Sask Mental Health

01/29/2026

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲. It’s a habit we build, not a trait we find.

🧠 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 are evolutionarily wired to scan for danger. It’s why our default reaction to invalidation is often defensive.

When we invalidate others, the "Threat Response" goes into alarm and calls out to warn that a person is “𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄!” We protect ourselves, we shut down, or we possibly even go into 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄 and lash out.

But intentional 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐑𝐎-𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 will build a better program.

By consistently practicing validation, we physically rewire how we process interaction. We move from a state of protection to a state of connection.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘.

When you can validate your own emotions without judgment, you deactivate your internal threat response. You create safety within your own mind. 🛡️

Only then can we truly extend that safety to others. When two people prioritize shared understanding over being "right," the dynamic shifts.
𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒. The neural pathways for connection are strengthened. 'WE' benefit instantly, and 'THEY' benefit now and after the interaction.

The most emotionally intelligent among us don't just "decide" to be compassionate; they practice it until it becomes the new baseline program...so 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 — 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 = 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘

12/30/2025

12/24/2025

We so hope you enjoy the richness of Your People, Your Pets, Your Friends, and Your Family Over the Holidays & for The New Year.
Thank you to the audiences at our keynotes, and the participants in the many workshops, for your continued kindness and for sharing the meaningful things that improve each of us.

Warmest Always,
Angellah & Jim Brayshaw

12/22/2025

The 2025 "Uncertainty Tax" bill is due. In 2026, let’s go Tax-Free.

The workplace is not a vacuum. We’ve spent the last year watching our teams get battered by the whirlwinds of inconsistency. We’ve seen the cost—not just in dollars, but in the erosion of psychological safety, ongoing stress, with staff, leaders, and employees wanting to leave their company and workplace..

It is called the "Uncertainty Tax".
It is a heavy levy collected by unpredictable and inconsistent leaders. It’s paid in stress, in hesitation, and in the quiet withdrawal of your best people. When leaders are questionable communicators, unpredictable, and inconsistent, staff pay the price with their peace of mind.

We can REPEAL The UNCERTAINTY TAX for 2026!!!📢
We don't need more "management strategies." We need to dignify our people by providing stable, predictable leadership that lowers the cost of showing up. We need to offer the Tax-Free I’s:
✅ Intuitive Interactions: Connection that feels human, not transactional.
✅ Insightful Information: Transparent, clear communication that kills ambiguity.
✅ Intentional Influence with Integrity: Leading with a steady hand that builds trust, rather than anxiety.
No one ever regrets dignifying others in the workplace. When we prioritize emotional safety, we aren't just "being nice"—we are stopping the drain on our collective performance.

Let’s leave the Uncertainty Tax in 2025. This year, lead with consistency.
Let's get together to strategize on where and how you can soften the force of Uncertainty. Strengthening your team's psychological agility, and skillfully developing robust adaptation capacity for your people…

Get in touch to discuss the steps to a Tax Free 2026.

10/24/2025

The Paradox of Awareness❓❓❓

Are we mistaking 'knowing' for 'doing' when it comes to our mental health?🤔

We spent the start of the day with a group of dedicated healthcare professionals at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency learning about moving from Awareness to Agency.

Many high-performing professionals face the Paradox of Awareness: we consume articles, attend webinars, and know what supports our well-being. But often, that awareness gives our brain a false sense of accomplishment, delaying actual change.

Awareness is the map. Agency is the transport vehicle.

It's time to bridge that gap.🌉

This isn't about more information; it's about activating your internal drive to use the resources you already have. From understanding the brain's resistance to change to auditing our 'wellness relationships'—it's about moving from passive knowledge to active, intentional influence over our outcomes
What's one area where you're ready to shift from just 'knowing' to truly 'doing'?

10/09/2025

Hats off to the incredible Emergency Response and Mine Rescue Teams we have been spending time with.⛑️⛑️🪓
Your dedication to operational excellence is truly second to none.

If you have ever met a Mine Rescue Team in their 'Natural Habitat' , it is clear their commitment goes far beyond technical skill; it’s rooted in a deep investment in continuous team development and mutual support. This is a powerful investment in their long-term health, safety, and effectiveness.

Dialoguing with Crews in the "Psychological Health Before, During, & After a Potentially Traumatic Event" workshop has been so enriching.

This is more than just training; it's a beautiful Team Wellness Builder that reinforces their most critical asset: their people.

The workshop's focus on proactive mental wellness provides practical tools for high-stress environments.
We're exploring crucial concepts like:
👍Bandwidth Consumption Audits: Identifying the value in understanding our mental and emotional capacity before we're running on empty.
👍Pre-Shift Assessments: Recognizing the importance of a personal check-in before a day begins, allowing rescuers and all employees to gauge their readiness for the demanding tasks ahead.
👍Emotional Regulation: Building the capacity to soften the impact of intense emotional experiences that can sometimes hijack our focus and well-being.

