By Dr. Christine Klinkhoff The ongoing worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 is having a profound impact on people’s sense of safety and wellbeing. The uncertainty of our current situation is leaving many of us feeling anxious and looking for answers that simply do not exist yet. For some individuals with OCD (contamination type)* and illness anxiety, […]
Dietitian Tips for Staying Safe and Eating Well During a Pandemic
By Michelle Lau, Dietetic InternReviewed by Alida Iacobellis MHSc RD There’s no doubt you’ve already started to see the impact of COVID-19 on your day-to-day routines. Mundane activities of daily living such as grocery shopping and mealtimes all of a sudden require more thought and planning than normal. During these uncertain times when emotions are […]
Tips for Parents whose Children and Adolescents are not in School due to Social Distancing
As March break comes to an end, and the schools remain closed for at least another two weeks, I am sure that most of you are nervous about what is going to happen with your children and adolescents, particularly with no help and the closure of most institutions and activities. Some of you as parents […]
Coronavirus: Managing Fears, Filtering Fake News, and Fighting Stigma
Face mask shortages, empty grocery aisles, and plunging stock markets are just a few examples of the impact of the widespread panic about the coronavirus (COVID-19). At times like this, it is helpful to take the time to understand how such fears are developed and maintained, or even exacerbated. Factors Contributing to Fears Our brains […]
#LiftEachOtherUp
In 2007, a boy in grade 9 was bullied at school for wearing a pink shirt. In response to this, David Shepherd and Travis Price, two of his school peers, began a protest by handing out pink shirts to the boys in their school. This kind and supportive act sparked Pink Shirt day, which is […]
The Benefits of Self-Kindness
The human experience can be profoundly beautiful and meaningful, yet it inevitably involves moments of suffering. During times of pain and suffering, we often treat ourselves in a way we would never treat someone we love and respect. In fact, for many, being self-critical may come more naturally than being compassionate or kind. We may […]
Dealing with Social Anxiety
Adolescents meet increasing social demands as they age. They have to navigate relationships in the classroom, during community and extracurricular activities, within social media, and when gaming, Unfortunately, they frequently fear and sometimes experience criticism, judgment, and rejection. Sadly, some adolescents have negative social experiences in which they feel embarrassed and ashamed. These experiences or […]