Category: Community

Movies and shows are a major part of our culture. What we see on the screen can influence how we view society as a whole. For a long time, people with disabilities have had little representation in cinema and television, and when they did, it was often in a negative light. This has slowly changed. Representation matters because without it, marginalized groups can easily feel unheard, unseen, and simply invisible. As those with disabilities play bigger roles in front of and behind the camera, they will be given a greater voice and more opportunities to influence our society for the better.

Progress, as it so often is, has been slow. About 8% of family films in the United States starred a lead with a disability in 2018 and 2019. The Ruderman Family Foundation conducted a study in 2017 that concluded that, while 20% of Americans have a disability, the amount of onscreen characters that have disabilities totals only 2%. Of them, 95% of TV characters were found to be played by non-disabled actors or actresses. This huge discrepancy has only helped perpetuate stigmas surrounding the disabled and a false lack of diversity onscreen that inaccurately portrays the rich diversity of the real world.

There is a complex series of systems at play that have resulted in this lack of representation. People with disabilities are often unable to join training programs for aspiring actors and actresses, and struggle to find the financial means and accessibility needed to live in major cities where media jobs are located. This can be tackled through national casting searches and better economic and infrastructure policies. The impact would be widespread. Not only would it benefit those with disabilities aspiring to work in media, it would help the careers and lives of every disabled person.

Film and television productions have taken small steps to address the lack of representation. RJ Mitte, an actor with cerebral palsy, played a major character on Breaking Bad who also had the same disability. Sesame Street has introduced Julia, a puppet with autism. Ali Stroker became the first Broadway actress to perform in a wheelchair in 2016’s Spring Awakening. From media for adults and children, to the world of theatre, these roles have helped create greater awareness for the need of representation. They allow people with physical disabilities to see others like them succeed, and allow children who are struggling with conditions such as autism to see a character like them on the screen. These individual casting choices have the power to impact countless lives.

There is a long way to go in fixing the huge gap between the diversity in the real world and what we seen on screen. But progress has already been made. As more barriers are removed, allowing more and more individuals with disabilities to enter the industry, we will see their increased presence as performers, writers, directors, and more. These changes are critical. More people will find better work opportunities, those with disabilities will feel a greater sense of inclusion, and all of us will have a stronger appreciation for diversity and how to ensure better opportunities for everyone. The social, economic, and cultural impact will be revolutionary.

Sources:

Applebaum, Lauren. “Disability Portrayal on Screen Hits a Landmark High, Yet Reinforces Negative Stereotypes.” Respectability. https://www.respectability.org/2020/05/see-jane-study-disability-portrayals/

McGrath, Mary Kate. “How To Get Disability Representation In TV & Movies Right, According To The People Doing It.” Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-get-disability-representation-in-tv-movies-right-according-to-the-people-doing-it-17129242

Ruiz-Grossman, Sarah. “Disability Representation Is Seriously Lack In TV And Movies: Report.” Huffington Post. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/disability-representation-movies-tv_n_5c9a7b85e4b07c88662cabe7?ri18n=

COVID-19 is exhausting. The social distancing, staying home, and taking extra precautions all take a huge mental and physical toll. It can be difficult to follow all of this, but it is imperative that we do our best. But what do you do when close friends or family are not taking COVID-19 seriously? What do you say when they refuse to wear a mask or want to hold large gatherings without social distancing? There are ways to approach the problem in a respectful but assertive manner.

First and foremost, collect your thoughts and manage your emotions. Consider exactly what it is that this person is doing and why it angers you. As much as you may want to criticize or even shout at them, it is important to realize that this often does not lead to much good. A more productive approach is to find the best words to articulate your concerns in a way that is supportive but at the same time gets your point across. If the family member has a tendency to be more emotional, a heated argument will get you nowhere, and a heart-to-heart conversation could be more productive. If your friend has a strong interest in science or data, focus on evidence and research in your discussions with them. The way you go about talking to them can matter as much as what you have to say.

It can be extremely difficult for people to change their ways, particularly in a year when our lives were upended suddenly and dramatically. If someone in your life is not making those necessary changes, ask them questions about why that is case. By getting inside their head, you can approach them with greater empathy and have a better chance of getting through. Focus on your own experiences. Make it clear that you are talking to them out of concern for their safety and the safety of others. Use “I” more often than “you” in order to prevent a hostile reaction. But be realistic in your expectations, as changing someone’s mind is always a demanding task. By planting some seeds in their head about masks, social distancing, and the benefits of taking precautions, they could start doing some more research and reflection on their own and change their behaviours in the near future.

