On International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), CAMH, in partnership with ScienceUpFirst, the Women’s Health Research Cluster, and womenmind™, hosted Love Your Brain: A Galentine’s Gathering on Women’s Brain Health—a powerful —a powerful in-person and livestreamed event dedicated to raising awareness about hormonal transitions and brain health.
Moderated by Melissa Grelo, co-host of The Social on CTV, the sold-out event featured an esteemed panel of women experts who shed light on how key life stages—puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—can shape brain health over a lifetime. They also shared tangible takeaways to help make these transitions a little easier.
The panel included:
Dr. Crystal Clark – Canada Research Chair in Reproductive Mental Health; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; Associate Head of Research, Women’s College Hospital
Dr. Liisa Galea – Senior Scientist, CAMH; Lead, Women’s Health Research Cluster; inaugural womenmind™ Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health
Dr. Melissa Holmes – Professor & Associate Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga
On average, women are diagnosed 2 years later than men across over 1,300 disorders, and women’s health is distressingly understudied, with only 3% of published neuroscience studies looking at women’s health. These statistics highlight the importance of hosting events like this one, bringing much-needed attention to the topic of hormonal transitions and brain health.
Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about the impact of hormonal changes on mental health, the gaps in research, and the urgent need for more awareness and action in this space. The conversation reinforced a key message: women’s brain health matters, and we need to keep advocating for research that reflects the unique experiences of women across the lifespan.
The event created a sense of safety in community, with participants sharing personal insights, engaging with the experts, and leaving with a deeper understanding of why prioritizing women’s brain health is essential.
If you missed the event, you can watch the full discussion in the video included below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBTq3Iuy7Q
You can become a member of the Women’s Health Research Cluster here.
You can learn more about womenmind™ here.
You can learn more about Science Up First here.
See below for a list of resources featured at the event:
- Mind Over Matter (Women’s Brain Health Initiative)
- Choices for Living (YWCA)
- Reproductive Life Stages Program (Women’s College Hospital)
- LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart Women’s Clinic (Ontario Shores)
- CAMH Virtual Urgent Care
- CAMH Memory Clinic
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
Click on the following link to view and download the Mood Boost Menu, a resource specially created for the event with simple evidence-based activities to increase wellness during difficult times.
