MindPeace Psychology

10/16/2025

Don’t Ignore the Signs: Depression Can Return, Even After You Feel Better

Depression doesn't always disappear for good, even when treatment seems successful.

In fact, up to 50% of people who recover from depression will face a relapse within a year. And with every episode, the chances of recurrence rise.

But here's the truth most people don’t talk about:

Relapse doesn’t mean you failed. It means your brain and body are still healing—and with the right tools, you can protect your progress.

💡 In this article, you'll discover:
🔹 Common triggers that reignite depressive symptoms
🔹 Early warning signs to watch out for (before it spirals)
🔹 Evidence-based strategies like MBCT, CBT, and Behavioural Activation that truly work
🔹 How to create a personal relapse prevention plan that works for YOU

Whether you’ve battled depression or know someone who has, knowledge is power—and prevention is healing. 🌱💪

Don’t wait for symptoms to return. Learn how to spot the signs and stay well.

📖 Read the full article and protect your mental wellness journey.
https://mindpeace.ca/depression-relapse-how-to-prevent-and-recognize-early-signs/

10/07/2025

Master Your Emotions, Master Your Money: Series Two.

Some individual investors are showing signs of irrational exuberance — driven by FOMO, urgency, and optimism bias. Here’s the psychological truth: decisions rooted in fear or greed are rarely rational.

The antidote? Emotional awareness, circuit breakers (like taking a walk before trading), and a disciplined investment strategy grounded in long-term goals — not headlines.

Our founder and clinical director, Dr. Houyuan Luo, discusses again the importance of managing our emotions in investing, as it doesn’t just protect our mental health—it also safeguards our financial future.

Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada

09/29/2025

Last Friday afternoon, Ms. Li Li from MindPeace Psychology, joined Fairchild Radio again on a Mandarin-speaking radio program to discuss parenting.

Key Takeaways from The Discussion

Ms. Li Li points out that during adolescence, the brain’s frontal lobe is not yet fully developed, resulting in strong emotions but weaker regulatory skills. At the same time, teenagers begin to form independence and judgment, making parent–child relationships particularly challenging at this stage.

Parents need to understand that mood swings in adolescence are a normal part of development, rather than a sign of personality flaws. When conflicts arise, parents should avoid arguing when emotions run high, choose calm moments to communicate, respect their child’s feelings, and maintain appropriate rules and boundaries. A positive parent–child relationship provides children with a sense of security and happiness, thereby shaping their personality and influencing their future relationships.

Regarding smartphones and social media, Ms. Li suggests that parents first focus on building a solid relationship before setting rules. Avoid excessive control, guide children to use technology reasonably, and prioritize connection over criticism. Spending quality time together, such as watching movies or shows, helps create a better atmosphere for communication and closeness.

Finally, she reminds parents that the brain, especially the frontal lobe, continues to develop fully only after the age of 20. Patience, understanding, and clear, consistent boundaries are essential to help children grow up healthy and well-adjusted.

Link to the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcrT41Y_MtU

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如何打造高质量的亲子关系在2025年9月26日的‪ AM1430国语热线节目中，主持人霁言邀请到了注册社工 | 心理治疗师李莉女士，就亲子关系，展开了一场深入的探讨。李莉指出，青春期孩子的大脑额叶尚未完全发育，...

09/24/2025

For many, childhood trauma isn’t just a contributing factor, it’s often the hidden root of lifelong depression.

A colleague once shared an analogy that struck me deeply: mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety are much like a fever in medicine. A fever can be caused by countless conditions, but unless we uncover and address the true underlying illness, we’re only treating the surface.

The same holds true for mental health. We can’t just chase symptoms. We need to dig deeper, ask the harder questions, and recognize that early emotional wounds may be silently driving today’s pain.

https://mindpeace.ca/childhood-trauma-and-depression-healing-from-the-past/

09/15/2025

Toronto’s Parks Are Healing Spaces 💚

Feeling overwhelmed? A walk in nature can do wonders.

