Mental Health is not something that just affects “some” people.

Just as every one of us has to deal with catching the flu, or to learn how to handle hereditary illnesses and natural aging, mental health is part of whole-body health for every person.  If you (or someone you care about) become mentally ill, treatment is necessary.

Just as there are preventative measures you can take to ensure a healthy body, there are ways to safeguard a healthy mind. Here are some books from Mississauga’s libraries that can help you manage your mental health.

For methods and exercises for your brain:

Step Back: Why You Need to Stop What You’re Doing to Start Living

By Norman Drummond

158 DRU

2016

We can't hope to achieve our potential unless we take time out to work out what is most important to us. Drummond focuses on the rich rewards of stepping back: clarity of thought, stronger objectives - and the ability to discern the true priorities of your own heart.

Reclaim your Brain: how to calm your thoughts, heal your mind and bring your life back under control

By Joseph Annibali, M.D.

158.1 ANN 
2015

Dr. Joseph Annibali has treated thousands of people with overloaded, overstimulated brains. Whether they are diagnosed with anxiety, disabling OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, or even substance abuse, Annibali’s approach is to address the Too-Busy Brain, a great irritant that interferes with attention, concentration, focus, mood, and often much more. Through practical strategies, understandable explanations, and prescriptive mind-management techniques, Dr. Annibali helps readers get back in control of their lives.

For healthy eating practices and managing children with mental health issues:

 

The disconnected kids nutrition plan: proven strategies to enhance learning and focus for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological disorders

By Robert Melillo, M.D.

618. 928 MEL

2016

Dr. Robert Melillo’s Brain Balance program has helped thousands of families across the country, offering a drug-free, scientifically based method for addressing a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. He presents the nutritional side of the Brain Balance Program, featuring guidelines, tips, and kid-friendly recipes based on the latest scientific research on how food affects the brain. 

 
For inspiration:

Champion for health: how Clara Hughes fought depression to win Olympic gold

By Richard Brignall

796. 62092 HUGHE

2016

Clara Hughes pushed through pain to get to the finish line, trying to have her best race every day but few knew that the same determination and focus were also needed to fight her own personal battles. Clara's inspiring story does not end with winning gold. She has become a symbol of the fight to remove the stigma from mental illness by cycling thousands of kilometres in all kinds of weather to raise awareness. Clara is a remarkable athlete, but it is her strength and courage off the track that have made her a true champion.

Silent running: our family's journey to the finish line with autism

By Robyn Schneider

618. 92858 SCH

2015

Running is a way of life for the Schneider family, but not in the same way as it is for most runners. Twin brothers Alex and Jamie Schneider are severely autistic yet they have run almost 150 races, including six marathons. Their father Allan successfully manages his symptoms of multiple sclerosis with vitamins and miles of jogging on the trails near their Long Island home. Their mother Robyn, while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer six years ago, decided to run her way to recovery. In Silent Running, Robyn Schneider shares her family’s incredible story of triumph in the face of enormous hurdles, and of the shared passion that has fueled their fight.

Look for these books and more at your local library!

Laura Bilyea, Librarian

Mississauga Central Library

Originally posted at:

https://toughtimestabloid.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/tough-times-may-june-2017.pdf

Erosion

You know that it sweeps away pesky garbage, dirt, soil, plants, trees, rocks, boulders, glaciers, landforms.

It can start small, obviously, but once the big chunks start breaking off, it gets a bit harder to manage. The landscape's shape changes. Whole species of plants and animals are not seen any more. The place doesn't look familiar.

Here at midlife, I'm beginning to feel like an island in the middle of the river during spring runoff. Pieces of me are breaking off, washing away. Nice parts; soft ones like moss. Sweet-smelling ones like flowers and new grass.

What's left is sharp-edged, rocky and smaller somehow. Smaller-minded, with smaller amounts of patience, tenderness, willingness.

I don't own the river. I don't control the amount of water flowing past. But I do need to hang on to some of those softer plants far more tightly.

Welcome to Canada!

Welcome to Canada!

Welcome, new immigrant, to the red-and-white land of socialized healthcare, public education and government-funded social agencies, all waiting to help you feel at home. But just where does one start?

Have you just arrived? Try a settlement agency—there are over 40 to choose from in the Peel Region alone. Your local library can help you find one close to where you live. Settlement agencies can help you with information on housing, personal identification cards, even learning what clothing you’ll need to make it through our varied seasons.

