Human connection is the sense of closeness and belongingness a person can experience when having supportive relationships with those around them. Connection is when two or more people interact with each other and each person feels valued, seen, and heard. There is no judgement, and you feel stronger and nourished after engaging with them. Human beings are inherently social creatures, having thrived in social groups for as long as we can imagine. Social groups provide us with an important part of our identity and teach us a set of skills that help us prosper in a complex environment. Feeling s ..read more

Do you ever get the sense that something is not quite right or that something is getting in the way of you being the best version of yourself? Some of us tend to be overly critical and harsh on ourselves. We feel guilt, shame, frustration, or sadness when we do not meet certain expectations. These expectations, whether from ourselves, others, childhood experiences, society, or an underlying sense of “I should…” are often not fact-checked and may be unrealistic. Examples of common expectations we may hold include: “I should not be feeling this way.” “I need to be more capable and confident ..read more

The human brain is incredibly complex and diverse. Neurodivergence, a term that refers to differences in neurological function, can lead to differences in cognition, behaviour, and perception. Examples of neurodivergence include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and schizophrenia. Although these conditions are often considered disabilities, it is important to view them more appropriately as a part of the natural diversity of the human brain. However, living with a neurodivergent condition can also have significant impacts on mental health, as well as difficulties with executive function and sensory pro ..read more

It is normal for teens to feel awkward and nervous from time to time. Adolescent years can be full of change and growth. Most importantly, there are new people, new situations, and new experiences. Sometimes all of this can be overwhelming, and that’s okay. However, social anxiety disorder might be present if these feelings become frequent and intense or interfere with everyday activities. What is social anxiety disorder (SAD)? Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is defined as being fearful or anxious about social situations where they are vulnerable to possible judgment. The fear is experiencing h ..read more

Anxiety can act as our body’s natural alarm system. It signals to us when there is a possibility of danger. Yet when this response arises too frequently or intensely and doesn’t match actual situations, it can interfere with our lives and cause great distress. Every person experiences anxiety. Yet there is an increasing concern for anxiety among children, youth, and seniors. Quick Facts (Bulter & Pang 2014): In 2009, students in grades 7 to 12 shared their experience with mental health: One in ten students rated their own mental and emotional health as poor or fair. One in four student ..read more

“Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment?” — Harvey Blume, The Atlantic, 1998 What is neurodiversity? In 1998, Judy Singer, a sociologist who is also autistic, coined the term "neurodiversity" to describe the idea that everyone's brain differs in the way they develop and function. These differences manifest in the way people experience and interact with the world, thus, there are many ways in which people think, learn, and behave. The classification of neurological ..read more

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. The disorder affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain - which is responsible for executive functioning, impulse control and emotional regulation. In the past, ADHD was thought to only affect children and it was assumed that they would “grow out of it” as adults. However, it has since been recognized that ADHD can emerge later on, and can last for the entirety of life. ADHD symptoms can look different in adults then the characteristics commonly ..read more

What are Learning Disabilities? Learning disabilities (LDs) are a number of neurological disorders that affect information acquisition, organization, retention and understanding. Those who have LDs may have difficulties in one or more areas including reading, writing, speaking, memory, reasoning and mathematics. Since LDs are invisible, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. It is important to recognize that learning disabilities are not synonymous with low intelligence, or lack of motivation. Challenges of Learning Disabilities There is a common misconception that LDs only occurs in child ..read more

It's important to know the different types of mental health disorders that exist and what they mean. Luckily, this article does an excellent job of helping us understand these disorders and the best way to help someone who is suffering from one. It'll be extremely helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health disorders or needs tips on how to support friends or family members with them. Introduction Mental health disorders If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health disorder, it is important to seek treatment. Mental health disorders can be difficult to deal ..read more

Depression is a mental health condition that causes feelings of sadness, loss, emptiness, hopelessness and of being without the will to live. It can be difficult to recognize if you’re feeling down or if you’re just undergoing a normal depressive phase. You might not realize that there are certain signs that indicate depression is an issue for you. In this article, we will discuss what these symptoms of depression are so you can recognize them in yourself or your loved one(s). In This article you will understand about, 1) What is Depression? 2) Symptoms of Depression 3) Signs You May Have Dep ..read more