🌿 Research shows outdoor time reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps with anxiety.

🏞️ Visit High Park, Don Valley, or Toronto Islands for your mental refresh.

💊 Doctors in Ontario are even prescribing nature!

📘 Discover how nature helps Toronto heal, one step at a time.

https://mindpeace.ca/nature-and-mental-health-a-powerful-path-to-healing-in-toronto/

09/10/2025

Emotion regulation doesn’t just protect our mental health—it safeguards our financial future.

Revenge investing. Panic buying and selling. Chasing the latest hype. These are emotionally fueled moves that rarely pay off in the long run.

The real win? Pause. Breathe. Stick to the plan. Calm minds grow portfolios.

https://inspiredinvestor.rbcdirectinvesting.com/en/di/hubs/ideas-and-motivation/article/revenge-investing/mda8ri3v

The term is entering the lexicon – and it could help you save more of your money

09/08/2025

Young People’s Mental Health Is in Crisis – And It's Changing What We Thought We Knew About Well-being

For years, research showed that people tended to feel worse in midlife, then better as they got older. It formed a kind of "U-shape" in happiness across the lifespan.

But that’s no longer true.

A new global study across 44 countries shows that young people now report the highest levels of anxiety, sadness, and stress—and their mental health is getting worse over time.

👉 The pattern has flipped: today, mental health tends to improve with age, not get worse.

Some key takeaways:
Young people under 25—especially young women—are struggling the most.

This shift started before the pandemic but was made worse by it.

Possible reasons include social media pressure, rising costs of living, and not enough access to mental health support.

This is more than just a personal issue—it’s a global trend with serious consequences for education, work, and health systems.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0327858

Across many studies subjective well-being has followed a U-shape in age, declining until people reach middle-age, only to rebound subsequently. Ill-being has followed a mirror-imaged hump-shape. Using graphical and regression analyses of repeat cross-sectional micro-data from the United States and t...

09/04/2025

Our founder and clinical director, Dr. Houyuan Luo, recently joined TRT World 's program to talk about how nature can benefit our mental health.

Here is the takeaway message from the show:

Research shows that reconnecting with nature is one of the most powerful—and free—ways to boost your well-being.

Spending just 20–30 minutes in a park, forest, or near water can lower stress hormones like cortisol, improve mood, sharpen focus, and even help reduce anxiety and depression. It works by calming the nervous system, balancing brain chemistry, and giving our minds a break from the constant noise of modern life.

And it’s not just about personal health—protecting green spaces and biodiversity means protecting the mental health of our communities, now and for future generations.

So take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and remember: nature is a medicine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Yj0eH5SqQ&t=114s

On this episode of Just 2 Degrees: Shocking new research reveals a toxic, cancer-linked element showing up in rice because of greenhouse gases. Even your mor...

09/02/2025

Last Friday afternoon, our founder and clinical director, Dr. Houyuan Luo, joined Fairchild Radio again on a Mandarin-speaking radio program to discuss men's mental health.

Key Takeaways from Our Discussion

Dr. Luo explained that men are often seen as the steady pillars of their families. This pressure to be strong and rational can lead them to bottle up their feelings, causing their struggles to go unnoticed.

What's Behind the Midlife Crisis?

Dr. Luo noted that the midlife crisis is a common experience that many people undergo. For many men, hitting middle age means their careers, physical strength, and energy levels might be slowing down. This can trigger feelings of anxiety and a loss of identity, especially when it's mixed with hormonal changes and family responsibilities.

How Men Deal with It

Unlike women who might talk about their problems, a lot of men show their stress through their behaviour. They might become quiet, irritable, or lose themselves in substance use (e.g., smoking or alcohol) or hobbies like video games or fishing. Dr. Luo put it this way: emotions are like a river—if you block the flow, they'll find another way to burst out.

