Publications & Press
by Dr. Monica Vermani
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Recognizing and Conquering Those Holiday Blues
Strategies to help you make it through the holidays on your own terms.
By Dr. Monica Vermani
As the end of the year quickly approaches, for many people, so do the holiday blues. What is it about this traditionally joyful and restful time of year that somehow produces the perfect storm of stress, expectation, isolation, and overextension that can leave us feeling sad, depleted, disconnected, and alone?
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Winter Depresses Me, What Do I Do?
By Dr. Monica Vermani
In late autumn and early winter, our circadian rhythms — also known as our internal clocks — are negatively impacted by the diminished quality and quantity of sunlight. We all feel the absence of the sun to some degree, but for some of us, the shorter days and the diminishing access to natural light bring on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Parents I Don’t Want To Go To Business School?
By Dr. Monica Vermani
I’m in my final year of high school and worried about what I should do after graduation. My parents want me to study business, and I’ve received early acceptance at a very good business school. But I want to study history and political science. I am not exactly sure what I would do career-wise with a political science degree, and my parents have made it clear that they are not in favour of this choice.
The Best Recipes to Make and Enjoy Based on Your Personality Type
By Jennifer Anderson with Dr. Monica Vermani
The Big Five
We asked Vermani to explain the Big Five's key traits; understanding them can be useful when it comes to cooking for ourselves and our families.
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Openness: imaginative, risk takers, open to new experiences
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Conscientiousness: thoughtful, goal oriented, attention to detail
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Extraversion: talkative, assertive, emotionally expressive, center of attention
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Agreeableness: trustworthy, kind, empathetic
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Neuroticism: moody, over-thinkers, difficulty relaxing
How to Identify the 3 Types of Narcissists
By Brittany Leitner with Dr. Monica Vermani
Calling someone a narcissist is one of those terms we tend to throw around without really knowing much about it. But narcissism is a personality disorder. Here’s how to identify the various types.
Narcissism is a personality disorder, says Monica Vermani, PsyD, a clinical psychologist based in Canada and the author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas. “When most people talk about narcissism, they could be referring to it as a part of someone’s personality or as a narcissistic personality disorder,” says Vermani. Narcissistic personality disorder or (NPD) is a medical diagnosis that can be assessed and given only by a medical professional. Like most diagnoses, narcissism exists on a spectrum, which can make it even more difficult to ascertain in an individual.
8 Ways Mental Health Experts Prep for Days They Know Are Going to Be Stressful
Karla Walsh with Dr. Monica Vermani
Conquer crazy-busy, conflict-prone days with these stress-busting strategies.
Stress is a natural and very normal part of daily life. But some days are inherently more stressful than others: you have a job interview, you know your schedule is going to be jam-packed, you’re hosting a houseful of guests for a holiday meal — you get the point.
How to Separate Your Wants From Your Needs
With Dr. Monica Vermani
Conquer chronic stress, overwhelm, and burnout.
KEY POINTS
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The conditions we place upon ourselves to feel successful, happy, safe, content, and worthy of love are endless.
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To achieve more balance and sustain and maintain our lives, we need to identify what we want and what we need and separate them.
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Focusing on what you need right now will keep you on track and in good health, mind, body, and spirit.
We live in an age of going, doing, acquiring, and achieving. We set high standards and ambitious goals. We want to do the best for our families, our clients, our friends, and our community. We expect a lot from ourselves and others.
Ask Dr Monica Vermani: Her 5 Break Up Rules You Should Know
With Dr. Monica Vermani
We are excited to launch our series where Dr. Monica Vermani answers questions about live, love and everything in between.
Dr. Monica Vermani is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in treating trauma, stress and mood & anxiety disorders, and the founder of Start Living Corporate Wellness. She is a well-known speaker, columnist and advocate in the field of mental health and wellness. Her book, A Deeper Wellness, is now available on Amazon, and her in-depth online self-help program, A Deeper Wellness, offers powerful mental health guidance, life skills, knowledge and healing, anywhere, anytime.
