Episode 4: Interview with Benjamin Leikin, Supervisor Mental Health - Ottawa Public Health
Description: Are there risks in talking about mental health? Can 7 billion people all be happy? Continuing the spirit of Let's Talk Day in this episode, we speak to mental health advocate, Benjamin Leikin, and ask the tough questions on how you and your loved ones can support those struggling with mental health challenges.
Recorded: June 11th, 2019.
Location: Recorded remotely.
Timestamps:
Intro: 0:00
Bio: 3:00
Why is mental health awareness important to you?: 5:34
What is SafeTalk suicide training?: 9:08
What typically gets in the way of talking about mental health openly?: 13:44
What are the genuine risks in talking about mental health openly?: 18:28
What advice would you give to folks who are struggling with their mental health?: 20:53
How can you support someone else going through mental health struggles?: 27:07
Do 7 billion people all have the hope to be happy?: 30:41
What are some signs/symptoms of someone struggling with their mental health?: 34:26
How does language play a role in dealing with mental health?: 36:44
Are we too sensitive when it comes to using language?: 40:50
What are the benefits of reaching out?: 43:10
For people who can't afford help, what other resources can they use?: 47:02
Do people mix up being sad with depression?: 49:17
Do people who knowingly exaggerate their sadness damage the mental health conversation?: 52:50
What are some other trusted mental health resources people should check out?: 55:55
Outro: 1:01:08
Benjamin Leikin
-Supervisor Mental Health - Ottawa Public Health
Twitter: @BenLeikin
Benjamin Leikin is an accomplished and sought after leader in Canada’s mental health community. He is the Supervisor of Ottawa Public Health’s Mental Health Team, Co-Chair of Suicide Prevention Ottawa, and is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Benjamin has developed and lead major initiatives from the Local to National level, such as the "have THAT talk" anti-stigma and education campaign, the National Mental Health Caregiver Guide, and succeeded in making the City of Ottawa the first City in Canada and largest in the World to offer suicide prevention workshops to all City staff. Benjamin has been recognized for his passion, innovation and leadership in the field, and has received several awards for his work, including one from The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), who named Benjamin as one of the “150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health”.
Benjamin Leikin is an accomplished and sought after leader in Canada’s mental health community. He is the Supervisor of Ottawa Public Health’s Mental Health Team, Co-Chair of Suicide Prevention Ottawa, Co-Chair of the Mental Health in Public Health Community of Practice, and on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Benjamin has developed and lead major initiatives from the Local to National level, such as the have THAT talk anti-stigma and education campaign, the National Mental Health Caregiver Guide, and succeeded in making the City of Ottawa the first City in Canada and largest in the World to offer suicide prevention workshops to all City staff. Benjamin has been recognized for his passion, innovation and leadership in the field, and has received several awards for his work, including, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), who awarded Benjamin as one of the “150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health”.
Additional Information and References:
Mental Health Campaign: have THAT talk.
Economic burden of mental illness in Canada is $51 Billion.
Find Mental Health Support in your area.
Every dollar invested, taxpayers save anywhere from $1.80 to $17.07.