In my practice as a social worker - psychotherapist, I often see teens and young adults who are struggling in a number of ways when it comes to their mental health. I have come to see just how powerful sport can be in not only teaching our youth how to work as part of a team and the importance of consistent exercise, but most importantly how sport can provide challenges that athletes must navigate and those challenges often mimic the real-life challenges they do, and will, encounter off of the court, ice, or turf. A number of positive effects on development and the brain take place when youth take part in sports, at any and all levels, including several key mechanisms that support mental well-being. Below are just a few highly necessary, positive, and impactful developmental, psychological, and social benefits of playing sports. Neurobiological Stress Regulation Regular physical activity through sports stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and endorphins, which act as natural stabilizers for teen and young adults moods. For young athletes, this biological process helps regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s primary stress response system. By "taxing" the body in an environment, like a sports game/competition, athletes build a higher threshold for physiological arousal (stimulation of the nervous system), which can translate to better emotional regulation when facing academic or social stressors! Development of ‘Grit’ and Self-Efficacy (Belief in Oneself) Sports provide a tangible ‘practice field’ for Social Cognitive Theory (theory that learning takes place socially via observation, interaction, and experiences), specifically the concept of self-efficacy. When a young athlete masters a new skill or recuperates after a loss, they build a belief in their own abilities in terms of being ‘in control’ of challenging situations and having the capacity to take responsibility for their own actions… in other words, ‘developing grit.’ Research suggests that such experiences are critically important in protecting youth against depressive symptoms by offsetting feelings of helplessness and creating a growth mindset — the internal belief that effort leads to improvement. Prosocial Connection and Belonging Participation in sports of any level (not everyone needs to play ‘rep’ level sports and that’s OK!) offers a structured environment for building social skills and navigating the world and the people in it. A key part of humanistic psychology is Self-Determination Theory and, within this framework, "relatedness" is considered an essential psychological need. For young people, being part of a team provides a sense of identity and peer support that can lessen feelings of loneliness (a major issue in our world today that I often tackle with teens each week in my practice). This social ‘shield’ is very effective in reducing anxiety, as team environments create a shared ‘social identity’ that provides a supportive and stable foundation during the ups and downs of teen life. Executive Function and Cognitive (Mental) Control Actively taking part in organized sports requires high-level cognitive/mental processing, including strategic thinking, impulse control, and continuous, focused attention. [...]

What is Perinatal Trauma? Perinatal trauma can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It can affect not only the birth mother, but also the baby, partner, healthcare professionals, or anyone who witnesses the event. There are two main types of perinatal trauma: physical and emotional. Physical trauma includes injuries that can be seen or medically identified, while emotional trauma affects a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. Examples of Perinatal Trauma Perinatal trauma can look different for everyone, but some common experiences include: Emergency C-section or forceps/vacuum-assisted delivery Postpartum hemorrhage Unexpected injuries during birth Pregnancy or infant loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death Traumatic termination of a pregnancy Negative experiences with the healthcare system Unexpected changes to a birth plan that are outside of your control Emergency medical care for your baby Symptoms of Perinatal Trauma If you’ve experienced perinatal trauma, you may notice a range of emotional and physical symptoms, such as: Nightmares or disrupted sleep Intrusive thoughts Flashbacks or reliving the event Panic attacks Anxiety or depression Excessive worry about your baby Difficulty bonding or feeling connected to your baby Thoughts of self-harm or suicide What to Do if You Think You’re Experiencing Perinatal Trauma First and foremost, know that you are not alone—and support is available. If any of these symptoms feel familiar, consider: Talking to your family doctor, obstetrician, or midwife Connecting with a therapist or mental health professional Reaching out to trusted family members or friends for support Practicing self-care and self-compassion as you heal Healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. Supporting Someone Experiencing Perinatal Trauma If someone you care about is going through this, your support can make a meaningful difference: Check in with them regularly Offer practical help where you can Encourage them to seek support from a healthcare provider or therapist Be open and willing to listen if they want to talk about their experience Remind them they are not alone Help normalize their feelings by acknowledging the real impact of both physical and emotional trauma Resources For more information, visit: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/birth-trauma To learn how our team can support you, reach out today to book a free consultation and take the first step toward the care you deserve.

Watching a friend struggle can feel overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, not doing enough, or not knowing how to help at all. The truth is, you don’t need perfect words or all the answers to make a meaningful difference. Support often comes from small, consistent moments of care that help someone feel less alone. If someone in your life is having a difficult time, here are some simple, thoughtful ways you can show up for them in a way that feels supportive, for both of you. Be Present Before You Try to Fix When a friend is struggling, many people avoid them for fear of saying the wrong thing. Other people jump straight into problem-solving. But most of the time, someone who is struggling just needs to feel safe, seen, and understood.What helps more is listening with curiosity and empathy. Examples of supportive responses: "That sounds really heavy." Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m here with you. Do you want advice, or do you just want someone to listen? Feeling heard reduces isolation and shame. Normalize Their Experience Without Minimizing It Avoid comments like: Everyone goes through that. Just stay positive. Instead, validate their feelings: It makes sense that you feel that way after everything you’ve been dealing with. That sounds really tough. Validation tells someone their emotions are real and worthy of care. Encourage Professional Support (Without Forcing It) Friends can offer support, but they shouldn’t have to carry everything alone.You might say: Have you thought about talking to a counselor or therapist? I can help you look for someone if you want. This suggestion lets them know they can get more professional help as a sign of strength, not weakness. And we can help facilitate the process without adding more tasks to their plate. Check In From Time To Time When someone struggles mentally, they often withdraw or feel forgotten.Simple messages matter: Thinking about you today. How are things going this week? Consistency shows that your care isn’t temporary. Offer Practical Support  Sometimes the most helpful thing is small, tangible help. Examples: Going for a walk together, studying or working together, inviting them to low-pressure activities, or helping them make a plan for the day. These actions help break cycles of isolation. Respect Their Pace Healing is not linear. Some days your friend may seem better, and other days they may struggle again. Avoid pressuring them with statements like, "You should be over this by now." Instead: Offer patience, celebrate small progress, accept setbacks. Recovery takes time. Protect Your Own Wellbeing Too Supporting someone doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself. It is easier to pull someone down into a ditch with you than to pull someone by carrying their full weight out of a ditch onto higher ground. Healthy boundaries are important. You can care deeply without being their only support system. Examples: Encourage multiple supports, take breaks when needed, and seek guidance if situations feel overwhelming. You help [...]

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing visibility to a condition that so often exists in the shadows. And yet, for many women, awareness still feels far away from their lived reality. Pain is normalized, questions go unanswered, and the experience of living in a body that does not feel predictable or understood is carried quietly. In my work as a psychotherapist, I often sit with women who have spent years trying to make sense of their symptoms while continuing to show up for their lives in every way they can. There is often a quiet resilience in that, but also a deep exhaustion. This work is deeply meaningful to me not only professionally, but personally as well. As someone who also lives with endometriosis, I understand the layered experience of navigating both the physical pain and the emotional weight that comes with it. I know what it feels like to question your body, to adapt your life around its unpredictability, and to search for a sense of steadiness within something that can feel anything but steady. It is from both this lived experience and my clinical work that I hold space for these conversations, gently, intentionally, and with deep respect for how complex this journey can be. Living in an Unpredictable Body Endometriosis is often described medically as a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, contributing to inflammation, scarring, and pain. While this explanation is important, it rarely captures the lived reality. For many women, the experience is less about a diagnosis and more about what it feels like to move through daily life in a body that can change without warning. Pain does not always follow predictable timelines, and even when it does, the intensity and impact can vary in ways that make it difficult to plan, commit, or feel fully present. Psychologically, this can lead to a form of body vigilance, where your awareness becomes attuned to even subtle shifts in sensation. This is not a sign of anxiety in the way it is often misunderstood, but rather an adaptive response from a nervous system that is trying to anticipate and manage discomfort. Over time, this can make it difficult to feel a sense of ease or trust within your body, leading to a quiet disconnection that many women struggle to put into words. When Your Pain Isn’t Believed One of the most significant emotional impacts of endometriosis is the experience of not being believed. There is often a long and complicated journey toward diagnosis, during which many women encounter dismissal or minimization of their symptoms. Being told that pain is normal or stress related can create a deep internal conflict between what you feel and what you are told is true. From a psychological perspective, this can lead to cognitive dissonance, where the mind attempts to reconcile two conflicting realities. In many cases, the resolution of that tension turns inward, [...]