Finding a Way Forward

For men who do seek help, Dr. Luo shared that they often prefer a direct, problem-solving approach. He advises starting with practical solutions, like improving sleep, before diving into deeper issues like anxiety. He also recommends that when you're feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to take a moment to breathe or step away from the situation to calm down.

In the end, Dr. Luo reminded us that true strength comes from being able to admit your own struggles. This new perspective on what it means to be tough can make a significant difference for anyone navigating the challenges of midlife.

The audio recording is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1l0bsAYnfI&t=24s

#多伦多 #心理学 #心理咨询 #抑郁 #焦虑 #加拿大 #男人 #男性 #男性心理健康

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08/25/2025

Last Friday afternoon, our founder and clinical director, Dr. Houyuan Luo, joined Fairchild Radio again on a Mandarin-speaking radio program to discuss immigration and midlife mental health.

Key Takeaways from Our Discussion

The "Reset" Feeling: Dr. Luo explained that a significant source of distress for many immigrants is the feeling of starting from scratch. Professionals who were well-established in their home country often find themselves facing a completely new job market, language barriers, and a lack of their previous social support systems.

The Need for Self-Advocacy: We also discussed the contrast between Chinese and Canadian workplace cultures. While many of us are taught to be humble and let our work speak for itself, Dr. Luo noted that success in Canada often requires being more assertive and vocal about our achievements. He offered practical tips, such as engaging in small talk with colleagues and managers and proactively highlighting your contributions.

Tools for Emotional Well-Being: Dr. Luo emphasized that the first step to managing emotional distress is to acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Instead of immediately trying to solve the problem, he suggests engaging in activities that calm you down, whether that's going for a walk, enjoying nature, or simply practicing deep breathing exercises.

The audio recording is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIAZwStTXiA&t=35s

#多伦多 #心理学 #心理咨询 #抑郁 #焦虑 #加拿大

移居海外，如何面对落差与中年心事？当新生活的美好憧憬与现实的挑战不期而遇，许多人都会感到失落，尤其是步入中年的移民朋友，更容易感到压力倍增。在@fairchildradiotor 加拿大中文电台AM1430国语热线的直播间里，罗厚员.....

08/18/2025

Last Friday afternoon, our founder and clinical director, Dr. Houyuan Luo, joined Fairchild Media Radio Toronto on a Mandarin-speaking radio program to discuss coping with economic downturn.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Warning Signs

Dr. Luo explained that economic stress now has a more pronounced impact on people's mental well-being. This is not only reflected in emotional distress but also physical warning signs. Common early indicators include insomnia, changes in appetite, and a lack of patience with family and friends. These seemingly minor changes are often signs of being overwhelmed. In the program, Dr. Luo shared a simple self-assessment tool—keeping an emotion journal—to help listeners better understand their emotional patterns.

Avoid Common Traps and Find the Right Path

When faced with stress, many of us fall into the trap of unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as bottling up emotions or resorting to behaviours like substance abuse. Dr. Luo emphasized that these methods only make the problem worse. A supportive family system is crucial for navigating crises. Blaming and arguing can be detrimental, while understanding, support, and empathy can build a strong shield against stress.

Building Resilience for Long-Term Strength

Dr. Luo also offered several low-cost, effective ways to manage mental health, including regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and connecting with nature. He encouraged listeners to shift their focus from external pressures to their internal well-being during economic downturns, viewing it as an opportunity to re-evaluate their life values.

The discussion also clarified the differences between depression, anxiety, and short-term mood swings. Dr. Luo stressed that seeking professional help is a sign of strength and should never be stigmatized, especially if your symptoms are persistent and impacting your daily life.

The audio recording is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSpUrFTuW7M&t=138s

#多伦多 #心理学 #心理咨询 #抑郁 #焦虑

多伦多千山静心理诊所创始人，临床主管罗厚员博士于2025年8月15日晚做客加拿大中文广播（ ）AM1430，讨论“职场与经济寒冬中的自我心理守护”。 洞察焦虑，了解身体发出的“信号”罗博士指出，经济压力对人们...