Moods affect us every day. Sometimes we’re sad, other times we’re happy. But sometimes people’s mood can get “stuck” on sad. Or the moods might change a lot or become extreme. When this happens, it might be caused by mood disorders.Continue readingMood Disorders
Mental Health
The more we learn about mental health and mental illnesses, the better equipped we are to maintain and improve mental health for ourselves and others. Whether you are looking for more information on a specific mental illness, need some tips on keeping your own mental health in balance, or are looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, we can help.
More Than the Substance
People have been using tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs for years. Substance use is complex and has the potential to both help or harm. Everyone’s relationship with substances is unique and individual. > Do you ever think about your relationship with substances? > Do you ever question your attitudes and actions related to substances? […]Continue readingMore Than the Substance
Myths About Mental Illness
Mental illnesses affect everyone in some way. We all likely know someone who has experienced a mental illness at some point. Yet there are still many hurtful attitudes around mental illnesses that fuel stigma and discrimination and make it harder to reach out for help. Its time to look at […]Continue readingMyths About Mental Illness
Need Help Now?
Our substance use can impact our mental health. We may also use substances to cope with how we are feeling. If you need someone to talk to, help is available. KUU-US Crisis Line: Call toll free 1-800-588-8717 BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code required, local volunteers) YouthinBC.com: Online chat service for youth, […]Continue readingNeed Help Now?
Not Using Substances, but Curious?
Hearing from others who have lived experience using substances can give us an understanding of what can contribute to substance use, what the recovery journey can look like and can also validate our experience based on what others have been through. I’m Riding This Thing, It’s Not Riding Me is one young person’s story of […]Continue readingNot Using Substances, but Curious?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Most of us have had times when we find ourselves thinking about something constantly. Repetitive thoughts, worries and rituals have a definite place in our lives. But when these begin to impact your everyday life it may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Continue readingObsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Overdue: The case for increasing the persons disabilities benefit in BC
Published by the Disability Without Poverty Network in 2012, this brief reviews the cost of basic essentials in BC and proposes an increase to the Persons wit Disabilities benefit rate to a minimum of $1,200 per month to better reflect the actual cost of living in BC.Continue readingOverdue: The case for increasing the persons disabilities benefit in BC
Panic Disorder
Your heart starts racing. You start to feel dizzy, nauseous and sweaty. It feels so bad that you get the overwhelming feeling you’re going to die. This is what a panic attack feels like. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes repeated, unexpected attacks of intense fear.Continue readingPanic Disorder
Personality Disorders
Each of us has a unique personality that that is reflective of both our genetic make-up and our life experiences. Personality disorders involve patterns of behaviour, mood, social interaction, and impulsiveness that cause distress to one experiencing them, as well as to other people in their lives.Continue readingPersonality Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People are strong, but some kinds of trauma can be overwhelming. After a traumatic event like a car accident or crime, some people continue to relive the experience through flashbacks and other challenges. It can impact their lives in a big way. This is called post-traumatic distress disorder, and it’s […]Continue readingPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder