Mood swings. We all have them once in a while. But for some people these mood swings can happen to the extreme.Continue readingBipolar Disorder
Mental Illnesses
Supporting a Friend or Family Member
It can be scary when someone you love is sick. It can be especially scary if they’re diagnosed with a mental illness. It’s hard to see someone you love in pain and it’s confusing when someone you know well is not acting like themselves. You know how you would take care of them if they […]Continue readingSupporting a Friend or Family Member
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People are strong, but some kinds of trauma can be overwhelming. After a traumatic event like a car accident or crime, some people continue to relive the experience through flashbacks and other challenges. It can impact their lives in a big way. This is called post-traumatic distress disorder, and it’s […]Continue readingPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Getting Help for Mental Illnesses
IMAGINE THIS: One day, you develop a nagging cough, or get sharp back pain. Most of us wait a few days to see if things get worse or improve, then we might do some research on things we can do at home. We go to friends and family for advice. If the problem still doesn’t […]Continue readingGetting Help for Mental Illnesses
Anxiety Disorders
Suddenly your heart is racing, palms are sweaty, stomach’s churning. Your muscles are tense and your senses alert. Your mind is flooded with worries and fears that something bad will happen. This is anxiety; and we have all had it.Continue readingAnxiety Disorders
Depression
Sadness is a natural part of being human and feeling this way for a few days is normal. But if these sad feelings last for more than a couple of weeks and you start noticing that it’s affecting your life in a big way, you may be suffering from depression.Continue readingDepression
Postpartum Depression
You’ve just had a new baby and this is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But what if that joy doesn’t come so easily? What if you feel scared and overwhelmed by all these new responsibilities? What you may be experiencing is postpartum depression.Continue readingPostpartum Depression
Personality Disorders
Each of us has a unique personality that that is reflective of both our genetic make-up and our life experiences. Personality disorders involve patterns of behaviour, mood, social interaction, and impulsiveness that cause distress to one experiencing them, as well as to other people in their lives.Continue readingPersonality Disorders
Alzheimer’s Disease
Many of us look forward to our retirement. But for hundreds of thousands of Canadians, this becomes a time of loss and confusion. Some memory loss is a normal part of aging, but when memory loss and confusion impact your day-to-day life, it might be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.Continue readingAlzheimer’s Disease
Eating Disorders
Millions of people aren’t happy with the way they look. Some people go to extremes to lose weight because they feel like they’re not thin enough. And unfortunately, this can lead to an eating disorder.Continue readingEating Disorders