Journey with Naila

11/21/2018

Winter is upon us, and for some that means the rise or intensification of depressive symptoms. I recently discovered this great site with lots of self-help resources for folks dealing with symptoms of depression. I highly recommend taking a look if you’re someone who does well with self-guided support: blurtitout.org

11/07/2018

Everyone deserves to feel safe. Everyone deserves to feel loved. Everyone deserves to feel real, no matter what their intersecting identities. (Regram courtesy of ) @ Montreal, Quebec

11/06/2018

It’s okay to be “bad” sometimes. Today I encourage you to tell someone how you’re feeling. And if you have the energy and capacity to hear it, reach out to someone and ask how they’re doing. Sometimes we just need someone to bear witness to what we are experiencing, nothing else.

10/29/2018

For anyone who might need some support

Hey, we know that life can be stressful, overwhelming, sad, confusing, all of the above... and we want you to know that there's no need to go through that stuff alone.

The Centre for Gender Advocacy's peer support volunteers know how to really be there for you, how to listen without judgment and how to help you find the resources you need. The service is free and confidential, and it's open to everyone.

To speak with a volunteer, you can either come by our 2110 Mackay office (ground floor) during drop-in hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-5pm or Fridays from 10am-12pm. Or, (if those times don't work for you) you can email peersupport@genderadvocacy.org to request an appointment.

The 2110 Mackay office is wheelchair accessible. Complete accessibility details can be found here: genderadvocacy.org/accessibility

Poster illustration by The Creative Kay

10/29/2018

The relationships we nurture can be great sources of support, care and inspiration. Key word here, being “nurture”. What is it about the relationships in your life that make them feel healthy? Can you identify any areas that could benefit from some care and attention? These are but some elements of “healthy” - what feels healthy and good to you is for you to decide and cultivate.

10/25/2018

Do you spout the requisite, “How are you?” “Good, and you?” “Good”? Let today be the day you aim to connect just a little bit deeper. Be thoughtful in your questions and be open to receiving something genuine and personal. We could all benefit from some connection and understanding (photo source: The Gottman Institute)

08/03/2018

What’s your “f**k it” moment today? Today, give yourself a small pass. Give the world a small pass. Give your people, give other people’s people, a small pass. It’s Friday, say “f**k it” and relish in the moment of power and the feeling of “no f***s given”.

07/30/2018

Check out Main dans la Main and their awesome peer support. I feel full after spending my evening surrounded by people who are consciously engaging in discussions around mental health, wellness and community support. Social support is just as important as what the medical system offers in terms of therapy and medication - we are not alone, we do not exist in vacuums. Reach out today and check in on a loved one, or an acquaintance

06/22/2018

At the end of a workday, I like to make time for myself, a meal, and some tv. Self care is not selfish, it is imperative. Take a few minutes this weekend to do an inventory of your week. Can you spend 15 minutes on yourself every day? That's a start! Prioritize your well-being, as much as that of others around you, and the paid work so many of us have to engage in to sustain ourselves and our families/communities. Start with 15 minutes.

06/20/2018

Do you suffer from test anxiety? Palpitations, sweating, drawing a blank, negative self-talk? Let's talk through what's going on and start to work on some strategies!

06/17/2018

How are you sleeping? Sleep has a hand in many of the body's vital functions; from memory acquisition to stress management, not to mention helping us cope with, and self-regulate our emotions. Do a self check-in this week to assess your sleep quality and hygiene. Next week, start incorporating some small, but powerful changes.

05/29/2018

Going over some of those CBT basics. How do those intense, loud feelings relate to what's underneath the surface? Our moods are complex, this is just the beginning! But with better understanding of ourselves through introspection, and a little practice, our strategies can propel us to where we want to be! (Note: CBT isn't for everyone, and isn't always a good fit. It's simply one therapeutic model of many that might work alone or in collaboration with others, to support you)