We know it can be hard for people who are struggling with their own -or a loved one’s - mental health to find the resources they need. Whether you are looking for a safe space to anonymously explore your feelings or research your options, we hope to provide you with the knowledge that you are not alone.
Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is a Danish term that refers to a cozy, comfortable, and contented state of being. It is often associated with a sense of well-being, warmth, and togetherness, particularly during the colder months. Journaling about hygge and mental health can be a deeply reflective and calming practice.
Read MoreCultural adjustment goes beyond learning new customs or language. It can bring up deep emotional struggles, particularly when you feel caught between family traditions and the need to adapt to a new culture.
Read MoreIn the wake of the U.S. election news, it would make sense if women, BIPOC, queer, and other equity seeking individuals were feeling some amount of emotional discomfort today. That discomfort could be stress, grief, anger, hopelessness, etc. If this is happening to you, know that you are not alone and that there are other people out there who are also feeling low, or feeling emotionally activated today.
Read MoreMy divorce wasn’t the solution to a mistake, it was the response to evolution. Separating didn’t negate my marriage or challenge the love that carried it for years, it was the necessary next step to ensure my partner and I - and our children - continued to be in our best space possible.
Read MoreSelf-care is not an activity to be checked off a list. It’s a practice of slowing down, tuning in, and responding to our inner needs with compassion. In a culture that values speed and productivity, true self-care often requires us to move in the opposite direction.
Read MoreWhile OCD is often associated with behaviours like needing a clean desk or arranging items symmetrically, many people with OCD face struggles that are less visible but equally distressing.
Read MoreAs parents, this is what all that work of raising our kids has been for - to get them to the point where they are ready to launch and to create an independent life of their own.
Read MoreMindfulness and meditation are two therapeutic powerhouses that can help you reframe your reality, even if not one thing changes in how busy you are this summer.
Read MoreSo much around money fear and shame relates back to the concept of scarcity both in finances and in our lives in general. A scarcity mindset goes beyond fear related to money, and is often expressed as a broader feeling of lack in a person’s life - they might focus mainly on the lack in their life in areas such as time, opportunities, or possessions.
Read MoreWhen I started to explore offering couples therapy it became important to me that the approach I use be affirming and that it would help me honour brain differences not rail against them. I was skeptical of modalities that asked partners to learn communication techniques or relied heavily on conforming to a certain version of what a relationship should look like.
Read MoreWhen caring for a person with cancer, the focus is being there for the person you love, witnessing their pain, their fears, and their uncertainty about the future. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and as a caregiver, you're right there beside them, holding their hand through it all.
Read MoreCancer isn't just a disease; sometimes it can feel like a collection of traumatic experiences – from the stigma and misconceptions that surround it to the sheer terror of the unknown. It's a journey marked by loss – of health, of identity, of the illusion of invincibility. Yet within this, seeds of resilience can be sown, and from them can sprout moments of profound personal growth, illustrating the transformative power of post-traumatic growth, leading to newfound strength, purpose, and fortitude.
Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. It is “an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.” These feelings can come up when doing every-day activities such as going to a restaurant or going to the grocery store, speaking up in class or at a meeting, and involve the fear of being judged or being on display while being with others, by doing things like sharing your thoughts, answering a question or giving a presentation.
For the vast majority of adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), medication management is the first line of treatment. The good news is that medication is highly effective and can be revolutionary in the lives of people with ADHD. Adding psychotherapy to the management of ADHD, along with medication, can impact the trajectory of treatment in an incredibly positive way.
We live in a society that often talks about the pursuit of happiness and very little about depression. While sadness is a part of life and we all have days where we may feel down, depression affects multiple parts of our life - behaviour, mood, and thoughts and can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Loving and accepting ourselves as we are is challenging for many of us. Often, we are more comfortable criticising ourselves and telling ourselves what a bad job we have done rather than appreciating ourselves for our unique qualities and accomplishments.
You likely chose the nursing profession because of your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Nurses are driven by compassion and a commitment to the well-being of their patients. However, these noble values that draw individuals to nursing often clash with the harsh realities of the healthcare environment. This may give rise to a unique set of challenges that can lead to burnout.
A lot of the time, when we have difficult emotions, it can feel intimidating to experience them, which is why we may try to intellectualize the discomfort. What if we tried to watch what was happening inside with the curiosity and wonder a child has when they discover something new?
Many couples attempt to communicate about money but find themselves in familiar, unhelpful patterns each time they try. Instead of giving up hope and sweeping these conversations under the rug, it can be really helpful to understand what’s going on under the surface.
Read MoreIf you grew up in a family anything like mine, feelings were ignored or stuffed down in an attempt to seem stoic and strong. I took pride in holding back tears or fleeing uncomfortable emotions. Feelings got in the way of work. Emotions made communication more difficult and deflated your argument. Even comfortable emotions were discouraged.
Read More
