Episode 22: Shifting the Models of Support

In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid sits down with mental health and addictions advocate Karen Gosbee to discuss the realities of domestic violence, the importance of systems working together to create wraparound supports and how we can shift the mental models surrounding mental health and addictions. 

In this episode 

• The need for all systems to work together to prevent domestic violence and the re-traumatization of victims, as well as to ensure that there is a wraparound support system that works. 
• The need for workplaces to have adequate resources to provide help with addictions and mental health. 
• The origins of the City of Calgary Mental Health and Addictions strategy,  progress it has made and how it can be made better. 

Three key takeaways 

• The affordability crisis and lack of affordable housing is a key player in women staying in dangerous situations. 
• Conversations are the first step towards changing the systems that perpetuate violence and silence. 
• At times, those experiencing domestic violence don’t have the tools or words to articulate their situation, which paired with the stigma of speaking out can keep individuals or families in abusive situations. 

Additional Resources

• Karen Gosbee's book A Perfect Nightmare: My Glittering Marriage and How It Almost Cost Me My Life explores her journey to bring herself and her children to safety.
• Discover Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy
• If you or someone you know needs assistance with substance abuse, find both Canada wide and province specific resources.

About Karen Gosbee 

Karen is a dedicated community leader committed to advancing systemic changes in mental health. Having been exposed to mental health, substance misuse, and domestic violence both in her childhood and adult life, she decided to share her own lived experiences. She came forward for two reasons: to minimize the shame and stigma associated with these all-too-common experiences and to address the lack of resources and coordinated services in a time of need. 

Karen, along with her children, established The Gosbee Family Foundation, a registered charitable organization that provides information, access and referral services to anyone experiencing mental health issues. She is the author of a best seller book, titled: A Perfect Nightmare: My Glittering Marriage and How It Almost Cost Me My Life. 

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