Nov. 5, 2022

Patrice Massicotte and Hassan Ramadan, two past colleagues who became close friends, launched a men's mental health podcast called Mutual MENtal.

Dec. 1, 2021

Interview on MY Wellness Podcast with Marianne Murphy.

Jul. 11, 2021

II remember at the beginning of the pandemic, everyone was asking: ‘’when are we going back to the office’’? Most weren’t mentally and physically prepared to work from home full-time, 5 days a week. It was like we needed to go back. Now that we are finally contemplating the end of COVID-19 and that we have spent the last year and a half at home, the narrative and wants have changed…a complete 180-degree change! According to recent Canadian and US surveys, about 80% of employees don’t want to go back to work in-person at their corporate offices post-covid. At least not for 5 days a week, maybe 3.

Apr. 30, 2021

In light of this “new” additional mental wellness challenge and potential need for medical treatment, I wanted to share my perspective on medication from both my own experience and from my observations helping others as a certified peer specialist. Medication is a huge stigmatized subject in the mental health world, not only for the individuals needing them but also for their loved ones and clinical providers. There is a lot of misunderstanding, misinterpretation, judgment, and fear involved. I’ve often heard: “Why won’t you just take your meds?”, “What is the big deal if the medication is supposed to make you feel better?”, “People with mental health challenges are so non-compliant when it comes to taking meds”.

Feb. 25, 2021

Is gender really influencing how close a person is to their emotions? Why would men hide their psychological challenges more than women? Are men much more afraid of disclosure, hence avoiding public platforms? Are women really more prone to disclose their emotional challenges? Are these just the everlasting gender stereotypes carrying on?

Jan. 20, 2021

Every year coming January, I would set good old resolutions. Like many, I ended up failing (studies have shown that approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail). I started wondering: why not suggest something different this year? Like integrating enjoyable wellness practices into your life to reduce mental suffering and bring happiness. Simple, quick and impactful healthy habits that can last for a lifetime, not just a year.

Dec. 8, 2020

I love to write and a couple years ago, I felt inspired to write a personal mantra (kind of prayer or intention) that I silently tell myself everyday. My mantra helps me express gratitude for all that I have and for who I am, it guides my actions, emotions and thoughts in a skillful way, it gives me confidence and grounds me in the present moment. It reminds me of the importance of self-compassion, openness and hope.

Nov. 25, 2020

Fall and winter holidays such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas are just around the corner. For some, this time of the year is joyful, filled with family gatherings. But for others, it’s a period of sadness, loneliness, depression and anxiety. Where does that stress come from and what’s the right way to address it? I’d like to share what I came to discover through my own reflections, discoveries and experiences (both personal and as a Peer Specialist).

Oct. 24, 2020

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Should I disclose my mental health challenges at work?” It’s a question I’m often asked in my capacity as a Certified Peer Specialist. In this piece, I’ll share what’s worked for me as well as the patterns I’ve seen in working with others on their own journeys. There are so many factors to consider: relationships at work, personal needs, the goal of disclosing. You also need to bear in mind the level of stigma you’ll be facing.

Oct. 2, 2020

Introduction interview and personal story sharing with Meredith Arthur, author of the great practical book “Get out of your head” and creator of Beautiful Voyager, an online community for perfectionists, overthinkers and people-pleasers dealing with anxiety. Pat now writes a column for Beautiful Voyager on various mental wellness topics and tools.