Calgary Psychologist Blogs and Stories

Many adult Americans – about 4% – show ADHD behaviors regularly without getting a proper diagnosis. This reality expresses why ADHD screening matters so much. Screening helps identify potential attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms early.

ADHD screening works as an original evaluation tool that detects signs of this neurodevelopmental condition starting before age 12. The screening process is substantially different from a formal ADHD diagnosis. A diagnosis needs symptoms that last at least six months in multiple settings. Current screening tools have limitations because they don’t reliably meet acceptable sensitivity and specificity levels, especially when you have high-risk groups.

A complete psychoeducational testing session takes 5-6 hours and usually needs multiple appointments. Parents and children might feel overwhelmed by this time commitment. But knowing how to get ready for this assessment makes the whole process easier and more productive.

Psychoeducational evaluations are a great way to get insights into your child’s learning profile. These tests explore everything from cognitive abilities and executive functions to social skills and attention spans. Good preparation plays a vital role in getting accurate results. This includes keeping regular sleep schedules and talking openly with children about what to expect.

Research reveals that mild dehydration—just 2% of body mass—substantially affects attention, executive function, and motor coordination. Studies with over 1,000 adults showed that dehydrated people have a higher risk of cognitive decline. Their performance drops in memory, concentration, and processing speed tasks. This piece explores how dehydration affects your brain. You’ll learn how proper hydration supports optimal cognitive function and discover the steps to maintain mental clarity through adequate water intake.

The link between vitamin D and depression is a vital area that scientists study today, since depression stands among the top ten causes of global disability. Scientists discovered that vitamin D supplements can reduce depression symptoms by a lot, especially when blood levels measure above 50 nmol/L. The results depend on each person’s vitamin D levels, so we need to understand this relationship better. This piece breaks down everything in the vitamin D deficiency-depression connection by looking at the newest research and what it means for treating mental health.

Mental and behavioral problems make up 12% of the global disease burden, and art therapy has emerged as a powerful solution for people who need help. Research shows that depression affects about 5% of adults worldwide, but only half of them get the treatment they need.

Art therapy works as an integrated mental health approach that creates a natural path to healing through artistic expression. Studies prove that it helps reduce anxiety, decrease negative emotions, and improve psychological well-being. A study of cancer patients showed their emotional state improved and stress levels dropped after just four hours of guided creative art therapy.

Fear of aging affects a staggering 87% of American adults. This makes it one of our society’s most common yet unspoken worries. Physical decline leads these concerns at 23%, while memory loss accounts for 15%. Financial insecurity and chronic illness each trouble 12% of people.

Research shows a surprising fact about aging anxiety. People’s happiness levels start to climb after age 51. Older adults experience fewer mental health issues than younger people do. They report lower rates of depression and social anxiety. Different groups show varying levels of concern about getting older, and men and women often worry about different aspects of aging.

Learning disabilities often go unnoticed in children until they reach adulthood. A psychoeducational evaluation is a vital step to spot these challenges early and help students succeed academically. The complete assessment has seven detailed sections that look at a child’s cognitive abilities, academic performance, and social-emotional functioning.

Art and creativity can revolutionize your mental health. Studies show that painting reduces stress levels by 70%, and making music cuts stress by 65%. Creative activities boost emotional resilience in ways that go way beyond just relieving stress.

People of all ages benefit from artistic activities. Drawing increases positive emotions by 85%, while crafts boost self-esteem by 75%. Group art sessions build mental strength and resilience, especially among children and teens.

Research from 45 scientific studies with 2,547 participants shows laughter therapy creates remarkable improvements in mental, physiological, and physical health. The body responds positively to this evidence-based wellness approach. Your brain releases endorphins at the time you laugh. These natural painkillers help reduce stress and anxiety while lifting your mood.

Laughter’s benefits are way beyond just feeling good. Scientific research proves that laughter decreases stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. The immune system gets stronger through increased natural killer cell activity. On top of that, it boosts cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and oxygen intake. These effects make laughter a powerful tool to improve overall wellbeing.

Sexual hormones pack more punch than most people think. Beta-endorphins released during sex affect the body more powerfully than morphine.

