ADHD Mental Health Resources

Addiction

Jan 29

Below are some self-help resources to learn more about yourself. This is a curated list developed over years of practice that continues to evolve. We are excited to share some of these resources with you.

Disclaimer: Please use these resources thoughtfully and with caution and discretion. These resources are general suggestions and not all may be helpful or applicable to you. Self-help resources and support groups are not a substitute for professional assessment and treatment. *We are not personally invested in, nor stand to profit from, any of the recommendations provided.

Self-Check ADHD Quiz

We’ve developed a self-check quiz to help you decide if ADHD Counselling might be a good fit for you. (Just remember, it’s not a replacement for a professional diagnosis!)

Do I have ADHD?

Helpful e-books, worksheets and guides

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ADHD Resources

Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm, Healthy Minds, Five Minute Journal, Day One, 365 Gratitude, Gratitude, MoodTracker, Daylio, I Am, Finch, ADDitude- Strategies and Support for ADHD and Beyond; ADHD White Noise; Tappy

ADHD Experts At SanaPsyc

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Meghan Nimmo, Registered Provisional Psychologist

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Currently Accepting New Clients for Couples and Youth 12+ and Adults navigating chronic pain, medical trauma, anxiety, esteem, and more

Gemma Reynolds, Registered Provisional Psychologist

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Currently Accepting New Clients for addiction, OCD, anxiety, relationship, self-esteem and more for adults and youth 15+

Tamara Kreptul, Canadian Certified Counsellor

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Currently Accepting New Clients for kids, youth and adults navigating crises, addiction, relationship challenges, health issues, and more

From the Blog

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Navigating Body Image, Relapse Triggers, FOMO & More From Calgary Addiction Counselling Therapists

Summer is often portrayed as a carefree season but for many people, it can also bring a rise in emotional and behavioural vulnerabilities. As Calgary addiction counselling and mental health therapists, we regularly see how this time of year can intensify concerns related to body image, substance use, and the fear of missing out (FOMO), amongst other things including an increase in ADHD symptoms which we discussed in our last blog post.

With shifting routines, more social events, and increased exposure to appearance-focused messaging, summer can create pressure to “keep up” in ways that don’t always align with your well-being and current health priorities. In this blog, our Calgary Addiction Counselling Therapists explore how these challenges show up, share real-life inspired examples, and offer grounded strategies to help you navigate the season with yourself and healthy boundaries in mind.

Maintaining Balance This Summer: Tips from ADHD Counselling Calgary Therapists

Summer often brings a welcomed shift—longer days, more social opportunities, and a break from rigid routines. For some individuals living with ADHD, however, these seasonal changes can also disrupt structure, amplify symptoms, and make daily functioning more challenging. As ADHD counselling Calgary therapists, we often see how summer can subtly (or significantly) impact focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

In this blog, our ADHD counselling Calgary therapists share insights on how summer affects ADHD symptoms, how to recognize changes in your functioning, and practical ways to support others and care for yourself during summer.

Setting Boundaries 101: Tips From Relationship & Couples Counselling Calgary Therapists

Boundaries are one of the most important—and often most misunderstood—parts of emotional and relational well-being. In therapy, conversations about boundaries come up every day, across all types of relationships. Our relationship and couples counselling Calgary AB therapists see these conversations the most, but they come up when exploring mental health connected to depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, OCD, parenting, emotional regulation, chronic pain, and other parts of life. Whether it’s learning to say “no,” expressing a need, or navigating differences with others, boundaries play a central role in helping people feel respected, safe, and authentic.

If boundaries feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Like any skill, they take time, practice, and compassion to develop.

An Introduction to the Sana Psychological Podcast

Starting something new—especially something public—often comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For us, creating a podcast had been on our minds for quite some time. We’ve always appreciated how accessible and meaningful podcasts can be, and we wanted to create something that reflects the heart of the work we do every day.

As a team committed to offering the best psychological services Calgary has to offer, we’re always looking for ways to extend support beyond the therapy room. A podcast felt like a natural next step. So how did we get there? Let’s explore the journey to date.

The Reverse SAD Phenomenon and How to Cope: Advice from anxiety counselling Calgary therapists

When most people think about seasonal changes and mental health, they associate winter with lower mood, fatigue, and seasonal depression. However, not everyone feels better when the weather warms and daylight increases.

For some individuals, the arrival of spring and summer brings heightened anxiety, agitation, sleep disruption, or emotional discomfort. This experience is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (Reverse SAD) or summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Although it receives less attention than winter depression, Reverse SAD can be equally challenging. Understanding why it occurs and learning practical coping strategies can help individuals manage seasonal anxiety more effectively.

How to Regulate Emotions Using DBT Skills from Depression Counselling Calgary Therapists

Emotions are a natural and essential part of being human—but when they feel overwhelming, unpredictable, or intense, they can interfere with daily life, relationships, and mental health. Many people seeking depression counselling in Calgary tell us they were never taught how to manage emotions, only that they should “calm down” or “get over it.” Even our therapists themselves have childhood memories of being told not to be upset, to suck up tears, or to go to our rooms until we felt better. These messages, whether direct or indirect, teach us that emotions are scary and to be avoided, repressed and suppressed at all costs.

