mental health — Blog - Psychologists in Edmonton — | Edmonton/St. Albert, Alberta

Navigating the Psychological Load of the Holidays: Strategies for Well-Being

The holiday season is often hailed as a time of joy, but for many, it brings a significant psychological load. In this insightful article, we explore the various stressors associated with the holidays and provide practical strategies for managing them. From setting realistic expectations and establishing boundaries to practicing self-care and cultivating gratitude, discover how to navigate the festive season with a focus on well-being. Whether you're facing financial strain, social pressures, or the hustle of holiday preparations, this guide offers valuable insights to help you prioritize your mental health and find joy in the true spirit of the season.

Mental Health, DepressionSummit CounsellingDecember 14, 2023mental health, wellness, holidays, stress

Unleashing Your Full Potential: What Sport/Performance Psychologists Do and How They Can Help

Hey there, sports enthusiasts and athletes! Have you ever wondered how the champions you admire stay cool under pressure, overcome setbacks, and consistently perform at their best? Physical training plays a part, but the real secret weapon is often found in the mind. Enter sport and performance psychologists, the unsung heroes behind many sports victories. In this blog post, we're diving into wha

Sports PsychologySummit CounsellingOctober 5, 2023mental health, sports psychology

Back to School Blues: A Parent's Survival Guide

Hey there, fellow parents! It's that time of year again, and we're all gearing up for the rollercoaster ride known as "back to school." Whether you're sending your little one off to kindergarten or waving goodbye to your teenager as they head off to high school, the stress that comes with this annual transition is universal. But hey, don't fret – you've got this! In this blog, I'm going to share some tips and tricks to help you survive the back-to-school madness and keep your sanity intact.

TeensSummit CounsellingSeptember 28, 2023mental health, stress, parenting stress

The Thing About Grief Is...

The thing about grief is… it’s a beautifully universal human experience (not just a human experience actually, animals experience it too. I watched People of the Forest 15 years ago and it still stays with me). Every human being experiences loss, some more than others, and everyone experiences it differently. But it’s a given – with life there is loss. It’s painful and confusing, horrible and beautiful and pretty much everything in between.

It's interesting that such a common experience is wrapped in confusion and uncertainty. I’m asked quite often when working with grief if the person is grieving “the right way”, often feeling like somehow they aren’t – because it hurts, because it’s confusing, because it STILL hurts, because sometimes it’s not there at all, because people say you should be devastated and maybe you’re not. I think it’s past time we drop the idea of what grief is supposed to look like.

Grief/LossSummit CounsellingMarch 9, 2022mental health, grief, loss

Benefits of Daily Gratitude

It’s easy to focus on the negative in a situation like this. But one of the greatest tools we have is our mind, and by practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive we can offset some of the stress of the pandemic. According to Harvard University, practicing gratitude leads to more positive emotions and greater happiness. Taking the time each day to think about what brings you joy in your life can be an excellent way to manage stress and cultivate happiness. Here are some ways you can practice gratitude:

Self-compassionSummit CounsellingSeptember 10, 2021Summit Counselling Servicesgratitude, mental health

5 Ways to Manage Depressive Symptoms

Depression can make even the smallest tasks seem insurmountable. It zaps your energy and makes little things feel impossible to manage. But there are many things you can incorporate in your day-to-day that can help improve your depressive symptoms.

5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety

In small doses, stress and anxiety can be a good thing. It can motivate you to write that assignment you’ve been procrastinating on or may be a warning from your body that you're in an unsafe situation or you’re overdoing it. But sometimes anxiety no longer serves a helpful purpose. When your anxiety starts affecting your everyday functioning or your mood, it may be time to look at it a little more closely.

Dealing With Uncertainty

As the pandemic continues on, we are receiving a lot of conflicting information. This environment of uncertainty is anxiety-provoking. Here are some things you can do to help cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic:

Anxiety TherapySummit CounsellingMarch 10, 2021coping skills, covid19, therapy, mental health

Eating Disorders…. Let’s Talk About Them

When I think of eating disorders my mind usually thinks back to my adolescent years until now in my mid 20’s, where I still have issues with my relationship with food and body image. In our society, it is almost impossible to not be judgmental about how you look compared to those around you. The ideal body that is so prevalently seen on tv, social media, film, etc is hardly attainable without rigorous workouts and strict diets which isn’t always feasible for most people.

5 Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you find that you feel more down during the winter months? WebMD describes seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a cyclical mood disorder which typically shows symptoms in late fall or winter. Rarely, some people may experience symptoms in the spring or summer instead.

Burnout... Yes it's a Thing

I ignore a text from a friend. I feel overwhelmed with all I need to get done and before I know it, it’s time to pick up the kiddo. Once he’s in bed I’m back to work because I feel I did not get anything done. I’m short and irritable with my partner when he tries to engage in conversation … I know what this is, it’s burnout.

Stress/BurnoutSummit CounsellingNovember 3, 2020anxiety, covid19, burnout, mental health, psychology

Ways to Overcome Financial Barriers to Therapy

As I reflect on Mental Health Awareness week, I’m encouraged by the progress we've made towards ending the stigma around mental health. I’m also aware of how very far we have left to go.