It’s 1:29 AM. I’m drinking decaf. I should be in bed, but I’m not. I wanted to write you a quick note. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, but couldn’t gain any traction to actually get it done. So many distractions. So many reasons not to. I wanted you to know that […]
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My mental health crisis does NOT end in tragedy. Share your story to help others get through theirs. May is Mental Health Awareness month
I had a mental health crisis when I was a Grade 8 Teacher at Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School (OCDSB) here in Ottawa. As a result of what happened at school, I am no longer fit to teach in the classroom. But, my story doesn’t end here. My mental health crisis doesn’t end in tragedy. […]
How to keep going when life sucks: Water the grass. And, #GetLoud.
WHEN LIFE REALLY SUCKS, GET HELP. I did. If you’re a youth in Canada (20 years old or younger), reach out to a trusted adult. Kids Help Phone also offers 24/7/365 support. If you’re an adult in Ottawa (16 or older), you can contact the Crisis Line. The Canadian Mental Health Association has information about […]
How to be happy: Choose (your) Struggle
Disclaimer: I’m not recommending you quit your job or make major changes to your life. I’m simply saying that I did. I do me, you do you, and somehow we’ll figure this thing out. Instead of asking what do you want out of life, ask yourself what problems are you willing to put up with? […]
How to persevere when you lose your job: 5 strategies
How do you persevere if you lose your job? Change your perspective and think of this an opportunity to re-invent yourself Have you ever thought about what would happen if you lost your job? Or what if a major traumatic event happened in your life and, through no fault of your own, you can’t work […]
Excellent Rogers Customer Service:Mental Health Support Starts With…
This is an open letter to Rogers celebrating the compassion and empathy demonstrated by a Rogers employee as I struggled to deal with a mental health crisis and an unexpected Rogers charge. DISCLAIMER: I did ask the Rogers manager for information about how to celebrate her excellent customer service, both formally (and informally on social […]
Ottawa Teacher diagnosed with major depression. What happens next?
Don’t be ashamed of your Mental Health story. It will inspire others. Quote Source: HealthyPlace.com Today is an epic day. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist with major situational depression. Apparently, insurance companies really like this code because it’s clear cut for coverage. But, that doesn’t matter as I’ve already resigned from my Grade 8 […]
Grit, Tenacity, Resilience: Change your story
How do you turn the worst moment of your life into the best? I don’t know. We’re only at the beginning of the adventure. But, I think that’s the key to eternal happiness. This is the story of how a Grade 8 teacher goes from thriving in the classroom to quitting the profession entirely in […]