These are the best paint colours for your personality type
With Dr. Monica Vermani
The 5 personality types:
There are five major personality types that psychologists use to help people understand their core character traits. Known as the Big Five, they include: Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
“These categories offer a reference point for the public to understand their own and other people’s behaviours, attitudes, and different ways of thinking, operating, and relating to the world,” says Monica Vermani, C.Psych, a clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas.
A Clinical Psychologist Shares 3 Ways To Cope With Being Alone During The Holidays
Brynna Standen with Dr. Monica Vermani
In our society, the term "the holidays" almost always feels synonymous with social gatherings. And with that time of year fast approaching, it feels like everyone around us is making plans. But for some of us, the only thing we've got on the books is sitting on the couch, blasting WAM on the radio, and sipping flavored liqueur. Others may feel inclined to just skip the whole thing entirely.
How to Deal With Difficult People
What’s really happening when we have to deal with difficult colleagues.
Abigail Fagan with Dr. Monica Vermani
KEY POINTS
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The problematic people in our lives reflect back to us our insecurities and inadequacies.
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We can learn a great deal about ourselves if we take a closer, more compassionate look at someone with whom we have interpersonal conflicts.
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Through our interactions we can learn and grow, and become higher and more authentic versions of ourselves.
Indigo Children: New Age Trend or Undiagnosed ADHD?
Alia Hoyt with Dr. Monica Vermani
Dr. Monica Vermani, clinical psychologist and author of "A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas," says by email that she's comfortable raising "a red flag" about the concept. She explains that parents who "buy whole-heartedly into its framework might view their child's problematic symptoms and behaviors — like inattention, and disruptive or defiant behaviors — through the lens of their indigo child status or identity." This, she explains, "could lead them to dismiss, resist, or delay addressing problems through traditional channels of proper diagnosis and treatment."
Hangxiety Makes a Bad Hangover Even Worse.
Here's What to Do About It
Maggie Ryan with Dr. Monica Vermani
During this recovery period, she tells POPSUGAR, "there are a lot of things going on in your body, including dehydration, headache, fatigue, and nausea. Some people, on top of these unpleasant symptoms, also suffer from hangover anxiety — also known as hangxiety.
Clean Your Space, Boost Your Mood: 10 Stress-Free Ways to Declutter
Karla Walsh with Dr. Monica Vermani
You gain much more than a tidier space when you declutter your home. Discover the mental health benefits of cleaning house, then read on for 10 tips from experts to help you get — and stay — organized.
Houseplants Won't Really Purify the Air in Your Home—but There Are Plenty of Other Benefits to Owning Them
Madeline Buiano with Dr. Monica Vermani
"When we are tending to the needs of our houseplants, we are focused on the here and now," says Monica Vermani, C.Psych., a clinical psychologist. "We get out of our heads and reconnect with our senses."
Clinical Psychologist Provides 5 Expert Tips For Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder
Amanda Chatel with Dr. Monica Vermani
In an exclusive, clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas, Dr. Monica Vermani, tells The List that there are several ways to combat seasonal affective disorder when the days get shorter and there are more clouds than sun.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With Seasonal Affective Disorder, According To A Clinical Psychologist
Sara Caskey with Dr. Monica Vermani
We’ve had Mental Health Day, Mental Health Week, and now Mental Health Month – but for many Canadians, it might as well be mental health year. People have been struggling with post-pandemic fears for a while now, and numbers are grim for those struggling with such debilitating issues as stress, depression and anxiety.
Canadians continue to struggle with mental health issues post pandemic
Rita DeMontis with Dr. Monica Vermani
We’ve had Mental Health Day, Mental Health Week, and now Mental Health Month – but for many Canadians, it might as well be mental health year. People have been struggling with post-pandemic fears for a while now, and numbers are grim for those struggling with such debilitating issues as stress, depression and anxiety.
If You Deal With SAD, A Psychologist Says Make These Adjustments To Your Bedtime Routine
Row Light with Dr. Monica Vermani
As the days get shorter approaching the winter months, we might feel a vague sense of dread. (How do we stay positive when the sun goes down while we're still at work?)
How Much Alcohol or Cannabis Is Too Much?
Abigail Fagan with Dr. Monica Vermani.