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than the typical “pre-period” mood changes many people experience. For those living with PMDD, the days, or even weeks, leading up to menstruation can bring intense emotional and physical symptoms. These may include: • Severe irritability • Persistent sadness • Anxiety • Fatigue • Sleep disturbances • Body aches • Thoughts of self-harm These symptoms can be incredibly difficult to manage and may significantly impact work, relationships, and daily functioning. While symptoms often improve within a few days after menstruation begins, the duration and intensity can feel overwhelming. It’s estimated that 2–5% of menstruators experience PMDD. However, due to limited awareness and education, many people feel isolated or may believe they are experiencing general emotional instability rather than a recognized medical condition. Diagnosis There is currently no single test to diagnose PMDD. Instead, diagnosis is based on tracking symptoms over time to identify patterns. A family doctor or psychiatrist will typically look for five or more recurring symptoms before making a formal diagnosis. Risk Factors Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing PMDD, including: • A history of depression or anxiety • A family history of PMDD • High levels of stress • Lifestyle factors such as smoking or weight-related concerns Treatment Options The good news is that PMDD can be managed with the right support. Treatment often includes a combination of medical care, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication A family doctor or psychiatrist may recommend medication to help manage symptoms. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose PMDD and prescribe treatment. Counselling Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can help with emotional regulation, coping strategies, and reducing interpersonal conflict. Lifestyle Supports Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference, including: • Limiting caffeine and alcohol • Maintaining balanced nutrition (with guidance from a nutrition professional if needed) • Incorporating regular movement or exercise It’s important to acknowledge that making lifestyle changes can feel especially difficult when experiencing symptoms like depression or fatigue. This is where working with a supportive therapist, nutritionist, medical doctor etc can help make those changes more manageable. You’re Not Alone If you are experiencing symptoms of PMDD, or supporting someone who is, it’s important to remember that this is a real and recognized medical condition. If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to your family doctor or connecting with a mental health professional. Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Several years ago, I was talking with a young person after a youth event who had grown up in an abusive home. He began to share about his anxiety, depression, anger, and deep hurt. He was clearly struggling, and he felt completely alone. What stood out most was that he didn’t feel safe talking about it within his faith community. He believed he would be met with judgment, shame, or misunderstanding. From my experience at the time, I understood why he felt that way. Sadly, this is not an isolated story. Many people within faith communities carry significant mental health challenges quietly and alone. Over the years, I have encountered numerous individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and other complex challenges, often with little support or follow-up. As a result, many experience deep isolation, suffering in silence rather than finding help and real community. Why People Stay Quiet People in faith communities often stay quiet about their struggles, and the reason I believe is very simple: they do not feel safe. People will often mask themselves in public, especially in faith communities, attempting to protect a projected persona they believe others expect them to adhere too. This is particularly true in communities with rigid or legalistic cultures, where the unspoken message can feel like, “Nothing to see here.” Over time, this leads to masking—where individuals present a version of themselves that appears “fine,” while hiding what is really going on beneath the surface. A simple example is when we ask, “How are you?” Often, the response is, “I’m fine,” even when their life is falling apart. I’ve seen this dynamic play out in many settings. People often live with very different public and private realities, which makes it difficult to truly know one another. When people do not feel safe, trying to be honest and authentic feels like it brings a weighty risk. I have experienced this personally. For many years, I carried anxiety, pain, and emotional strain from a past toxic relationship while working as a faith leader. I felt pressure to appear strong and have everything together. Underneath, I feared that being honest about my struggles would lead to judgment or questions about my ability to lead. That lack of safety led me to hide my struggles and made it much harder to reach out for support when I needed it most. Even when I did try to open up, some responses made it feel even more unsafe. The Misbelief and the Truth A common misconception is that people of faith are expected to reach a kind of “super-faith” status, that vulnerability signals weakness, or that people of faith should not struggle. However, the truth is that belief isn’t reality. Mental health challenges are a part of every human experience that we all experience at some point in life. Struggle, grief, anxiety, and emotional pain are not signs of failure, they are part of being a real human being. When communities intentionally or unintentionally [...]

