Mental Health Week (May 4–10) brings attention to mental well-being across Canada. This year’s theme emphasizes social connection as a critical component of mental health, aiming to combat loneliness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
McGill University experts are available to comment:
Marie-Claude Geoffroy is an Assistant Professor in Department of Psychiatry at McGill, researcher at Douglas Research Centre and Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Her new research found that 2SLGBTQI+ youth in Quebec report significantly higher rates of self‑harm and psychological distress than their non-2SLGBTQI+ peers, underscoring the mental‑health impact of stigma and discrimination.
marie-claude.geoffroy [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
Tina Montreuil, Associate Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, can talk about parent-child mental health (anxiety and depression) and parental well-being as predictor of child outcomes (family approach and prevention).
tina.montreuil [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
Vincent Paquin is Assistant Professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and psychiatrist at the Jewish General Hospital.
Paquin’s research examines how digital media use shapes the mental health of adolescents and young adults. He can discuss how young people can navigate loneliness, the risks and benefits of AI in mental health support and the complex relationship between screen time and well-being.
vincent.paquin2 [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
Kevin Prada is a PhD student in Counselling Psychology. He has expertise regarding the intersection of mental health, spirituality and the LGBTQIA+ community. He can also speak more generally on mindfulness, stress, resilience and mental-health-care advocacy and access.
kevin.prada [at] mail.mcgill.ca (English, French)
Isabel Sadowski is a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology. She can talk about aging and mental health concerns; technological innovations and mental health; mindfulness, mind-body interventions or nature connection in relation to mental health; as well as innovative approaches to mental health intervention delivery.
isabel.sadowski [at] mail.mcgill.ca (English, French)
Anna Weinberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology. She specializes in clinical neuroscience and the biological correlates of anxiety and depression. She can also talk about the role of community and social ties in mental health, as well as technology and mental health.
anna.weinberg [at] mcgill.ca (English)
Robert Whitley, Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, can discuss men’s mental health, including why more than half of Canadian men are at risk of social isolation, and the barriers men face when seeking mental health care.
robert.whitley [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)