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Many people are confused about how much alcohol or cannabis use is okay and how much is too much.
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Both alcohol and cannabis use can negatively impact your physical health and well-being.
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It is important to be honest with yourself about when your usage is negatively impacting an area of your life.
How Effective Are 'Happy Lights' In Treating SAD?
Here's What A Clinical Psychologist Has To Say
Marie McMullan with Dr. Monica Vermani
As the leaves become more vibrant in color and the weather colder, some people may not be excited for the return to cool autumn and winter months. For those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), slipping away from the summer months may lead to worsened symptoms of depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Your child is being bullied. Now what?
with Dr. Monica Vermani.
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare – to discover their child is being bullied. Yet according to a global report, almost a quarter of British pupils say they are being bullied a few times a month. The chances that your child will be at the receiving end is therefore relatively likely, and of course, with the advent of cyberbullying things have become more complex because bullying is no longer confined to just the playground.
Dr. Monica Vermani, Clinical Psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas, shares her insights on what to do if you discover your child is being bullied.
If You Think ADHD and Dating Can't Mix, You're Wrong.
In fact, so many aspects of having ADHD—like curiosity and creativity—make you a fantastic date, experts say.
Sarah Fielding with Dr. Monica Vermani.
THE EXACT number of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is unclear, but one estimate puts the prevalence of the condition at 4.4% of all American adults aged 18 to 49. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having ADHD, but symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity can sometimes make dating a little more complicated.
What Is Self-Esteem?
Plus, Psychologists Explain How to Harness It to Improve Your Life
Karla Walsh with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Self-esteem is a reflection of how positively we view our inherent qualities. In this complete guide to all things self-esteem, psychologists explain its importance, ways to build your self-esteem levels, and how to tell if your self-esteem might be too low — or too high — and what to do about it. (Yes, you can have too much!)
Conquering SAD
Six strategies to help combat seasonal affective disorder.
Ekua Hagan with Dr. Monica Vermani.
That certain Saturday when we turn our clocks back an hour will soon be here. While getting up in the morning becomes a little easier, we pay a price at the end of each day as we find ourselves plunged into darkness as most people’s working day is winding down. To some extent, each and every one of us experiences this absence of sunlight in the winter months. But for some of us, the shorter days and reduced access to natural light bring on seasonal affective disorder, widely known as SAD, and for others, seasonal depression.
Happy marriage and synchronized brains: What's the link?
with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Marital satisfaction and romantic compatibility have been the subject of research for decades. Yet, scientists are only beginning to understand why some couples report happiness within a relationship and others do not experience this type of relationship satisfaction.
World Mental Health Day: how parents can help stop bullying
By Helen Sydney Adams with Dr. Monica Vermani.
How can parents help a child that is being bullied - or is a bully? Ready for World Mental Health Day, Dr. Monica Vermani explains what can be done.
What to Do After a Fight With Your Partner
With Dr. Monica Vermani.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Fights with your partner can be messy, painful, and downright unpleasant. But that doesn’t mean that they’re without hope.
Making up after a fight can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry—we’re here to help.
Second chance to say goodbye during the spooky season
by Rita DeMontis with Dr. Monica Vermani.
People are looking for that one last goodbye, and virtually in every culture there are those who can help facilitate this, although in very unconventional ways. Business for the thousands in the psychic industry is truly growing.
Aleida Nuñez in Bathing Suit Will Announce "New Projects Very Soon"
by Ferozan Mast with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Nuñez loves to take time for herself and meditate, saying, "In this world full of uncertainty and anxiety it helps you create a state of consciousness and peace." Meditation offers many health benefits, experts say.
Make Happiness Your Choice
How you can choose to be happy, here and now.
by Gary Drevitch with Dr. Monica Vermani.
We place a lot of conditions on our happiness. We tell ourselves that we’ll be happy when we land that dream job, find love, are able to afford our dream house, have children, travel the world, have enough money tucked away for a comfortable retirement—the list can seem endless, and we can spend our lives waiting for the perfect conditions for our happiness.
