Community Health Connect  is the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.

In this issue:

• Celebrating psychologists: Your mental health partners 
• Understanding and recognizing eating disorders
• Pink Shirt Day: Stand up against bullying

Celebrating psychologists: Your mental health partners 

 February is Psychology Month,  a time to recognize and appreciate the important role psychologists play in enhancing mental health and well-being.

This month highlights their contributions in helping individuals overcome life challenges and navigate mental health issues — offering tools for healing and personal growth.

We are proud to celebrate our team of Primary Care Registered Psychologists, who provide a safe and supportive space for individuals on their mental health journeys.

Our team members shared what they find most rewarding about their work as psychologists. Here’s what they had to say:

"Being a psychologist means you get to offer people space to express their pain and receive validation and compassion in return. To be able to witness how healing that can be for people is a great honour, and I’m so proud of our team and all psychologists doing this work."

— Lauren Slade, CWC PCN Clinical Practice Lead - Primary 

Care Registered Psychologist

“Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of being a Primary Care Registered Psychologist is the opportunity to discover that distinct blend of scientific understanding and human empathy that truly is unique to each individual. Whether it’s supporting patients as they navigate personal challenges or working to improve their mental health on a larger scale, psychologists play an integral role in facilitating positive change to make a difference in the lives of our patients.”

— Aleya Jessa, CWC PCN Primary Care Registered Psychologist - Mental Health Referrals

Psychologists contribute to resilience, compassion, and personal growth, helping individuals manage trauma, stress, and relationships. 

During Psychology Month, let’s appreciate the psychologists who impact lives and strengthen communities.

Key contributions of psychologists:

• Emotional support: Offering a compassionate space for healing.
• Mental health treatment: Addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Personal growth: Guiding individuals toward resilience and self-understanding.
• Community well-being: Improving mental health awareness and care access for healthier communities.

To learn more about psychological services, talk to your primary care provider or follow the link below.

Understanding and recognizing eating disorders 

In Canada, an estimated 2.7 million people are impacted by eating disorders.

 Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions  that impact people’s thoughts, behaviours, and emotions surrounding food, body image, and weight. These conditions can cause significant disruption in a person’s life, affecting their physical and mental health.

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder is crucial. Not everyone will show all the symptoms, and they can vary from person to person. Common signs include:

• Drastic changes in weight (loss or gain)
• Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, weight loss, or dieting
• Avoiding mealtimes or social eating situations
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Noticeable changes in mood, energy, or social withdrawal

Recovery can require a multidisciplinary approach, including a physician, registered dietitian, and mental health professional.

 If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder,  reach out for help. Early intervention, compassion, and professional support can pave the way for recovery.

Check out these helpful resources: 

• Calgary Silver Linings Foundation
• Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta
• National Eating Disorder Information Centre

Pink Shirt Day: Stand up against bullying 

 Bullying affects everyone, not just students.  It can happen anywhere — from the classroom to the workplace — and can have serious, long-term effects.

 
Wednesday, Feb. 26 is Pink Shirt Day — a global movement that fights against bullying. It began when two students in Nova Scotia took a stand after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt and now serves as a powerful symbol of kindness and inclusion.

• Over 30 per cent of students report being bullied at school, leading to lasting emotional and mental health effects.
• Wearing pink shows solidarity and raises awareness about bullying’s harmful impact.
• Engage in conversations about respect, empathy, and how we can make a difference every day.

Pink Shirt Day is an important initiative aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of bullying while promoting kindness and inclusion. Bullying can lead to severe physical trauma, but its emotional toll can be just as damaging. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts or actions in extreme cases. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with bullying, reach out to  ConnecTeen 403.264.TEEN (403.264.8336) or 9.8.8 Canada for confidential support. Call or text 9.8.8 anytime. 

As we observe Pink Shirt Day, let’s remember that bullying affects real lives and that we all have a role to play in creating a kinder, more supportive environment for everyone. 

If you have feedback on any health topics you would like to learn or read more about, please contact us directly at hello@cwcpcn.com.

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