About You

Having a hobby is a great way to spend your spare time and unwind from your daily routine - whether it's learning a new skill, doing something outdoors, reading, or doing something musical or artistic. Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Group activities like team sports can improve your communication skills and relationships with others. Your interests may be creative, athletic, academic, or something distinctly personal. You may choose a hobby that you can do alone or as part of a group. Whatever your interests are, there is sure to be a hobby out there for you. What matters is that it is something you find meaningful and enjoyable.  

  If I could turn back time, I wish my mother reassured me and comforted me insisting that what I was feeling was valid regardless of my age. Depression and anxiety can affect all ages regardless of creed, religion, or colour. I wished that she was able to understand that symptoms of depression and anxiety can overlap, life experience can create these symptoms and that you can’t just pray mental health conditions away. I tried countless times to talk to my mother about it, but she told me repeatedly to just ‘pray about it’. I took her advice, but it did not help me. I guess that was the best advice she could offer and that may have been taught to her. For those who have a loved one who may be struggling with their mental health, reassure them that you are there to support them. Providing an individual who may be struggling with their mental health with a support system can have a positive impact on their wellbeing. Be cautious when you talk to them and don’t force them to talk to y...

After a busy, stressful day at the office, you always feel like what you need is take-out food or to throw something into the microwave. However, if you cook at home, you could not only end up with a healthier meal but also less stress. An   article on the Wall Street Journal   talks about how clinics are using cooking therapy to treat mental health issues. If you do not have a mental health issue, you can use cooking therapy to relieve stress. Instead of seeing cooking as a chore, you can view it as a fun activity that can help you stay stress-free. Counselors intimate that the cooking courses soothe stress, reduce negative thinking and build confidence. When you cook, you focus on following recipes and have no time for negative thoughts. The Love for Food Is Sincere Most people love food. Food is one of the things that connect people. When people meet somewhere, they always meet over drinks or food. If you love food, the best way to follow your passion is to get into the kit...

  Growing up in my household was a bit of a struggle. Around the age of 12, I was bullied quite severely, which in turn had an impact on my mental health. I began to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. I was always a reserved, quiet person but I built up the courage to talk to my mum about how I was feeling. I went into the kitchen to talk about being bullied and how it made me feel. I was expecting some understanding and comfort but that is not what I received. To this day, I remember exactly what she said to me, "You're too young to be depressed. What do you have to be depressed about?” The response made me feel like my feelings did not matter as I was ‘young’ and had not experienced life yet. At times, I believe that I was not taken seriously due to my age. I was young, so perhaps my mum believed what I was feeling at the time was temporary. I felt sad for some time as I hoped that I could at least talk to my mum and get some encouragement. The topic wasn’t discu...