#Blahs2Ahhhs Panel Discussion

While winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Canada, the cold and lack of sun can trigger feelings of sadness and loneliness. This winter brings yet another level of anxiety as it’s the second winter that people are staying home to help curb the spread of COVID-19.  

But did you know that getting outside, even for just a few minutes, can be a real mental health booster? It’s true! 

That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to turn those winter blahs into AHHHs!

We recently welcomed three expert panellists to a livestream discussion where they shared their ideas and insights on how to make the most out of the winter months.  

Meet our expert panellists

Dr. Melissa Lem

Dr. Lem is Founder and Director of Park Prescriptions (PaRx) for the BC Parks Foundation and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia. Her work as a family physician spans urban and rural practice within British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. She is also President-elect of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, and is a long-time advocate for the health benefits of time spent in nature, and for urban greening and ecosystem conservation. 
 
A senior writer for the CBC, her work has been widely published by media including the Vancouver Sun, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, The Narwhal, National Observer and Alternatives Journal. She was the resident medical expert on CBC TV’s hit lifestyle show Steven and Chris for four seasons and continues to appear on air as a regular contributor to CBC Radio and CTV News. Learn more. 

Fatimah Mulla

Kids Help Phone Counsellor

Fatimah Mulla is an Addictions and Mental Health Counsellor. She currently works at Kids Help Phone and Canadian Muslim Counselling. She really enjoys working with clients to reach their short-term and long-term wellness goals.

When she’s not working, you can expect her to be spending time with her loved ones and enjoying the great outdoors!

Learn more. 

Eleanor McMahon

Eleanor McMahon has been President & CEO of Trans Canada Trail since March 2020, bringing to the role 30 years of experience in senior management, public affairs and advocacy. An active outdoor enthusiast and passionate advocate for the safety of cyclists, she founded the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in 2007, following the death of her husband OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart in a cycling collision. After serving as press secretary to the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, she brought her know-how to a variety of other roles, including as Director of Public Affairs at the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, as Vice-President at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and as Vice-President at United Way Ottawa. She was the MPP for Burlington, Ontario, from 2014 to 2018, and served as Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, as well as President of the Treasury Board.

Moderated by: Valerie Pringle

Renowned broadcaster Valerie Pringle will moderate the panel discussion, bringing her own expertise gained as Chair of the CAMH Foundation Board and in her former role as chair of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board.