One out of Ten Canadians Struggle with PTSD

Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton have released the findings of a national survey that found the rate of lifetime Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Canadians was estimated at 9.2 per cent. Altogether, 76.1 per cent of Canadians have been exposed to at least one traumatic event, such as the unexpected death of a loved one, sexual assault or seeing someone badly injured or killed.
PTSD can be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. As with other health problems, PTSD is more effectively treated if identified early. Delay in treatment
can lead to aggravated symptoms and can also impede recovery (www.forces.gc.ca).
Most people do not go for counselling soon enough. They wonder whether their problems are ‘bad enough’ to warrant the need of a professional. Time and convenience are also an issue. People sometimes need instant help with little or no interruption to their routines or work commitments.
Stresschat™ is an immediate response tool allowing any subscriber quick, confidential and anonymous access to a qualified counsellor and stress specialist―right at their fingertips. Once you become a client, you are given a confidential email which allows you to log in to the instant messenger chat program. From there, you can begin talking to one of our counsellors right away. It’s that simple.
Don’t let the long-term effects of stress affect your life and the life of your family.
Click here to find the support you need.
www.mystresschat.ca

How to have a Lovely Day

How to Have a Lovely Day

…In ten easy steps

1. Smile at strangers

2. Slow down

3. Say thank you

4. Give lots of compliments

5. Dress Nicely

6. Wear perfume

7. Observe and listen

8. Be charming

9. Laugh

10. Wish people a lovely day

Process from www.everythingfab.com

Motherhood

To all the mothers in the world. To those women who dedicate their lives to raising healthy children. This is a beautiful poem.Enjoy!

The Girl I Used To Be

She came tonight as I sat alone,
The girl I used to be.

She gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully.

"Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes that I had for you?"

"The great career, the splendid fame,
All the wonderful things to do?"

"Where is the mansion of stately height
With all its gardens rare?"

"The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?"

And as she spoke, I was very sad
For I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stairs

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
So innocent, sweet, and fair.

I told her that these are my only gems,
And Precious they are to me.

That silken robe is my Motherhood
Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know,

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
For the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me

And I saw the woman I am now...
Pleased the girl I used to be.

Author: Rowena K.Lewis

Testimonials

What our clients are saying about Mystresschat.

I have known people with “anxiety” disorders. I truly did not understand their problems until I had to deal with my own anxiety. Knowing how to deal with anxiety and stress is something that must be learned. It does not come naturally. There are techniques.
C.P.-Hamilton

Heidi emphasized the “practice” of the techniques to relieve stress and anxiety. There is the “8 second rule”, the “grounding exercise”, the “say yes to less”, and much more. These strategies are not inherited but learned, and in order to learn, one must study, and in order to study, you must have a good teacher.

Heidi makes you feel special and important. She is non-judgmental and honest. She is easy to talk to, understanding, informative, friendly, compassionate, encouraging and optimistic. It’s refreshing to speak to a professional and get easy-to-learn strategies and honest criticism - learning ways for improvement. We are never too old to learn anything new.

I would recommend Heidi to anyone.

I felt an immediate sense of trust. I did not feel judged, or feel expectations as we sometimes feel with professionals in a field not our own. Heidi is compassionate as well as gifted in getting an individual to see what they need to develop without being told outright what it is. A "light" goes on, and it comes together. That way of dealing with personal issues allows trust as you do not question whether or not you are going in the right direction biased on the the professionals' own viewpoint, but from your own. Trust was also built in the way that Heidi makes herself available in several avenues; I could count on her. Through visits, email and phone conversations I got the support I needed when I needed it most. This is extremely rare.
J.S.-Oakville

The High Cost of Stress

We know the facts. We have been studying stress and its effect on physical health since the late 1880’s. So why do we still have such a problem in our work and personal lives.

People do not go for help in a timely fashion-which is normal. We all think we need to figure stuff out on our own without going to therapy.

Stress is part of our lives and at times, it can be good. Our bodies create the stress response when we have happy unexpected surprises. The problem is chronic stress. When we are exposed to constant stress our bodies have a hard time in balancing the increase in cortisol, sugar, amino acids etc. that are racing through our blood stream. As a therapist, I have seen clients who are not even aware that their level of stress is damaging to their bodies and their emotional health. It has been proven that chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and physical illness. I often see people who have tolerated high levels of stress until they can no longer function at home or at work.

According to Canada Safety Council report dated April 2008; mental health claims are the fastest growing category of disability costs in Canada. They account for an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the disability claims recorded by Canada’s major insurers and employers. Three-quarters of employers say mental health issues are the leading cause of short and long term disability claims in their organization.

· Lost work time due to depression costs companies $31 billion to 441 billion per year in lost productivity

· 79% of employers think they take care of their employees, yet only 44% of employees agree

· Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress

I have always found it odd that people see a dentist for a sore tooth, a lawyer for a sore legal problem, a doctor for a sore body part yet when our hearts are sore, we are expected to” tough it out”.

A therapist will give you the skills and education you need to cope with stresses in a positive and constructive manner. Today’s technology makes it easy to get professional advice from home, your mobile device-virtually anywhere.

Don’t wait until you crash and burn. Be proactive and get the advice you need now.

The Launch of Mystresschat

WOW!!!! A New and Innovative Service!

Imagine. Counselling and coaching you trust from your home, your office, or virtually anywhere. Now you can have fast, professional, friendly,and secure counselling and coaching on line.Mystresschat is an on line messaging service.

We give you fast access to completely confidential and anonymous coaching. It's as easy as chatting with your friends and you are getting expert advice from professionals with over 20 years of experience.
When you become a member, you get the first 15 minutes of chat time FREE.

Log on to http://www.mystresschat.ca and find comfort and solutions now. First time or a returning client, it doesn't matter. It's O.K.. That's why we are here.

Convenient,fast, trusted counselling and coaching
Anonymous, confidential, secure
Safe, sensitive, and personal

We use today's technology to improve our everyday lives.

International Women's Day

Let's chat about public speaking. Next to death, it's what people fear the most. I admit, each time I step up to the podium, I get a bit nervous. I was asked to give a presentation for the Halton Women's shelter who were celebrating international women's day with their own event.
The event was terrific. There were aboriginal drummers, singers, guest speakers and we all focused on celebration, achievement, and empowerment.
Now for the sadness. Last year the 2 shelters housed 800 women and 1000 children. It runs at capacity constantly. Adult family violence crosses all economic, social, and religious boundaries a and is often the dreaded silent secret.
People "don't want to interfere"and so it often remains a silent violence. Except for the effect on the children.
Abuse is all about power and control- not love.

http://www.youtube.com/user/mystresschat?feature=mhw5

Welcome to Youtube!

Let's chat about technology. In some respects, I am behind the eight ball when it comes to Youtube, and other forms of social media-but I am learning. The videos that will be uploaded will be full of hints and strategies to manage and cope with the stresses in life.
Here's the first one. A bit rough around the edges!

http://www.youtube.com/user/mystresschat