It is arguably safe to say that this year, more of us are feeling a bit down than ever before. Cases of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are skyrocketing across the globe as a result of the stress and fear induced by COVID-19, and many of us are simply not feeling as happy … More Here are some scientifically proven ways to improve your mood
When majority of us are asked by someone how we are doing, some common terms used to respond often include fine, good, or not bad. Unless someone is willing to be brutally honest and admit they’re not, in actuality, fine, most of us answer with optimistic words, and the person asking the question doesn’t think … More How are you really doing?
It is arguable that a lot of us have heard of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) at some point in life. Perhaps you know of someone who has this condition, or perhaps you have been diagnosed with it yourself. And while it is beneficial that many of us are somewhat familiar with OCD, I question how … More Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
The temptation affiliated with the concept of perfectionism is a very strong force. With perfectionism comes expectations, hence why the influence of perfectionism in itself is so powerful; it stems from a fear of letting others down. I myself am a perfectionist. Not willingly as it is associated with my anxiety, like many others who … More Pushing away perfectionism
If you’re someone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis, at any level, you’re arguably aware of how frustrating, debilitating, and stressful its influence can be. It’s sort of like hearing a constant nagging voice in the back of your mind that causes you to feel doubt and insecurity about anything and everything, so … More The significance of challenging anxious thoughts
I firmly believe that, in a way, a lot of us are wired to be too hard on ourselves. I would say I think the tendency to be especially critical towards ourselves is innate, or even an element of human nature, but I won’t as not all of us fall into this categorization. I sure … More PSA: Stop being so hard on yourself
Perfectionism is a characteristic trait that influences a lot of us. I would argue that there are a lot of people who are completely unaware of their perfectionism, making it that much more difficult to recognize when it presents itself upon us. I’ve heard people say that perfectionism is a good thing. And, depending on … More Are you a perfectionist?
As I’ve mentioned already in a couple of different posts, the COVID-19 pandemic we are still finding ourselves in has unfortunately negatively influenced mental health conditions for many of us. Isolation, social distancing and limited social interactions are arguably all contributors to a diminishment in our moods overall, and I think this mental wellness decline … More Read this to learn how to gain psychological first aid, free of charge
In the agricultural industry, temporary foreign workers are crucial. Their help is essential in producing a variety of crops here in Ontario, but furthermore across North America. Our migrant workers begin to arrive in April and continue to come in segments into July. Some leave in October, others in November and even December depending on … More Appreciating temporary foreign workers more than ever
I’ve written a few different posts discussing anxiety and of the joys and wonders it entails, but I wanted to write another regarding how to go about your day with frequent anxiety since a lot of us are feeling more anxious than usual these days. If you’ve noticed your anxiety a little more as of … More Dealing with daily anxiety
Something that has come to my attention as of late in a rather pronounced manner is evidence supporting the idea that a lot of us are seriously struggling with social isolation. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been told to collectively abstain from participating in social gatherings and activities to an extent, … More Navigating through a lack of social interaction
It is disheartening to acknowledge that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and wellness, for many of us, has taken a beating. Perhaps you have been struggling with a condition that has been intensified as of late; maybe you’re experiencing the onset of a type of mental illness because of the pandemic … More The importance of mental health check-ins
The idea of a challenge is a concept that appears to everyone differently. Some of us, when we encounter a challenge, immediately experience distress and unease as a result of the appearance of something new and foreign, while others welcome challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to conquer a new feat. Personally, I’d say I’m … More Seeing challenges differently
I’m willing to bet that at some point in our lives, we have experienced insecurity or self-doubt. It’s arguably an inevitable occurrence for all of us from time to time, and when it does happen, it’s pretty shitty. For those of us who tend to run into self-doubt more frequently than not, it becomes apparent … More Dealing with self-doubt
I’m willing to bet that a lot of us are seeing or hearing about Adele’s weight loss as of late. After posting an image to her Instagram account to celebrate her 30th birthday, there was a social media frenzy regarding the singers appearance in the photo. Her photo prompted an outpouring of comments, posts and … More Stop making someone else’s weight your business
If you’re finding yourself to be a little stressed these days, try not to overthink it too much. Most of us are feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as of late thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, there is something we can try if we’re getting frustrated with our feelings of stress. According to an article … More Feeling stressed? Play Tetris
The situation many of us are finding ourselves in right now isn’t exactly pleasant. With many businesses and services closed, social interactions being prohibited unless social distancing is being practiced, and an inability to visit with our friends and loved ones, it is easy to understand how and why some of us may be struggling … More It’s okay if your mental health isn’t at its best right now
If you’re someone who experiences anxiety, you’re more than likely familiar with just how frustrating and further debilitating it can be. I can’t speak on behalf of everyone who has this type of mental illness, but personally, I find some days to be worse than others, and the same goes for triggering situations – some … More Does anxiety ever go away?
