Fundamentally Human

Have you noticed how the fall and wintertime have impacted your mood? Perhaps you've felt dread waking up to darkness to go to work or school and knowing that you'll be leaving for home in the dark, too. In this episode, I explain the psychological and biological behind-the-scenes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and explore strategies on what you could do to move through the darker months. 

Check out the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/seasonal_affective_disorder/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

When we think about staying balanced, we might picture a balance beam and trying to stand on our tiptoes but always live in the constant fear of falling or toppling over. In this episode, I share about what I've been up to and how I've been trying to stay balanced through self-regulation, mindfulness, being disciplined, setting boundaries, and listening to your body and mind.

Check out the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/staying_balanced/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Trauma affects everyone in a different way and often has long-lasting effects that can be visible and invisible. Ovey extends her bravery in this episode by sharing her experience after a car accident and what it means to recover.

Ovey's TEDTalk on embracing the unknown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puEJGMeQ6EA

Ovey's webinar with Brain Injury Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6qhH5IHbAU

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Perfectionism is defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect or even to believe that it’s possible to achieve perfection. It’s usually considered or viewed as a positive trait instead of a flaw. Endlessly and tirelessly striving for perfection can be damaging and self-stabotaging. I explore my own journey with perfectionism and how my OCD and anxiety play a role in this.

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

For many Asian communities and households, mental health was on the bottom of the priority list and is usually surrounded by negative stigma and a sign of weakness. Mari lends his knowledge as a Master of Public Health candidate and we explore our own experiences with how mental health looked like in our families.

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

How many times have you asked yourself, "Why am I doing this?" KoDoRiN, one of the world's top Marth Melee players, explores his why, how he measures and evaluates his growth, and how he overcomes challenges that comes with performing at high levels.

Follow KoDoRiN here: https://twitter.com/KoDoRiNSSB

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/know_your_why/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Trigger warning: This topic may be difficult, intense, and triggering for some individuals. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out to your support system or call a crisis line. Please do what is comfortable and safe for you.

Joanne and I explore her journey with suicide and how it has shaped her into the person today, four years later. She shares her new insights, what support and recovery have looked like for her, and some misconceptions about suicide. 

Crisis Line in the US: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Line in Canada: 1-833-456-4566

Connect with Joanne on her YouTube channel Bubble Talks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3N0J6nX4LjJwbje7oqBUCw/featured

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/understanding_suicide/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Mood spectrums, mania, clinical episodes, and depression...these are some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder that Julia explores with us during this episode. She shares an experience of a friend with bipolar disorder and combines her own expertise to teach us the different symptoms and treatment options available.

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/bipolar_disorder/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that impacts how individuals feel, think, and behave. They might even feel like they are losing touch with reality. Newvick Lee provides insight from his experiences as a pharmacist working with schizophrenic patients.

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/schziophrenia/

Check out Newvick's Google Chrome extension here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wittwise-extension/obcglfbhofmeckndpnkonijbngfkcldp

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a lifelong neurological disorder that impacts how individuals focus and control their behaviours. Megan Fass and David Kuang speak about their journey with ADHD, treatment options, and how you can accommodate or support individuals with ADHD.

While David is not on social media, Megan can be found on Twitter @fass_sea

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/living_with_adhd/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music