There is a good chance you will be unsuccessful. Your friends may place too great an importance on socializing or being skeptical of COVID-19 to want to listen to you. At that point, it is important for you to establish boundaries. These disagreements could quickly lead to arguments that end friendships; hopefully, they lead to a situation where you can maintain that relationship but create the distance needed to remain emotionally and physically healthy. Let them know how much you value having them in your life. However, make it clear you will only talk with them on the phone or Zoom for the time being and not meet with them in person. You do not have to let go of this person from your life, but you may not be as close or connected to them while the pandemic is ongoing.

Disagreements with friends and family are always a challenge. The stresses of COVID-19 only multiply these difficulties further. It is important for your safety and for the safety of others around you to speak up when your friends and family are not taking the pandemic seriously. Collect your thoughts, be forthcoming with your concerns in an empathetic way, and be prepared to possibly lose a friend or not be as close as you once were. Ultimately, you only have control over your own actions and behaviours. Lead by example, and you could help those you love and care about make changes in their own behaviours that can save lives.

Sources:

Livingston, Mercey. “What to do when friends and family aren’t taking COVID-19 seriously.” CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/what-to-do-when-friends-and-family-arent-taking-covid-19-seriously/

Savage, Maddy. “What to do with friends who don’t social distance.” BBC. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200604-what-to-do-with-friends-who-dont-social-distance

Trudon, Taylor. “How to Talk to Friends Who Aren’t Taking COVID-19 Seriously.” Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-talk-to-friends-who-arent-taking-covid-19-seriously

We have been made aware of how COVID-19 can affect us physically if it directly affects us, but not all of us have been made aware of the psychological toll of this outbreak, whether we have been directly affected by it or not. Surveys done by various organizations, from Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), to the human resources firm Morneau Shepell, reveal that our emotional and psychological well-beings have been strained due to the virus, especially now that we have hit the seven-month mark. The Angus Reid Institute also indicated that feelings of desolation and social isolation have increased from 23 percent last year to 33 percent this year.

These feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, grief, and irritability are all normal responses to a pandemic according to well-known psychiatrist Dr. Allen Frances, a professor emeritus and former chair of the department of psychiatry at Duke University. While we should all allow ourselves time to connect with these feelings and heal, we should not let them overcome us. Happiness may be elusive these days, but it’s still attainable. And the pursuit of happiness has become all the more important these days. Fortunately, there are numerous scientists and researchers helping us to navigate the road to happiness.

Positive Psychology studies

You’ve probably heard this term thrown a lot these days, and it’s actually not a new concept. Christopher Peterson, believed to be one of the founding fathers of positive psychology, sums it up best by describing it as a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad. Peterson was the author of two prodigious books that helped to further strengthen the approach: “A Primer In Positive Psychology” and “Character Virtues and Strengths,” which he co-wrote with Martin Seligman.

Another pioneer in the science of happiness is Tal Ben-Shahar, who teaches a course on Positive Psychology at Harvard University, where it has become one of the most popular courses of all time.

There’s also a peer-reviewed academic journal called the Journal of Happiness Studies which has been in circulation since the year 2000 and still receives high praise in scholarly circles.

What’s great about being happy anyway?

Why the obsession with happiness? Well, there are several reasons, and probably on top of the list during these times is the benefits of happiness to one’s health. A Carnegie Mellon University study found that people who are happy are less likely to catch common illnesses like colds, while those who are unhappy are likely to complain about having sickness symptoms. In addition, happy people tend to live longer.

What can we do?

Happiness does not happen overnight, but it is something we all can work on. According to an article in the Atlantic, there are tools to being happy and fulfilled and all we need to do is to utilize these. To sum it up, we have to realize that we are in control of our own happiness and of building a life. It’s all a matter of finding meaning and purpose and knowing your needs from your wants and how you define satisfaction.