Journaling is one of the simplest tools we have for supporting our mental health and yet, with our busy, fast moving world, it can easily be overlooked. Journaling however, can offer a pause and give us the space and permission needed to slow down, reflect and reconnect. Putting our many thoughts into words can help: Make sense of overwhelming emotions, Reduce stress, Help us work through situations that may feel confusing or heavy. It doesn’t need to be perfect or clear, it’s our space to be honest on the page! Journaling can be  just a few sentences at the end of the day or a deeper exploration of experiences, and it can become a meaningful part of caring for your mental well-being. At the same time, journaling isn’t for everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that! For some, writing things down can feel uncomfortable, frustrating, or even intensify certain emotions. Others may simply prefer different ways of processing, such as talking things through, engaging in creative outlets, or moving their body. Mental health support is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to find what feels most helpful and sustainable for you. In this blog, we’ll share 3 tips on how to get started and some different types of journaling. Keep it short and low-pressure You don’t need to write pages. Start with just 3–5 minutes or a few sentences. Even something as simple as “Today I felt…” is enough. Consistency matters more than length. Let go of perfection Your journal isn’t for anyone else. Spelling, grammar, and structure don’t matter. Write honestly, even if it’s messy or repetitive. The goal is expression, not perfection. That being said, this can feel uncomfortable for some people. I know for myself, if it doesn’t look “perfect,” I would feel frustrated. So it’s important to acknowledge that this approach isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Use gentle prompts when you’re stuck If you don’t know what to write, try: What’s been on my mind lately? What made me feel good today? What am I worried about right now? These small starting points can make it much easier to get your thoughts flowing. Here are some different types of journaling you can explore to support your mental health; feel free to try a few and see what fits best for you: Free Writing Write whatever comes to mind without filtering or editing. This can be a great way to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Prompt-Based Journaling Use gentle, guided questions to get started such as, “What am I feeling today?” or “What do I need right now?” This can be especially helpful if you’re not sure where to begin. Gratitude Journaling Take a moment to write down things you’re thankful for. This can help shift your focus toward positive moments, even on more difficult days. Reflective Journaling Look back on your day or a specific experience and explore your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Over time, this can [...]

5 Reasons Your Child Might Benefit from Mental Health Support As parents, it’s natural to wonder if what your child is going through is “just a phase” or something more. The truth is, many children benefit from extra support at different points in their lives and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference. Mental health support isn’t only for times of crisis. It can also help children build emotional skills, confidence, and resilience that will serve them for years to come. Here are five common reasons children may benefit from mental health support: Big Feelings That Are Hard to Manage All children have emotional ups and downs, but if your child seems overwhelmed by worry, sadness, anger, or frustration most of the time, they may need extra help learning how to cope with those feelings. Changes in Behaviour If you’re noticing ongoing challenges like frequent meltdowns, aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty following rules, it can be a sign that something deeper is going on beneath the surface. Life Changes or Stressful Events Transitions like starting a new school, family separation, moving, or the loss of a loved one can be tough for children to navigate. Even positive changes can feel overwhelming without the right support. Experiences That Feel Scary or Upsetting Children who have experienced bullying, trauma, or other distressing events may need a safe space to process what happened and begin to feel secure again. Struggles with Friendships, Learning, or Confidence If your child is having difficulty making friends, keeping up at school, or feeling good about themselves, mental health support can help build skills, confidence, and resilience. When Should I Seek Help for My Child? It can be hard to know when to reach out, but there are a few signs that extra support may be helpful. You might consider seeking help if: Your child’s emotions or behaviours are ongoing and don’t seem to improve over time Their struggles are affecting school, friendships, or family life You notice sudden or significant changes in mood, sleep, or appetite Your child seems more withdrawn, anxious, or easily overwhelmed than usual Your instincts are telling you something doesn’t feel quite right You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Reaching out early can help prevent challenges from becoming more overwhelming over time. How to Talk to Your Child About Therapy Starting the conversation about therapy can feel intimidating, but keeping it simple and reassuring can go a long way. Keep it age-appropriate: You might say something like, “We’re going to meet with someone whose job is to help kids with their feelings.” Normalize the experience: Let your child know that lots of kids (and adults!) talk to someone when they need support. Focus on support, not problems: Frame therapy as a safe place to talk, learn new skills, and feel better, not as a punishment. Invite questions: Give your child space to share how they feel and ask anything they’re wondering about. Be reassuring: [...]

