The content depicted in this post is only one experience of a student, mental health is unique to each person. *Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and depression In light of recent events at the University of Toronto, I would like…
Guess who’s back in the house
I’m not going to pretend that I’ve been around this entire semester. So let’s face it: it’s been a while since my last post in January. Shortly after that post, I started to experience a depressive episode that caused me…
Self-Care in the Midst of Mental Illness
Last week, I wrote about exercise and mental health. Following up on that, I wanted to share some mental health tips that have been helpful for me! Develop a bedtime routine and stop looking at screens before you go to…
What I’ve Learned about Exercise and Mental Health
In honor of #letstalk, this week’s post will be about the correlation between exercise and good mental health. In my own experiences with depression, I’ve found that exercise gives me a space to focus, to care for myself, and to…
I Was Told to Drop a Class So I Wrote This Blog Post About It: A Reflection
“I’m a failure.” The words were undeniably heavy. I took them with me everywhere. I took them to class, the library, every meeting, every party, every production night, and then back home. In other words, I took them with me…
How Are You Feeling Today? ?
Welcome back from midterms. This was an immensely stressful week for me and I thank green tea, 30 minute naps, brisk walks, hot showers and study-focused playlists to help get me through writing over 4,500 words, intense note-taking and endless…
Finding Support Through Group Therapy
Knowing how to find and use the mental health services available to you on campus can be a daunting task. I’ve heard from students who have found great counsellors at the Health and Wellness Centre and others still who, not knowing what kind of support they were exactly looking for, were overwhelmed with where to start.
One of the things I found most helpful among the mental health services that I have had experience with were the CBT groups offered at Health & Wellness.
Getting Some Good Reminders at Mindfest 2016
Taking care of your mental health can be a bit of a chore if that’s not something you’re already mindful (ha ha) of. To be honest, taking care of your health in general can sometimes be a chore. I think it’s hard to self-discipline yourself when you don’t feel the immediate consequences of your actions. It just doesn’t feel like not sleeping well or not eating healthy is going to affect you right. now. and so it’s easier to just give in sometimes.
So it’s nice to have reminders every once in a while to keep yourself on track, especially during times when things are going relatively well and you think you don’t actually need those reminders.
This past Wednesday was Mindfest, a “festival to create awareness and gain appreciation for mental health.” I had missed out on Mindfest last year (check out Madelin’s blog from last year if you missed out as well), and so I was glad I had a chance to go this year.
In Her Place: Learning to be Aware of the Symptoms of Depression and Suicidal Behaviour
When faced with someone showing symptoms of depression and/or suicidal behaviour, only the person who recognizes these symptoms and this behaviour will realize the person requires help.
I learned this lesson when I sat at Innis Town Hall’s theatre to watch one of the Asian Reel Film Festival’s films, In Her Place. Originally, I thought I would be watching a film touching on the theme of being a diasporic Asian. It turned out the short film preceding In Her Place focused on this theme, but In Her Place didn’t. In Her Place delved into the unfortunate reasons and dire consequences of being unware of the symptoms of depression and suicidal behaviour.
So You Had a Bad Daze
I am taking a cue from Haley this week. It’s time for a little chat about mental wellness. Dear friends, I’m going to be honest. March is never a great month for me. It’s like one bad day after another. Oh, March. Final papers, interviewing…