Is there information I can find on my own? Absolutely. The Ontario government has a website set up for new immigrants. http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/index.htm

The City of Mississauga does, too. http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/newcomers

And there are books you can read at your local library that can help you prepare for life in Canada. We also have books and films in 25 different languages and as well as kits to help you improve your English skills. Drop in, and we’ll help get you on your way!

 

365 Tips for Newcomers : Your First Year in Canada

Nick Noorani

325.71 NOO

2014

This book provides 365 tips for your first year in Canada on everything from finding a doctor to opening a bank account to searching for the right schools for your children to buying real estate. It is an indispensable guide on how you can make your first year a great success that will establish you in Canada sustainably for the rest of your life.

 

You're Hired--Now What? : An Immigrant's Guide to Success in the Canadian Workplace

Lynda Goldman

2010

650.13 GOL

You're Hired...Now What? will give people from different countries and backgrounds an understanding of Canadian workplace culture and norms. The material is presented as a general guide to adapting to a professional environment and explains common best-practice procedures at work. Examples are given to help explain and illustrate the positive results of working within these general guidelines. 

 

Newcomer's Guide to Canada: Information to Help Newcomers Before and After Arrival

Barbara Dixon

2015

325.71 DIX

The Newcomer's Guide to Canada is a practical resource to help immigrants and refugees succeed in Canada and the Canadian workplace. It contains six chapters on: Pre-Arrival, Coping with Culture Shock, Settlement, Finding a Job, Cultural Differences and Canadian Workplace Culture. It has Pre-Arrival, PTSD Symptoms, Rental and Settlement checklists. Worksheets on professional transferable skills, taking initiative and taking ownership are included. Sample cover letters, resumes and interview questions and answers are provided. The Newcomer's Guide is a resource for immigrants, refugees, settlement workers, HR professionals and managers.

Adults are not the only immigrants. Children need to learn more about their new country, too, and these books can help:

 

Canadian Geographic Canada for Kids: 1000 Awesome Facts

Aaron Kylie

2015

J 971 KYL

In this patriotic celebration of Canada's superlatives, complete with 300 color photographs, kids are presented with thousands of unique facts, figures and feats that make the country unique.

 

ABC of Canada

Kim Bellefontaine

2002

X421.1 BEL

From Arctic to Zamboni, kids can follow the alphabet on a colorful tour across Canada. On their journey, they'll visit Canadian landmarks, including Jasper National Park and Peggy's Cove. They'll also meet friendly characters enjoying Canadian pastimes, such as riding in the Calgary Stampede, playing hockey and watching the Northern Lights. Vivid illustrations and simple language guarantee that even the youngest traveler will enjoy this trip!

See you at the library!

Laura Bilyea, librarian, Mississauga Central Library.

Originally published at Tough Times

Easter eggs, dyed naturally

Fresh from their onion skin wrappers, still warm to the touch. I am grateful that got this "recipe" from an Estonian friend--I love the natural hues and patterns that emerge from this dyeing method. I still have 12 more to dye with my kids in those expected blues and pinks, but for me, these are the best.

He is Risen! Happy Easter!

Mighty Crocus

These are my most favourite flowers.
They are tiny, they look frightfully crushable, they last such a short time BUT they are plant-heroes.
Why?
They are a heart-stopping shade of indigo blue.
They are a vanguard of colour in a grey pre-spring world.
They are the fearless first of all our gardens to resurrect after the winter.
They will push through snow to reach the sun.
They have true grit.
They give me courage.

My life is full

My life is full.

I have chosen for it to be so. I have filled it with paid work that I enjoy, that I sought and won, which gives me pride. My life has commitments to children that I chose to raise, to a marriage that I continue to choose every day.

I choose to write, to fill my spare time with personal learning and stretching my skills.

I am valued by those I respect in my life. My life is rich and I am grateful for it.

The little jobs that keep life going? Those I take on without resentment, at least on most days.

February Robin, revisited

A year ago, I posted my first sighting of a robin in my cold Canadian neighbourhood. This year, it's today, Feb 16th--not 19th as in a year ago--and I encountered a whole flock of robins. There were about ten of them along the same three fruit trees on my street. Fresh off the cloud and full of song. The singleton from last year must have told his buds about the frozen fruit buffet.

Hope it will last for all of them! It's still a long way to spring!