Tagged With "mental health service providers"
Discussion Topic
User testing survey - Self Management App for Recovery from Gambling
Justice and Equity Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital Our lab is creating a self-management app for problem gambling called SPRinG (Supporting People Recovering from Problem Gambling). The SPRinG app is currently being developed to help, first and foremost, persons experiencing poverty and homelessness self-manage their problem gambling and other complex needs by providing people with constant access to support through their smartphone. The app will also...
Discussion Topic
Childhood Experiences and Problematic Smartphone Use: Potential public health implications?
A recent study by Forster et al. (2021) looked at the impact of adverse childhood experiences (i.e. witnessing domestic violence, parent alcohol and drug use, etc) on problematic smartphone use later on in life. The authors conducted surveys on college students which explored their exposure to adverse childhood experiences and assessed their level of problematic smartphone use. They found that students with increased exposure to adverse childhood events were at greater risk for problematic...
Discussion Topic
From Sick to Click! Is William Osler Health System enhancing patient care and experience in their Emergency Departments, via new innovative technology?
Emergency Departments have been the hardest hit during the last couple of years with COVID-19 cases being in flux and on the rise. This has raised concerns for non-related visits thus throwing patients into further panic(demic) since accessing care has everyone scrambling. What did the Hospital do to support more efficient patient flow, ensuring they can continue to care for its community? They launched the following digital platforms: An online Emergency Department (ED) pre-registration...
Discussion Topic
New online training available: Fundamentals of Gambling and Gaming
This week, CAMH GGTU have launched a new foundational online training: Fundamentals of Gambling and Gaming This short, self-directed online course will provide students and professionals with a foundational understanding of problem gambling and gaming. This training presents current evidence and best practices for recognizing and supporting individuals at risk of, or experiencing, problem gambling and/or problem gaming. This includes information on evidence-based screening tools, assessment,...
Discussion Topic
Online Gaming, Self-stigma and Addiction amongst people with Schizophrenia
In their study Chang et al (2021) looked at the mediating effects of online gaming on self-stigma amongst people with schizophrenia. Self-stigma in mental health is when an individual with a mental illness internalizes the stereotypes that society places on their mental illness. It has been shown to cause significant psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Individuals with schizophrenia are thought to use technology to cope with these symptoms similar to how substances are...
Discussion Topic
Call for Proposals (culturally appropriate problem gambling awareness or counselling)
Call for proposals The Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is pleased to invite organizations to submit proposals to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate problem gambling awareness and/or counselling programs and services for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural populations in Ontario. Purpose of funding The objective of this Call for Proposals is to provide funding for problem gambling awareness and/or counselling...
Discussion Topic
[Online workshop opportunity, March 10th 2022] Fundamentals of gambling and gaming: Effective assessment and treatment planning
The Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use team is offering a facilitated workshop: Fundamentals of gambling and gaming: Effective assessment and treatment planning on March 10th from 13:00 to 15:00 hours EST. This training is best suited to newly qualified clinicians as well as students who are currently working directly with clients, however, successful completion of the Fundamentals of Gambling and Gaming (FUN-GG) course is a prerequisite. FUN-GG is a short, self-directed course that...
Discussion Topic
Webinar Replay! ‘Swipe Sesh’: Exploring the Impacts of Dating Apps on Mental Health among Adults
On February 10, 2022, GGTU kicked off part 1 of a new webinar series called The Impacts of Digital Technologies on Mental Health and Addictions . This series will feature 3 standalone yet interconnected webinars, each taking on a different topic in relation to technology use and mental health and/or addiction-related impacts. Part 1 featured Dr. Treena Orchard (Western University) presenting engaging new content called, ‘Swipe Sesh’: Exploring the Impacts of Dating Apps on Mental Health...
Discussion Topic
Webinar Today - Registration is free! ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview.
So much has transpired in mental health and addictions over the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and there is much to learn from our colleagues at ConnexOntario. Anne Counter, Director of System Navigation and Information Services will be taking us through the history of ConnexOntario, providing us a refresher of their services, as well as sharing current data in regards to trends specific to gambling and technology use. We will also learn about the impact of COVID-19 on the...
Reply
Re: Webinar Today - Registration is free! ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview.
Looking forward to listening to recording. Thank you!