What To Do When Your Child Doesn’t Want To Go To School
by Jacqueline Burt Cote with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Back-to-school is supposed to be a fun and exciting time, but for parents of a little one who is scared to go to school, the start of the year is often filled with stress and anxiety instead. Whether it’s your child’s first time going to school and they’re terrified of what lies ahead or they’re a returning student with no desire to go back, school resistance can be an incredibly difficult issue to deal with for the whole family.
Why Is the Term 'Gaslighting' So Popular Now ─ and So Misused?
by Alia Hoyt with Dr. Monica Vermani.
New York-based political commentator Irina Tsukerman often debates other people in a public setting and sometimes has been accused of gaslighting when the argument gets heated.
"During these debates they have generally claimed that I was gaslighting them or the audience (despite the fact that I was arguing on the substance) as a way to undermine my credibility," she explains in an email interview.
Are Your Shopping Habits Problematic?
by Gary Drevitch with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Do you shop ‘til you drop? Do you find yourself buying things impulsively, feeling good in the moment, and later regretting it...or find yourself clicking the buy now button into the wee hours, when you should be sleeping? If so, you are not alone.
Suddenly September: Rising to the Back-to-School Challenge
by Michelle Quirk with Dr. Monica Vermani.
KEY POINTS
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September can be a mixed bag of challenging times and return to routines.
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College children on their own for the first time should be allowed to set the terms of how much support they require.
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Empty nesters grapple with difficult emotions as they look forward to more time to pursue their own interests and passions.
The Importance of Compassion and Kindness in Today’s World
by Ekua Hagan with Dr. Monica Vermani.
KEY POINTS
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When a person returns another's lack of kindness, negativity spreads and gains momentum.
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Acting with compassion in a confrontational situation can neutralize what could become a very unpleasant encounter.
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A compassionate response can look like counteracting negativity, setting healthy boundaries, and stepping away.
The Wellness Prescription With Dr. Claudia - Player FM
with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Podcast
How To Figure Out Which Type Of Motivation Really Propels You To Be Your Best
by Kaitlin Reilly with Dr. Monica Vermani.
There's no single path to success, and as any parent or teacher can tell you, no single, fool-proof way to motivate everyone. So, when you reach that point of adulthood where you're ready to invest in yourself and pursue self-development, you may not know how to best propel yourself forward.
Brooke Shields gets emotional as she talks sending her daughter off to college for sophomore year: 'I thought it would be easier'
by Kaitlin Reilly with Dr. Monica Vermani.
The Endless Love star, 57, posted an Instagram video on Thursday in which she shared that she was emotional after sending her 19-year-old daughter Rowan to her sophomore year of college at Wake Forest University.
Can Anxiety Cause Sweating?
by John Riddle with Dr. Monica Vermani.
“Anxiety is normal and in a physical threat situation, whereby adrenaline is injected into the bloodstream and prepares one with the flight, fight, freeze reaction, this can often lead to physiological symptoms, including sweating,” says Monica Vermani, PsyD, clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas.
How Much Crying Do You Really Need On Your Love Journey?
by Amber Gibson with Dr. Monica Vermani.
The Bachelor franchise has a long tradition of loving and expressing itself with tears. Whether it's Clayton Echard sobbing, Colton Underwood jumping a fence to get a minute alone, the show has a lot of fun with its promos. When misery is an integral part of that story, it sends a troubling message to viewers while simultaneously traumatizing the contestants.
I'm a trauma therapist who helps people who are being bullied by their partner's ex. Here's how I recommend couples move forward.
by Julia Naftulin with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Clinical psychologist Monica Vermani said bullying at the hands of an ex is a real and serious problem, and one she's seen many times over her 30 years as a therapist.
What to Do When You’re Ready to Forgive
by Gary Drevitch with Dr. Monica Vermani.
What exactly are we talking about when we talk about forgiveness? Why is forgiveness such a struggle? How do we actually and truly forgive? And how does forgiveness benefit the person who forgives someone who has harmed them?
How to Respond to Gaslighting at Home, Work & Everywhere in Between
By Dr. Monica Vermani.