By embracing these skills, our teams are demonstrating that true strength isn't just about responding to an incident, but also about building the resilience to navigate the human experience that comes with it.
We've been bringing this workshop to rescue Teams for several years and the outcome is soooo encouraging. Healthier, Happier, Safer Team Members...with Thoughtful Days ahead seems to be the result.🙏💖

www/saskmentalhealth.ca
www.jimbrayshaw.com

10/09/2025

Hats off to the incredible Emergency Response and Mine Rescue Teams we have been spending time with.⛑️⛑️🪓

Your dedication to operational excellence is truly second to none.

If you have ever met a Mine Rescue Team in their 'Natural Habitat' , it is clear their commitment goes far beyond technical skill; it’s rooted in a deep investment in continuous team development and mutual support. This is a powerful investment in their long-term health, safety, and effectiveness.

Dialoguing with Crews in the "Psychological Health Before, During, & After a Potentially Traumatic Event" workshop has been so enriching.

This is more than just training; it's a beautiful Team Wellness Builder that reinforces their most critical asset: their people.

The workshop's focus on proactive mental wellness provides practical tools for high-stress environments.

We're exploring crucial concepts like:

👍Bandwidth Consumption Audits: Identifying the value in understanding our mental and emotional capacity before we're running on empty.

👍Pre-Shift Assessments: Recognizing the importance of a personal check-in before a day begins, allowing rescuers and all employees to gauge their readiness for the demanding tasks ahead.

👍Emotional Regulation: Building the capacity to soften the impact of intense emotional experiences that can sometimes hijack our focus and well-being.

By embracing these skills, our teams are demonstrating that true strength isn't just about responding to an incident, but also about building the resilience to navigate the human experience that comes with it.

We've been bringing this workshop to rescue Teams for several years and the outcome is soooo encouraging. Healthier, Happier, Safer Team Members...with Thoughtful Days ahead seems to be the result.🙏💖

www/saskmentalhealth.ca

www.jimbrayshaw.com

09/22/2025

As Sask Mental Health , we are deeply connected to the First Responders in Saskatchewan. The years of developing psychological wellness as a Fire Fighter and Critical Incident Stress Team builder, has brought us even greater connection to our First Responders.

We are so pleased to be a Silver Sponsors among the broad group of supporters of the First Responders Fitness Festival.
This Fitness Festival Comp between Medics-Firefighters-Police is on October 4th and 5th and will be another fantastic expression of the dedication, camaraderie, commitment, and warmth of this dramatic but passionate professional group

Share this event opportunity, you and your friends will not be disappointed to have seen these intense professionals clash in an intense athletic competition.

YXEFRFF https://share.google/vNiDb4RUOUKuxTop0

YXEFRFF

09/09/2025

Discover all that Sask Mental Health Training & Supports Inc. has to offer on our website!

Stay informed with the latest updates, explore our wide range of offerings, and connect with everything exciting happening here.

Visit us at https://saskmentalhealth.ca today to see what’s waiting for you!

Sask Mental Health Certified Facilitators and Consultants offer training and courses on all aspects of Mental Health & Enhancing Employee Mental Wellness.

09/02/2025

We would be privileged to have you join us on Sept 12th to be part of filling the Subclinical Gap. This engaging and inspirational day of Virtual Mental Health First Aid, will gain you a certificate from the Mental Health commission of Canada.
Register today...$240.00 per participant
https://saskmentalhealth.ca/mhfa-virtual-sept-12th

08/31/2025

Sask Mental Health is so happy to add a layer of service and Neuroscience insights to our Team and offerings.
After almost three decades of service in the Saskatoon Fire Department, leaving as a Captain, Jim has learned firsthand the immense pressure our minds and bodies face in high-stakes situations. This is true in the fast-paced world of first responders and so many other industries today that we have been privileged to develop mental health strategies for. These experiences have taught us the critical importance of mental resilience and emotional regulation under fire.
With a Neuroscience Coaching certification facilitator on the Team, Sask Mental Health is thrilled to merge practical, real-world knowledge with a deeper scientific understanding of the brain.

This training allows us to continue to translate complex neuroscience concepts into clear, actionable strategies. This unique blend of experience and education will be available for your company or group, to help individuals and teams build psychological safety, resilience, and enhance their mental health, so they can thrive through any challenge they face.

If you've been considering a unique and meaningful way to strengthen your team and the relationships within it, let's connect. Together, we can find the next gear on the road toward enhanced health, wellness, kindness, and productivity for your people.

Hope to chat soon...

www.saskmentalhealth.ca
thebrayshaws@saskmentalhealth.ca
www.jimbrayshaw.com