of Alpha House Toronto—a sober living facility dedicated to supporting individuals in early recovery—to explore the critical gaps in mental health care across Canada.As the country continues to grapple with a growing mental health and addiction crisis, access to timely, equitable, and compassionate care remains a major concern. 

Today's 5 FAQs:

1. What barriers prevent equitable access to mental health care across different populations?
2. How does income inequality influence mental health outcomes?
3. What measures are being considered to address the mental health and addiction crisis, and what are the concerns?
4. What measures can be implemented to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues within the healthcare system?
5. In your ideal world, what does the future of mental health and addiction care look like to you?

Whether you're navigating the system yourself or advocating for change, this conversation offers clear, compassionate, and honest insight into what’s working, what’s not, and where we go from here. Tune in to hear from someone deeply embedded in the recovery community and committed to building a better, more inclusive system.

To learn more about Jordan and the incredible work he does at Alphahouse, you can click here.

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs, we sit down with Crystal Bell, Executive Director of Outpatient Services at EHN Canada, to tackle the five most searched questions about virtual therapy. As mental health care continues to evolve, virtual therapy has become a lifeline for thousands—but there’s still a lot of confusion about how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s as effective as in-person treatment. Crystal brings her clinical expertise and frontline experience to answer the top FAQs, including:

1. Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person sessions for treating mental health or addiction issues? 
2. Are there specific challenges or benefits to virtual therapy for individuals dealing with addiction recovery? 
3. What can someone expect during their first virtual therapy session, and how can they prepare for it? 
4. How do therapists build rapport and trust through a screen, especially when working with clients in crisis or early recovery? 
5. What are some common myths or misconceptions about virtual therapy that you often hear from clients? 

Whether you're considering online therapy or just curious about the shift to digital mental health, this episode breaks it all down clearly and compassionately. Tune in for honest answers and expert insights you can trust.

Learn more about virtual therapy here.

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.