Still Waters Psychology
#300, 340 Midpark Way SE T2X1P1 Calgary, AB, Canada

As a parent of kids and teens as well as a Psychologist, I recognize that recent changes to school programming such as returning to online school have been really difficult on kids and parents alike. Reports indicate an increase in rates of loneliness, anxiety and depression that may be linked to restrictions. The following article states: "The risk for developing a psychiatric condition rises sharply for young people who experience social isolation between ages five and e...levenwhich describes nearly every kid in this age group over the past many months." We should be concerned, but there is no need to panic. There are things we can do as parents to help our children cope. Dr. Seth Gillihan provides some great tips below. We were never meant to struggle alone. If you our your child are struggling, help is available at www.stillwaterspsych.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com//how-help-kids-stay-mental

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Happy Valentine's Weekend https://stillwaterspsych.com//love-month-blog-series-week/

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How appropriate is that I had the pleasure of talking mental health with Quantus Mortgage Solutions on #belleletstalkday? Thank you Quantus Mortgage Solutions for recognizing the importance of mental health and leading the way to opening up this conversation.

How appropriate is that I had the pleasure of talking mental health with Quantus Mortgage Solutions on #belleletstalkday? Thank you Quantus Mortgage Solutions for recognizing the importance of mental health and leading the way to opening up this conversation.

I have heard many people referring to today as Blue Monday. Considering a number of factors including weather conditions, time since Christmas, debt levels, failure to meet new year’s resolutions, and levels of motivation, Cliff Arnall claimed this could be considered the most depressing day of the year. Many people use this day as a reminder to focus on mental health. As I was on my way to work this morning, I couldn’t help but notice how blue the sky was and I started... to think, this really is a blue Monday! Of course, my perspective was that I did notice blue today, but in a much different way. As I captured that thought and focused even more on it, my mood improved and I felt energized and content. We can’t always control how we feel or what thoughts show up in our mind, but we can choose where to focus our attention. Many of us will feel sadness and depression today, but if we can notice even just one pleasant thought and focus on it you may be able to shift your mood. For others, shifting our mood can be very difficult and it may be a sign to take action. If this is you, try to think of it as committing to behaviors that will improve your mood even when you don’t ‘feel like’ doing them. Think of the things that used to bring you joy or the things that seemed to make you come alive. Committing to actions that will improve your life will most likely improve your mood and increase your motivation. Still having trouble? Here are a few ideas to get you started: !) Go outside, explore nature 2) Get your body moving 3) Connect with someone you haven’t heard from in a while 4) Do something for someone else (encourage someone, hold the door, compliment someone) 5) Play a game with someone 6) Listen to or do something that makes you laugh 7) Do something creative 8) Smile!! (even if you don’t feel like it)

How are your children doing? Just like adults, each child will process what is going on in the world around them differently. They may not always know how to talk about or express their feelings. Stories are a great way to help children understand their feelings and learn ways to talk about them. Thank you to Ana Gomez for creating this story especially for the COVID-19 crisis. I encourage you to have a look and read it with your children. It might even be a good remin...der for you! My favourite lesson from this story is: "The butterfly reminds us that even in yucky and difficult moments we may just be building our wings." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0z_p5eOm3g