Unfortunately, our depression counselling Calgary therapists see everyday how this does not serve or benefit people. Avoidance of emotions can lead to a variety of outcomes, including escape with substance use or other unhelpful behaviours, anger outbursts, self-injury/self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, difficulty processing disturbing events, conflict in relationships, dissatisfying relationships, and more.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical, evidence-based skills that help people understand, regulate, and respond to emotions more effectively. Below, we explore what emotional regulation is, why it can be challenging, and how DBT skills can support lasting change.

Navigating the Holidays With Boundaries: Tips From Codependency Counselling Calgary Therapists

The holiday season is often painted as a magical time—full of love, connection, and joy. While that can be true, it’s also a time when many people feel emotionally stretched, overcommitted, and overwhelmed.

One powerful tool for preserving your peace during the holidays? Boundaries.

Whether you're dealing with complicated family dynamics, packed schedules, or your own emotional needs, setting boundaries is a key part of making the season sustainable—and even enjoyable.

In this blog, our codependency counselling Calgary therapists will break down:

What boundaries are
Why they can be hard to maintain during the holidays

Practical tips to help you set and honor them

Navigating the Holidays Sober: Tips From Calgary Addiction Counselling Experts

The holiday season is often viewed as a time for celebration, family gatherings, and joyous festivities. For many, these moments come with social drinking, whether at family dinners, office parties, or holiday get-togethers. For those who are sober—whether by choice, in recovery, or for any other reason—the holidays can present unique challenges. The pressure to participate in alcohol-fueled traditions, the emotional strain of family dynamics, and the desire to feel included can make the season feel overwhelming.

Our Calgary addiction counselling therapists know that navigating the holidays sober isn’t only possible, it can also be incredibly fulfilling. In this blog post, our alcohol counselling Calgary therapists will explore why someone might choose to stay sober during the holidays, the challenges they may face, and offer practical tips for staying grounded and enjoying the season.

Naturally Boosting Dopamine: Suggestions from Depression Counselling Calgary Therapists

Dopamine is often referred to as the brain's “feel-good” chemical—but it’s much more than that. It's a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motivation, focus, pleasure, and even movement. Whether you’re chasing a goal, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply checking a task off your to-do list, dopamine is involved.

Is The Joy Of Work Realistic? Thoughts from Depression Counselling Calgary Therapists

A theme that’s been coming up in the counselling offices recently with our clients has been around work and, specifically, the quest to find joy in one’s work. Now, I’m not saying that this is not an important consideration when considering the role of work in our lives, but I have observed that our expectations and what we are hoping for may be venturing into unrealistic territory.

Are You Securely Attached? Learn From Our Couples Counselling Calgary AB Experts

Attachment Styles have been all the buzz in the realm of self-help and psychology over the past few years. It’s always interesting when older theories become new and popular again.

In this blog, we will explore more about attachment, specifically focusing on how to build secure attachment. A lot of people exploring attachment tend to get stuck in the problem, rather than looking towards the future of healthy relationships. Attachment, while rooted in our early childhood experiences, can change as we experience different types of relationships.

Retail Therapy vs. Spending Addiction from Calgary Addiction Counselling Experts

We’ve all done it. A rough day, a stressful week, and suddenly the glow of your screen or a trip to the mall feels like the answer. A little "treat yourself" moment can be harmless—maybe even helpful. But what happens when the occasional pick-me-up turns into compulsive buying?

In this blog, our experienced addiction counselling Calgary therapists explore the difference between retail therapy and spending addiction and how to recognize when your shopping habits might be taking a toll on your mental, emotional, and/or financial health. In this digital age, access to online shopping has increased and led to increased access to this type of addictive behaviour.

An Introduction to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) From Anxiety Counselling Calgary Therapists

CBT. One of the gold-standard therapies that is used for a variety of mental health and addiction issues but what is it? When is it best used? How is it used? What will a person’s experience be like doing CBT therapy? These are all great questions and ones that our anxiety counselling Calgary therapists, who all incorporate CBT into their practice on a daily basis, are happy to address.

Do I Have ADHD?

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada with approximately 4-6% of adults and 5-7% of children having it (source here). As therapists providing ADHD counselling Airdrie and ADHD counselling Calgary, this is something that we see show up on many days of our practice, even when people are unaware that this is what is impacting their lives.

Amanda Nelson

Amanda is passionate about growth, big-picture ideas, and putting together strategic marketing plans for businesses that want to scale.

Amanda’s philosophy is to love what you do, to never say no to new opportunities without hearing them first, and to treat others as she would like to be treated.

She is forward-thinking and intuitive when it comes to what a business needs to level up its marketing game. Amanda is a single mother to a spunky boy, she is obsessed with plants (210+ houseplants), and loves relaxing at home after a fulfilling day of work.

https://www.theartofb.ca

ADHD Mental Health Resources

Self-Check ADHD Quiz

Helpful e-books, worksheets and guides

FREE DOWNLOADS!

ADHD Resources

ADHD Experts At SanaPsyc

From the Blog

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ADHD Mental Health Resources

Self-Check ADHD Quiz

Helpful e-books, worksheets and guides

FREE DOWNLOADS!

ADHD Resources

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ADHD Experts At SanaPsyc

From the Blog

Addiction Mental Health Resources

Anxiety and OCD Mental Health Resources

Yes! I’d love to receive free wellness tips, resources & more!

Shop Amazon & Support Mental Health!

100% Of The Commission From Your Purchases Will Support Mental Health & Addiction Recovery in Calgary