Discussion Topic
Supporting African Caribbean Black (ACB) Women with Gambling Concerns: A Best Practices Guide for Professionals – A wonderful collaborative article and a must read from the team at Jean Tweed and their project partners.
As February comes to a close with us celebrating and honoring Black History Month , we are only mindful at GGTU to ensure we send out a tribute to the Jean Tweed article, spearheaded by Angela Allen. This well written guide needs to be shared within our community since it shines a light on their wonderful research and helps us better understand and support African Caribbean Black (ACB) women with gambling concerns. After a thorough literature review and survey being conducted, the results...
Discussion Topic
Webinar Replay! For everyone who would like to stay “Connex”ted! Do we know what is new in our community and how to stay connected?
On February 24, 2022, GGTU hosted Anne Counter who was our star presenter, “ConnexOntario (Discover Mental Health, Addiction and Problem Gambling Services): A brief history and overview” . With COVID-19 changing the world and accessibility platforms being constantly revised to meet new technology advances. Anne’s presentation was really timely with relevant information on new and innovative initiatives being rolled out by ConnexOntario. They still strive to ensure they bridge services for...
Discussion Topic
GGTU Training Needs Assessment
The Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (GGTU) program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health creates training products and resources for clinicians working in the area of addictions and mental health. We would love to hear from you about how we can serve your training needs better. Your participation in this survey helps us continue to deliver high-quality products and support. This survey should take approximately 5 minutes and will remain open until Thursday March 24 th at 5 p.m.
Discussion Topic
Extra! Extra! Canadian Gaming Summit folds and gets dealt a new hand!
SBC is acquiring the long-running Canadian Gaming Summit , Canada’s premier annual conference and trade show for land-based and igaming professionals, from current joint owners the Canadian Gaming Association and MediaEdge Communications. This will all take place on June 7-9, 2022, Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Click here for the full article and how this might change our industry and the Igaming sector. What is the igaming sector you ask? Read Here.
Reply
Re: Extra! Extra! Canadian Gaming Summit folds and gets dealt a new hand!
I had attended one of their conferences years ago when GGTU was just starting out and they have so much swag that they gave away.
Discussion Topic
Social media companies could be held accountable for their negative impacts on children
Photo by Ravi Sharma on Unsplash There is rising concern over the impacts of social media on children and teenagers. Lawmakers in California recently proposed a Bill to target Social Media companies and their role in negatively impacting the mental health of children and teenagers. Bill 2408 the Social Media Platform Duty to Children Act was created to help protect these vulnerable groups. Currently in the United States, Social Media companies cannot legally be held responsible for the...
Discussion Topic
The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021-22
Common Sense Media have published their annual report from a large-scale, national survey of U.S teens and tweens on their media use habits. The report compares media use by teens and tweens before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the report, the authors present some recommendations for caregivers and parents as well as policymakers about healthy and safe media use for young people. Below are some key findings from the report: Media use in tweens and teens has grown faster since the...
Discussion Topic
Anxiety, loneliness and Fear of Missing Out: The impact of social media on young people’s mental health
Article Link: https://www.centreformentalhea...eoples-mental-health This article explores the impact of social media on youth mental health. It notes that social media use can result in "urges" to check accounts to experience the instant gratification/dopamine hit from "likes" and comments. It notes that if the instant gratification is not available, a person may scroll their feeds until they receive that feeling, or they will internalize it, which may manifest as loneliness and anxiety.
Discussion Topic
Social medial and your mental health
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health Information that may be relevant to PTU Social media platforms may be contributing to decrease in other aspects of life such as sleep and interests ADLs Anxiety for checking social media too often in fear of missing out/ if there is positive or negative comments associated with your profile Depression, Self- Esteem, increase negative thoughts of self worth based on comparison and unrealistic...
Discussion Topic
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health?
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell | TEDxRyersonU - YouTube This video focuses on how social media can have long term impacts on our mental health when our usage of it goes unchecked. Bailey Parnell talks about how the content that we consume on social media can cause us to compare our day to day lives to others "highlight reels" on social media, even when other people are individuals that we know. Understanding how these experiences of comparison affect individuals...
Discussion Topic
Social media break improves mental health
https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/social-media-break-improves-mental-health-new-study/ Results of a UK study that asked participants to take a week-long break from social media improved individuals’ overall level of well-being, as well as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. 154 adults ( aged 18 to 72) who used social media every day were randomized to: 1. intervention group= asked to stop using all social media for one-week 2. control group= continue scrolling as normal Even those...
