TRIGGER WARNING:This past April, I took an attempt on my life. Before taking the attempt, I pre-recorded a podcast episode to say goodbye. I was clearly unsuccessful with my attempt, so was able to stop the episode from going live. But for some reason it remained in my drafts. Today, when I sat down to record an episode for #worldsuicideprevention day, I opened up my podcast software and that draft episode was the first thing to greet me. I was going to listen to it, but then realized that it was probably better I didn't. So I'm posting it today, having no recollection of what the episode contains. That said, I thought that because of its rawness, it may be an educational tool to share with my listeners. If it helps even just ONE person understand their loved one who is suffering, just a little bit better, then it's worth it.Remember, kindness always wins!

On this 15th episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I sit down with former child sweatshop worker turned global activist, Nasreen Sheikh.  This episode is for anyone who has ever purchased an article of fast fashion to get a "deal" or anyone who has never asked "where do my clothes come from?" It is also for anyone currently struggling to see the bright side of a bad situation. Nasreen shares how giving up was not an option, even through the most deplorable of working conditions as a child slave. Together, WE have the power to make a difference for all the modern day slaves. Please have a listen and share this episode with anyone and everyone. Educate yourselves, spread the word, and together lets stop turning a blind eye. It's time to make a difference!nasreensheikh.comempowermentcollective.orgIf you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, or have any questions about today's episode, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this 14th episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I'm diving into the therapeutic properties that horses can have on someone who struggles from mental illness, or any other of life's stresses. Joining me today is Gabriella Vamvakidis, a certified equine assisted learning facilitator and owner of Copperwood Trail  horse farm, located just outside of Toronto, ON. I've gone through many of Gabreilla's programs, and I swear by them.  Equine therapy is by far my favourite of all the therapies that I've tried. Visit www.copperwoodtrail.com to learn more about Copperwood's fabulous programs.If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, or have any questions about today's episode, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this 13th episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I thought I would share some of the different treatments I've tried over the years to help rid me of my mental illness. There wasn't enough time to list them all (because I've tried sooo many), but I share a good chunk of them. Enough to give you an idea of what worked, and what didn't. But mostly to show those who are constantly telling me to "Try Harder" that I am, in fact trying as hard as any one person can.If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, or have any questions about today's episode, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

Today is World Bipolar Day! With that in mind, on this week's episode, I sit down with actress Alessandra Torresani to chat about her struggles with bipolar disorder. Alessandra's television credits include guest appearances on The Big Bang Theory, Batwoman, Lucifer, Two and a Half Men, The Fosters, Workaholics, American Horror Story, and more. She also hosts the mental health podcast "EmotionAL Support" and is very active hosting mental health rooms on Clubhouse. If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes coming your way, and visit our Instagram community to be part of the conversation @moosetrackspodcastIf you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

Welcome to Moose Tracks - Locking Horns With Mental Health. In this episode, we're talking all things mental health in children with child and youth therapist, Tania DaSilva.  Tania is a graduate of the University of Toronto and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy,  as well as experienced in many other modalities. Tania has worked within the Toronto District School Board, the North York General Hospital and private practice throughout her career. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2016 when she took over Behaviour Matters, a company that has been active for 20 years. Tania strongly advocates for mental health, as she struggled with her own mental health at a very young age. She was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at age 16. At age 21 she had someone dear to her committed to a mental health institution and was one of the primary caregivers throughout this process.  She’s been featured on numerous media outlets across Canada including CTV News, OMNI TV, the Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television, CP24 and Global TV, to name a few. SOCIAL LINKS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourmatters/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behaviourmatters/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehaviourMatte1

