I’ve been silent for a while after graduating in 2019. I thought that I would become firm in my values and identity in undergrad, however now that I am 3 years post-graduation, I realize that my growth was only beginning. There are identity structures that fell away, and others that are beginning to take their…
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Dear Recent Grad: It’s OK to Slow Down
Read moreI’m a recent grad with a Health Sciences degree who is facing difficulties with slowing down. Does there need to always be something I am working on? Do I need to always be working on all of my projects? Keeping on top of everything? Growing and improving in measurable ways? It feels like my mind…
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Navigating Complicated Emotions During Your Transition to College/University
Read moreIt’s September, which means that many of you are gearing up to go back to school (ahh! I know! I shouldn’t be mentioning it!!). But some of you may be experiencing a “back to school” that feels very different: your first year in post-secondary studies. Photo by Gades Photography Note: This post contains affiliate links.…
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Not Everyone Suffers From Mental Illness, But Everyone Has Mental Health #GetLoud
Read moreExtremely common and damaging misconceptions: I have good mental health. After all, I don’t have a mental illness. People with mental illness and myself are fundamentally different. I don’t need to go out of my way to be kinder to myself or practice meditation or whatever. I don’t have a mental illness, so why should…
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Kick Social Anxiety to the Curb – 5 Strategies for Students (Social Anxiety in the Classroom: Part 3)
Read moreIn the previous two posts in the Social Anxiety in the Classroom series, we discussed the differences between shyness, introversion, social anxiety, and social anxiety disorder, and I shared my personal journey with the aforementioned. Today we’ll explore some of the exercises I’ve found helpful to start reducing the negative impact of social anxiety. I’ll…
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Social Anxiety and Perfectionism from Early Childhood to University (Social Anxiety in the Classroom: Part 2)
Read moreThis is the second part of a three part series on social anxiety in the classroom. On Monday (the first part), we discussed the differences between shyness, introversion, social anxiety, and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Now that we are clearer on the terminology, I want to share my personal trajectory from early childhood to university.…
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Shyness, Introversion, Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder: Which One? (Social Anxiety in the Classroom: Part 1)
Read moreWell then, class, who has the answer to this question? Hmm… no hands? …How about… you? What do you think? If you read this quote and your mind immediately recoiled, know that you are not alone. In this three-part series, we will explore: The differences between shyness, introversion, social anxiety, and social anxiety disorder &…
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Plan for self-care during midterm/finals season
Read moreDealing with depression and anxiety as an overachieving perfectionist at university is pretty damn horrible. All three elements are interlinked. If one starts rearing its head, the others will very likely join. It is a frustrating experience that I know many of us perfectionists struggling with depression and anxiety share. Even if you are not…
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Challenging cognitive distortions – a guide for students
Read moreTwo weeks ago, we explored 11 cognitive distortions that are commonly seen in students. The aim there was to learn to recognize and identify them when they arise in our everyday lives. Today, I’d like to help you to redirect these cognitively distorted thoughts toward healthier alternative thoughts. I want to reiterate that everything here…
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11 Cognitive Distortions for Students
Read moreI’m a university student in a program that has an admission requirement of a 90% average from grade 12 in high school. I absolutely love my program, but I have heard oh so often from my mental health professionals that it is a breeding ground for mental health issues. I attribute it to the fact…