Happiness is an achievable thing, but perhaps there was truth to Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote that “Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

SOURCES:

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/04/how-increase-happiness-according-research/609619/

https://www.happify.com/hd/whats-so-great-about-happiness/

http://www.openculture.com/positive-psychology-a-free-course-from-harvard-university

P is for Christopher Peterson: His Work On Positive Psychology

https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/lifestyles/health/more-than-200-days-in-covid-19-is-taking-a-psychological-tol

With cases of COVID-19 infections on the rise again both in Canada and worldwide, the more there is a need for reliable and credible sources about the pandemic. This is a time when we should double our efforts to curb the spread of misinformation, and a good start is obtaining our information only from trustworthy resources. At the same time, we must keep our eyes and ears peeled for any updates about the virus, especially about vaccination news. Arming ourselves with accurate information is our defense to fighting this virus that has massively changed our way of life. Below is a list of resources to keep you well-informed:

CBC

Before looking anywhere else, it’s best to look in your backyard first, as they commonly say, and the most ideal way to do that is to log into Canada’s CBC News website. This site provides the latest statistics per province and territory within Canada and gives an overall look at what’s happening elsewhere around the world.

Public Health Agency of Canada

Another great example of looking into our own backyard is the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website. Here, you can find access to different services, support, and information about the virus and updates about the disease. This site also provides the COVID alert app which will notify you if you had been within the proximity of a confirmed positive COVID case. If you’re wondering if you have been exposed to the virus, you can take a self-assessment using the site and it will give you a good idea of the next steps to take.

John Hopkins University & Medicine

Now if you want to know more about the spread of the disease on a global scale, there’s no better resource that the John Hopkins University & Medicine website. This gives you a real-time dashboard indicating the latest numbers for COVID-19 cases, deaths, recoveries, and more, and they are arranged by country and/or state and province. It looks at the big picture, so to speak, which might be terrifying to see.

End Coronavirus

This website is an international volunteer coalition consisting of over 4,000 scientists, community organizers, business owners, and caring citizens alike who are determined to develop effective, community-based solutions to put an end to the pandemic. The site shows graphic representations of countries who are successfully conquering the virus and those who need to work on it more. As of October 18, Canada is listed under one of the countries that need to take action, and that’s accurate.

Some Good News

It might not be a resource about the disease, but this website was created to spread positivity during these dire times of COVID. In this bleak period, we all need a break from COVID-related news, and this is one of the best ways to do that. Reading about these positive stories around the world will remind us that there’s still good in the world, and we have to remain hopeful that we will conquer this disease. The site was initially a YouTube channel founded by Modern Renaissance Man John Krasinski and has since moved on as a Facebook page (the YouTube channel is on a hiatus at the moment). The page is full of heartwarming stories, so keep a Kleenex handy.

Now that you know these must-visit sites during these dark COVID times, we wish you happy browsing!

SOURCES:

https://www.cbc.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

https://www.endcoronavirus.org

This has been a difficult time for our collective mental health. Everything from COVID-19 to the climate and economic crises are difficult to ignore. What can I even do as a single person up against all these problems? A recent study from the CDC found that 40% of adults in the United States experienced one or more adverse mental or behavioural health conditions during the pandemic. You are far from alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty functioning, take a few deep breaths and take a moment to reflect. There are steps you can take even when you feel at a complete loss.

When we become overwhelmed, it can be hard to put it all into words. Thoughts of impending doom, nihilism, and anger can swirl in our heads. You can jump from fear to frustration to guilt in a matter of moments. Our bodies have physical reactions to this stress that can manifest in different ways. In this very moment, you can start addressing this by taking deep breaths. Take five minutes to meditate by focusing on a single image or object.

Allow yourself to feel overwhelmed. We tend to put a lot of energy into fighting it and feeling guilty for being this way. Yet survey after survey shows that this is a normal and common part of the human experience – as normal as hunger and fatigue. We put so much effort into appearing happy on social media, and professional at work, that this can be easy to forget. Ride out that emotional wave.

At the core of feeling overwhelmed mentally is a lack of control or predictability. This can range from issues with your body, to problems at school or work, to the huge problems we face globally as a species. Make a mental checklist of all the things you can control. These could include fixing a slouched posture, taking time to exercise, creating a daily routine, and eating healthier.

Reach out for help. Your parents and friends are all going through their own mental health experiences. As we become more open as a society to talking about depression and anxiety, talk to the people in your life both about how you are doing and how they are doing. For professional help, start by making an appointment with your general practitioner or family doctor. Look into therapists in your area or online, including low-cost options available.

