Homewood Health Centre

11/20/2025

For Grace Ibrahima, addiction wasn’t just a personal struggle—it was life-threatening. As a nurse, mother, and advocate, her journey with alcohol dependency took her to the edge. But it was at Homewood Health Centre where she chose life, recovery, and community.

Grace’s transformation didn’t end with recovery. She returned to Homewood to volunteer with the Horticultural Therapy Program. She also enrolled in McMaster University’s Continuing Education Addiction Studies program and received the 1998–1999 McMaster MAPS CCE Centennial Award for her academic efforts.

🔗 Read Grace's story here: https://ow.ly/YkCn50XrUrI

11/19/2025

🥇 For years, Mikaël Kingsbury dominated moguls skiing — but it was in 2018 at PyeongChang that he finally captured Olympic gold. 🇨🇦

That victory wasn’t just about medals; it was about perseverance, preparation, and the mindset to deliver under pressure.

With 3 Olympic medals (1 gold, 2 silver), 15 World Championship medals (9 gold), and 99 World Cup victories with 29 Crystal Globes, Mikaël has cemented his place as one of the greatest freestyle skiers of all time.

As Team Canada prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, Homewood Health is proud to support athletes like Mikaël with the mental health care they need to thrive on and off the podium. ✨

11/17/2025

“Welcome, you are no longer alone.”

That’s what Grace Ibrahima heard during her first group meeting at Homewood Health Centre.

For Grace, her journey with alcohol dependency took her to the edge. But she chose life, recovery, and community. Today, she shares her story to show what’s possible when stigma is replaced with support.

🔗 Read Grace’s story here: https://ow.ly/Oi8a50Xu3AS

Grace Ibrahima shares her journey from alcohol dependency to recovery, resilience, and advocacy during National Addictions Awareness Week.

11/14/2025

Service leaves an impact long after the uniform is folded away.

This November, we recognize the invisible toll of trauma—how operational stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use can follow veterans and public safety personnel into everyday life.

At Homewood Health Centre, our integrated inpatient programs are designed to meet these challenges head-on. Through physician-led care, trauma-informed therapies, and ongoing recovery planning, we support those who’ve served—helping them reclaim stability, connection, and purpose.

🌐 Learn more about the Homewood Guardians Program: https://ow.ly/9W7l50XrkoU

11/12/2025

Campaigns surrounding mental health do more than raise awareness—they help normalize conversations that many men have never been invited into.

In our Ask the Expert series, Homewood Health Centre's Andrew Hanlon explores breaking down long-standing beliefs around masculinity, help-seeking, and emotional expression.

Progress takes time, but shifting public narratives, especially around vulnerability, can open the door to earlier support and better outcomes.

📺 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/n2rNKDTCX50

11/11/2025

Today we remember the courage of those who have served and continue to serve.

For many, the effects of service extend beyond the battlefield. Trauma, loss, and transition can leave invisible wounds that need care and understanding.

11/10/2025

Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in delivering timely, compassionate care across our programs.

This Nurse Practitioner Week, we recognize the expertise, leadership, and impact NPs bring to patient recovery every day.

Thank you for all you do.

11/07/2025

Speaking openly about mental health takes courage.

Triple Olympic medallist Isabelle Weidemann shared her experience with a panic attack on the ice — a reminder that even the strongest athletes face challenges we don’t often see. Her story underscores the importance of breaking stigma, fostering understanding, and making space for these conversations.

As the Official Mental Health Services Provider of the Canadian Olympic Team, Homewood Health is proud to support athletes like Isabelle on their journey to Milano Cortina 2026.

11/06/2025

Why do men still find it difficult to open up about mental health?

In our Ask the Expert series, Homewood Health Centre 's Andrew Hanlon reflects on men's mental health, what keeps men silent, and how that silence can affect recovery.

One theme comes up again and again: societal pressure to “tough it out” often overrides emotional needs. But being vulnerable isn’t a failure. It’s a form of resilience.

Watch the full interview with Andrew here: https://youtu.be/n2rNKDTCX50

11/05/2025

Emotional distress doesn’t always look like sadness or tears. For many men, it shows up as irritability, withdrawal, substance use, or overwork.

According to the Government of Canada, males are twice as likely to die from preventable causes—including those related to alcohol, smoking, and poor nutrition. This statistic helps remind us that care needs to reflect how men actually cope, not how we assume they should.

10/29/2025

Weight loss medications can change how your body processes food—but they can’t address how we feel about our bodies.

Rapid weight loss and appetite suppression can mask deeper struggles with self-worth, anxiety, and control.

In fact, individuals using weight loss medications report significantly higher rates of disordered eating behaviours, including guilt, restriction, and body checking—even when clinical criteria for an eating disorder aren't met.* (Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 2025)

🔗 You can read more about prescription weight loss medication use and eating disorder psychopathology here: https://ow.ly/H6rm50XjhEi

10/22/2025

🤔 Did you know?

Mikaël Kingsbury—Canada’s “King of Moguls”—is the most decorated freestyle skier in history.

With 3 Olympic medals (🥇 PyeongChang 2018, 🥈 Sochi 2014, 🥈 Beijing 2022) and 99 World Cup victories, he continues to raise the bar in moguls skiing.

As Team Canada’s athletes prepare for Milano Cortina 2026, Homewood Health is proud to stand behind them with world-class mental health support. ✨

Learn more about the partnership here: https://ow.ly/SfIG50XhaLR

Homewood Health provides confidential, 24/7 mental health support for athletes, staff, and families.