#sparkchamber 080921 — Dr. Simone Arbour

Building on Simone Biles’ courage and grace in speaking out, #sparkchamber continues to highlight the critical importance of self-care and mental health. Today, we are thrilled to welcome another inspired Simone, Dr. Simone Arbour, a researcher at Ontario Shores.

Ontario Shores — Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences — is a public hospital with multiple locations along the shore on Lake Ontario, just under an hour northeast of Toronto. Providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services to those living with complex and serious mental illness, exemplary patient care is delivered through safe and evidence-based approaches. Successful outcomes are achieved using best clinical practices and the latest advances in research.

And that is where Dr. Arbour comes in. With a PhD in psychology, her research interests are grounded in both basic and applied fields of social and health psychology, with a specific emphasis on mental health and addiction. Recognizing the inherent structural stigma and difficulties in system navigation, “I am passionate about changing the mental-healthcare landscape.” Influenced by pioneering research that emanated from the consumer/survivor movement, her research aims to prevent and reduce stigma, as well as to improve recovery and wellness outcomes in populations that range from adolescents to seniors, as well as specialty populations such as eating disorders, forensics, and dual diagnoses. “I have worked in mental-health and addictions research for fifteen years and am inspired by individuals who leverage their lived experience with mental health challenges to help others and who make our services better. And also by my colleagues who are brilliant.”

1.] Where do ideas come from?

Inspiration for ideas can come from anywhere — a movie, a meeting, the news, problems, passion, a weird or interesting dream, people you admire, research...

2.] What is the itch you are scratching?

My desire to minimize the stigma associated with mental illness. My desire to do mental health better.

3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?

I am a night owl however I don’t work at night. I work in short bursts. I procrastinate until a looming deadline necessitates productivity. I overthink, then realize usually the simple idea is the best one. I collaborate extensively, find the right language and the need I’m trying to address. When I collaborate with stakeholders, use their language and co-produce solutions, getting it out into the world is made easier.

4.] How do you know when you are done?

I don’t know that I’m ever done. Things evolve into other things