Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which an individual creates a false narrative that is designed to make someone question their reality and judgment. It most often happens in romantic relationships, but can also occur between friends, family, or in the workplace by those who are attempting to gain power and control over the other person. Those who … Read More
Working with Emotions
For the most part emotions just are; they come and go, some are big and intense, whereas others are small and barely noticeable. However, many of us have a tendency to associate emotions with positive and negative labels, instead of thinking about them as big and small. Yet, one outcome of labeling our emotions is that we can alter the … Read More
Music and Mental Health
Four Benefits of Music For Your Mental Health Music Can Reduce Stress Research has shown that music can help to lower heart rate and cortisol levels, release endorphins (the feel-good hormones), and can serve as a distraction pulling one away from their stressful thoughts. Generally, soft, ambient music tends to provide the stress-reduction benefits. Music Can Help With Pain Management … Read More
Raising Awareness on Borderline Personality Disorder
Personality disorders are characterized by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, behaving and functioning. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most common personality disorders, found in 2% of the general population. BPD creates significant challenges and turmoil, and yet many individuals go through life without an understanding of what’s going on for them, and do not seek support. … Read More
Connecting with Your Values
Sometimes we fall into a pattern or routine that moves us farther away from the life we want to live, which can leave us feeling disconnected from the person we want to be. If you find yourself moving away from a life that aligns with your values, you may also notice a decline in your mental health; this is why … Read More
Living Your Best Life: Towards Moves
Have you ever noticed a thought or feeling that gets in the way of you doing something you really want to do? If you have, you’re not alone, and fortunately, there are steps you can take that move you closer to the life you want to live. The Thoughts and Feelings Stream: Imagine your thoughts and feelings as an endless … Read More
How the Sun Impacts Your Physical and Mental Health
As it starts to feel more like spring in Calgary, most of us are looking forward to spending more time outside and enjoying the sunshine. Many individuals notice a difference in their mood and overall well-being as they head into the spring/summer months, and for good reason. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which offers a host of physical … Read More
Boundary Setting
When people talk about setting boundaries, what does this mean? People who set boundaries are defining what they are comfortable with and how they would like to be treated by others. This applies to all relationships you may have – with a friend, family member, romantic partner, at work, a neighbour, or anyone else in your life. Examples of boundaries: … Read More
Developing Self-Care Habits
In the 24-hour day, there may be moments of no mental health distress, which may occur when you’re sleeping (unless you experience nightmares), watching a film, or perhaps partaking in an activity with a loved one. However, most of us will experience mental health distress at least once a day, if not more. To mitigate feeling trapped or drained by … Read More
Loneliness in Canada
Many Canadian struggle with loneliness, especially due to the ongoing pandemic. According to experts, loneliness is not about being alone; it is about feeling alone despite wanting social connections. It is perceived as involuntary separation, abandonment, rejection or isolation from others. Statistics of Loneliness in Canada: In Canada, 13% of people 15 and over reported always or often feeling lonely … Read More