North Shore Stress & Anxiety Clinic
#330 145 Chadwick Court V7M 3K1 North Vancouver, BC, Canada

NSSAC's Dr. Melanie Badali discusses Self Esteem: reasons why one may have low self esteem, some signs of low self esteem, and ways to improve one's self esteem. https://youtu.be/TfSTcR0Nk_k

NSSAC director, Dr. Rami Nader, explains how PTSD is treated and outlines some things to be mindful of if you're living with PTSD. https://youtu.be/rAuENOgWgRc

The thing is we can’t be over it or done with it, because COVID-19 is not done with us. For most people, the pandemic is their first experience of a disaster that is personal, national and international all at once. And we are all learning on the job how to marshal the coping skills needed for the long haul. https://www.parentmap.com//20-ways-keep-your-cool-during-t

NSSAC director, Dr. Rami Nader, discusses some of the characteristics of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). https://youtu.be/ulupL20PgEw

Dr. Katie O'Donnell's recent virtual talk on managing mental health during the pandemic. https://youtu.be/tlssMCNvaiQ

NSSAC's Dr. Martin Davidson talks about the nature of adolescent development, the teenage years and provides tips on maintaining a healthy relationship with your teenager. https://youtu.be/TJEFopELULk

NSSAC director, Dr. Michelle Haring, talks about some of the symptoms of depression. https://youtu.be/J_QeGb1XZAk

NSSAC's Dr. Katie O'Donnell presents a virtual talk on managing mental health during the pandemic. https://youtu.be/tlssMCNvaiQ

"Separation happens to everyone, and no matter who you are, it’s rough. From a long-term marriage to a shorter relationship you were invested in, all the feelings you’re experiencing are perfectly valid. It’s normal to feel depressed or numb to the whole experience." https://goodmenproject.com//10-ways-to-cope-after-a-separ/

NSSAC director, Dr. Kristin Buhr, shares CBT strategies to improve your sleeping habits. It's important to keep in mind that it's necessary to stay consistent. Regularly doing all of these strategies, altogether, can ultimately help you in your efforts to achieve a better night's sleep! https://youtu.be/mJOCgmB1clE

NSSAC director, Dr. Michelle Haring, discusses OCD: that nature of obsessions, the rationale behind compulsions, and the recommended treatment strategy. https://youtu.be/q0T2ryFjck0

Knowledge is power they say. Getting accurate information about anxiety, how it works and tips to increase uncertainty tolerance can be anxiety-reducing in itself. https://news.yahoo.com/6-ways-increase-tolerance-uncertaint

Is your child anxious or worried? This talk will help you better understand anxiety and learn about effective tools to support your child. https://youtu.be/eOLttUZHwgI

The person [is] asked at appointments, when at restaurants, and at events if they have ‘ever been positively diagnosed with COVID-19. These interactions then traumatize the person further, as the stigma is a reminder of the harrowing event they may have had to endure with COVID-19 treatment. https://www.verywellhealth.com/brain-fog-covid-19-ptsd-5082

Most of us have been told to cheer up by well-meaning family and friends. Sometimes it’s because they see us looking sad, angry, anxious, or frustrated, but i...t can also happen because we look pensive, uncertain, or just about any state other than joyful. But suppressing or turning away from our difficult emotions is not healthy or helpful. It sounds paradoxical, but accepting our "negative" emotions actually makes us happier in the long run. (via @dinosandcomics/Instagram)

"I thought no one would believe me if I admitted that I’d never been diagnosed. It was invalidating, and it made me obsess over whether I was a liar. I lived in constant fear that maybe I didn’t really have OCD, and maybe I’d be considered a fraud if anyone knew." http://mercercluster.com//ocd-awareness-week-is-in-octobe/

Back to school means familiar symptoms like sore throats, fevers and sniffles have taken on a new meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. While testing for the novel coronavirus may be new, effective ways to prepare kids for pain- and distress-free medical procedures are not. Experts have put together six top tips to prepare your child for easy COVID-19 testing. https://theconversation.com/6-tips-to-prepare-your-child-fo

However much we love them, talking to family and friends about our mental health can be hard work. It can be daunting to bring it up, and even tougher to help them understand. Here is some expert advice to get the conversation started. https://happiful.com/how-to-talk-to-family-about-mental-he/

Not only do we sometimes experience difficult emotions like anxiety, panic, frustration, embarrassment etc but then we also feel bad about how we are feeling. This only adds to our suffering, so here are some helpful tips from Anxiety Canada on how to stop beating yourself up. https://www.anxietycanada.com//kindness-have-a-word-with-/

Coronavirus has made making some decisions feel agonizing. Here are some tips from an expert on how we can face these decisions together and come out unscathed, if not stronger. https://www.gq.com/story/coronavirus-life-changes-couples

