Lived Experience

When I Tell People About My Mental Illness, This is What Happens

If you wonder whether or not to share your story, read on. I’ve experienced similar quandaries.

The Living Legacy of a Stillborn Child

Even the briefest life creates profound impacts. Krista Beneš honours someone the world never met, her second son, Max. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day takes place annually in October, and resources – listed at the bottom of the article – are available year-round.

Rest is not the same thing as recovery

A sprained ankle sparked a truth: rest isn’t recovery. Phones don’t recharge by idling—and neither do we.

A man is looking out of an apartment window, staring at the city.

The connection between housing and mental health

“Put somebody into housing – then look after their needs.”

Masters of Disguise No More

“Unmasking” is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Week – meaning to remove the “mask” that people living with mental health challenges often wear to protect themselves from stigma.

Same storm, different boats: A reflection on cancer, inequity and resilience

To mark Cancer Awareness Month, the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s president and CEO Michel Rodrigue offers a personal meditation on the complex landscape of cancer diagnosis, navigating healthcare, and the critical role of privilege in healing.

What is It Like Living with Schizophrenia?

At 26, Gillian Corsiatto of Red Deer, Alta., is a published author – her debut novel, Duck Light, asks the serious question: “How can one break free of societal expectations?” More books and plays are underway. She’s also been a keen improv performer with Bullskit Comedy.

Bread and butter: money and mental health

In a crunch economy, even butter—and therapy—feel unaffordable. You’re not alone; control starts with small steps.

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How to protect your mental health at work

Work is central, but unmanaged stress can tip into burnout.

illustration of people holding hands in a circle

Surviving Suicide Loss

Navigating stigma, grief, and loss and finding healing, hope, and community support after a death by suicide. A personal story

When it’s time to hand in your notice to go in search of yourself

Leaving my job wasn’t a triumph or a quiet quit—it was conceding that a role I loved had swallowed my identity.

Slow down and boost your mental health

Constant hustling masquerades as productivity but drains joy. Burnout taught me that “doing, doing, done” isn’t living.

Hipster senior man on bicycle with extravagant style portrait | Homme senior hipster à vélo avec portrait de style extravagant

Back on the road to recovery

A sudden pothole wrecked my car—and my night. That’s how mental illness feels: an abrupt derailment, unlike mental health’s routine “maintenance.” Self-care helps, but breakdowns need professional repair, time, and often money.

Un couple d'âge moyen dans une salle de cinéma avec un seau de pop-corn. La femme couvre les yeux de l'homme avec sa paume

We are not the villains in the movies

Watching a friend spiral reminded me how stigma keeps many from seeking help.

We hesitate to mention mental health and 2SLGBTQIA+ in the same breath

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