Over the last few decades, communities across the globe have sparked deep, critical dialogue around mental health and illness. This is evident in mainstream media, policymaking, many workplaces, and our day-to-day conversations–just to name a few. Society’s collective exploration of mental health has helped us pinpoint folks’ wellness needs. Further, we have taken steps to […]
Packing, traveling to the local airport, saying goodbye to family and friends, taking off, landing, getting off the plane. The unfamiliar smell of Toronto Pearson Airport suddenly reminds you of a fact: You are in a different country now, far away from home. Besides the excitement of everything new, the anxiety of the unknown gradually […]
With courses in full swing, it is easy to get stuck indoors staring at your laptop. But remember, Autumn isn’t just about midterms and pumpkin spice lattes – it is also the perfect time to embrace the crisp, cool air and appreciate the colourful foliage by getting outside! Research indicates that time spent in nature […]
Are you nervous to see others in-person again? You’re not alone. We may not be at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are starting to gain opportunities for in-person connection once again. Although this is great news, for many, this transition is often accompanied by the fear that we’ve forgotten how to function properly in a social setting. You might be struggling with how to rekindle friendships that have been […]
A few minutes before each of your tests and exams, you find yourself shaking and your mind feels cloudy. You think to yourself; I can’t do this. I’m going to blank. Why do I feel so unprepared? Although many factors can explain these feelings, they sound a lot like test anxiety. Test anxiety is a form of […]
“In my early years of grief, after losing my mother, I felt like I was wearing a banner or sash which read the girl whose mother died.” Janice Clarke, Registered Psychotherapist1 “I once believed I had to ‘redefine’ my life without that brother/sister relationship. I have learned though, that I am and will always be a little sister. And I have […]
In an era where people often read in segments of 140 characters, we may fail to realize the losses we experience by not diving into longer forms of reading. Social media, video games, and video watching all have benefits when we use them in moderation. However, prioritizing reading over other leisure activities has a few […]
Research shows that about 60% of postsecondary students experience poor sleep quality. This can have adverse effects, such as daytime sleepiness, impaired academic performance, worsened mood, and more. In order to fall and stay asleep, some students turn to over-the-counter melatonin. When people see that melatonin is classified as a “natural” product, they might think […]
What is community care? Community care, which interrelates with “caremongering” and mutual aid, is a long-standing concept that involves two or more people collaborating to help meet each other’s needs. These needs can be basic, e.g., housing, food, healthcare, but they can also be expressive, e.g., holding space for each other. It is important to […]
How do you wind down after a long day at work? Your day was most likely exhausting and mentally draining. How about a drink? A glass of brandy? A pint? Or maybe a classic, yet cliché cup of wine to celebrate the temporary liberation from work? For most Canadians, alcohol is seen as one of […]
