Category: Firm News

We Support World Bipolar Day

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

March 30th is World Bipolar Day (WBD), an important annual global mental illness awareness day.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Mood disorders may affect a person’s ability to perform his or her activities of daily living, and the ability to perform employment duties. The most common types of mood disorders according to Johns Hopkins Medicine include major depression, dysthymia (chronic low-grade depression), bipolar disorder, mood disorder related to another health conditions (i.e. cancer) or substance induced mood disorder.

Bipolar disorder is considered a brain disorder. It causes unusual fluctuations in mood, energy, activity levels and one’s ability to carry out daily activities. It involves a “high” state, called mania or hypomania (depending on which type of bipolar disorder), a “low” state (depression) and a “well” state, where the person feels “well” and does not have difficulties functioning.

What is World Bipolar Day?

World Bipolar Day is an annual awareness day and educational initiative to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and to end social stigma. It is celebrated on the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh – who was thought to have bipolar disorder. This is why it is often thought that there is a link between creativity and bipolar disorder.


It’s a day that brings the population around the world information about bipolar disorders to help educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness. It is a collaborative effort of multiple bipolar disorder foundations: the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD).

Why is it Important?

The goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring worldwide awareness to bipolar disorder, eliminate social stigma and provide information. Treatment is important for any type of illness, and stigma can prevent people from seeking treatment. Although bipolar disorder is a recognized medical condition, like diabetes or a heart condition, there are many places in the world that still don’t identify it as an illness.


There are many ways to participate in WBD virtually, which you can learn about on the World Bipolar Day website .

Important Facts to Consider

Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time in their lives through a family member, friend or colleague. Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.


World Bipolar Day is important because stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment, but also to acceptance in the community. According to the WBD website, it is estimated that the global prevalence of bipolar disorder is between 1 and 2%, and may be as high as 5%.


Some other facts to consider:


World Health Organization

  • Bipolar disorder affects approximately 45 million people worldwide


Mood Disorders Society of Canada

  • Bipolar disorder affects 1.2% of the adult population in Canada
  • The average age for onset of bipolar disorder is between 18-24 but it can also start in childhood or as late as 40s/50s.
  • An equal number of men and women develop bipolar disorder
  • The younger a person is when diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the more likely it is to have a genetic component


Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

  • In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness or addiction issue
  • By age 40, 1 in 2 Canadians will have or have had a mental illness
  • 46% of Canadians think people use the term mental illness as an excuse for bad behaviour
  • 27% of Canadians say they would be fearful of being around someone who suffers from serious mental illness
  • In any given week, 500,000 people are unable to work due to mental health problems, including approx. 355,000 disability cases due to mental/behavioural disorders and approx. 175,000 full time employees absent from work due to mental illness

For more information about bipolar disorders, the Canadian Psychological Association recommends visiting the following websites:

The Mood Disorders Society of Canada

http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/


The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

http://www.dbsalliance.org


The Canadian Mental Health Association

http://www.cmha.ca/

We understand how stressful it can be to receive a denial letter from your insurance company when you’re going through a difficult time.


If you or someone you know have been denied disability benefits for any reason, do not hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation that can be arranged at a time that is convenient for you.


Our lawyers have experience with representing clients for various physical and psychological illnesses, including short-term and long-term disability claims where people are unable to work as a result of symptoms of various mood disorders.

We Support Bell Let’s Talk

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

As lawyers who handle short term and long term disability claims for all types of illnesses and injuries, we understand how a mental illness affects a person’s ability to work and various other aspects of a person’s life.

On January 26, 2022, it is Bell Let’s Talk Day . Bell Let’s Talk Day is an important day. It is about increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and helping to change behaviours and attitudes about mental health issues.

A 2019 survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights found that 84% of Canadians now say they are comfortable discussing mental health with others, compared to 42% in 2012.

A poll done in December 2020 showed that, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more Canadians then ever have been diagnosed with depression (15%) and anxiety (23%). This is due to the challenges that have occurred since the pandemic began. This only proves how important promoting awareness of mental health is in todays world.

Types of Mental Illness 

There are various types of mental illness, and all of them can have a serious impact on both the individual and his or her family.

These include:

Mood Disorders

Includes depression and bipolar disorder .

Anxiety Disorders

The most common type of mental disorder.

Schizophrenia

Includes Paranoid Schizophrenie

Eating Disorders

Includes anorexia and bulimia.

Personality Disorders

Includes borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.

Important Facts to Consider*

Part of Bell’s campaign is to make Canadians realize that mental illness is everyone’s concern. It affects Canadians at some point in their life either through their own experience, or that of a family member or friend.

How Does It Work?

On this day, Bell Canada will donate 5 cents towards mental health initiatives for each of the following:

What is the Bell Let’s Talk Mental Health Initiative? 

