mental-health
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May 1, 2025 – A Morning at the Drop-In: New Faces, Familiar Challenges in Richmond
This morning, I made my way to the drop-in center here in Richmond. It’s always a place that offers a glimpse into the diverse realities of our community, and today was no exception. Stepping inside, I was greeted by some new faces among the staff. It’s always nice to introduce myself and connect with the Continue reading
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April 30, 2025 – Bridging Cultures: Understanding Different Approaches to Addiction Treatment in British Columbia
Recently, a meaningful conversation unfolded after I reached out to a therapist’s manager following a poignant reflection on a family’s tragic loss in Surrey, British Columbia. As a member of the BC community, witnessing such grief underscores the importance of understanding the diverse experiences within our multicultural landscape. While the manager rightly upheld client confidentiality, Continue reading
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April 26, 2025 – Walking Alongside Grief: Reflections on a Family’s Tragic Loss and Our Call to Listen
Today, I had the solemn privilege of sitting with a Mandarin-speaking family in Surrey, British Columbia, who are navigating unimaginable grief. Earlier this year, their 14-year-old daughter died from an overdose. As I entered their home, I felt the weight of sorrow in the air—a mother’s heartbreak, a father’s silence, and the empty space that Continue reading
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April 22, 2025 – I Am Not an Expert—I’m a Pastor and a Companion: Why I Carry a Naloxone Kit
My name is Yu-Ching Mo (my Chinese name in Mandarin), and I am a pastor who cares deeply about the community and offers spiritual/pastoral counseling to those in need. I was recently interviewed by Sing Tao Daily about why I always carry a naloxone (Narcan) kit with me. To me, this small kit is more Continue reading
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April 13, 2025 – The Unexpected Gift of Being an Open Book: Reflections from the Human Library in Richmond
Today, in Richmond, British Columbia, I had the profound privilege of being a “book” in the Human Library. For three hours, eight individuals chose to “borrow” me for twenty-minute conversations, my title: “Wounded Healer: Helping Overcome Personal Suffering by Helping Others.” As I sit here reflecting on the afternoon, I’m struck by the unexpected gifts Continue reading
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April 12, 2025 – Journeying Together: A Reflection on Sharing, Emotion, and Healing from an Online Workshop with the Chinese Support Group at Pathways Clubhouse
Today, I had the privilege of serving as a guest speaker for the Chinese Support Group at Pathways Clubhouse in an online workshop. The group brings together individuals living with mental and emotional health challenges, along with their committed and compassionate family members. The theme of my presentation was “Coping with Negative Emotions and Thoughts.” Continue reading
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January 23rd, 2025 – Hopes Suspended: Insights on Housing Issues in Richmond
Recently, I spoke with H, a local individual facing homelessness. Our discussions frequently concern housing, a critical issue for H and many others in similar circumstances. We addressed the now-suspended supportive housing project proposed for the Sexsmith property in Richmond. H acknowledged the protests and petitions that emerged, primarily driven by safety concerns from some Continue reading
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Jan 11, 2025 – Reflections on Leading the Workshop on Mental Health and Spiritual Support
I had the privilege of leading a workshop for a support group organized by the Pathways Clubhouse Society of Richmond today. This group serves both Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking individuals who are caregivers or coping with depression and other mental health challenges. It was a rewarding experience to share insights with everyone, and I also had Continue reading
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Oct 24, 2024 – Fostering Compassion and Responsible Solutions for Richmond
Recently, I co-signed a public letter alongside other community leaders addressing a pressing issue in Richmond—the rise of fear-based rhetoric and short-sighted approaches to dealing with vulnerable populations. While I am not directly affiliated with my fellow signatories, we share a common goal: to advocate for compassion, nuance, and empathy when discussing solutions for the economically, Continue reading
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A Call to Compassion:
Reaching Out to the Marginalized and Vulnerable in Our Communities In every city, the most vulnerable among us—the homeless, the addicted, and the marginalized—face profound challenges every day. Their struggles are often invisible to the broader community, but the reality of their suffering demands our attention. As Christians, we are called to respond with compassion, Continue reading