The brain releases an impressive mix of chemicals during sex. These include endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Together, these natural compounds help reduce stress, ease pain, and create euphoric feelings. Research shows these hormones can lead to better sleep and might improve cognitive function as people grow older.

Kids with ADHD show 38% lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids than those without the condition. This finding points to a vital connection between omega-3 and ADHD, especially since ADHD affects 7.2% of people worldwide.

The link between omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD comes from the simple workings of our brain. Fat makes up 60% of the brain’s structure, which makes dietary fats vital for optimal brain function. Research shows that kids who don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet have a 31% higher risk of getting an ADHD diagnosis.

Gardening does more than just help you relax. Studies show this activity can substantially reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and boost your mental well-being. Research proves that looking at plants lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and minimizes negative feelings like stress, fear, anger, and sadness.

Gardening combines physical exercise with therapeutic benefits that reduce dementia risk and help you focus better. People who participate in community gardens build strong social bonds and support systems that make their lives better. A complete meta-analysis showed gardening has a powerful positive impact on well-being, with an effect size of 0.55.

Your brain’s delicate serotonin balance faces disruption from substance use, which creates a tough cycle for people battling addiction. Scientists have found that long-term drug use reduces serotonin levels and makes the early stages of recovery tough. The resulting chemical imbalance triggers mood swings, disrupts sleep, and increases impulsive behavior – these become the most important obstacles in the recovery trip.

What is Cortisol? The Stress Hormone That’s Affecting Your Health Stress affects nearly every process in our body. Long-term stress leads to serious health problems

Dealing with difficult family members takes more than just patience. You just need clear boundaries, smart communication, and proven therapeutic techniques. Clear boundaries protect your personal space and energy. Brief communications help prevent long conflicts and misunderstandings.

Internal Locus of Control: The Psychology Behind Taking Charge of Your Life People who believe they control their own destiny lead more successful, healthier, and

How to Quiet Your Internal Dialog and Reduce Anxiety Your brain processes internal dialog at an astonishing rate of 4,000 words per minute. This speed

Research has revealed strong links between diet and mental health through compelling evidence. Scientists analyzed 3,473 records and found 356 sources that confirm nutrition’s most important effects on psychological wellness. Diets high in refined sugars associate with impaired brain function and worsen mood disorder symptoms. Meanwhile, balanced eating patterns show positive effects on mental health consistently.

A landmark study of 40,566 mother-child pairs has revealed eye-opening findings about children’s mental health and nutrition. The research found that 10% of children showed high anxiety symptoms by age 8. Depression symptoms affected 11.7% of the children. These numbers highlight the vital relationship between diet and psychological well-being.

86% of pet owners say their pets make a positive difference to their mental health, which shows the deep bond between humans and their animal companions. Scientific research backs this up – spending time with animals reduces stress hormones and brings down blood pressure naturally.

Alberta ranks second in Canada for opioid toxicity deaths. The province’s mental health statistics paint a grim picture with 39.4 deaths per 100,000 people. These numbers are almost twice the national average of 20.8 per 100,000.

Poor sleep doesn’t just affect your daily life and social interactions – it makes negative emotions stronger while positive ones fade away. Studies reveal that people who sleep only five hours each night face growing emotional challenges. They become confused, angry, and depressed more easily. Sleep problems can also seriously impact mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders.

This detailed guide looks at periods and their effects on relationships. You’ll learn why sharing your cycle information with your boyfriend makes sense and discover practical ways to turn these monthly challenges into chances that bring you closer together.

The Hidden Truth About Doom Scrolling: Why Your Brain Can’t Stop A shocking 80% of Brits spend their time doom scrolling and mindlessly staring at

Language Brain Rot Explained: Why Your Kids Can’t Stop Saying “Skibidi” 92% of children aged 8 to 12 spend their time on social media. The

Depression ranks as the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet only 10-25% of people get therapy. Exercise’s positive effects on mental health provide a natural, available solution to this escalating crisis. People who exercise regularly cut their risk of chronic diseases by 20-30% and boost their mood and self-esteem.

Science backs up what many people already know – nature helps our mental state. Research proves that people who spend two hours a week outdoors feel better and healthier. The benefits show up clearly. People who feel connected to nature lead more meaningful lives and struggle less with depression and anxiety.