Understanding EMDR Therapy Many people come to therapy saying something like: "I’ve talked about it. I understand it. So why does it still affect me?" Maybe you’ve talked about it before. Maybe you understand where your patterns come from. Maybe you can explain your attachment style, your triggers, your coping strategies. And yet, certain situations still hit hard. Certain comments still sting. Certain dynamics still pull you into reactions that feel bigger than the moment. If that resonates, EMDR therapy may be worth learning about. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process and resolve distressing experiences that feel “stuck.” Instead of focusing only on talking through what happened, EMDR works directly with how those experiences are stored in your nervous system. At Brant Mental Health Solutions, EMDR is offered thoughtfully, at a careful pace, and collaboratively. It is not rushed, nor intense for the sake of intensity. It is structured and grounded in emotional safety. The goal is not to overwhelm you—it is to help your system finally settle. How EMDR Works in Everyday Language When something overwhelming happens—whether a major event or a series of smaller experiences—your brain does not always fully process it. Under stress, memories can be stored in a raw, unprocessed form. That’s why years later, something small can trigger a reaction that feels immediate and powerful. You might logically know you are safe, but your body reacts as if you are not. EMDR helps your brain finish what it could not finish at the time. During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping—is used while you focus briefly on a specific memory, belief, or emotional experience. This activates the brain’s natural processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep. Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally charged and more integrated. Clients often describe it like this: “I can remember it, but it doesn’t take over.” “It feels like it happened in the past, not like it’s happening again.” “I don’t spiral the same way.” The memory remains part of your story. It simply stops running the show. EMDR Is Not Only for Big Trauma Many people assume EMDR is only for severe trauma or post-traumatic stress. While it is highly effective for those experiences, trauma is not always a single catastrophic event. Trauma can also look like: Chronic criticism or emotional neglect Growing up in a home where you had to “stay small” Repeated rejection or betrayal Medical procedures or bullying Feeling unsafe expressing emotions Long-term stress that keeps your body on alert EMDR was originally developed by Francine Shapiro and has since been extensively researched. Trauma includes both large, acute events and smaller, repeated experiences that shape how we see ourselves and others. If you notice patterns like people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, intense self-doubt, emotional reactivity, perfectionism, or feeling “not good enough,” these often have roots in earlier experiences that were never fully [...]

Understanding Fatigue: More Than Just “Being Tired” Fatigue isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a deeper, more persistent sense of exhaustion that affects your body, your mind, and the way you move through your day. While most of us have experienced tiredness after a long week or a restless night, fatigue can feel different, like a heaviness that doesn’t fully lift, even after rest. What makes fatigue so confusing is that it doesn’t always stem from a single source. Sometimes it’s physical: your body may be coping with poor sleep, stress, illness, joint or muscular dysfunction, or even nutritional gaps. Other times it’s mental: anxiety, depression, burnout, or overwhelming life demands that can drain your energy. In reality, fatigue is often a combination of both. The body and mind are closely connected, and when one is struggling, the other usually follows. In this blog, we’ll explore both the physical and mental health components of fatigue and how chiropractic care can support energy and function, and strategies to improve overall vitality. How Chiropractic Care Supports Energy, Function, & Freedom of Movement Fatigue has become one of the most common complaints in modern life. It’s not just about needing more sleep, it’s that heavy, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t fully improve with rest. For many, especially those dealing with chronic fatigue, the issue runs deeper than long workdays or stress. From a functional standpoint, your body’s energy is closely tied to how well it moves, adapts, and recovers. When joints are restricted and muscles are not functioning optimally, your body has to work harder than it should. That inefficiency quietly drains your energy over time. Regular chiropractic care can help restore mobility, reduce tension, and support efficient movement, which allows your body to use energy more effectively. Understanding Fatigue from a Functional Perspective Fatigue can stem from: Poor sleep quality Chronic stress Inflammation Hormonal imbalance Nutritional deficiencies Chronic pain Autonomic nervous system imbalance One often overlooked contributor is biomechanical inefficiency. When joints don’t move properly and muscles aren’t functioning optimally, your body compensates, increasing muscular tension, energy expenditure, and neurological stress. Over time, this creates a constant drain on your energy. The Energy Cost of Restricted Movement When joints lose mobility: Muscles tighten to protect the area Other joints compensate Posture shifts Breathing patterns change Circulation may be affected This creates a state of low-grade stress in the body. The nervous system remains on alert, muscles never fully relax, and energy is constantly diverted toward stabilization rather than performance and recovery. Chiropractic Care and the Nervous System Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint motion, particularly in the spine, and improving communication within the nervous system. The spine protects the spinal cord, a major communication highway between your brain and body. Restricted spinal joints (joint dysfunction) can irritate surrounding tissues and dysregulate the nervous system. Functional benefits of chiropractic adjustments include: Improved joint mobility Reduced muscle tension and guarding Enhanced proprioception (body awareness of movement and position) Better posture [...]