Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Student Mental Health University life can be exciting, but it can also bring intense pressure, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. Many student s experience anxiety, burnout, or low mood at some point during their academic journey, yet it can be difficult to know when these feelings are part of normal stress and when they may signal something more serious. To help answer some of the questions students often have about mental health, P

Burnout is often framed as a personal failing – a lack of discipline, resilience of passion. Science tells us it is something different. Burnout is not about being tired, it is the result of a biological feedback loop in the brain that gradually decreases motivation, even in highly driven people. At the corner of this loop is dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is commonly misunderstood as the brain’s “pleasure chemical.” Dopamine is actually more about motivation and anticip

Social media is often framed as either completely harmful or beneficial to happiness. In reality, its effects are more nuanced. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are designed to capture attention, stimulate reward systems in the brain, and encourage repeated use. To understand how social media influences happiness, it is important to examine its effects on dopamine, mood, and motivation. These three factors are closely connected to many key psychological proces

Supporting emotional and psychological well-being In recent years, animal-assisted therapy has gained attention in health and psychological research as an effective, low-barrier approach to supporting emotional and physiological well-being. On university campuses, therapy dog programs are now commonly integrated into wellness initiatives, particularly during periods of increased academic demand. While these programs are often associated with comfort and enjoyment, research i

Stress is often talked about as something we “feel”, but biologically, it is something the brain does. The brain initiates a hormonal cascade that releases cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, where we are under pressure. In short bursts, cortisol can be extremely useful. It sharpens focus, boosts energy availability and helps us respond quickly to challenges. However, cortisol starts to affect the structure and function of the brain, when stress persists for an extende

How to maximize learning & memory Exam season often feels like a mental battle, with long study days, late nights and pressure building up as final deadlines and exams get closer. Behind the scenes, our brain is doing some remarkable things. It is constantly adapting and reshaping itself in response to everything that we are learning.  This process is called neuroplasticity , which allows the brain to absorb information, strengthen memory, and build new skills. Every time you

Research-Informed Support: by students, for students At Queen’s University, the Student Mental Health Network is a participatory initiative founded by Dr. Brooke Linden [MA, PhD] that uses a “for students, by students” approach to knowledge translation. The Network is dedicated to empowering students to better understand, protect, and maintain their mental health.   The Network focuses on three key goals: (1) Improving mental health education, (2) Strengthening social support

Insights from Dr. Edgelow’s Work and Mental Health Lab At Queen’s University, the Work and Mental Health Lab, led by Dr. Megan Edgelow [ B.Sc .(OT), M.Sc .(RHBS), Ed.D., OT Reg. (Ont.)], is tackling one of today’s most pressing questions: how does our work environment affect our mental health? Based in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Dr. Edgelow’s team is investigating the real-world impact of job design, workplace culture, and organizational structures on employee well

Partnering with Students to Support Mental Health at Queen’s Queen’s University’s U-Flourish program, directed by Dr. Anne Duffy [MD, MSc, FRCPC], is a research initiative in partnership with students to understand the mental health and well-being challenges they face. The program was created in 2018 after researchers found the transition to university is a pivotal milestone in social, biological, and psychological development.  “We started and continue a conversation with st

1.Start your day with gratitude! Before grabbing your phone, think of three things you are grateful for. They could be as simple as your morning coffee, your pet, or a friend that makes you laugh. Gratitude shifts one’s mindset from “what is missing” to “what is already good.” 2. Fuel your body. Healthy eating is easy to neglect when you’re stressed or busy. You may feel jittery or exhausted if you consume too much sugar or caffeine. It is important to consider your body as a

Start early! Starting your studying early has many benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, a deeper understanding of course study...

Disclaimer: This post discusses sensitive topics related to mental health, including depression, addiction, and other psychological...