4 Ways to Build a Positive Mindset

Did you know that positive thinking can improve not only your mental wellbeing, but your physical health? According to Healthline, having an optimistic mindset can help you manage stress, boost your energy levels, and even recover faster from injuries! In this article, we’re giving you 4 easy steps that you can practice daily to care […]

Understanding Fatphobia & Practicing Body Neutrality

There is a great deal of stigma and shame around certain body types, and fatphobia often perpetuates these stigmas. The body positivity movement was created in response to negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding weight, especially in the medical community. The movement encouraged people of all shapes and sizes to love and accept their bodies. Later […]

Breaking the Stigma Around Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is one of the most misunderstood mental disorders. Studies show that there is a more negative stigma associated with DID compared to other well-known mental illnesses, like depression. Messages we get from pop culture can contribute to this stigma. By building awareness and educating ourselves about others’ experiences, we can foster […]

Can Music Help Improve Your Mental Health?

Have you ever wondered whether listening to music is good for your mental health? Music has been proven to have a positive effect on both physical and emotional wellness. It promotes relaxation, lifts your mood, and can even boost your immunity. While it isn’t a substitute for medical treatment, music is a simple way to […]

The 5 Love Languages: How to Strengthen Your Relationships and Boost Your Mental Health

Relationships play an important role in our mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, forming strong friendships can boost self-esteem, lower stress, and help you cope during difficult times. Close relationships also encourage physical well-being. Studies show that people who have an active social life and meaningful relationships live longer on average than those who […]

How Bullying Affects Mental Health

Bullying is surprisingly common: one in five students between 12 and 18 years old report that they have experienced it. Bullying has a huge impact on the mental health of not only targets, but bystanders who witness an incident. Stigma can contribute to bullying among kids and teens. But fostering a safe, accepting environment where […]

Meet our Stigma-Free Scholarship Winner, Daphnée!

We’re excited to introduce Daphnée, one of our Stigma-Free Scholarship winners! In this interview, she shares about her inspiring journey and personal experiences with stigma as someone living with borderline personality disorder. Keep reading to learn more about her story! When Daphnée was first diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), she felt a sense of […]

Lisa’s Story: Meet Our Stigma-Free Scholarship Winner!

Meet Lisa, one of the winners of our Stigma-Free Scholarship offered in partnership with the Otsuka Lundbeck Alliance! After being raised in an environment where mental health was considered “taboo,” Lisa was reluctant to seek mental health support and faced many challenges as a result of stigma. Now, she has found her voice and is […]

Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Although it’s important to prioritize mental health year-round, it can be difficult to make time for self-care during the holidays. If you are struggling this season and it seems like everyone around you is in high spirits, know that you’re not alone: 38% of people report feeling more stressed around the holidays due to financial […]

Forming Habits That Serve Our Mental Wellbeing

You probably have daily habits that you don’t think much about, like having a cup of coffee in the morning or brushing your teeth before bed. Some habits set us up for success and greatly improve our quality of life. Others may not serve our mental health or hold us back from achieving our goals. […]

How to Improve Your Mental Health Through Journaling

Are you looking for a new activity to implement in your self-care routine? Journaling is an easy and effective way to boost your mental health and overall wellness. Many people keep a journal simply to record their memories, but it can also be used to improve your mood and develop a more positive mindset over […]

Coping With Loneliness and Social Isolation

If you are feeling lonely right now, you might be relieved to find out how many people are going through the same thing. There’s a social stigma around loneliness that sometimes prevents people from talking about their experience openly, which can make them feel even more isolated. But the reality is, loneliness has become a […]

Apply Today for a $2000 Stigma-Free Scholarship for Post-Secondary Students

The Stigma-Free Society is extremely proud to announce that we are once again partnering with Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance to offer TWO deserving post-secondary students. Two $2000 scholarships will be allocated toward their educational pursuits! This is the forth year that the Society has been able to provide these amazing scholarships and it is because of our […]

Oya’s Story as a Woman With ADHD

In light of ADHD Awareness Month, Stigma-Free Society recently had a conversation with Oya, a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Oya is a Teaching Assistant, researcher, and graduate student. Read about her experience below! How has living with ADHD affected different areas of your life, such as your career or […]

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

When you hear the words “obsessive compulsive disorder,” what comes to mind? Like other mental health disorders, there are stereotypes about OCD that lead to misunderstanding and perpetuate stigma. For example, many people falsely believe that if someone is diagnosed with OCD, it simply means they are exceptionally tidy and organized. In reality, people with […]

Peer Support Training for Rural Residents – Sign Up Today for our Fall 2022 Session

In partnership with Robyn Priest LIVE YOUR TRUTH, the Stigma-Free Society is proud to announce our upcoming Peer Support Worker Training sessions, tailored specifically for rural residents in Canada. This two-day virtual course will be held on October 25 and November 1 (8am – 4pm PST, 10am – 6pm CST, 11am – 7pm EST, with breaks). […]

The 3 Principles Youth Group

By: Sanjana Karthik The 3 Principles of Psychology is a concept taught by Sydney Banks, a Canadian broadcaster and producer. This is a concept that is showcased across the globe; supporting more people in experiencing a richer life. The 3 Principles Youth Group is a free opportunity for youth to have meaningful conversations once a […]

Mindfulness and DBT for Mental Health

Mindfulness and DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) are two related and powerful practices that you can cultivate by following some simple self-care exercises. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness arises from non-judgemental attention to the present moment. It involves tuning in to what is happening right now, both within yourself and in your external environment. Learning to slow […]

Storwell Self Storage Offers a $2,000 Annual Bursary to Help Foster Children Pursue Their Post-Secondary Education

According to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, right now there are approximately 63,000 Canadian children living in permanent care with foster families, extended family, or in group homes. Across the country, 235,000 children and youth have been identified as having experienced or being at risk of experiencing abuse and neglect. These children and youths […]

How To Talk To Your Child About Mental Health

Talking to a child about their mental health may seem like a daunting task, but one of the most critical aspects to managing mental illness is WIDE OPEN COMMUNICATION. The more comfortable you are with talking about emotions, feelings and, if need be, illness, the more solid the foundation of trust you will build with […]