Children with higher emotional intelligence have lower anxiety, depression, and aggression levels. Research with 410 primary school students proves how social-emotional development shapes behavior and mental well-being. Teaching emotional intelligence to children is vital to their academic success and personal growth. This piece covers science-backed strategies and age-appropriate tools that parents and educators can use to build strong emotional intelligence throughout a child’s development stages.

Many of us brush off our messy spaces as a minor annoyance, but science paints a different picture. Cluttered environments reduce our productivity and disrupt our sleep patterns. They can even put a strain on our relationships. Studies prove that a clean, well-laid-out home predicts good health better than having walkable neighborhoods.

Childhood trauma shapes adult relationships in several ways. Survivors often question their relationship patterns and wonder about the normality of their experiences. 1 in 8 adults report childhood sexual abuse and 1 in 4 report physical abuse. These statistics tell only part of the story. Children who grow up in abusive homes tend to normalize dysfunctional behaviors. These learned patterns follow them into their adult relationships.

Shame and guilt are both self-conscious emotions, but they’re nowhere near similar in their effects. Guilt can push people toward positive changes and help repair relationships. Shame, however, guides people to withdraw and act antisocially. Studies of children’s behavior paint an interesting picture. Kids who feel guilty tend to take steps to fix their mistakes. Those who feel shame often avoid eye contact and display other avoidant behaviors. These patterns show how deeply these emotions shape our behavior and mental health.

Psychology defines hope as knowing how to build paths toward goals you want to achieve. This mindset stands at the heart of mental health treatment. Hope-based therapy helps reduce stress and makes people feel better mentally and physically. The results speak for themselves – patients in hope-focused therapy show better self-esteem, find more meaning in life, and feel less depressed and anxious after eight weeks.

People often stick with therapy longer than needed. They keep going even after reaching their goals. They’re just not sure about the right way to step away. Most therapists know they won’t click with every client, and they expect their clients to move forward eventually. This piece explains when to end therapy and shows you how to prepare for that final conversation. You’ll also learn ways to handle your last session without guilt.

How to Build a Support Network When You Feel Completely Alone Being lonely for long periods can harm your health as much as smoking 15

Language’s power shapes our reality in ways we can measure. The words people choose reveal their mental health status and even predict if they’ll default on loans. Word choices don’t just affect thought patterns – they influence gene expression and the brain’s information processing. The sort of thing I love about language and psychology shows why word choice is a vital skill. This matters to journalists who shape public discussions and to anyone having daily conversations.

The numbers are alarming. 57 percent of U.S. teen girls feel sad or hopeless most of the time. This shows how social media shapes self-esteem today. People spend 145 minutes each day on social platforms, with 4.9 billion users worldwide actively engaging on these networks.

Studies prove that adaptive coping strategies directly link to better life quality and work performance. People with extroverted and conscientious personalities tend to use adaptive coping mechanisms more often. Those with neurotic traits usually fall into maladaptive patterns. The relationship between these coping mechanisms matters because research shows maladaptive coping has stronger ties to depression than adaptive methods.

Rejection therapy has become a powerful movement on TikTok with over 72 million views. This movement helps people change their dating lives. The fear of rejection causes physical symptoms like sweating and shaking during dating interactions. Research shows that confidence plays almost as big a role as intelligence in determining life success.

A study of 235 families reveals that parenting and marriage are more closely linked than most couples think. Partners who disagree about raising their children create a deep divide in their marriage that affects their closeness and emotional bond.

Success can wear a dangerous mask. Achievement addiction leaves countless high achievers burned out, with broken relationships and declining health. The relentless chase after goals might look impressive, but it can turn into a destructive force that stops you from enjoying what you’ve accomplished.

Mental health and work challenges drain $1 trillion annually from the global economy through lost productivity. Companies lose 12 billion working days each year. Career success remains important to many professionals, yet mental wellbeing takes a heavy toll. Mental health issues now account for about 30% of workplace disability claims.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals a powerful truth: people who build strong bonds with family, friends, and community tend to live happier, healthier, and longer lives. This insight forms the foundation of resilience therapy that changes lives and builds mental strength.

The brain’s biopsychology of stress shows us a complex system that impacts everything from our heart rate to how we form memories. A complex chain of events triggers in our body at the time stress hits. This chain involves nervous, endocrine, and immune mechanisms that can change how our entire body works.

