Antidepressants are Skills, Not Just Pills
March 29, 2018
For article, “Mental Illness Cannot be Treated with Just a Pill,” click on photo
Author: smswaby
I sometimes introduce myself as YodaNinja. "Yoda on the outside, Ninja on the inside." Outside, I seem calm and composed. When I speak (or write), what I say can be profound, perplexing... or both. But my inner world is another story. Deep inside of me is a Ninja battleground where thoughts, emotions, ideas, and utter randomness all fight for my attention. Every once in a while, they actually cooperate and I have to say, I'm deadly. But then they go at it again... and "Everybody is Kung Fu fighting." I'm a dad, a husband and a guy whose mind has a mind of it's own. My recovery from my addiction to numbing myself (with pretty much anything I can get my hands on) is a lifelong journey. I live with depression, anxiety and adhd... and sometimes they don't get along very well with my family, or with the rest of my life. Professionaly, I make my living as a Counselling Therapist in Edmonton, Canada. I teach on addiction and psychopathology at City University, and I have a small counselling practice where I use superheroes and other geeky stuff to help people make peace with their own personal YodaNinja. This blog is part of my healing and writing keeps me grounded. I hope that something I have written may add a little bit to your journey. Keep it Real
The Body Cannot Live Without The Mind
March 28, 2018
Mental Illness Cannot be Treated With Just a Pill
March 27, 2018
Antidepressants are skills, not just pills ____ Three years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. When I was diagnosed with ADHD, I was in the midst of a deep depression accompanied by crushing anxiety and even panic attacks. As my depression slowly subsided and my anxiety calmed, what remained was a question. Medications can be essential … More Mental Illness Cannot be Treated With Just a Pill
Being Well Does Not Necessarily Mean Feeling Well
March 26, 2018
For article, “Living a Life That You Don’t Need to Escape From,” click photo.
Living a Life That You Don’t Need to Escape From
March 25, 2018
Today, whatever you do with your day, take time to something that helps you to recharge. If we wait until things are just right before we will take care of ourselves, we may never do it. Well being is not just what we do. Well being happens as we invest time in being well. “Mental … More Living a Life That You Don’t Need to Escape From
Is Regret Robbing You of Your Well Being?
March 21, 2018
You cannot out-smart regret, but you can out-live it ____ You cannot unmake your past, but your past can unmake you. You are unmade by regret, by rumination and when you reject the opportunities that make you come alive. When we avoid risk, we find ourselves on the sidelines watching life go by. There are … More Is Regret Robbing You of Your Well Being?
How to Adjust Your Goals for a Better Recovery
March 20, 2018
“Accomplishing goals when in the midst of mental illness is very different than when my mood’s stable for some time or you’ve never wrestled with psychiatric disorder period.” Victoria Maxwell For article, “Four Questions that will set Your Recovery Direction for 2018” click on photo. Photo by Jim Sher
6 Activities That Will Supercharge Your Mental Health and Well Being
March 19, 2018
“Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.” For article, “6 Activities That Are Like Vitamins for Your Mind,” click on photo.
Recovery and Healing
March 18, 2018
For article, “The Story of Your Recovery is Told Through Your Relationships,” click on photo.
Urgent Action: If You Live in Alberta, We Need Your Help to Regulate the Counselling Therapy Profession
March 17, 2018
Do You Know That Anyone in Alberta can Call Themselves a Counsellor or Therapist? ____ When you or someone you love is in need of mental health or addiction support, where do you go? Your state or province may regulate addiction professionals. In my home province of Alberta, addiction professionals are not yet regulated. Regulation … More Urgent Action: If You Live in Alberta, We Need Your Help to Regulate the Counselling Therapy Profession
Getting High on Recovery 