Even if you know how to spot the signs of it, it can be difficult to know how to respond to gaslighting (basically, a manipulation technique wherein a person makes you question your sense of reality). We checked in with Dr. Monica Vermani, clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas, for her take on what gaslighting looks like at home, work and everywhere in between, plus how to respond to different types.
Tackling Workplace Toxicity
By Dr. Monica Vermani.
The corporate workplace has long been regarded as a competitive and tough space, where corporate profits and the bottom line come first, and all other priorities are a distant second. But these days, the writing is on the wall. As employers struggle to attract, engage and retain talent, the high cost of workplace toxicity is impacting organizations around the world.
How To Know If Therapy Is Actually Working, According To Mental Health Experts
Noma Nazish with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Therapy is a wonderful tool for healing and self-development. But when you're new to therapy, it's common to feel apprehension and uncertainty as you're essentially navigating unchartered territory.
Getting Back Out in the Dating World
by Abigail Fagan with Dr. Monica Vermani.
If you’re feeling pangs of reluctance about getting back into the world of dating, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why we’re hesitating, and how to step back into the dating world with more confidence than ever before.
The Changing Role of the Caregiver
by MAGGIE RYAN with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Whether you're choosing what show to watch or which job offer to accept, every choice we make involves either intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic or Extrinsic: Knowing Your Motivation Style May Be Key to Meeting Goals
by MAGGIE RYAN with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Whether you're choosing what show to watch or which job offer to accept, every choice we make involves either intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Spotlighting A Deeper Wellness Dr. Monica Vermani
BY LAURIE HARDIE with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Why do we stay with someone who is bad for us? Is it laziness or are we just complacent? Dr. Monica Vermani, Clinical Psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety, and Traumas, tells us that it’s easier to stay with a beast we understand than one we don’t.
How to Keep It Together in Front of Your Kids
Joelle Speranza with Dr. Monica Vermani.
Parents everywhere are reeling from the news of recent tragedies. This mom reached out to experts for tips on how to cope.
How to Promote Body Positivity In Your Kids When You Don't Feel Body Positive
Dory Zayas with Dr. Monica Vermani
If you have a young child, you’re probably aware of some alarming statistics, among them that weight concerns and body dissatisfaction have been reported in children as young as 3 years old. One study found that 80% of elementary-aged girls revealed that they have tried to lose weight with a diet.
Toxic Relationships – How to recognize them and what to do about it
Gayle Guyardo with Dr. Monica Vermani
Why do we stay in toxic relationships?
Many people stay in jobs or habits and patterns that don’t serve them. The belief for some is “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”
Resilience, What It Is and Why We Need It
Dr. Monica Vermani
What exactly are we talking about when we talk about resilience? Psychology Today defines resilience as “the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before.”
10 Therapist-Backed Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health If You're Feeling Weighed Down By the News Right Now
How to deal with 'empty nest syndrome' as kids head off to school
Erin Donnelly with Dr. Monica Vermani
As graduations get underway and young adults head off to universities or other new adventures away from home, parents like Rabeya are experiencing what clinical psychologist Monica Vermani calls an "emotional rollercoaster."
Road to Recovery with Yonah Budd
Dr. Monica Vermani
On tonight's episode Yonah chats with multiple guests, beginning with Dr. Monica Vermani, Clinical Psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety, and Traumas
How to Deal With Regret (According to Experts)
Dr. Monica Vermani
While we are often able to forgive others, when it comes to forgiving ourselves, we often struggle.
Toxic Relationships
David Cooper with Dr. Monica Vermani
What are toxic relationships and how do we exit them with Dr. Monica Vermani, a clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety, and Traumas.
Temper your temper with the anger funnel
Simone Paget with Dr. Monica Vermani
“We often repeat these patterns, both intentionally, and unconsciously. If you have been accustomed to a certain kind of treatment (in childhood, friendships, and past relationships) that is all that you have been exposed to – you may think that that is what love is,” she says during a recent email interview.
Temper your temper with the anger funnel
Rick Gamble with Dr. Monica Vermani
There are lots of reasons people have shorter fuses these days: feelings of political and social helplessness, economic strain, less community and more social media specializing in outrage, judgment and condemnation.