If all of that sounds like too much, focus on this very moment. Take a break to listen to some of your favourite music or go for a walk outside. Think of it not as a distraction from your negative thoughts, but rather a chance for you to decompress and for those thoughts to get sorted. Afterwards, take note of the different ideas in your head and how they are affecting you. Take time to measure your emotional and physical reaction to specific thoughts, and take advantage of your calmer state to think of counter-arguments to those ideas.

Being overwhelmed is not a problem that will go away with a few simple steps. It is a part of the human experience and will come and go in waves. It is essential to treat your mental health no different than you do your physical wellbeing. You would not simply ignore or learn to live with hunger or an injury. Figure out the smallest steps you are capable of taking to feel even a little less overwhelmed. If you feel clueless as to what that may be, remember that reading this was already your first step. Now take a deep breath and keep going.

Sources:

DuBois-Maahs Jessica. “How to Management When We Feel Overwhelmed.” Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/feeling-overwhelmed/

Tartakovsky, Margarita. “Overwhelmed? These 6 Strategies May Help.” PsychCentral. https://psychcentral.com/blog/overwhelmed-these-6-strategies-may-help/

Teboe, Chloe. “Suicide prevention awareness during COVID-19’s toll on mental health.” News Centre Maine. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/as-seen-on-tv/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-september-during-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic

By Erin Rebello

*** Ding! That sounds like your phone buzzer is going off. What notification could it be now? Perhaps a text from a friend, someone liking your post, or maybe even a headline with breaking news? You should probably check it, right now, along with the 20+ other notifications that have been piling up since you last put down your phone. It could be important! ***

Does thinking about this situation put you on edge or give you a feeling of lingering anxiety? If so, you certainly aren’t alone! In this technological day and age where information is at our fingertips, it can be very tempting to want to drink in every text, headline, or post. It’s human nature to crave information, and no one likes feeling left out.

But is it healthy? Is it good for our mental health to be constantly searching for posts and replies to fill our souls? In this warped world where every app seems to be begging you to use their product and check your notifications, is it healthy to be giving in to such urges? In my humble opinion, I would argue that this constant flood of social noise is extremely unhealthy, especially for young and impressionable minds.

For starters, think about how social media makes it harder to communicate and bond with your friends in person. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that it is very common for people to check their phone notifications while hanging out with someone in real life! Although it may have been an important notification or text, more often than not, it could have waited until later. In this way, we are deteriorating how we connect with those around us. This is especially true for gen-z kids like myself, who have basically grown up surrounded by this sort of social white noise.

Another issue, which I have noticed in myself, is how much anxiety constant social media use causes. Although I have it better under control now, I remember how I would sit on edge anxiously, waiting for a friend to reply to a text, waiting for them to get online, waiting to see the three little dots that indicate they’re typing. Although I thought I knew better, I was subconsciously wrapped up in the messy world of social media. It’s hard to admit, but like many other teens, I equated my self-worth to what others thought, reducing my personhood to a gallery of pictures in a sea of profiles. While over time I was able to gain better control, I sometimes wonder what would happen to me if I continued caring about the likes and comments. It truly scares me to think that I could have been drowned by the ear-splitting sound of social noise that sinks so many other teens my age.

Finally, I want to bring light to the very real issue of social media addiction. Although it is often swept under the rug, social media addiction is a very real issue, especially for children and teens with an abundance of spare time. The worst part is that no one realizes they have a problem. Think about it, how much time do you think you’re spending on Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, Reddit, or Twitter. Maybe a couple of hours in a day? In most cases, this estimate is blatantly wrong. Many apps have complex algorithms put in place to keep you scrolling for hours on end- without even noticing! You probably thought it was convenient that your social media account always seems to show you posts that you enjoy, but this is actually a carefully planned attempt to hold your precious attention for as long as possible. Is this really something that you want for yourself?

If you’ve read this far, you might just be convinced that social noise is harming your mental health. But how do you stop? How do you beat an algorithm that is programmed to be stronger than human willpower? I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say that it’s easy. Your problems and cravings won’t disappear overnight, and you might even still need social media for work or to communicate with others.