On this tenth episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I thought I would dive into the root of where my mental health struggles began, and at what age I started to feel "different" than everyone around me. In all honesty, this has been the toughest episode to record to date. I didn't realize how much of my childhood trauma I had suppressed until sitting down and hitting that record button. I am the person I am today because of the stories I share in this episode...and I don't mean that in a positive way.  My reason for sharing these stories is to hopefully help a parent or guardian listening today, who has perhaps shrugged off their child's cries for help. If your child says they're suffering, believe them!  If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this ninth episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I'm talking about the topic of suicide and the Catholic church with two very special guests: a  Ukrainian Catholic Priest/Catholic High School Chaplain, and a Certified Spiritual Care Provider/Registered Psychotherapist.I know that I have followers from all religious and spiritual backgrounds, and I always want to make sure I'm respecting all of my listeners. That said, I wanted you to know that these past two weeks of episodes were based on personal experiences I've had, and as this podcast is about my mental health journey (and these were part of that journey), I felt it was important to share. We dive into both the Catholic views, and a broader view of the Christian umbrella as a whole, so I'm hoping it brings clarity to more than just my Catholic listeners. If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this eighth episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I'm talking about the topic of suicide and whether or not I'm going to hell because of my attempt. Yeah, I tried to find a less blunt way of writing that, but there doesn't seem to be one.I know that I have followers from all religious and spiritual backgrounds, and I always want to make sure I'm respecting all of my listeners. Today's topic comes from my personal experiences in a Catholic background and the many Christians/Catholics who have felt it necessary to point out to me that I am going to hell because I took an attempt on my life. So today, I felt it necessary to share my thoughts on that. Religious or not, you may find what I have to say interesting - or not. Who knows! Regardless, all are welcome!For anyone who would like the words to the prayer I pray when times get tough, here they are:Father God,The darkness has taken hold me and I can’t find my way back to the light. In this moment, ending it all seems like the best option, the only option, the only way to escape. Yet, there is something in me that wants your light to snuff out the darkness. So I ask, Lord, that you would do just that. You are the only light that can shine in the darkness.I know when I’m consumed with thoughts of death I’m believing lies from the enemy. I ask Lord that you would remind me of these truths: when I feel alone, you are with me; when I feel invisible, you see me; when I feel worthless, my value is knowing you and being known by you.Lord, help me to understand that you are enough, because you are everything I need and more. Remind me that when I feel hopeless, you have hope in me and for me. Remind me that when I don’t have the words to cry out to you, your son Jesus is praying for me. Let this remind me that I am seen, heard and deeply loved.I often feel out of place in this world. I don’t fit in and I’m not sure I want to. Remind me that this world is not my home and while, as your child, I will never fit in here, my time here isn’t over. Not yet. Please, give me the desire to live.When I feel like I don’t matter, remind me that I was created with purpose. When I don’t know or understand why I feel the way I feel - remind me that you know the depth of pain in my heart, in my body and in my being. You know me better than I know myself… and yet you still love me.When I feel like my death would go unnoticed because my life seems to go by uncelebrated, remind me that you celebrate me and that you hurt for me when I’m in this dark place. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I am worth more than I know. Remind me that this life is not mine to take. Remind me that suicide is not the only option. Remind me to love you and to love myself.As I say these words I know in my heart that you love me and I feel incredible guilt for wanting to take the life you gave me. I feel embarrassed to admit these thoughts to you. I feel overwhelmed that you know these thoughts without my even saying them, and yet you still love me. Remind me that Jesus did not come to earth and die for me so that I could live a defeated life. Help me to desire life and to live fully in you.In Jesus precious name, Amen.If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health!

On this seventh episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I have a special guest, a 15 year teaching veteran, who also lost her job because of her mental illness. For the longest time, I thought I was the only one. Then one, after the other, teachers started to reach out to me to share their stories. There is apparently a blueprint for how to let someone with mental illness go without actually firing them, and today you're going to hear it all!Today's guest was not ready to have share her story publicly with her identity attached, so I have masked her voice and changed her name, but her story remains the same. Different province, different board, same blueprint. Unlike me (a rookie teacher), this teacher had 15 years under her belt, and it still happened. This is not ok, and it needs to stop!If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this sixth episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I am sharing part two of my my story of how I was let go from my teaching job(s) because of my mental illness. If you thought the first part was crazy, just wait until you hear how it all happened again. If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this fifth episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I am sharing my stories of how I was let go from my teaching job(s) because of my mental illness. It's not a pretty story, so buckle up!If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

Today's the day! It's Bell Let's Talk Day! So, I thought it might be fun to start off the conversation! I asked the members of the @moosetrackspodcast Instagram community to ask me anything they wanted to know about mental health, mental wellness, depression, anxiety, or OCD. I love this community so much because boy, did you deliver! You asked some great questions, and in today's episode I answered them for you! Together, let's remove the stigma associated with all mental illness!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this week's episode, I speak with an anonymous first responder about life on the job during covid, her opinions on how the government is handling the pandemic, and how this all has affected her mental health.If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe, and visit our Instagram community to be part of the conversation @moosetrackspodcastIf you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On this third episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I thought I would ask the people what they wanted to hear, so I put a survey out in the Instagram community and you all shared your thoughts. Turns out many of you are dying to know how I'm coping during covid, and how I survived being hospitalized with covid back in April/May - both from a physical perspective, and a mental health perspective.  So, here it is...the episode that shares my covid journey with you all! If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!Interested in the online course I was talking about? Here is the link: https://tidymoose.teachable.com/If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On today's episode I welcome my high school friend Kelly Tanner. Kelly is an Occupational Therapist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, currently on a one year contract at two youth employment programs in downtown Hamilton (see links). As the only healthcare provider imbedded within these employment programs, Kelly provides assessment and individualized OT treatment as well as facilitating referrals to specialized mental health supports in the community when necessary. This is a novel model with in the community employment/healthcare field that is very exciting and she is hopeful to continue to develop this role further to establish it as a permanent place in Hamilton’s community employment landscape.  You can learn more here: 360[4]Youth  and  YWCA Hamilton STEP Program If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe, and visit our Instagram community to be part of the conversation @moosetrackspodcastIf you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

On the first episode of Moose Tracks - Locking Horns with Mental Health, I thought I would test the waters with this whole podcast thing and just share a bit of my story with you all. In this episode I get raw and honest with my mental health struggles, and try to be as vulnerable as possible whilst still keeping some things to myself to preserve my dignity. Thank you for being here! I'm looking forward to going on this journey with you all! If you'd like to be a part of the Moose Tracks community, head on over to @moosetrackspodcast  where I will be sharing tips & tricks for self care, jokes, stories, and anything & everything else related to mental health! Or to @tidymoose to learn all things organization and minimalism!If you're enjoying the podcast so far, don't forget to like and subscribe to be up to date on new weekly episodes!If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, there is help available.- Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Hope For Wellness Canada- KidsHelpPhone

Hi friends, and welcome to the Moose Tracks podcase. I'm your host, Ivanka Siolkowsky, and each week I'll be locking horns with a variety of mental health issues - see what I did there?Stay tuned for the launch of episode one on January 12, 2021!