“I’m sick of being sick; sick of being tired; sick of being alone. I’m sick of COVID-19!” This is how a conversation with my recently widowed mother began prior to the holidays. Many of us can relate to her frustrated declaration because the pandemic has affected us all. It’s hard enough on its own, but for those already struggling with … Read More
7 Self-Care Tips for Building Resilience
As counsellors and helpers, we know about vicarious trauma and burnout all too well. This is because many of us walk alongside folks who have experienced very painful things, including emotional and psychological abuse and/or physical and sexual violations and violence. I used to hear and read about self-care strategies early in my career, but they often didn’t resonate with … Read More
Coping During COVID-19 – Practicing Resilience
Talking about coping and resilience during the pandemic has become a bit like discussing the weather. It’s on many of our minds when we wake up in the morning, and it’s become part of our regular small talk when we say hello. Although the “weather forecast” of COVID-19 differs depending on geography, we all need to be able to adapt … Read More
How to Practice Winter Wellness
For many of us, winter can be a difficult time. Shorter days and colder temperatures can contribute to depression and social isolation as we hunker down at home. With the added stress of the pandemic, we may be looking ahead to winter with foreboding. Yet there are ways to sustain our wellness despite the wintry weather. What can you do … Read More
How to Overcome Social Media Addiction
When we think about addiction, we often think about drug and alcohol use. However, research is clear that individuals can get a similar “high” from using the internet, including social media. Scrolling through social media and browsing the internet are popular activities that most of us engage in without any problem or issue. However, there is a small percentage of … Read More
7 Ways to Calm Down Big Emotions
To say emotions are big is an understatement. Although shame, fear, sadness, and anger can sometimes be overpowering in a counselling session, I believe that sitting with people as they experience their emotions can be healing. But I also know that clients sometimes feel overwhelmed by their feelings. They want to regain control so they can carry on with the … Read More
How to Stop Rumination During Stressful Times
As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety due to PTSD and other life experiences, I know how easy it is to get caught up in rumination. As a trainer, therapist, employee, husband, and father, rumination has brought me more pain than it has ever alleviated. In this blog, I want to give you some ideas on how to disrupt … Read More
How to Manage Anxiety During COVID-19 – A Guide for Frontline Workers
“I just don’t want to do this anymore,” an exhausted grocery worker uttered as he hung his head against his arms before cleaning carts for the next round of angry and anxious customers. It’s a story that numerous frontline workers are telling as they face the onslaught of frustrated customers, family members, and coworkers who are also facing the ever-changing … Read More
How to Cope With Grief and Loss During COVID-19
The usual rituals and ceremonies of funerals, memorials, and gatherings provide something to hold on to when we are experiencing grief and loss. These shared experiences and connections with others hold a healing power. But now, those rituals and ceremonies are denied to us because of the necessity for physical distancing to beat COVID-19. We can’t even visit our loved … Read More
10 Ways to Get Along with Anxiety
Anxiety is our body’s natural alarm system. It is a normal and useful emotion when we feel threatened. It can save your life when you run to make it across the road because a car is speeding too fast towards you. However, when the threat is in our minds rather than a real physical danger, problems arise. Most times, the … Read More