So how do you cut down without necessarily going cold turkey? A great way to start, is by turning off notifications for most of your apps, except perhaps important email or SMS texts. It can be very tempting to pick up your phone and start scrolling when your phone buzzes to life with a new notification, so instead keep you instant notifications off. Worst comes to worst, you’ll reply a little later, which isn’t a huge deal! I also recommend being deliberate about your social media use. Open an app with a clear idea of what you want to do, and don’t linger! Once you start scrolling, you’re as good as gone, so be sure to think really hard and be purposeful with your social media usage. Finally, be aware of how much you use social media. Most phones have an option in the settings tab that allows you to track your usage. I urge you to constantly check up on these numbers. If you’re spending 20 hours a week mindless scrolling through Tiktok, take a step back and think about what you could be doing with that time. Improving your art? Learning a language? Diving into an interesting book? The possibilities are limitless!

In conclusion, it’s important to realize that the constant pull of social media can be very harmful, especially to children and teens. It deteriorates in-person connections, causes issues with mental health and self-perception, and also results in terrible cases of addiction. With these severe consequences in mind, it’s important that we are mindful and purposeful about our social media usage. Instead of letting social media control us, we need to take back our autonomy, and instead control the way we use social media. We have waited far too long, and it’s about time we tuned out the social noise around us, and instead embraced a more peaceful social silence.

The lockdowns, deaths, and economic devastation of COVID-19 can be overwhelming. In the midst of a massive global crisis bringing the world to its knees, it can be difficult to know just what to do next. So many of us feel insignificant. This is especially the case for those struggling with mental and physical disabilities. Yet it is in that same struggle that you and I find purpose. You matter because everyone matters, and in a time when people are asked to keep apart, we can only get through this together.

Self-compassion is always important, especially for those battling anxiety and depression. It is now more critical than ever. Mental Health Research Canada reported that the number of Canadians with high levels of anxiety quadrupled from 5% to 20% due to the pandemic. Self-reported cases of depression increased from 4% to 10%. You are far from alone. Think of the words you need to hear right now to reassure yourself about your importance. Try placing a hand on your chest in a quiet, comforting place, and taking slow breaths. Practice mindfulness by making yourself very aware of the present moment, and meditate to calm your mind. Your negative thoughts are normal. By addressing them honestly and with self-compassion, you can in turn help others in need.

Even in the age of social distancing, you have a profound impact on the people around you. Physical and mental conditions do not change that. More and more people are eschewing materialism and excursions that do not always allow those with physical disabilities to partake, in favour of phone calls with friends and visits with family standing two meters apart. In this difficult time, these connections have proved to be invaluable no matter what mental or physical conditions you are facing. Make a call or send a text to the people in your life, who will be happy you checked in. Talk about what you are both experiencing; instead of making COVID-19 the central topic like every news headline, focus on emotions and personal challenges. These are small steps we can all make to help the world during this time.

Globally, about 15% of all people live with a disability. Many of them have underlying medical conditions increasing their vulnerability to COVID-19. Lack of helpful government policies frequently makes it hard for these people to access the assistance they need. Realizing your importance and reaching out to others during this time helps us act to push for greater inclusion in government response plans. In many condominiums and neighbourhoods, people are volunteering to keep others company and help those in need access medical services. None of this happens with the actions of just one person. Whether you offer emotional support, assist those with disabilities, or receive aid with your physical or mental condition, you are playing a role in the push for greater inclusion and stronger government programs that help us all.

So many of us struggle with our sense of self-worth. Mental and physical disabilities can make it even harder to feel like you matter. But the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of our individual words and actions. From families to those living alone, we all need one another to get through this. Either all of us matter, or none of us do. You must make a conscious effort to choose the former. Recognize your self-worth, reach out to your friends and family, and play your part in building a better world.

Sources:

Ferreira, Jennifer. “Valuing people and slowing down: Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/valuing-people-and-slowing-down-lessons-learned-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.4945522

Kinder, Michelle. “You Matter: Self-Compassion During COVID-19.” Thrive Global. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/you-matter-self-compassion-during-covid-19/

Root, Rebecca. “How to ensure a disability-inclusive response to COVID-19.” Devex. https://www.devex.com/news/how-to-ensure-a-disability-inclusive-response-to-covid-19-97134

Slaughter, Graham. “Anxiety and depression have spiked among Canadians: survey.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/anxiety-and-depression-have-spiked-among-canadians-survey-1.4919741

In March, bustling work schedules and social lives came to a halt. We suddenly found ourselves at home day after day with offices, restaurants, and malls all closed. What to do with this frightening, unprecedented downtime? Write about it. This is the perfect time to start a personal diary, or continue a journaling habit that you might have previously stopped. The benefits of doing so extend beyond yourself to your friends, family, and future.

