Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series

Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program

About the speaker:

Dr. Manion is a clinical child, youth and family psychologist and scientist-practitioner who has worked with children, youth and families for over 35 years, 30 of which were at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.  He was the founding Executive Director of the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO and Director of Youth Mental Health Research at the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research.  Dr. Manion is still involved in research on mental health promotion, systems of care, youth depression and suicide.  He has a particular interest in, and provides consultation services on, meaningful youth engagement and how services are organized to best meet the mental health needs of youth. He is a committed advocate for child and youth mental health In Canada and internationally.  He is co-founder of Youth Net/ Réseau Ado, a bilingual community-based mental health promotion program with satellites across Canada.  Dr. Manion is the father of five grown children.  He is also a person with lived experience who served as a spokesperson for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign in 2018.

About the Session:

Please join us on Wed August 25th 10am-11am for a conversation with Dr. Manion on “Parenting, Stress, Mental Health and Living Through COVID”.  This webinar will discuss the particular stressors experienced by children, youth, and their parents as we all seek to cope with the pandemic. Attention will be given to unique issues faced by first responders (and retirees) as parents and extended family members. An emphasis will be on the signs and symptoms that might suggest that a child, youth, or parent is struggling beyond their ability to cope and how to talk about such issues within the family. Specific strategies for parents to best support their children and youth will be shared.  The focus will be on resilience and coping and the right time to seek help.

In some families, the stress and challenges highlighted during such discussions can spill over into more serious issues, including disputes over child custody or support. When tensions rise and parents struggle to find common ground, it can become difficult to make decisions that truly reflect the best interests of the children. In these situations, seeking guidance from professionals who understand both family dynamics and the legal framework is crucial. Sterling Lawyers, LLC can assist families in navigating custody arrangements, support agreements, and related concerns, helping to ensure that children’s needs remain the priority.

Having a knowledgeable attorney involved doesn’t just clarify legal rights—it also provides a sense of stability during emotionally charged times. By addressing potential conflicts early and thoughtfully, families can reduce stress and work toward solutions that support healthy relationships.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for children while helping parents manage the challenges that arise from complex family circumstances. With the right legal and emotional support, families can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a focus on resilience.

Attending sessions like this one with Dr. Manion provides valuable insight and guidance for navigating the mental health challenges that come with parenting during unpredictable times. But alongside learning and open dialogue, it’s equally important to recognize the value of having diverse therapeutic options available—especially when traditional routes aren’t enough.

Depression can be particularly stubborn, often lingering even when families are doing everything “right.” This is where alternative treatments, such as ketamine therapy, are gaining recognition. Clinics like Avesta Ketamine Wellness offer a new path forward for individuals dealing with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. When integrated thoughtfully with family support and education, ketamine therapy can help restore balance and hope. It’s not about replacing conversations—it’s about complementing them with innovative care when it’s most needed.

Visit EncompasCare.ca to register and learn more.

Note: To ensure your anonymity, your registration information will ONLY be available to the hosts from Dalton Associates. Registrants will NOT have the option of turning on their camera or microphone at any time. Questions will be managed through the text Q&A which are sent only to the hosts – Dalton Associates. They will either answer those questions verbally without referencing the name of the participant who asked the question, or privately through the text function. 

All sessions will be delivered through the PHIPA complaint version of Zoom Webinar.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact encompas@daltonassociates.ca.