Why Therapy Changed My Love Life Forever Adult relationship patterns stem from early attachment styles that shape our behavior without our awareness. People often get

The world of therapy might look complex at first glance. Research proves that the bond between therapist and client matters more than any specific method. People struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma have several proven therapy approaches available. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) stand out as prominent options. Many therapists blend different techniques to create individual-specific treatment plans that serve their clients better.

Over 75% of people identify as recreational porn users, and nearly 12% call it compulsive consumption. The mechanisms behind porn addiction have become crucial questions. The digital world of pornography consumption has changed dramatically, and major platforms report over 100 million daily visits in 2023.

Half of Americans feel lonely, yet the link between high intelligence and depression reveals an intriguing paradox. Smart people have a 33% lower risk of PTSD and 31% less chance of general anxiety. Still, many brilliant individuals face their own set of mental health challenges.

Modern workplace psychology shows a striking truth: 77% of workers report experiencing work-related stress. A whopping 92% of employees rank their emotional wellbeing at the top when picking an employer. These numbers paint just a small part of a bigger problem in today’s workplaces.

Up to 82% of professionals deal with imposter syndrome. They struggle to believe they deserve their success. These accomplished people see themselves as frauds and live in constant fear someone will “expose” them.

The impact of this emotional connection on pets can be serious. Dogs with ongoing anxiety face health problems of all types. These include gut issues, skin problems, breathing difficulties and shorter lives. Your pet needs a stable routine to stay healthy. Stressed owners might notice their pets eating less, throwing up unexpectedly, or showing unusual aggressive behavior.

Recent research reveals that children of anxious parents are 2.26 times more likely to show serious behavioral problems. This connection between a parent’s anxiety and their child’s development reaches way beyond temporary stress periods.

Some emotional distance is natural in relationships. But when one partner constantly withdraws, it points to deeper problems. People with avoidant attachment styles don’t feel as satisfied in their relationships. They struggle to form close connections with their partners. This creates a push-pull pattern that gets harder to fix over time. The root causes include unresolved fights, different ways of communicating, and ongoing stress that damages close relationships.

Sixty percent of parents face burnout during their parenting trip. Western countries report that 8% of parents deal with severe parenting burnout symptoms. These numbers paint a picture of parents who struggle with complete exhaustion and feel emotionally detached from their children.

People develop avoidance behaviors as a quick fix to feel better emotionally. These behaviors might help right away but end up causing problems down the road. This unhealthy way of coping can make your world smaller. You miss chances to grow, damage your relationships, and feel more anxious and frustrated.

Sexual shame makes people feel inadequate and guilty about their desires and experiences. These negative emotions can reduce their sex drive and create barriers that stop partners from talking openly. Partners who feel judged or unable to be themselves sexually might look elsewhere for acceptance. They often build emotional connections that turn into affairs. Research tells us that emotional affairs hurt relationships more than physical ones. Women especially see emotional cheating as a bigger threat to their relationships.

Over 90% of people who complete exposure therapy successfully overcome their specific phobias. This science-backed method ranks among the best treatments if you have anxiety disorders. It helps people conquer their fears, panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Clear boundaries protect you from emotional burnout and prevent feelings of resentment. They also stop manipulation in relationships. You need self-awareness and direct communication to establish these limits. This piece shows you how to create healthy boundaries in relationships of all types. You’ll learn about different boundary categories and see how professional counseling helps develop stronger personal limits.

Toxic Positivity Examples That Mental Health Experts Want You to Stop Using Searches for “toxic positivity” have doubled since January 2020, suggesting people are more

Perfectionism traps many people in a draining cycle. They set impossible standards and constantly criticize themselves. Mental health professionals now see therapy as crucial to help break this pattern. Studies reveal that chasing perfection endlessly can trigger depression and anxiety. It also makes it harder to connect with others.

Family conflicts that don’t get addressed lead to broken communication, emotional pain and people pulling away from each other. Family therapy gives everyone a safe and neutral place to talk about their struggles and find solutions together. It also helps catch problems early before they grow too big to fix.