This is a traumatic time for many. Maintaining a journal can help make sense of the chaos and unpredictability. In turn, this can mean reduced stress and an improved mental and physical state. The Journal of Medical Internet Research published a study in 2018 that found that keeping a journal resulted in lowered stress and anxiety levels within a month. Studies have also found that the habit can improve IQ and sleep, as well as immune functioning for those dealing with various medical conditions. Organizing your thoughts on page or screen can have profound effects on your physical and mental well-being. This is all the more reason to start right away.

Beyond your own health, a diary can have a positive impact on the people around you. We are getting through this together. Sharing your experiences in a blog, from the good to the bad to the downright awful, can help strengthen the connection with friends and family despite the distance. Your family can work on journals together and read what they feel comfortable sharing. These words can be a simple summary of your day, the news of the week, or a cathartic venting of emotions. Any and all of these things will help build an emotional bond with your family and friends as you struggle and work through this together.

Your current friends and family may not be the only ones to read your diary. It could also serve as a time capsule for future friends or even your children. The COVID-19 pandemic is a generation-defining event that will likely be in future history books, and your diary would be a primary source from this historical time. With more of us creating first-hand accounts of our daily lives in the time of COVID-19, we are building a great foundation for future people to study and learn from this era. Many minor details, like the news from a particular day to the various struggles involved in going to get groceries or celebrating holidays and birthdays with friends, can easily get lost in time. Diaries ensure that these tidbits do not become forgotten memories.

No one knows for sure when or if our daily lives to go back to the way they were before March of this year. Start your diary right now. Open a Word document or types some notes on your phone. If you are not sure what to put down, start with “Dear COVID-19 diary” and write whatever comes to mind. You can not only improve your own body and mind during this difficult time, but you can also better connect with friends and family, and have recorded memories to look back on in the decades to come. There is a lot to process from the emotional, societal, and economic fallout of this pandemic. Your thoughts are an important part of that processing. Your words matter.

Sources:

Daley, Paul. “We are witnessing a critical time in history. You should keep a diary.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/14/we-are-witnessing-a-critical-time-in-history-you-should-keep-a-diary

McGinn, Dave. “Journaling can help children make sense of life in the age of coronavirus.” The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-journaling-can-help-children-make-sense-of-life-in-the-age-of/

Vermes, Jason. ‘We want it all’: Keeping a COVID-19 diary? It could help future historians – and your mental health. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-23-2020-1.5542275/we-want-it-all-keeping-a-covid-19-diary-it-could-help-future-historians-and-your-mental-health-1.5542907

The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic for quite a while. During this difficult time, simple, positive gestures and acts of kindness could brighten someone’s day. Around the world, people have been making many positive gestures that have been highlighted by the media and shared around the world. Here are 10 stories from around the world during the pandemic:

