Understanding, Preventing, Identifying and Addressing Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse Issues in Youth

Live Happier and Healthier: 10 Tips to Reduce Stress

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (January 2015), stress and stress-related illnesses are on the rise. Stress is so commonplace in our fast-paced society that it seems like a way of life for many. Individuals, workplaces, and society as a whole are paying a high price for unmanaged stress. Stress can hit when we least expect it. It is the body’s instinctual response to real or perceived threats or changes, and it can be caused by positive life events such as getting married, or negative situations like job loss. Either way, common reactions can include tension and irritability, fear and worry about the future, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty making decisions, sleep problems, headaches, muscle pain, upset stomach, and others. What can we do to manage stress and cope with pressure in healthy ways? Here are ten tips to reduce stress and live a happier and healthier life: 10 Steps to Reduce Stress

Handle Your Negative Thoughts The Positive Way

“Thoughts have power, Thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break it by your own thinking”. – Susan Taylor The human brain is a powerhouse of energy and by far is the most complex and below I’ve put together a few ways you can handle your negative thoughts. Research states that around 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts are processed in the human brain each day. Learn about the Positive Thinking Mind

No matter how mentally healthy, resilient, or happy we are, every one of us goes through times when we need to cope with something difficult. Coping is something we all do, whether we do it consciously or without thinking. Learn more about Coping Skills

Help is Available

Anxiety and stress are something we all face in our lives. Sometimes, however, this anxiety can overwhelm us and significantly interfere with the quality of our lives. We hope that the information, programs and videos on this website will be a strong starting place for you to begin to help reduce excess anxiety in yourself and your loved ones. In addition to home management strategies, there are numerous professionals who can provide additional help. Your family doctor is often a good place to start as is a psychologist or psychiatrist with special expertise in anxiety. AnxietyBC™ works with experts to increase awareness, promote education and improve access to current, evidence based resources on anxiety. We have many free of charge, self-help, downloadable resources to support management of anxiety for youth and young adults, adults, new mothers, and children. Click here to be redirected to their full website: Anxiety BC

This resource, overseen by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, provides information sheets on many different mental health topics (issues with suicide, stress, anxiety, depression, coping with bullying, etc.). Click here for the information sheets that are available.