Depending on the severity of it, anxiety can be an incredibly debilitating condition to live with. It has the ability to interfere with everyday life, decisions, responsibilities and relationships, and over time, it can feel rather consuming. Because the influence of anxiety can be so overwhelming, it’s discouraging to contemplate the fact that very little … More Anxiety recovery is in reach
Mental illness is something I’m quite passionate about. Not only because I deal with it myself, but also because of the devastating impact it can have on the people we know and love, which I’ve also been exposed to. I had anorexia and bulimia in the past, and from that I developed depression and anxiety, … More The dangers of self-diagnosing mental illness
The concept of assertiveness is something I believe a lot of us struggle with. Many of us associate assertiveness with bossiness, or a need to be controlling, and this association has unfortunately given assertiveness a bad reputation over time. A quick Google search of the term defines it as exhibiting a confident and/or forceful personality. … More No, assertiveness is not a bad thing
Forcing yourself to be happy when you’re not can be a pretty challenging feat to overcome. Whether you’ve been in a slump for a week or a month, it’s difficult to plaster on a smile and go about your day as if everything is fine and dandy, especially if you haven’t been feeling like yourself … More What to do when you’re feeling down
For many of us, the concept of the unknown is positively terrifying. For others, the thought of not knowing what the future holds is simply fact and fails to be a bothersome source of stress and anxiety. Personally, I don’t fare well with the unknown. I wouldn’t say it’s something that causes me significant worry, … More Navigating the unknown
When I initially discovered that I would participating in group therapy for my anxiety, I wasn’t entirely sure what to think. I’ve undergone therapy in the past in several different manners. All of the therapy I’ve been subjected to up until group was one-on-one, and honestly, I figured this style was the only effective way … More Is group therapy for you?
Do you do one thing a day that scares you? Are you someone who likes to live life dangerously? Do you challenge yourself on a daily basis to try something new? If you answered no to any or all of the proposed questions above, don’t worry. I sure as shit don’t do all of those … More It’s time to step outside of your comfort zone
For those of us who deal with anxiety on a daily basis, it can be beneficial to designate a handful of coping mechanisms, or strategies, that help us work through our anxious thoughts and bodily sensations. While there are several different methods that can work to help to calm anxiety, one I would like to … More Have you tried guided imagery?
Allow me to put this simply: anxiety sucks. It sucks a lot, actually. And as much as it sucks, it’s equally debilitating, making it pretty challenging to deal with at times. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and I’ve been dealing with anxiety since I was in high school. I’m certainly not an expert when it … More A guide to handling anxiety
Being someone who has Generalized Anxiety Disorder, people occasionally ask me what the difference is between anxiety itself and worrying. I’m not a doctor, nor am I a medical professional, so these sorts of inquiries make me a little uncomfortable. But, I do like to tell people, when they ask, that a major distinguishing factor … More Understanding the difference between anxiety and worrying
I’m a relatively open person, therefore I have no hesitancy to share my past experiences with an eating disorder with others. I think it’s important to discuss taboo and/or stigmatized topics in order to better understand them, and conversation can be one of the most effective ways to generate familiarity with things we may not … More Navigating eating disorder thoughts
I would argue that many of us believe we’re able to identify someone who struggles with anxiety based on the symptoms they may be demonstrating. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety that are easily recognizable include worrying, self-doubt, insecurity, and panic attacks. What many of us are unaware of, though, are the more … More Here’s how to recognize anxiety
