MENtal Health: It's Time to Talk Podcast with Allan Kehler

Travis grew up feeling unloved and unwanted as he bounced from one foster home to another. In an attempt to navigate through various traumatic events, Travis turned to alcohol and drugs, committed numerous crimes, and unleashed his anger onto his community.

On this episode, Travis will discuss:

• How to heal from the effects of childhood trauma
• The impact of trauma on relationships
• Why emotional healing can be more challenging for men
• The importance of creating a safe space for men to heal

Today, Travis’ addiction has been replaced with his recovery. His shame and depression have been transformed into empathy and compassion. Poverty has turned into security, and fear has been transformed into love.

Cody’s adolescent years were filled with frequent run-ins with the law, mental health challenges, and substance abuse issues. Everything came to an abrupt halt when he was involved in a car accident while driving under the influence.  

Thankfully, Cody was wearing his seatbelt. However, his best friend was not, and he barely survived the crash. Eventually, the guilt, PTSD, and anger from this incident caused Cody to attempt suicide. 

On this episode, hear how Cody was able to turn his life around. Cody will share:

·         How he was able to break free from trauma

·         Strategies that have assisted in his healing journey

·         The power of hope

·         How we can use our painful experiences to help others 

Through his clothing line and motivational talks, Cody is living proof that it’s possible to not only survive, but to push limits and exceed expectations.

Surviving the death of your child is the worst nightmare for any parent. Perhaps losing a child to suicide is the most unbearable loss of all.

In this episode, host, Allan Kehler, is joined by Ed Andres who lost his son, Justin, to suicide. Justin also happened to be Allan’s best friend.

Together, they will discuss:

·         Key signs and symptoms of mental illness

·         Grieving after suicide

·         The importance of not placing blame

·         How to support someone after a suicide loss

·         Hope and healing after suicide

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Please help us strengthen this conversation and shatter the stigma associated with suicide.

Grief and loss are part of life, but many men struggle to give themselves permission to feel.  In an effort to avoid being perceived as weak or vulnerable, they choose to bury their emotions deep within. 

Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Sarah Hines, has spent years helping men to feel. She studies the way men express their emotions, and provides effective strategies that allow men to safely release any pain associated with grief.

On this episode, hear how men grieve differently than women, recognize how grief shows up in our bodies, and understand how we can create the space where men feel safe enough to be vulnerable. 

 In 2018, Paul lost his dad, Marcel, to suicide. Not wanting other families to experience such devastation, Paul made it his mission to raise awareness around mental health and suicide. This passion led to the creation of his non-profit organization Let’s Walk the Talk.  

One year after Marcel’s passing, Paul walked from Saskatoon to Lloydminster. This August, Paul is keeping this initiative going, and he will be walking from Regina to Lloydminster; a total of 532 kilometers. All proceeds raised from this walk will go towards Libbie Young centre, a mental health service in Lloydminster. 

On this episode, rediscover the power of someone’s story, and learn what we can do to strengthen this conversation. Together, Paul reminds us that it’s possible to create a society where mental wellness is a priority.  

Owen Pelletier was born into abandonment, neglect, and addiction. Placed in the child welfare system at a young age, Owen found himself being exposed to racism, rejection, and discrimination. He quickly learned survival in the form of retaliation and isolation.

Owen discovered that drugs, alcohol, violence and individuals such as himself were the answers to his circumstances. His membership and activities with a Regina street gang fuelled a lifestyle of crime, violence and general negativity which eventually led to incarceration.

On this episode, hear how Owen made the decision to use his life experiences to help those who are struggling with the same realities that he has survived. 

Traditionally, the culture of farming is built on strength, independence, and perseverance. However, due to numerous stressors that are outside of one’s control, farmers are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health. 

Farmer and seed grower, Matt Kelly, knows this first-hand. His challenges with anxiety began at an early age, and increased throughout his chosen profession. Eventually, he felt as though his world was falling apart. The problem was that as a man, he was not taught how to ask for help.

On this episode, hear how Matt not only asked for help, but hear how he has become a face and voice for other farmers who are struggling with their mental health. Matt reminds us that our own experiences can change, or potentially save someone’s life. Therefore, Matt will no longer be silent.

At the age of 9, Neil Campbell was sexually assaulted numerous times by a neighbour. While one in six boys will be affected by some form of sexual violence, the shame and stigma attached to these acts prevent the majority of individuals from speaking out. 

However, three years after these assaults Neil did speak out. He shared his painful experiences with his parents, and in turn they informed the local authorities. The message from the police was clear: Don't talk about it. Bury it. Forget it. So, Neil attempted to numb the pain through alcohol while combatting his depression and suicidal ideations alone. Thirty years later, Neil was able to begin his recovery by joining a men’s support group at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton. 

Today, Neil puts a face and voice to sexual abuse so that other men know it's okay to talk about this prevalent issue. On this episode we speak openly and honestly because we understand that if we can find our voice, we can find our freedom.

Tommy Laplante has shaken hands with drug dealers and politicians, both in the same day. His story is about lows and highs, pain and love, devastation and restoration. 

For most of his life, Tommy believed that he was alone and that nobody cared. To support his addictions, he sold drugs and inflicted physical pain on those around him. Eventually, he found himself sitting in secure lock-up. During his darkest time, he made a deal with God. In this episode, hear how Tommy’s prayers were heard. You will hear how his life has come full circle, and how he is now able to help people he once knew from the streets.

Tommy has learned that there is a big difference in doing bad and being bad. While he can’t change what he has done, he has certainly changed who he has become. Tommy’s faith in God has allowed him to understand that he wasn’t an accident, and he now understands that there always was a plan for his life.

Murray Drew experienced periods of depression and hypomania throughout his life. However, admitting that he was depressed and that he needed help was unthinkable. In fact, Murray always said that he would rather die than ask for help. 

The only reason that Murray was finally able to receive the help he needed was because his wife gave him an ultimatum: see a doctor or see himself out the door. Initially, Murray chose the door.

In this episode, hear how Murray was able to change his entire view on men and mental health. Today, Murray shares his incredible story with his students, and continues to be an advocate for mental health at the University of Saskatchewan. Helping others has become Murray’s most powerful antidepressant.