Ditching Productivity Guilt
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
1M ago
In today’s fast-paced world, we may catch ourselves feeling that no matter how much we accomplish, we are never doing enough. We might be saying things to ourselves like, “I […] The post Ditching Productivity Guilt first appeared on Oaks Mental Health ..read more
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Summertime Sadness
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
2M ago
For many, we spend the cold, winter months staying indoors and counting down the days to summer where we can soak in the sunshine. Perhaps we are anticipating a camping trip, looking forward to relaxing around an outdoor fire, or taking some much needed time off. Although there are many positive benefits when it comes to summer, this change of season can also have a significant impact on our mental health. Longer days and warmer weather can increase serotonin levels in our bodies, which can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This natural boost of vitamin D can increase our energy, and ..read more
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Are Mental Health Days Sick Days?
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
6M ago
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
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ADHD: Beyond the DSM5
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
8M ago
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
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Is it SAD?
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
9M ago
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
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Supporting Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
11M ago
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
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Helping Someone With Depression
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
1y ago
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
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Understanding Anxiety
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
1y ago
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
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Supporting Someone With OCD
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
1y ago
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
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Unhelpful Responses to Mental Health Struggles
Oaks Mental Health Blog
by Cara
1y ago
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
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