"Rape survivors are among those voicing deep concerns about the stigma and ensuing mask rage attached to not wearing a face covering in shops, on transport and in other public places, prompting calls for better recognition of legitimate reasons why people are exempt." https://www.theguardian.com//survivors-say-they-are-being-

"This brings us to 2020. While the invisible viral killer continues to spread, OCD also attacks the mind, creating a dually challenging lifestyle for Americans with OCD." https://www.thecrimson.com//veneziano-ocd-suicide-risk-co/

"Try to avoid coming off as judgmental or critical as that will likely cause them to get defensive and withdraw even more. And dont worry if your loved one doesnt respond right away. You have shown them that you care enough to say something, which can be encouraging to them. You can always check in again later to see if they are ready to talk. https://www.insider.com/how-to-help-someone-with-depression

5 Self-Care Practices for Every Area of Your Life https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-s

Many parents and caregivers are understandably feeling anxious about the return to school for their children during COVID-19. For parents who are sending their children back to school in-person, the good news is theres actually a number of concrete things you can do to make sure the transition back to school is a successful one for you and your child. https://keltymentalhealth.ca//5-tips-successful-return-per

"Intrusive thoughts are an absolute nightmare. An OCD intrusive thought is a persistent, anxiety provoking obsession. It’s like getting a song stuck in your head, but instead of a song, it’s a mixtape of your worst fears on repeat" https://www.distractify.com/p/what-ocd-is-really-like

Back to School During COVID-19: How parents can support their children during uncertain times. https://www.psychologytoday.com//back-school-during-covid-

If our kids are seeing us complain about all of the precautions we have to take voice that we cant do it we cant handle it its going to reinforce for them that maybe they shouldnt do it or its not safe or okay to do these things. The more we can model for our kids, our kids will see oh this is okay we can do this too. https://chapelboro.com//how-parents-can-alleviate-anxiety-

"We think of burnout as exhaustion, but more common symptoms are lack of enthusiasm, lack of motivation and feelings of ineffectiveness. It may have a dimension of worsening tolerance to frustrations and a decrease in workplace performance. A burned-out employee will find it impossible to provide truly compassionate care. " https://www.forbes.com//depression-and-employee-burnout-/

5 Tips to Help Children Manage Back-to-School Stress: Navigating back to school during COVID-19. https://www.psychologytoday.com//5-tips-help-children-mana

"My daughter’s silence in preschool wasn’t prompted by shyness or defiance, nor is she on the autism spectrum. Yet those are common misconceptions surrounding the disorder with which she was diagnosed: selective mutism." https://www.nytimes.com//anxiety-selective-mutism-kids.html

Although our lives have shrunk in many ways due to the pandemic, there are lots of opportunities to experience new things. We may have to get creative, but finding small ways to introduce novelty into our days can help boost our wellness and our ability to cope with challenging circumstances. https://thenewdaily.com.au//covid-happiness-diverse-activ/

When I was 10, I was called out to read something. But I got so intimidated that I ended up peeing in front of the entire class. As a kid, you just endure whatever youre feeling with the assumption that it is what it is. https://www.vice.com//m7j5bq/anxiety-children-mental-healt

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, some have suggested that those of us with obsessive compulsive disorder have a leg up in staying healthy. Let me clear something up: OCD is not a gift, and my obsessions around germaphobia and cleaning compulsions certainly havent given me an advantage when dealing with COVID-19." https://www.teenvogue.com//ocd-doesnt-mean-im-equipped-for

If we take a step back and look at minority stress model, that says that experiences of rejection, discrimination and victimization are the primary causal mechanisms that cause that ideation." https://www.nbcnews.com//40-percent-lgbtq-youth-seriously-

"With perfectionism often comes procrastination. Why? Youre constantly evaluating yourself, and not living up to who you believe you could be. Your middle name is shame. Procrastination can simply be thought of as insecure perfectionism on steroids." https://www.psychologytoday.com//the-catch-22-perfectionis

There is plenty of information out here, but the problem is there is also a lot of misinformation too - it can be hard to know what to believe. How do you know which treatments are supported by evidence? How can you tell if claims are credible? And how do you learn about the treatments that might best meet the needs of people with different types of anxiety conditions? https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au//what-actually-works-for-an

"Many individuals with anxiety dont even recognize that they have a problem. Theyve grown so accustomed to worrying and being in a heightened state of anxiety that they dont realize how bad they feel." https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-know-if-have-regular

The world is upside down right now, but this can be an opportunity to help kids build resiliency. Despite the current challenges we are facing, here are four things parents or caregivers can do to help children and teens thrive. https://theconversation.com/how-to-build-childrens-resilien

"Today, we are living in what experts call an anger incubator, a space where infuriating factors meet, meld, and spiral." https://www.inverse.com/mind-bo/coronavirus-anger-explained

