Health
Mental Health Awareness Month: Navigating the Stressful World of Real Estate
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Real estate professionals face unique problems and challenges in their everyday practice, from the uncertain housing market landscape, long work hours, and other stressors, each taking a toll on their mental and physical health.
According to the findings of the survey on COVID-19 and mental health from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one in every four Canadians aged 18 and older tested positive for signs of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder in spring 2021, up from one in every five (21 per cent) in fall 2020. The study also demonstrated that there is still a high level of stigma around discussing mental illnesses, let alone getting treatment for them, making this a priority and a public health issue.
Many real estate professionals, such as managing broker Josh Rosenberg, did not always have the tools to deal with the constant pressure that comes with working in the real estate profession, and hitting rock bottom with his mental health was a wake-up call. “I’ve seen colleagues suffer due to alcoholism, drugs, and marital problems, all of which were driven by stress or a lack of guidance on navigating those challenging times,” he stated.
Andrew Carros, COO of Engel & Völkers Vancouver, and seasoned real estate professional shares his experience: “As someone who has experienced the mental health toll of the real estate industry firsthand, I can attest to the importance of prioritizing human connection over profitability.” The general expectation of 24/7 work from REALTORS® and the pressure to show results not only at work but on social media often pile up and leads to burnout, alcohol and drug abuse, and even divorce. “It’s time for us to learn how to let go, set boundaries, and slow down and deliver quality work. We need to offer mental health support and education to ensure that REALTORS® are equipped to handle the demands of this broken system. Regulators and other actors must take responsibility for fostering a healthy office culture and investing in personal and mental health mentorship and training for its professionals,” Carros concluded.
Support from peers and building a safe workplace culture have helped other professionals navigate the industry’s hurdles, like Tore Jacobsen, managing broker at Macdonald Realty. “I used to think that anxiety and stress were just a normal part of the job, but it wasn’t until I hit my breaking point that I realized the importance of prioritizing my mental wellness,” he explains. What started as mild anxiety turned into physical discomfort, chest pain, and other symptoms that led Jacobsen to visit the hospital several times before taking a break. “It wasn’t until I sought help that I realized the importance of caring for myself. I openly shared my struggles with my colleagues, which sparked a conversation that helped others with similar issues. I urge everyone to seek help and talk about it – it’s a critical step in the healing process. We should all prioritize mental health, and I’m grateful for the resources and support that have helped me along the way,” Jacobsen added.
Discussions around mental health, stress, and depression in real estate have become more common after the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the scarcity of resources in the industry, Rosenberg took the lead in creating the BC Realtor Wellbeing Society (BCRW), an independent organization of real estate professionals that offers peer support and services for other professionals looking for someone to talk to.
The society focuses on bridging the gap to get guidance for REALTORS®, managing brokers, and other real estate professionals dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol dependence, and other treatable illnesses. “Receiving support from people who understand our struggles and the nature of our difficulties can be valuable. We want to connect other professionals with the proper resources to help overcome their situations, have a shoulder to cry on, and understand that it is okay not to be okay,” Rosenberg added.
Should you or someone you know need help, or if you’d like to volunteer to support others, BCRW is recruiting volunteers in the real estate community who want to share their strengths, expertise, and hope with those who need it by creating a support system to provide encouragement and advice. You can volunteer or access BCRW here.
Also, to spark the conversation on the importance of this topic, BCREA will be hosting a Managing and Associate Broker Community of Practice on Mental Health with Josh Rosenberg on May 10, 2023, register here.
To subscribe to receive BCREA publications such as this one, or to update your email address or current subscriptions, click here.
Health
CFIA continues surveillance for HPAI in cattle, while sticking with original name for disease – RealAgriculture
The Canada Food Inspection Agency will continue to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle as HPAI in cattle, and not refer to it as bovine influenza A virus (BIAV), as suggested by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners earlier this month.
Dr. Martin Appelt, senior director for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in the interview below, says at this time Canada will stick with “HPAI in cattle” when referencing the disease that’s been confirmed in dairy cattle in multiple states in the U.S.
The CFIA’s naming policy is consistent with the agency’s U.S. counterparts’, as the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has also said it will continue referring to it as HPAI or H5N1.
Appelt explains how the CFIA is learning from the U.S. experience to-date, and how it is working with veterinarians across Canada to stay vigilant for signs of the disease in dairy and beef cattle.
As of April 19, there has not been a confirmed case of HPAI in cattle in Canada. Appelt says it’s too soon to say if an eventual positive case will significantly restrict animal movement, as is the case with positive poultry cases.
This is a major concern for the cattle industry, as beef cattle especially move north and south across the U.S. border by the thousands. Appelt says that CFIA will address an infection in each species differently in conjunction with how the disease is spread and the threat to neighbouring farms or livestock.
Currently, provincial dairy organizations have advised producers to postpone any non-essential tours of dairy barns, as a precaution, in addition to other biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of cattle contracting HPAI.
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Health
Toronto reports 2 more measles cases. Use our tool to check the spread in Canada – Toronto Star
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Canada has seen a concerning rise in measles cases in the first months of 2024.
By the third week of March, the country had already recorded more than three times the number of cases as all of last year. Canada had just 12 cases of measles in 2023, up from three in 2022.
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Health
Cancer Awareness Month – Métis Nation of Alberta
Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on: Apr 18, 2024
April is Cancer Awareness Month
As we recognize Cancer Awareness Month, we stand together to raise awareness, support those affected, advocate for prevention, early detection, and continued research towards a cure. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Métis women and the second leading cause of death for Métis men. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation Within Alberta is working hard to ensure that available supports for Métis Citizens battling cancer are culturally appropriate, comprehensive, and accessible by Métis Albertans at all stages of their cancer journey.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for support. In June, our government will be launching the Cancer Supports and Navigation Program which will further support Métis Albertans and their families experiencing cancer by connecting them to OMG-specific cancer resources, external resources, and providing navigation support through the health care system. This program will also include Métis-specific peer support groups for those affected by cancer.
With funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) we have also developed the Métis Cancer Care Course to ensure that Métis Albertans have access to culturally safe and appropriate cancer services. This course is available to cancer care professionals across the country and provides an overview of who Métis people are, our culture, our approaches to health and wellbeing, our experiences with cancer care, and our cancer journey.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and ensure equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care for all Métis Albertans. Please click on the links below to learn more about the supports available for Métis Albertans, including our Compassionate Care: Cancer Transportation program.
I wish you all good health and happiness!
Bobbi Paul-Alook
Secretary of Health & Seniors
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