Dr Melissa Holowaty

01/22/2026

I really respect this allergist and follow him routinely. I also have numerous patients in my pain practice with MCAS who I thought might be interested in this exploration.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16rUhQWjRw/

01/05/2026

There are an estimated million Canadians suffering from Long CoVID. I got to see a talk by Dr Ric Arseneau recently, and it was just fantastic. His website has lots of interesting and useful resources.
https://bc-clmf.org/

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a compassionate, kind, generous and respectful 2026.

If you are making your well being a priority for this coming year, I'd like to share this list of affirmations to look over. You might find one that is particularly suitable for you. Write it down where you can see it, or use it as a background for your phone or computer. Repeat it to yourself, even if you don't fully believe it. If we hear something enough, we begin to believe it.

12/29/2025

Going Through A Life Change?

The University of Saskatchewan Psychology Clinic invites you to join their new group therapy offered this Winter- Coping with life changes

Life is changing — you don’t have to face it alone. Join our therapy group to gain support and build skills for navigating life’s changes.

Dates: Thursdays, 1-3 pm (Jan 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5,19,26)
Location: virtual
NO CHARGE, FREE

For more information contact: USPC Reception @ (306) 966-6895 and indicate an interest in the Life changes group.

12/21/2025

Tips To Beat The Holiday Blues from Nedra Tawwab

1. Create new traditions

2. If being in the same house as your family is stressful, decide early to stay in a hotel instead of with family

3. Don't declare, "I hate the holidays." Commit to finding a way to make this year different.

4. Don't force unhealthy interactions because "it's Thanksgiving or it's Christmas."

5. Set expectations (early) about gift-giving, Commit to not going in debt

6. Celebrate with friends, if your family isn't an option

7. If cooking is stressful, get your meal catered or go out to a restaurant.

8. If you're visiting family, carve out some alone time

9. If you feel lonely this time of year, make a list of things you can do to enjoy the holiday season

Photo by Alisa Anton

12/17/2025

Planning on surgery some time this coming year? Want to learn more about how best to manage your pain before and after surgery? This course from Pain Canada can be very useful.

Pain Canada is made up of people living with pain and pain organizations from coast to coast. Our partners are leading advocates, researchers, clinical experts, and champions on the issue of chronic pain in Canada. Read more

12/13/2025

This Might Hurt is a documentary that offers solutions to reduce and unlearn chronic pain. The film follows three chronic pain patients who have spent years searching for answers. Desperate for relief, they enter a new medical program — run by Dr. Howard Schubiner — that focuses on uncovering hidden causes of pain, and retraining their brains to switch the pain off.

https://www.thismighthurtfilm.com/

Tell me what you think of this.

This Might Hurt is a documentary that offers solutions to cure chronic pain disorders like back pain, neck pain, head pain, migraines, and anxiety.

12/08/2025

Anxiety or Worry taking hold this winter?

The University of Saskatchewan Psychology Clinic invites you to join their new group therapy offered this Winter – CBT for Anxiety and Worry!

Wednesdays from 10:30am-12:30pm to work with a supportive group as you develop skills to help alleviate anxiety and worry.

Sessions take place on campus at the University of Saskatchewan Psychology Clinic and start January 14, 2026. This group includes eight sessions and costs $100 (that’s only $12.50 per session!).

Have questions? Interested in joining? Want more details? Contact the clinic by phone or email.
Phone: 306-966-6895
Email: psychology.clinic@usask.ca

12/06/2025

It's interesting that I've tried to post this article here for 2 days and Facebook isn't publishing it - Read my blog on Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women here -

guest blog - Melissa Holowaty

11/30/2025

Another great mental health resource I was recently made aware of - this time for pregnant and post-partum women. They have links to support groups (virtual and in person), support volunteers, and a peer mentor program.

This resource is highly valuable for anyone dealing with mood, anxiety, or emotional challenges during or after pregnancy.

👶 The Blue Dot Project: Perinatal Mental Health Resources
The primary goal of the "Get Help" page is to ensure that pregnant and new parents know they are not alone and have immediate access to support for mental health and mood disorders.
Specialized Maternal Mental Health Helplines
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine:
o Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
o Text in English: 800-944-4773
o Text en Español: 971-203-7773

If you are struggling right now please know you are not alone and thousands have been right where you are, and are thinking of you right now.

11/28/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/14Qpc4zKexX/

11/25/2025

🧠 Greater Good in Action (GGIA)
https://ggia.berkeley.edu/

I was just made aware of this resource! The website curates over 100 short, science-based practices designed to foster a happier, more meaningful life. The practices are based on research from the fields of positive psychology and social-emotional learning.

Each practice is a brief, guided activity (e.g., a short reflection, a writing exercise, or a simple meditation) with instructions on how to do it and the science behind why it works.

The practices are categorized by themes:

Mindfulness: Practices like Mindful Breathing and Body Scan Meditation are essential for calming the nervous system and reducing stress, which can amplify pain.

Resilience to Stress: Techniques for changing your outlook on negative events, Gaining Perspective, and managing challenging emotions.

Self-Compassion: Practices like the Self-Compassion Break and Self-Compassionate Letter help counter self-criticism, which is a common challenge when living with a persistent condition.

Happiness & Gratitude: Exercises like Three Good Things help shift attention away from pain and towards the positive moments in your life.