Mental Health
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Reducing Stress for a Stronger Heart
As many as 75% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 report that they are living with some level of stress in their lives, therefore making it one of the biggest threats to our health and wellbeing. Stress can not only lead to further problems with mental health, such as depression and anxiety, but it can also have an impact on personal relationships as well as productivity at work or in school. Research has also shown that excessive or chronic stress can be just as bad for your heart health as having an unhealthy diet and being physically inactive. For example, this research showed that there was an…
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The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, the pressures of daily life can often feel overwhelming. With the constant demands of work, relationships, and personal responsibilities, many people experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. While modern medicine offers various treatments for these mental health issues, there has been a growing recognition of the value of alternative and complementary therapies, such as meditation. More than just a trendy wellness practice, meditation has deep roots in many ancient cultures, and its benefits for mental health, particularly in alleviating anxiety, are increasingly supported by scientific research. The practice of meditation offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos of life, allowing individuals to reconnect with…
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International Overdose Awareness Day 2024
Every year on August 31, communities around the world come together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the largest annual campaign dedicated to ending overdose, remembering those who have lost their lives to this epidemic without stigma, and acknowledging the profound grief experienced by the family and friends left behind. The theme for IOAD 2024, “Together we can,” underscores the tremendous power of community when everyone stands united in the face of this ongoing public health crisis. The opioid overdose epidemic has had a devastating impact in Canada, with a staggering 5,975 lives lost in 2023 alone. Tragically, around 30 percent of these deaths occurred among individuals aged 30…
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Overcoming Mental Fatigue
When it comes to overexerting yourself, both the body and mind can be affected. According to psychologists, we all have limits when it comes to our cognition, and when we take on more than what we can handle that can ultimately result in mental fatigue – also known as exhaustion. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why we’re seeing more and more athletes and celebrities being hospitalized, because their scheduled are either too jam packed or they’ve taken on more than their bodies allow. To avoid mental fatigue, it’s important that you not overcommit yourself to things. If you’re being pulled in a million different directions, you’re going to…
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Stress and its Impact on Our Skin
If you’ve noticed recent acne breakouts or other abnormalities with the skin on your face (such as increased redness, psoriasis or eczema) that you don’t normally experience, there is a strong possibility that those breakouts could actually be caused by stress. This is because when you are stressed, two specific hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline increase, causing inflammation as well as contributing to the aggravation of many of the aforementioned skin conditions – in addition to decreased elasticity of the skin and an increase in lines and wrinkles. In general, stress can wreak havoc on the body, but there are certain things you can do to find relief and…
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Anxiety Disorders in Canada
In 2022, data revealed that over 5 million Canadians aged 18 or older met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder, a staggering number that highlights the pressing mental health challenges facing the nation. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of mental health disorders in Canada and the urgent need for comprehensive understanding, effective treatment, and robust support systems to address these issues. The prevalence of these disorders can be attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and societal factors, each contributing to the overall mental health landscape in Canada. It is essential to delve deeper into the most common forms of anxiety disorders, their…
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Nutritional Strategies for Stress Reduction
Stress can impact us in a number of ways and for a number of different reasons. There are also many different ways to deal with stress, including everything from trying different relaxation techniques to speaking with a counsellor. Stress can also be a common contributor to both anxiety and panic attacks, which sometimes need to be managed with medication. What you might not be aware of, however, is the role your diet can also play when it comes to stress management. When you’re stressed out, your body produces hormones that can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. If your high blood pressure is, in fact, related to stress,…
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Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Awareness
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition marked by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. One of the key phases in the onset of schizophrenia is the early psychosis stage, a critical period during which initial symptoms of the condition start to appear. Understanding both early psychosis and schizophrenia can shed light on the complex nature of these disorders and highlight the importance of early intervention. What is Early Psychosis? Early psychosis, also known as the prodromal phase, refers to the initial phase of illness before the disease fully manifests. This phase usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, a developmental period when individuals are…
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Understanding and Nurturing Mental Health
Mental health, an integral component of our overall well-being, deserves as much attention and care as physical health. Its significance stems not only from the role it plays in our daily functioning but also in our ability to lead fulfilling lives. The Primary Types of Mental Health Focus Mental health encompasses several key areas, each contributing uniquely to our overall psychological well-being. Understanding these can help individuals and healthcare providers alike to foster a holistic approach to mental health care: Emotional Health: This pertains to managing and expressing feelings in a constructive manner. Emotional well-being involves coping with challenges, controlling stress, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. Psychological…
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The Healing Power of Nature
In the pursuit of understanding the intricate relationship between human well-being and our natural surroundings, a body of research has been illuminating the profoundly positive impact that nature can have on mental health. This connection, deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, suggests that our affinity for natural environments is not merely a matter of aesthetic appreciation but a vital component of psychological and emotional well-being. The serene whispers of a forest, the tranquil rhythm of waves caressing a shoreline, and the rejuvenating fragrance of rain-kissed earth—these sensory experiences, it turns out, are not just pleasurable. They are essential to our mental health, offering a respite from the relentless pace and…
