What is a mental health day? The concept of mental health days in a workplace is still evolving. There are two primary interpretations of what a mental health day is: A day to practice self-care, reduce stress, and/or prevent burnout. Someone does not need a mental health condition to utilize these days. Any employee feeling the effects of stress or needing a day off to protect their mental health is encouraged to do so. A mental health day can also be seen as taking using sick days because of poor mental health that impairs your ability to fulfill workplace duties. In the first definition ..read more

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can impact daily functioning and development. Or at least, that’s how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) characterizes it. When we talk about ADHD, we often limit our understanding to the diagnostic criteria listed in the DSM-5-TR. However, ADHD is much more than a collection of symptoms; it’s a unique way of interacting with the world that comes with its own set of challenges and advantages. It is so much more than “dysfunction” or “d ..read more

It’s normal to feel “down” after the busyness and stress of the holidays, but Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is different from the typical “holiday blues.” Like many other factors, the weather and lack of sunlight can affect our mental health, and as the days feel shorter and the cold of winter sets in, we may start to notice our mood shifting. SAD typically lasts throughout the winter months, which can feel never ending depending where you live. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, About 15% of people in Canada experience the winter blues, while only about 2-3% experience S ..read more

In understanding bipolar disorder, it can be helpful to start with the name itself. The word bipolar refers to “two poles” or, in other words, two ends of the mood spectrum. There is the “low” end of the spectrum (sadness/depression) and there is the “high” end of the spectrum (elation/ mania). When someone is depressed, we typically notice changes in the following areas: Thoughts: negative self-talk/self-image, cynicism or pessimism, difficulty problem-solving, difficulty focusing and concentrating, beliefs that no one cares or that nothing really makes a difference, etc. Feelings: sadness ..read more

What it looks like Depression can happen with or without a triggering event and means we can be sad when it doesn’t make sense to be sad. Depression can be identified in the way it affects someone’s feelings, thoughts, actions, and body. People don’t have to have every symptom to be diagnosed. Feelings: Depression, sadness, sorrow, feeling down Apathy, numbness, lack of emotinoal response Unable to be cheered up Lack of motivation Guilt, low self-esteem, shame Anxiety, restlessness, worries, fears Irritability, anger, impatience Hopelessness, helplessness, despair Thoughts: Cynical (i.e. “t ..read more

Anxiety is a helpful, normal human emotion. Anxiety is a helpful emotional signal that tells us when we need to be aware of and responsive to an immediate threat or danger in our environment. Anxiety is like a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are designed to let us know when there is the threat of something dangerous happening (i.e. a fire). When a smoke alarm detects threat, it sends off loud warning signals to get your attention. Anxiety can be seen as a similar mechanism used by the brain to keep us safe. When your brain identifies a threat, it sends off loud warning signals to get your attention ..read more

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) presents many challenges – not only for the person living with the mental health disorder, but also for those in a supportive role. Family members, friends, and others supporting someone living with OCD may at times feel powerless, discouraged, guilty, embarrassed, frustrated, and stuck. Learning more about OCD, and how to be an effective support, can help. OCD is a type of anxiety-related disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses experienced by someone living w ..read more

Even well-intentioned responses can still land badly, so it’s important we are aware of common mistakes when trying to support people with their mental health.   With all mental health struggles, try to avoid minimizing, comparing, analyzing, advice-giving, and projecting.   Minimizing / Denial When someone is suffering, it is very common for people to respond with a minimizing or denying statement. In other words, it is very common for people to minimize or deny the degree of suffering being experienced. One reason for this is because it is easier to believe the person’s problem is ..read more

Contrary to popular belief, addiction does not develop “because of bad choices.” Many people make the choice to use drugs and/or drink alcohol and never develop an addiction. Some of the complex reasons addiction can develop are as follows: To cope with unbearable trauma when specialized trauma resources are not accessible, available, or effective To cope with unbearable circumstances like extreme poverty, homelessness, etc. Genetic vulnerabilities Substance use was normalized in family and communities Social inclusion relied on substance use Complex biological mechanisms cultivate and perpet ..read more