Discussion Topic
Health effects of gaming
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-health-effects-of-too-much-gaming-2020122221645 This article highlights some benefits as well as negative effects of gaming: They highlight that gaming can enhance feeling connected as well as helping adolescents with ADHD improve their thinking skills. They highlight the possible negative effects of gaming as repetitive stress or overuse injuries in hands or arms, obesity, vision problems, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders, anxiety,...
Discussion Topic
Problem Technology Use Article
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/15/meet-the-tech-evangelist-who-now-fears-for-our-mental-health · She spoke about how her son would not connect at family dinners because ‘it was not as exciting’ as his video games. He ended up wanting to miss school due to the desire to play video games, which in turn involved him having to have professional help. · A greater focus on technology resilience , which focus’ on having technology use in a controlled manner and using digital...
Discussion Topic
**New Evidence-Informed Practice webpage: Using mobile apps to help clients experiencing problematic smartphone use or gambling disorder**
Looking to support clients with problematic smartphone use or gambling disorder? Read the latest Evidence-Informed practice page by CAMH GGTU: “ Using mobile apps to help clients experiencing problematic smartphone use (PSU) or gambling disorder (GD) ”. This page presents evidence on how mental health and addictions service providers can use mobile apps to better support these populations. It outlines the evidence around: how mobile apps can supplement the data collected from current...
Discussion Topic
Concerns about Video Gaming
https://mediasmarts.ca/video-games/concerns-about-video-games Relates To Problem Use - Spoke to how adults/ parents can try any differentiate between problematic use by such questions, becoming excessive, less socializing, grades and or health declining. Clinically Relevant - I liked how this article spoke about age-appropriate games. I suppose I forgot that there may be a fair amount of children/ teens out there playing games that are rated for only adults. This may be a good question to...
Reply
Re: Anxiety, loneliness and Fear of Missing Out: The impact of social media on young people’s mental health
Given the scope of this topic area, it seems necessary to "focus on our focus" and attend to health aspects of PTU while keeping an eye on other aspects of PTU (such as technology, game design, business strategy and more).It seems that the concept of "balance" is critical. Exciting ways of conveying mental "balance" seems welcome for psychoeducation approaches. The premise is that if mental health is "in balance" then behavioral addiction or substance addiction will be less likely, less...
Reply
Re: Health effects of gaming
This article has fairly recent (2021) stats on prevalence around the world but doesn't separate Canada out from a larger study that included the US, UK, Canada and Germany which showed the same percentage as the above article. Iran apparently has the highest rate and in Korea it is considered a public health crisis. Video Game Addiction Statistics 2021: Is the World Addicted to Video Games? | Healthy Gamer
Discussion Topic
Problematic Online Behaviors Among Gamers
Article posted for COI was: Rozgonjuk, Dmitri & Schivinski, Bruno & Pontes, Halley & Montag, Christian. (2022). Correction to: Problematic Online Behaviors Among Gamers: the Links Between Problematic Gaming, Gambling, Shopping, Pornography Use, and Social Networking. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Accessed May 16, 2022 at https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11469-021-00590-3.pdf Three Bullet Points – How Article Relates to Gaming Behaviors listed...
Discussion Topic
Effects of Video Gaming on Youth's behaviour and Mental Health
https://medium.com/invisible-illness/the-effects-of-video-gaming-on-young-peoples-behavior-and-mental-health-f6891ed4d952 This article makes a good connection between social learning theory and how video games can impact young peoples behavior. The article points out that through observational learning, youth may copy the behaviors of same sex model characters they see in video games. The article also references a study done by the Research Institute of Moral Education that suggested that...
Discussion Topic
Therapist Survey on covid impact training needs
Research and knowledge exchange opportunity Dear EENET members: We are still conducting our survey of the impact of Covid on treatment services and service providors. Please click on the link below to participate in this anonymous survey. I've also attached a summary of the results from the first round of this survey as feedback to the EENet community. Original post. Dr. Nigel Turner at CAMH is conducting a short survey aimed towards at clinicians who help people with addictions and mental...