1. An elementary school teacher in the United States, Shauna Woods, shared a trick with her students to help them remember to wash their hands more often. For this trick, Woods used a stamp to stamp her students’ hands. The goal was to try to get the stamp on their hands to disappear or fade by the end of the day. If they could do so, they would receive a prize.
2. In the United Kingdom, a woman named Becky Wass created a postcard and delivered them to her neighbours. The postcard read, “Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help,” and underneath the message was space for her neighbours to write their contact information as well as if they would like her help with shopping, mail, or a phone call.
3. The Diamond Princess cruise ship was docked in the port of Yokohama, Japan, due to COVID-19 being spread to over 700 passengers. During that time, the ship’s captain, Captain Gennaro Arma, did his best to keep his passengers entertained with announcements, signs of encouragement, and also with his sense of humour. When it was safe to disembark, Captain Arma, made sure that all of his passengers safely disembarked the ship before he did.
4. In England, a kind gesture was done for children who were not able to visit their newborn sibling in the hospital due to the restrictions placed in hospitals for the pandemic. A lead neonatal nurse, Rachel Whyte, and her co-workers donated dozens of giant teddy bears to the children.
5. In Canada, Anastasija and Josh Davis were supposed to get married in front of over 100 guests. After strict rules regarding gatherings were placed, they had to replan their wedding. They decided to get married in the groom’s parents’ living room in front of immediate family and his best man. As they were in their limousine, going to another location to take photos, they noticed their friends on the streets with signs, balloons, streamers, and music playing from their cars to commemorate the wedding with the newlyweds.
6. Bob Shellard, a 90-year-old man in the United States wanted to go celebrate his 67th wedding anniversary with his 88-year-old wife at her nursing home. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, he could not enter the building to be with his wife. He decided to create a sign and bring balloons to show to his wife from outside her window. The sign read “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy anniversary.”
7. In Spain, a group of neighbours on lockdown planned to sing “Happy Birthday” to their 80-year-old neighbour, Charo. They put a birthday cake outside her door and called out for her to open the door. When Charo opened the door and saw the cake, she began to cry as her neighbours sang to her.
8. In Canada, four Briercrest College and Seminary seniors were on a flight back to Canada from their school’s volleyball tournament. Knowing that the college seniors were not going to have a graduation ceremony, the college’s chaplain, Joelle Epp, and the WestJet flight attendants surprised the students with a ceremony of their own. The ceremony included diplomas and Kit Kats.
9. In Singapore, a resident, Jennifer Le, saw elderly people waiting in line outside pharmacies to buy face masks. She decided to help out by ordering face masks from Vietnam, have the masks brought to her by a friend, and distributed them in Singapore.
10. In Spain, Italy, and Israel, quarantined people scheduled times to hold rounds of applause from their balconies and rooftops for healthcare workers treating the ill.

Resources:

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/siblings-babies-visit-hospital-coronavirus-17984117

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-compassion-the-kindness-postcard-and-other-heartwarming-gestures.html

https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds#students-in-columbus-nebraska-made-get-well-soon-cards-for-people-in-isolation-7

By Erin Rebello

It’s no secret that we are all experiencing a strange and scary new reality. With the sudden shift from socializing to social distancing, it truly seems like the world is being flipped upside down. One thing that is on a lot of student’s minds is schoolwork. As of right now, the Government of Ontario has cancelled in-person school until September at the earliest. While this might mean that there are no exams, (woot woot!) this decision also brings on many changes, including the switch to online school and e-learning.

Utilizing relatively new software such as Google Classroom, Brightspace, and Zoom, students have made the sudden switch to e-learning. This is an extremely short transition period, especially considering that some students have never taken an online course before. Students must also adapt to a completely different style of learning, going from being taught to having to teach themself. It can be very challenging for students to stay on track with their work, but it’s important to remember that there are ways to improve!

The first and most important thing to do to stay on track would be to stay organized. Staying organized means different things to different people. For some, it’s setting reminders on their phone, while for others it’s keeping a to do list. Personally, I like to make a checklist of things I need to get done every day. Having a list of my daily tasks allows for me to understand what I need to complete, while also not overwhelming myself with work that is due later on. I also love the accomplished feeling of being able to check something off my list! Since everyone has different studying techniques that work for them, you shouldn’t ever feel scared to experiment with new methods of organization. You never know, you might even find a method that improves your study habits way beyond this school semester.

As ironic as it may sound, another way to stay on track is by talking with your friends! No that doesn’t mean calling with them 24/7, but it does mean keeping in touch and working together. Without full lessons, it can be difficult to understand complicated concepts. One way to overcome this barrier is to get in touch with friends and help each other with homework. Are you struggling with French? Talk with a friend who takes the same class and ask for help with tricky concepts. Is your friend having difficulty with math while you understand it fairly well? Reach out to them and lend a helping hand. In a time where everyone is isolated, peer-to-peer support is crucial to keeping up with your studies

The last piece of advice, and perhaps the most important piece of advice, would have to be to stay in contact with your teachers. Not only will it improve your relationship with them, but it will also make your life ten times easier. Never be scared to ask for help, no matter how silly your question may seem. Even if it’s something as simple as clarifying a question, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Another thing to remember is that teachers and school staff are there to help, and are typically quite understanding during these times. If you don’t think you’ll be able to submit work on time, send them an email and explain your situation. In most cases, they’ll be able to make arrangements for you to send in your work at a later date. Just don’t make a habit of it!

Overall, although we are all facing difficult and unprecedented times, there are ways to stay on track with your studies. By staying organized, asking your friends for help, and keeping in touch with your teacher, you can make online learning a much less stressful experience!