You do not know what is going on in anyone else’s head, but what you can do is recognize signs that your loved one is struggling. It can be difficult to determine when these friends are struggling. The most important thing is to not overreach, but to be there for them if they need you. You can be a shoulder for them to lean on for support. 

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Time is a construct, and one that works well when you want it to. Yet, we always seem to be fighting against it. We feel we have to do it all NOW. We have to do it perfectly. We must, against all odds, change who we are to fit with this time and this construct. Otherwise, we are doing it wrong. 

So, we wake up in the morning thinking "New Year, New You" again and again and again.

I’ve previously fallen into the trap of having some favourite quotes and living by them. The problem with this is that I am constantly changing and therefore so is the way I view the world and my place in it. So I hope you enjoy these quotes; taking from them whatever you like.

It's haunting you. Creeping up from behind. Ready to attack at any minute.

Existence can be overwhelming. Especially when dealing with mental illness that saps your energy such as depression and anxiety. We constantly try to fill our days with productivity hoping our accomplishments will fulfill us, but sometimes end up even more drained. And what do many of us do when we’re feeling drained? Check our phones.

Back to school time can be tough especially when transitioning from the carefree nature of summer. Oftentimes the added stress can negatively impact someone suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness.

When you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or any mental illness sometimes the world seems like a dark place.

A well-known quote by Canadian Robert Genn states, "Passion is the force that springs an artist from the needling cushion of depression." While this statement specifies art, I believe the sentiment applies to all people, regardless of interests. When life gets tough, and it feels like the world isn't yours anymore, you need something or maybe someone to push you to grab the reins again. For me, that something was my skateboard.

There is so much research and evidence that shows the following concepts and ideas can boost mental health and help us make changes for better long-term mental health. My challenge to you is to put some action and commitment towards values, purpose, intention, and meaningfulness.

I wanted to write about this to help chronic pain suffers know they’re not alone and to help everyone else understand our experience a bit better.

Whether you tend to overthink things or are enduring a traumatizing situation, you probably lose control of your emotions at times. In fact, I have this same problem. But instead of giving up on myself, I find ways to be more positive. Here are some ways you can control your emotions.

So.... this is slightly awkward. We really haven't talked in a long time. Months. I'm so sorry. I've been hiding and I know it. I know I shouldn't. I know how much better I feel when I'm around others. I love to be with my friends and family. I love to laugh and explore and talk. I want to catch up. I want to hang out. I WANT to be there for you.

But instead you are here for me.

Most of us on this site have experienced depression or depressive episodes. Aside from the well known symptoms such as low mood, appetite changes, sleep changes, and loss of interest, there are lesser known symptoms. One of these lesser known symptoms is called “brain fog”, and chances are that this symptom of depression has affected you at one point or another.

I have struggled with Depression and GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) for as long as I can remember. I have also been quite critical of myself my whole life. This has made it very difficult for me to see my own progress. It has also meant I have never been happy with my progress; it is never fast enough or impactful enough in my eyes. I constantly compare myself and my progress to those around me. This has been a big disruption in my life and a big contributor to my negative self-image. I can work hard at something, put my all into it and still feel that it is not enough.

One of the biggest problems you might have in your life is being stuck in a negative mindset too often. I feel this way probably every single day so I know this happens to a lot of other people too. Here are a few of my ways I turn negativity into positivity.

I'm so thankful for caring people like you who want to make a difference.

What better way to distract yourself from depressing news than to spice it up with a good old game?

Having a broken wrist is kind of like depression in a way. I feel useless in both scenarios.

So, how do I get myself out of that funk? The one where I can barely lift my weighted legs over the side of the bed. How do I get my legs onto the floor when all my instincts tell me to flop my head back down on the pillow and disappear into oblivion, since there is no reason to get up and put pants on?