Bell Let’s Talk has developed a mental health initiative and 5 ways to help end stigma. 

These include:

Anti-Stigma 

Stigma is a big hurdle for anyone suffering from a mental illness and is the number one reason why two-thirds of those living with a mental illness do not seek help. Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign and Bell Let’s Day opens the national conversation about mental illness across Canada. It is about growing the dialogue on mental health.

Care & Access 

Bell Canada supports a variety of organizations. Only one-third of those who need mental health-related services in Canada will receive treatment. This is due to the stigma associated with mental illness or because they do not have access to programs in their community.

Workplace Health 

Mental health is the leading cause of workplace disability in Canada and represents 15% of Canada’s burden of disease. The cost of a STD or LTD leave for a mental illness is around double the cost of a STD or LTD leave due to a physical illness. Bell practices workplace health and encourages greater corporate engagement across Canada.

Research 

Bell is investigating in the best-in-class research programs with the potential to have a transformative impact on Canadians. Around the world, hundreds of millions of people are affected by mental illness. In fact, mental health problems are the single largest cause of disabilities in the world.

5 ways to help end stigma 

Bell Let’s Talk also provides 5 ways Canadians can help end stigma.

#1

Language Matters

Why?

Because while words can be comforting, words can also be hurtful, and it’s important to pay attention to the words you use.

How To Help

By explaining to friends, relatives and colleagues that using words like “psycho” or “crazy” without thinking can be hurtful and provide an alternative view.

#2

Educate Yourself 

Why?

Unfortunately there are many myths that still exist about mental illness that contribute to stigma.

How To Help

Learn the facts about mental illness. By learning more, knowing more and becoming knowledgeable, you can help fight stigma with facts.

#3

Be Kind 

Why?

Small acts of kindness speak volumes. 

How To Help

Don’t stand by if someone is being labelled or bullied.


Treat a person who has a mental illness with the kindness and care you give to people with other illnesses (i.e. physical illnesses) through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or a visit. Let them know you care.

#4

Listen and Ask 

Why?

Sometimes it’s best to just listen.

How To Help

Don’t trivialize someone’s illness. A suggestion is, “I’m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?”.

#5

Talk About It

Why?

Start a dialogue, not a debate.

How To Help

Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in same way, be it directly or through a friend, family member or colleague.

Stories of lived experience are the best way to help eradicate stigma.

Support mental health and anti-stigma programs in your community.

Why mental health awareness matters right now

As a result of the pandemic, more people have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and those people who already were diagnosed with a mental illness may be experiencing increased symptoms.

According to a recent poll, Canadians are reporting experiencing more anxiety and depression than before.

The poll conducted by Mental Health Research Canada in December 2020 polled 2,761 and found:

  • 2% of Canadians surveyed reported being diagnosed with depression
  • 20% of those surveyed said they had received an anxiety disorder diagnosis
  • Self-reported feelings of anxiety and depression were also found to be at all time highs
  • Respondents indicated that social isolation has negatively impacted their mental health
  • 36% of respondents indicated that working from home has negatively impacting their mental health and is stressful

Taking care of your mental health

So how can you help your mental health during this time?

Some tips offered by the Bell Let’s Talk website include:

  • Try to unplug from media/the news and find a balance
  • Physical distancing does not mean you have to be alone (thanks to technology)
  • Remember you are not alone
  • Remind yourself it’s okay not to be okay
  •  Take care of your body – because body and mind are connected

​*Facts and statistics have been provided by the Bell Let’s Talk Campaign website and the CMHA website.

Join Aaron at Pingle’s Farm Market & Buy A Pumpkin!

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

​What are you doing Saturday, October 12, 2019? Have you found that perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern yet? Wondering where to find a pumpkin? Look no further.

pingles farm market

You can join Aaron Waxman, our firm’s founder along with the folks at 98.1 CHFI while they broadcast live from Pingle’s Farm Market!

On this day, Aaron will be donating $5.00 (to a maximum of $10,000) to Wounded Warriors Canada for every pumpkin purchased!

Wounded Warriors Canada will be bringing their pups from their PTSD Service Dog Program too! So get ready for a day of pumpkins and pups!

Pingle’s Farm Market is located at 1805 Taunton Road in Hampton, Ontario and the Fun Farm is open 10am-4pm.

Wounded Warriors Canada honours and supports Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families. Wounded Warriors Canada is a veteran’s charity focusing on mental health and offers programs such as PTSD Dog Service Program, Equine Therapy and Trauma Resiliency Program.

At Aaron Waxman and Associates, we believe in the importance of giving back to the community, promoting important causes such as Wounded Warriors.



Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Aaron Waxman and Associates Celebrates A Milestone Anniversary

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

On September 25, 2018, our firm celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Over the years our firm has grown to include 7 lawyers and many administrative staff, who are all dedicated to helping our clients.

Our firm handles various types of claims from disability claims, employment claims, car accident claims, personal injury claims as well as critical illness denials and life insurance claim denials. We do not do any work for insurance companies; we work for those whose claims have been denied or those who have been injured as a result of a car accident or another type of personal injury.

The lawyers in our firm commit themselves to achieving a fair and proper settlement for clients and always make sure that our clients understand each step of the legal process. We strive to advocate vigorously for our clients while always respecting their dignity and treating them with compassion. Mr. Waxman says, “ My desire to exceed the expectations of my clients and for fairness is the driving force behind each client’s claim ”.

Our clients feel comfortable calling their lawyer, and in knowing that their lawyer will personally return their calls.

When you’re going through a stressful time as a result of an illness or injury and need the assistance of a lawyer, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right lawyer to represent you. This is why it is important to find a lawyer who will properly represent your interests and who will understand the complexities of your case, takes the time to explain the process and of course, who you feel comfortable with when it comes to contacting to ask any future questions.

We have always offered potential clients a free initial consultation and we are happy to arrange a meeting at a date and time of your choosing. Our firm only gets paid when your case settles, and we don’t charge any upfront legal fees or monthly bills throughout your case.

scales of justice

Aaron Waxman and Associates is a Sponsor of The Unity Run

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

Aaron Waxman and Associates is a platinum sponsor of The Unity Run, which is an event that is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide prevention and removing the associated stigmas for First Responders.

runners

The Unity Run is dedicated to raising awareness in the area of mental health, PTSD, suicide prevention & removing the associated stigmas for First Responders. The Unity Run helps organizations such as Camp F.A.C.E.S, Homewood Research Institute and Suicide Prevention Council of Hamilton.



The Unity Run takes place on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Confederation Park Pavillion in Hamilton, Ontario. Walkers or runners can walk 6.93km or 10.4km and there is a new 911 meter dash for kids who want to participate! All races start at 9am.

For more information on this great cause, visit www.unityrun.org .



Recently, Canada celebrated the 65th annual Mental Health Week. Spreading awareness about mental illnesses and mental health is important. It is important to bring awareness to the fore as stigma can be a barrier to seeking treatment.

The reality in Canada is that 1 in every 5 people will be diagnosed with a mental illness in his or her lifetime. Mental illness affects us all in some way, whether it is a family, friend or co-worker.

Our firm handles many types of disability claims. A person may apply make a claim for long-term disability benefits as a result of a physical injury or illness or a mental illness. We understand how difficult receiving a denial letter from an insurance company can be. We have helped many clients whose long-term disability or short-term disability claims have been denied.

Aaron Waxman and Associates shows support for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust – Part 1

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

Tema Conter Memorial Trust (TEMA), is a Canada wide organization that provides peer support, family assistance and training for public safety and military personnel dealing with operational stress and PTSD. The mission of TEMA is to help those who spend their lives helping us (firefighters, paramedics, police officers, military), who witness tragic events, human suffering and are more susceptible to developing PTSD or operational stress injuries.

tema

Aaron Waxman , founder of Aaron Waxman and Associates will be speaking at the Common Threads Symposium on February 26, 2015 about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long-term disability claims. Mr. Waxman will be speaking about the claims process, understanding the terms of long-term disability policies, the interplay between short-term disability benefits (STD) and long-term disability benefits (STD) and WSIB benefits and the benefits of hiring a lawyer for denied claims.

The symposium is followed by the 15th Annual Heroes Tribute Gala on February 27, 2016, and lawyers from Aaron Waxman and Associates will be in attendance.

First responders who are injured in the course of their employment are often entitled to make a claim for WSIB, but many first responders may have access to short-term and long-term disability benefits. The question is, whether or not an application should be made for short-term and long-term disability benefits if you have already applied for WSIB benefits.

You can submit an application for these types of benefits even if you applied for WSIB; and, if you are receiving WSIB benefits, it is very important to notify your STD insurer/LTD insurer of any and all benefits you receive from WSIB.

Why? Under a short-term disability or long-term disability policy, the insurer is entitled to deduct the money you receive from WSIB from your weekly (if STD), or monthly (if LTD) benefit amount, as it is considered an offset (another source of income that you are receiving/entitled to that your insurer can use to reduce benefits payable under the STD/LTD plan). You should always review your policy to check to see what offsets your insurer is entitled to.

