Entries by admin

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12 Things My Husband Does that Help When I’m Struggling with Mental Illness

Supporting a loved one with mental illness can be trying. I’ve witnessed the toll it takes on my husband. I’ve experienced it as a daughter of a mother and father who both had psychiatric conditions. A chronic mental health condition is like addiction. Even when well managed, its presence is still felt in the relationship. […]

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An Open Letter to All Hospital Emergency Ward Staff: I may be crazy but I can still hear

This week is the 68th Mental Health Week founded by the Canadian Mental Health Association! That’s a whole heck lot of talkin’, learnin’ and awareness buildin’ about mental health! My contribution this year is shedding some light on psychosis in the hopes it will increase compassion. I wrote this for my Psychology Today blog a […]

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Do you have to choose? Reconciling Spiritual Experiences with Mental Illness Diagnosis and Psychosis

There are many reasons why people don’t accept a diagnosis of mental illness. I received an email the other month from someone whose spouse had psychotic experiences and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the spouse believes they had a powerful spiritual experience. The spouse has agreed to see a psychiatrist, and continues to […]

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8 Tips to Help You Get the Sleep You Need and Want

I do it. You do it. Even birds do it. No, not that. I’m talking about sleep. Anyone with depression or bipolar disorder, including loved ones of those with the conditions, knows how important consistent good night sleeps are to staying well1. They cultivate equilibrium in mood, mind and heart. Sleep is important for everybody. But, […]

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7 Resources to Help Employers Address the Stickiest Workplace Mental Health Issues

In a previous post, I described the O.A.R.S. framework (Observe, Ask + Actively Listen, Refer + Support).  A simple protocol outlining how to approach someone in the workplace who may be struggling with a mental health condition. The 4-step system along with the ‘do’s and don’ts’ helps make difficult conversations more comfortable and effective. For a […]

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3 Steps for You & Loved Ones to Help Prevent Relapse of Mental Illness

Feeling powerless over symptoms often goes with the territory when you live with mental illness. At least it can for me, particularly with anxiety and depression. This isn’t just the case for those of us diagnosed but also those who love and support us. They can feel at the mercy of these debilitating conditions when […]