It's Mental Health Week. Here are some stories, tools and tips to help clear your mind

Small opportunities to take a deep breath, check in with yourself or maybe just feel a little less alone

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Caption: (Credit: Eli DeFaria/unsplash.com)

This article was originally published May 1, 2017. It was edited and updated May 5, 2020.
Mental health is a challenging thing to talk about. And aside from being a deeply personal topic, conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, anorexia — to name a very select few — have long been met with stigma, filling those suffering with the shame of not being able to easily "snap out of it" or simply "feel better". Even if your experiences don't fit into a diagnosable category, you've probably experienced a slump that at times can feel unbeatable.
While there's still a long way to go, we've seen a lot of progress in the last few years in terms of bringing conversations about mental health out of the shadows and into the forefront. Events like #BellLetsTalk day(external link) and Mental Health Week(external link) have pushed us to become more educated (and more comfortable!) when confronting and speaking about these issues.
To kick off this year's Mental Health Week, which runs from May 4-10, we've collected some of our articles and videos targeted at mood-boosting, keeping calm, combating stress and helping you find support.
Advice and personal stories
How to access free mental health and emotional support during the COVID-19 crisis

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How to cope with health anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic

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Virtual therapy: How to find the online mental health care provider that's right for you

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How to manage everyday anxiety in public spaces

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A psychiatrist tackles 7 dangerous myths about depression

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Caption: Organizations that work with Calgary’s South Asian community say they’re seeing a big jump in the numbers of people that need help with deteriorating mental health issues like depression as the pandemic drags on. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images)

Advice from a Buddhist monk on how to start a successful meditation practice

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Burnout is real and here's how to handle it, according to experts

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How to get the most out of your therapy sessions

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Subtle sadness: Why dysthymia can be often overlooked and really shouldn't be

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A way out of loneliness: Steps toward well-being when you're feeling alone

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7 tips to help beat the Sunday blues

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Strong evidence that depressed dads should speak up and seek help

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My very first panic attack

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Caption: (Credit: Christopher Campbell/unsplash.com)

Why Prince Harry speaking up about his grief therapy is hugely important for men and mental health

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Caption: (Source: Instagram/@bryonygordon)

Tools and techniques
Simple techniques for relief from fear and anxiety

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10 renowned mindfulness, meditation and spiritual teachers — and specific talks to bring calm right now

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A 5-minute yoga flow you can do while your morning coffee brews

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Caption: (Credit: Kristen Brown and Jane Nicholson for CBC Life)

Post-work decompression techniques for busy people

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Meditation techniques for deep rest and stress reduction

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Serenity now! These apps and sites will instantly boost your mood

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How to reset your nervous system with the breath

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Game on: Study shows VR and video games can help fight depression

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15 minute beginner's yoga session(external link)

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Everyday stress relievers
ASMR for while you work: Light on talk, heavy on triggers from ALB in Whisperland

Media Video | CBC Life : ASMR for while you work: Light on talk, heavy on triggers from ALB in Whisperland

Caption: A video designed to get you into your calm zone all workday.

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Make stress-busting sparkly slime with ALB in Wonderland

Media Video | CBC Life : Make stress-busting sparkly slime with ALB in Wonderland

Caption: Come for the glitter, stay for the ASMR.

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How natural landscapes can enrich your health and happiness

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Nourishing aromatic scents for soothing sleep and relaxation

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ASMR with ALB in Wonderland

Media Video | CBC Life : ALB In Wonderland relaxes us with ASMR

Caption: YouTuber, ALB in Wonderland, shows us how to relax with ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response) and how it can help you get a peaceful nights sleep.

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