A reason why you would want to apply for both types of benefits, even if WSIB is paying your claim is that WSIB could reduce and/or terminate your disability benefit before you are ready to return to work. If you applied for STD/LTD benefits and your claim was not denied, you should advise that insurance company about WSIB’s decision as you may be entitled to ongoing monthly payments from your insurer and this decision can affect your benefit amount. It is important to remember that you must apply for STD and LTD benefits in accordance with the timelines set out in your policy, or the insurance company could deny your claim on the basis of it being submitted late.

Back to School event – HIGHLIGHTS

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

At Aaron Waxman & Associates , we believe giving back to the community is important. 

back to school

On August 26, 2015, Aaron Waxman & Associates, Newstalk 1010 and Staples Canada handed out 1,000 backpacks to kids in need.

Parents and students were lined up hours before the event started, eager to receive their backpacks and get the school supplies they need to start the school year.

Radio personalities from Newstalk1010 such as Jerry Agar, John Moore, Mike Bullard, Jim Richards and Ryan Doyle and some of our lawyers from Aaron Waxman & Associates, Aaron Waxman, Leanne Goldsten, Seth Kadish and Nigel D’Souza helped students to fill up backpacks with school supplies provided by Staples Canada throughout the day.

Kids were provided with an empty backpack and were able to go to various tables set up with different types of school supplies like pens, pencils, eraser, coloured pencils, highlighters, notebooks, folders, paper, binders, pencil cases, glue sticks, and choose the supplies they need to get them on the right track.

Aaron Waxman & Associates was a proud sponsor of the event, and Mr. Waxman had this to say: “It was an honour to be involved. Seeing the smiles on both the kids and their parents’ faces was very rewarding”.

Visit our YouTube channel to see highlights of the event!

Helping you get back to school with Aaron Waxman & Associates & Newstalk 1010!

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

September is around the corner….School will starting up again, and kids will be returning to class, eager to learn. Unfortunately, the reality is that not every child is provided with the same tools to succeed.

back to school

Newstalk 1010 and Aaron Waxman & Associates want to make sure that all students have the same opportunity to do well in school by helping children and families in need, and who are unable to afford or buy school supplies for their children.

So, what are we doing to help?

On August 26, 2015, Newstalk 1010 and Aaron Waxman & Associates are teaming up to help level the playing field.



Starting at 10:00am, at 277 Queen Street West, in downtown Toronto, we will be handing out 1000 backpacks filled with school supplies from Staples!

We’re helping kids in need be prepared to succeed.

Radio personalities, Jerry Agar, John Moore and Mike Bullard and founder of Aaron Waxman & Associates, Aaron Waxman will be handing out backpacks all day!

For more information, visit the event page at Newstalk 1010’s website, found here .

Aaron Waxman & Associates, a firm who helps those in the community fight for your rights when your disability insurer denies your disability claim.

Aaron Waxman & Associates receives Corporate Recognition Award at 14th annual Heroes Tribute Gala

Posted on by Aaron Waxman

On February 28, 2015, the lawyers at Aaron Waxman & Associates attended the “Behind The Mask”- 14th annual Heroes Tribute Gala put on by the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.

aaron waxman tema

The Tema Conter Memorial Trust , through research, education, training, peer and psychological support aims to help Canada’s front line/first line responders (correctional, emergency and military services) who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of witnessing tragic and frightening events during the course of their employment.

The firm was the title sponsor of the event. The Heroes Tribute Gala recognizes the contributions that first line responses make to society and the impact that PTSD can/does have on them. Mr. Waxman received a corporate recognition award for the firm’s sponsorship of the organization.



It is well documented that first line responders experience higher rates of PTSD compared to other professions.

How does PTSD develop? According to the Canadian Mental Health Association , post-traumatic stress disorder is classified as a mental illness and “involves exposure to trauma involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence”. A frightening, traumatic event becomes overwhelming and causes a person to become distressed.

The CMHA lists traumatic events as:

  • Crimes
  • Natural disasters
  • Accidents
  • War or conflict
  • Other threats to life

The traumatic event could be something that you experience or something that happens to others/loved ones.

A person who experiences post-traumatic stress order may experience symptoms such as:

  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks (thoughts of the event that may come out of nowhere)
  • Avoidance behaviours (avoiding places/actions that remind him/her of the event)
  • Feeling nervous/on edge
  • Easily startled
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feeling numb/detaching
  • Feeling disconnected
  • Changes in moods and thoughts

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association , not all traumatic experiences lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, and it isn’t clear why trauma causes PTSD in some people and not others, but different factors may provide some explanation including the length of time the trauma lasted, how many traumatic experiences a person has experienced, their reactions and support received.

It is also important to consider, as with any mental illness, the effect that stigma has. Stigma prevents people from seeking help and treatment. The Tema Conter Memorial Trust brings PTSD awareness to the fore and lets us know that “Heroes Are Human”.

Icon of a green checkmark in a squiggly green circle.

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