Jessica Pino, MSW, RSW
15 Gallie Court, Suite 110 Barrie, ON, Canada

Today’s announcement of school closures again may stir up a lot of emotions for people (me I’m the people!). As a single mother running a business having my chi...ldren at home full time again is going to present many challenges. Logically I was prepared for it but emotionally it’s hit me like a ton of bricks. I know I can’t change it, I know I can’t cry about it forever but for today (and maybe even tomorrow) I’m going to allow it to just suck. No positive spin no ra ra mantras I am just going to allow it all to come and wash over me. Tonight’s self care looks like Fried Green Tomatoes on Netflix with Charlie beside me on the couch. Tomorrow will be yoga before work to help me ground myself so I don’t bring my stuff to sessions and we will definitely be ordering take out for dinner because I don’t have the energy to meal prep. I’m not making plans on how I’m going to make it all work yet, not until my emotions have had time to settle. I want you to know if this is going to be hard for you too that I see you, and I hear you and I am with you. I don’t have all the answers but I do know that we all need to give ourselves permission to just BE in this moment however that looks. Feel free to share how you’re taking care of yourself this week with us in the comments, community is everything right now. See more

Happy international women’s day. . Firstly, thank you to all the lovely women who continue to inspire, motivate and support me . This years theme is #ChooseToChallenge... . What does this mean? . Directly from the website: A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. . We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. . From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge. . . . I always say empowered women empower women. . . #internationalwomensday2021 #beyondtrc #womensupportingwomen #socialworker #psychotherapy See more

You weren't alone before COVID-19, and you aren't now. 20,000+ Registered Social Workers helping you turn the page to better health and better wellness... bit.ly/3ssNhYk #YouAreNotAlone #SocialWorkWeek2021

#consent #mentalhealth #ymhc

This session will cover topics on Goals; Designing a routine; The stages of habit formation; Self-Efficacy; Motivation and Creating your self-care plan. Session... is free. Participants may turn their camera off for comfort and confidentiality. RSVP by emailing Tara Maxwell [email protected] Visit online here: http://fmhi.ca/educational-programs/ See more

Time change , recent snow fall, shorter days and longer nights...winters coming(though it feels like summer right now ) . It’s that time of the year again and I know many of my clients and myself included are feeling worried about going through a winter during a pandemic- especially if you already struggle with seasonal affective disorder. . Many of us are already feeling an increase in stress, anxiety, uncertainty, loneliness and isolation. We are seeing fewer friends and... family members, skipping our winter get aways and having to following several guidelines and restrictions. . So what are some tips and strategies we can use to cope with this double whammy of winter blues during a global pandemic? . Light therapyLight therapy lamps can provide feel-good natural lighting when it's not present in our environment. . Vitamin DTalk to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement. . Activity schedulingWhat are some activities you enjoy doing? Which activities make you feel accomplished? Create a list and make sure to schedule them in your day like you would an appointment with your doctor, a due date, etc. . ExerciseStay active. Whether it’s taking a walk when it’s light out, snow shoeing, working out at home or if you’re comfortable heading to the gym. . Maintain a routineAvoid sleeping too much or too little, skipping meals, etc. Try creating a sleep schedule, wake up around the same time everyday and stick to a daily and bedtime routine. . Stay connected We are wired to connect. Stay connected to your social support network. Whether it’s virtual or in person following the government of Canada guidelines. . Self careSelf care. Self care. Take care of yourself! Set boundaries. Put yourself as a priority and learn to say no when you need too. Our resources are depleted and we need to account for that. Imagine you only have a certain amount of points a day to give out and make sure you keep some for yourself. . Seek support Reach out to a therapist and seek counselling/psychotherapy. We are here to help. . . #winterblues #psychology #psychotherapy #beyondtrc #mentalhealthawareness #covid_19 #mentalhealth #mentalillness See more