Discussion Topic
Autism, PTU, and Video Game Therapy
Article Jiménez‑Muñoz, L., Peñuelas‑Calvo, I., Calvo‑Rivera, P., Díaz‑Oliván, I., Moreno, M., Baca‑García, E., and Porras‑Segovia, A. (2022). Video Games for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2022) 52:169–188. Accessed May 23, 2022 at https://link-springer-com.proxy.library.upei.ca/content/pdf/10.1007/s10803-021-04934-9.pdf How It Relates to Gaming Video game-based interventions were effective in alleviating...
Discussion Topic
Are video games really addictive?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/20/video-games-addictive-disorder-diagnosis Highlighted that we could be pathologising a normal behaviour and 'creating' an issue that could be managed through boundaries and monitoring. Placed importance on creating games to increase positive mental health in children, and how positive increases have been monitored. Questioned how helpful having the diagnostic criteria could be, and how there will need to be a further evolution to it.
Discussion Topic
Video game play is positively correlated with well-being
Video game play is positively correlated with well-being | Royal Society Open Science (royalsocietypublishing.org) - This study shows an overall positive correlation between video game play and an individual's mental health - It studies people playing the new Plants vs Zombies and Animal Crossing games, which are fairly "casual" gameplay experiences. I am curious what the study would look like when run on more "competitive" gamers like MMO, MOBA and FPS players - They also noticed an...
Discussion Topic
Problem Gaming Use
The following article on Problem Gaming outlines the prevalence and negative outcomes associated with gaming addiction. They highlight how the motivations for gaming do not all relate to the tendency to become addicted. The characteristics of an addictive game are also covered. The article explores the comorbidity of gaming disorder with other mental health diagnoses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552989/
Discussion Topic
Selfie and mental health
Instagram selfie photo manipulation linked to depressive symptoms in women (psypost.org) - peer pressure causes teenagers to post more selfies - judgements or "likes" on social media affect teenager's mental health - more selfie posted leads to more self-comparison, results in more insecurity
Discussion Topic
Is Social Media Harming Us? Or Are We Harming Ourselves?
Is Social Media Harming Us? Or Are We Harming Ourselves? This is the question posed by Farzana Qasimi in her TEDTalk "The Dark and Light of Social Media" found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGjBgonFJYU In 12 short minutes, 16-year-old Qasimi makes a number compelling points to further explore who is at fault for how social media impacts our mental health. Qasimi notes: Social media websites were not created with the intention to lower anyone's self esteem, and Social media platforms...
Discussion Topic
Webinar Replay! Coping with Disaster: Mental Health, Substance Use and Financial Concerns Associated with Online Gambling During COVID-19
In case you missed it or wish to watch again, please check out GGTU's latest recorded webinar from May 25th, 2022 - 'Coping with Disaster: Mental Health, Substance Use and Financial Concerns Associated with Online Gambling During COVID-19'. This webinar represents part 2 of 3 in GGTU's 2022 series of standalone yet interconnected webinars titled, ‘The Impacts of Digital Technologies on Mental Health and Addictions’. In this webinar, Dr. Alex Price (Responsible Gambling Council) presented new...
Discussion Topic
What makes TikTok so addictive?
What Makes TikTok so Addictive?: An Analysis of the Mechanisms Underlying the World’s Latest Social Media Craze – Brown Undergraduate Journal of Public Health - This article analyzes the reasons why TikTok's popularity is blowing up. One interesting idea is that the act of swiping through your curated "for you" page can induce a 'flow-like' state for users, characterized by high-focus and productivity - The article also touches on the short length of the videos, referencing that short form...
Discussion Topic
Commentary - Chinese Video Gaming Policy
The article discusses 1) alleged ineffectiveness, 2) alleged Draconian-ness, and 3) emerging evidence of identifiable benefits. Read on if interested in these aspects of the policy! See article attached.
Discussion Topic
How does social media impact our body image?
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/mental-health/how-social-media-affects-body-image This article reviews multiple studies about the influence of social media on body image - both positively and negatively. Some of the positive sides of social media included when more realistic images were shown, including comparisons to "touched up" photos. It can also be helpful when individuals are part of "body positive" movements on Instagram, women feel about their bodies, but they were also in...
Discussion Topic
Social Media and Mental Health
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health Social media prompts social comparison, which is damaging for people The unpredictable outcomes of social media keep people engaged due to intermittent reward pathway Missing experiences can create anxiety and depression. When people look online and see they’re excluded from an activity, it can affect thoughts and feelings, and can affect them physically.