The effects of untreated perinatal mental health problems go beyond emotional challenges. These conditions bring serious risks like preterm birth, low birth weight, and children’s developmental delays. Antenatal anxiety disorders affect 15-20% of cases, with higher numbers reported in low- to middle-income countries.

Building a successful company needs steadfast dedication and focus. The constant pressure often strains relationships and creates isolation. Studies show that 49% of entrepreneurs deal with at least one mental health condition. Therapy proves to be an effective way to direct through these challenges. It helps business leaders create healthy boundaries, build confidence, and make smarter strategic choices.

A complete meta-analysis of 34 studies with 2,536 participants showed that DBT substantially reduced anger levels. DBT’s approach to anger management combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with dialectical philosophy and Zen practice elements. The treatment was first created to help people with borderline personality disorder. Research shows that longer DBT sessions lead to better anger control through specific skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.

Mental health issues cost American businesses an estimated $187 billion annually. Decreased productivity accounts for 90% of these losses. The American Psychological Association reports that 92% of workers want to work for organizations that value their psychological well-being.

Medical professionals call autism a spectrum disorder because symptoms vary widely among individuals in both type and severity. The diversity of symptoms can make accurate diagnosis challenging. Early detection is significant to help children get the support they need. This detailed guide helps parents identify potential signs of autism spectrum disorder and take prompt action when needed.

Emotional health affects every part of life by a lot – from personal relationships to work performance and physical well-being. Research proves that positive mental states lead to better physical health. People with good emotional health have lower blood pressure and face less risk of heart disease.

trong connections with children need more than just spending time together. Parents who set aside 10 minutes of focused, distraction-free interaction each day can substantially improve their communication with children. Many parents find it challenging to connect with their children emotionally in the ever-changing world. Yet understanding proven parenting techniques and communication strategies helps create lasting bonds that benefit both parents and children.

Research tells us that play therapy is much more than “just play” with kids. Meta-analytic reviews of over 100 studies demonstrate moderate to high positive effects when treating childhood challenges of all types.

The approach works well with children ages 3 through 12. It helps them overcome anxiety disorders, depression, and process trauma from events like parental divorce or serious medical procedures. Children learn to express their feelings naturally during systematic, therapist-guided sessions that last 30 to 50 minutes. They work through their emotions in an age-appropriate way.

Panic attacks affect up to 11% of Americans yearly, making psychotherapy panic attacks treatment a significant healthcare priority. These episodes usually last between 5 to 20 minutes, and their effects on daily life can be profound and long-lasting.

Marriage and family therapy services have earned an exceptional reputation. 98% of clients rate these services as good or excellent, making them the most well-reviewed mental health interventions today. These satisfaction rates show ground results – nearly 90% of clients report better emotional health.

Business owners face mental health challenges more often than the average person. The daily grind of making tough decisions takes its toll. Worries about funding and market changes can drain them emotionally. This affects both their business success and personal life. This piece dives into the reality of entrepreneurial burnout. You’ll find practical ways to balance work and life, explore counseling options, and learn proven recovery strategies from a professional viewpoint.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, and finding the right therapies is vital to manage this complex condition. People typically develop symptoms around age 25. The condition can affect a person’s whole life and reduces life expectancy by up to nine years.

Children with behavioral challenges face up to half a million negative interactions each year with parents, teachers, and peers. This startling number explains why many parents seek help from a behavioral therapist to improve their child’s coping mechanisms and social skills.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavioral therapy as the primary treatment for young children with ADHD. Yet only half of diagnosed children receive these essential psychological services. Behavioral therapy shows better results when children start treatment early, as younger minds respond well to intervention strategies.

Learning disabilities affect approximately 10% of people in the United States during their lifetime. Learning disability diagnosis is a vital part of educational and developmental healthcare. Dyslexia stands out as the most common learning disability and represents 80% of all cases, affecting about 20% of the population.

Car accidents are the leading cause of PTSD among civilians, according to the American Psychological Association. Studies show that 25-33% of accident survivors experience PTSD symptoms that last at least 30 days after the whole ordeal.

Couples Counseling: What Therapists Wish You’d Stop Saying Poor communication brings most couples to counseling. Many couples don’t realize how their language patterns work against

Relaxation Techniques for Stress Management Psychological stress is one of the biggest health challenges we face today, according to the World Health Organization. Relaxation techniques