NU PSYCHOLOGY BLOG
Insights For Your Next Chapter.
Explore articles from NU Psychology on therapy, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, trauma, EMDR, depression, relationships, burnout, neurodiversity, and psychological assessments. Our Calgary psychologists share practical, evidence-informed resources to help adults, older teens, couples, and families better understand mental health and take meaningful next steps.
Summer Doesn't Always Feel Like Freedom
Summer is often expected to be the happiest time of the year, but that isn't everyone's experience. Explore how seasonal expectations, social comparison, and the pressure to "make the most of it" can affect mental health—and why it's okay for your summer to look different.
Disability Pride Month: Moving Beyond Awareness Toward Inclusion
Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to move beyond awareness and explore what true inclusion looks like. Learn how strengths-based perspectives, accessibility, and understanding can help create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Belonging Matters: Mental Health, Culture, and the Power of Being Understood
Belonging is more than fitting in—it's feeling seen, understood, and accepted for who you are. Discover how connection, culture, and supportive relationships shape mental health and why finding spaces where you truly belong can make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish: Rethinking What It Really Means
Self-care isn't about luxury or indulgence—it's about protecting your mental health before burnout takes over. Discover how small, consistent habits can strengthen resilience, improve wellbeing, and help you show up more fully for yourself and the people around you.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves: How Our Inner Narrative Shapes Mental Health
The stories we tell ourselves influence how we see the world, respond to challenges, and relate to others. Learn how your inner narrative develops, why it matters, and how greater self-awareness can help you create a healthier, more compassionate perspective.
Feeling Behind in Life: The Pressure of Watching Everyone Else Move Forward
Many people worry they're falling behind in life, whether it's their career, relationships, finances, or personal goals. Discover why these feelings are so common, how invisible timelines shape our thinking, and how to find confidence in your own journey.
Doing Everything Yourself: When Asking for Help Feels Harder Than It Should
Many people find it easier to carry everything alone than ask for support. Learn the psychology behind self-reliance, vulnerability, and building healthier, more connected relationships.
When Slowing Down Feels Impossible
Ever wonder why relaxing feels harder than staying busy? Explore the psychology behind constant productivity, nervous system activation, and how to build a healthier relationship with rest.
The Other Side of Summer: Understanding Mental Health During the Season
Summer is often portrayed as the happiest time of year—a season filled with vacations, sunshine, and opportunities to recharge. Yet for many people, summer can also bring unexpected challenges. Changes in routine, social pressure, loneliness, financial stress, and the expectation to make the most of the season can all affect mental wellbeing. This article explores the often-overlooked side of summer and offers practical ways to support your mental health throughout the season.
What Pride Month Reminds Us About Identity, Courage, and Mental Health
Pride Month is about more than celebrations and visibility. At its heart, it is a reminder of the importance of belonging, authenticity, and human connection. This article explores how acceptance, community, and the freedom to be yourself can influence mental health, while highlighting the resilience and courage found throughout LGBTQ+ experiences.
Coming Out Is a Process, Not a Moment
Coming out is often portrayed as a single conversation, but for many LGBTQ+ individuals, it is a journey that unfolds over time. From self-discovery and identity exploration to acceptance and belonging, the process can bring both challenges and growth. This article explores the connection between coming out and mental health, highlighting why authenticity, support, and self-compassion matter at every stage of the journey.
Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health: The Story Behind the Strength
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the fathers and father figures who support, guide, and care for their families. Yet behind the role of provider, protector, and problem-solver is a person navigating their own challenges, pressures, and emotions. This article explores the connection between fatherhood and men's mental health, the unseen demands many fathers carry, and why creating space for support, vulnerability, and emotional wellbeing benefits fathers, children, and families alike.
Going Blank Under Pressure (Even When You Know the Answer)
Going blank under pressure can feel frustrating and confusing. Learn why it happens, how stress affects memory, and why it doesn’t reflect your ability.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough
Mental health awareness has changed the conversation—but many people still feel stuck. This blog explores why awareness alone doesn’t lead to change.
Tired But Wired: Why Your Brain Won’t Turn Off at Night
Struggling to sleep even when you’re exhausted? Learn why your brain stays active at night, how overthinking and stress play a role, and what’s actually happening.
Why Simple Decisions Feel So Hard: Understanding Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue isn’t about laziness. This blog explains why simple decisions start to feel overwhelming and how mental capacity impacts focus and follow-through.
Overthinking Explained: Why Your Mind Gets Stuck in Loops
Overthinking isn’t just thinking too much. This blog explains the psychology behind overthinking, why your mind gets stuck in loops, and how it impacts anxiety and decision-making.
Motivation Isn’t Just Willpower: How Your Brain Decides What Gets Done
Motivation isn’t about discipline. This blog explains how your brain’s reward system influences procrastination, focus, and why getting started can feel so difficult.
Emotional Regulation vs Overwhelm: What’s Actually Happening in Your Brain
Feeling overwhelmed but not sure why? This blog explains the difference between emotional regulation and overwhelm, and what’s actually happening in your brain when emotions feel hard to manage.
When Friendship Starts to Feel Like Effort: Understanding Social Burnout
Friendships aren’t supposed to feel exhausting, but sometimes they do. This blog explores social burnout, why connection can feel overwhelming, and how to navigate relationships with less pressure.