Mental Health & Literature

PODCASTS ON ANXIETY

We all worry from time to time. But anxiety can get out of hand. Here are suggested readings, as well as ten podcasts of original fiction, that express and appease those troublesome cares that can eat away at you.

MY PERFECT PROM

Senior prom… that all-important evening that marks the passage from adolescence to adulthood, from high school to cegep, or straight to the workplace.

Five writers have imagined the perfect prom. Their characters, have been dreaming about the event since the beginning of the senior year — much like the current graduates. Some of the writers have set their stories in the midst of the pandemic, others not. They all focus on the swirl of emotions that engulf young people, today as in the past.

FOR KIDS

Childhood is not always an idyllic time of life. Clouds may gather overhead. A best friend who moves away, a grandparent who dies, parents who separate, a much-loved dog that must be put to sleep, school friends who reject a classmate… Children’s books are a good way to deal with these situations, gently and with sensitivity. Intended for specific age groups, picture books and storybooks for young readers can help parents broach these topics and encourage conversation.

FOR SENIORS

“Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old,” said Kafka. He was quite right. Laughter, friendship and curiosity are the essential elements of a satisfying and fulfilling old age. If you’re a senior, you’ll find a range of inspiring activities here. This section includes a book club for seniors, writing exercises to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, an online library, stand-up comedy featuring seniors, and other activities.

FOR ADULTS

Literature and mental health have coexisted for centuries. We all want to have good mental as well as physical health. But at times the uncertainties of life intervene. When depression strikes, there may seem to be no cure. But that isn’t true. Aside from professional help and medication, reading and writing can bring comfort, help you to understand yourself better and regain psychological well-being.

FOR TEENAGERS

To feel good… To feel better… That’s what we all seek, at any age, but perhaps even more so at 12, 15 or 17 years of age. Some periods of life are more difficult to traverse, certain situations are more painful to deal with. Literature, writing and all other forms of self-expression, whether in the arts or in sports—from cheerleading to photography to hip- hop—can be a lifeline to grab onto when you are in need.