Ive spent years taming the OCD monster. Coronavirus has ruined everything. Id come to think of myself as a sad wizard, burdened with rituals to prevent catastrophes. Then the pandemic made those threats real. https://www.theguardian.com//ocd-coronavirus-cbt-mental-he

Studies, magazine article and cultural rumblings tell us that technology is making us more anxious. But how exactly does this happen? What is the nitty-gritty of technology leading to anxiety? https://www.quickanddirtytips.com//ways-technology-is-maki

"A parent enduring what weve come to consider to be "stereotypical" signs of depression, including excessive crying, difficulty bonding with her baby, or withdrawal from friends and family, can be alarming. But a mom "worrying" about her baby? Thats just normal, right? No, its not. Because postpartum anxiety is so much more than worrying about your child." https://www.goodhousekeeping.com//a319/postpartum-anxiety/

A better understanding of the path from stress to anxiety to full-blown panic disorder offers soothing news for sufferers. Research has helped us better understand panic disorder and has led to effective treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-panic/

Youre probably familiar with the anxiety that comes when you and your partner need to have a deep, serious conversation. But ripping off the Band-Aid and bringing up your concerns is no easy feat, which is why taking steps to build confidence before a big talk with your partner can be so helpful in making it go smoothly. https://www.elitedaily.com/p/heres-how-to-build-confidence-

Suffering a dip in mood? Struggling to find motivation to do anything? You are not alone. Chronic stress can affect our mental health. Here is how exercise can help. https://theconversation.com/the-chronic-stress-of-coronavir

"5 Surprising Sources of Insomnia Cant sleep? Here are five potential reasons why..." https://www.psychologytoday.com//5-surprising-sources-inso

Have you ever noticed how tough it is to be present? We spend so much time planning and worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Learn how to get back into the moment by using the mindfulness tool RAIN - an acronym for a four-step process: recognize, allow, investigate and nurture. https://www.npr.org//a-conversation-with-tara-brach-mindfu

Some partners avoid conflict because they think theyre keeping the peace, but these couples are at greater risk of drifting apart". During these stressful times, try using these phrases to break the silence in your relationship. https://www.gottman.com/blog/break-silence-marriage/

Did you know that mental health and mental illness are not simply two sides of the same coin? This is because mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. Learn more about the difference and how to maximize your positive mental health. https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-characteristics-of

"Change is inevitablewhether you like it or not. Just as change is inevitable so is the uncertainty that is sure to follow." Here are 5 tips to help you live with uncertainty. https://www.psychologytoday.com//5-tips-help-you-live-unce

Vacation is about having sensory experiences we dont usually have in our day-to-day lives. If you are lucky enough to be able to take some time off, then check out these tips on how to approximate the feeling of being on vacation during these challenging times. https://www.vice.com//why-you-should-take-a-vacation-day-u

"To some extent, this was to be expected. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence almost always surge after natural disasters. And the coronavirus is every bit as much a disaster as any wildfire or flood. But it is also something unlike any wildfire or flood." https://www.theatlantic.com//coronavirus-special-m/613510/

A therapist shares the 7 biggest parenting mistakes that destroy kids mental strength. https://www.cnbc.com//biggest-parenting-mistake-destroys-k

The crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a generalized climate of anxiety, which has increased stress levels. This has lead to insomnia even in people who do not usually suffer from it. Try these tips from the experts to improve the quality of your sleep. https://theconversation.com/want-to-sleep-like-a-baby-durin

44 Childrens Books About Mental Health: Books for helping kids understand emotional and learning challenges recommended by the Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org//best-childrens-books-about-mental-/

The terms "anxious" and "depressed" get thrown around a lot in casual conversation. Understanding the distinctions between these two emotions and characterizing the severity of the problem can help you to determine how to go about the business of feeling better. https://www.verywellmind.com/am-i-anxious-4045683

Even when we know the benefits of focusing on our own physical and mental health, it can be challenging to communicate our personal needs to our partner. This can be especially difficult during these uncertain times but these tips can help you communicate your self-care needs while protecting your relationship. https://hbr.org//how-to-communicate-your-self-care-needs-t

Dont be afraid to seek out external help, like virtual therapy. Many of us need more support than things like the distracting pursuit of the perfect banana bread to feel betterand thats completely understandable given that your normal coping strategies have likely been upended. https://www.flare.com/health/online-therapy-canada/

NSSACs Dr. Melanie Badali is quoted in this article about finding the right therapist. https://www.inverse.com//how-to-find-pick-the-right-therap

Self-compassion can lead to greater emotional resilience, which can help us get through these challenging times. Learn how to be kind to yourself with these tips and strategies from experts. https://www.psychologytoday.com//b/201802/be-kind-yourself