Reply
Re: Commentary - Chinese Video Gaming Policy
The article discusses 1) alleged ineffectiveness, 2) alleged Draconian-ness, and 3) emerging evidence of identifiable benefits. Read if interested in these aspects of the policy. Reference: Xiao, L.Y. (2022). Reserve your judgement on "Draconian" Chinese video gaming restrictions on children. Commentary on: Draconian policy measures are unlikely to prevent disordered gaming (Colder Carras et al., 2021). Accessed June 3, 2022 at https://www.researchgate.net/p...er_Carras_et_al_2021 (pasted ...
Discussion Topic
Upcoming Webinar - June 23rd: Launch of the SPRinG App. A self-managing tool for problem gambling/gaming
Quick and friendly reminder to ensure you saved a spot for an upcoming webinar: Join us for this Webinar - We are SPRinG’g into action to help the gambling community. Launch of the SPRinG App - A digital health solution to support self-management of problem gambling. | Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest | EENet Connect
Discussion Topic
Article: TikTok Is Flooded With Health Myths. These Creators Are Pushing Back.
This NYT article discusses the professionals who spend their time debunking health and mental health misinformation on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. We've also been seeing the role social media has played during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of people's access to information (e.g., vaccine availability announcements) and misinformation (promoting sometimes harmful treatments that aren't evidence-informed). This article left me with a few questions about the role that...
Discussion Topic
Is Digital Detoxing actually effective? What does the research say?
At this point I think we’ve all heard of the impacts of smartphone use on mental health. Different strategies have been suggested as ways to reduce the negative impacts of smartphone use. One of the popular way people have tried to reduce their smartphone use is through “digital detoxing”. Digital detoxing has been loosely defined as spending time away from electronic devices such as smartphone to help promote wellbeing. But does it actually work? A recent article by Radtke et al (2022)...
Discussion Topic
Webinar Replay! Bridging the Digital Divide to Optimize Health Outcomes and Experiences for Youth
On Thursday July 21, 2022, GGTU hosted the final installment of the three-part webinar series, The Impacts of Digital Technologies on Mental Health and Addictions. Dr. Skye Barbic (UBC/Foundry) and Al Raimundo (Foundry BC) co-presented this latest webinar titled, Bridging the Digital Divide to Optimize Health Outcomes and Experiences for Youth . In this webinar, the speakers described the digital health needs of young people accessing youth mental health services and outlined current ways in...
Discussion Topic
Reflections on a Webinar Series: The Impacts of Digital Technologies on Mental Health and Addictions
In late 2021, I curated a three-part thematic series of webinars for the Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (GGTU) program to host in 2022. This series was titled, The Impacts of Digital Technologies on Mental Health and Addictions . Each webinar invited different experts to present on a topic that demonstrates key intersections between technology use and well-being. The series was comprised of: Part 1: ‘Swipe sesh’: Exploring the impacts of dating apps on mental health among adults ,...
Discussion Topic
The TikTok-ification of Social Media
Whether you use YouTube, Facebook or other social media platforms you may have noticed some changes to what and how you are viewing the content on your feeds. For example, you may be seeing more short videos being recommended on your feeds. It’s a trend that more and more social media companies are turning towards as they compete with the short-form video platform TikTok. Shorter videos allow users to see a variety of content in a shorter period of time. They also take less time to produce.
Discussion Topic
Problem Technology Use
https://www.researchgate.net/p...c04171a0bc6/download ; The article discusses problem technology use and it’s association with academic performance outcomes and school connectedness amongst a sample of Adolescents in Ontario Canada. That there are demographic variables that mitigate or heighten the likelihood of the detrimental effects of Problem Technology use The article speaks to the impacts on social relationships, health – physical and mental and activities of daily living.
Discussion Topic
Screen Time - effects on the social, cognitive and emotional development of children and youth
https://informedfutures.org/wp...tive-development.pdf ; The article speaks to the effects of ‘screen time’ on the emotional, social and cognitive development of children and youth, including gaming, social media, and educational type virtual activities – both positive and negative. It mentions some emerging evidence on structural changes within the brain associated with increased use and how it relates to non-educational screen time. It mentions a factor around ‘stimulation overload’...