Dear Maddi...

Student wellness is a major priority for the Faculty of Science, and we want to support students in maintaining their mental health.

If you are struggling with a mental health concern or looking for advice, check out the Dear Maddi advising column. It is a joint initiative between the University of Alberta Faculty of Science and Counselling and Clinical Services (CCS). Dear Maddi articles are written by Maddalena Genovese, CCS Satellite Psychologist for the Faculty of Science and her colleagues.

The Dear Maddi advising column is published regularly through the Fall and Winter semesters, but students can submit questions at any time of year using the form below.

If you are looking for advice, or you would like to contribute ideas for potential topics please share your suggestions with our resident psychologist Maddi and look for a response in the news feed below and in SciLife, the Faculty of Science undergraduate digital newsletter.

Please note that the Dear Maddi column is not meant to address emergency situations. If you are in a crisis please contact the distress line at 780.482.4357.

Have a question for Maddi? Submit your question via this form.

Dear Maddi: How do I manage the stress from school when I don't have time to relax?

Psychologist and guest author Dr. Jasmine Bajwa helps us figure out how to build stress relief into a busy schedule.
Dear Maddi: How do I talk to women when I come from a conservative culture?

Psychologist and guest author Maria Kim explores how international students can reconcile with Canadian customs.
Dear Maddi: Is it normal to feel sad after graduating?

Psychologist and guest author Suman Varghese explores the mixed emotions that come with big changes.
Dear Maddi: How can I tactfully prune “toxic” friendships?

Psychologist and guest author Shauna Rosiechuk discusses ways to evaluate a friendship and the importance of setting boundaries.
Dear Maddi: How do I make friends as a mature student?

Registered Provisional Psychologist and guest author Chelsea Hobbs discusses how to navigate friendship when you’re older than your peers.
Dear Maddi: How can I make change in my life when I feel so stuck?

Psychologist and guest author Brittany Budzan discusses why change can feel so hard even when we know we need it.
Dear Maddi: How can I worry less about what others think of me?

Psychologist and guest author Jasmine Nathoo shares tips on how to be less scared of other people’s opinions.
Dear Maddi: How do I know if my new partner is right for me?

Psychologist and guest author Becky Ponting explains how to communicate bravely, and find a connection that lasts.
Dear Maddi: How can I say goodbye to an ex who doesn’t care?

Psychologist and guest author Becky Ponting explains how to let go of the person who left you, and why attachment is vital.
Can I be single and be alright?

Psychologist and guest author Jason Murray answers a student's question about feeling comfortable being single.
Is my partying a problem?

Psychologist and guest author Becky Ponting explains how to decide whether a party lifestyle is helping or hindering you.
Am I depressed? Lazy? Or feeling sorry for myself?

What is the difference between depression, laziness, and self-pity?
How do I make meaningful friendships as an adult?

Maddi offers insight into how to develop deeper connections with friends and some of the barriers that might be coming in the way.
How Can I Be Less Self-Conscious Around My Friends?

Psychologist and guest author Shauna Rosiechuk discusses strategies for overcoming social anxiety.
How to get back on track after pandemic languishing

Registered psychologist and guest author Heather Gower offers some insight into why you don’t feel like yourself and how to get back on track.
Dear Maddi: Coping with war from afar

How to manage stress and anxiety brought on by the war in Ukraine
Dear Maddi: How do I stop snacking when I am stressed?

Psychologist Maddi Genovese explains how to tune into our needs to curb the stress eating habit.
Dear Maddi: Are my struggles real? Or am I faking them?

Provisional psychologist and guest author Shannon Tabor explains the subjective nature of mental health and how to know if your feelings are a problem for you.
Dear Maddi: Trouble refocusing after a study break

Psychologist and guest author Jasmine Bajwa shares tips for refocusing after a study break.
Dear Maddi: Taking longer than expected to finish a degree

Psychologist and guest author Becky Ponting explains why there is no such thing as a “perfect” timeline for life.
Dear Maddi: Social comparison and studying enough

How do I know whether I am studying enough without comparing myself to others?
Dear Maddi: Talking to new people

Guest author Becky Ponting shares advice for meeting new people and managing anxiety.
Dear Maddi: Making decisions

Having problems making a decision? Becky Ponting gives tips on how to make a difficult decision.
Dear Maddi: Anxiety and depression

Having problems with anxiety and depression? Here are some tips to get you feeling calm.
How do I stop living in the past when I have a history of trauma?

UAlberta psychologist Maddi Genovese shares some insight about how to move forward when you have a traumatic past.
How do I come out to my parents when I know they are not accepting for religious reasons?

UAlberta psychologist Maddi Genovese shares some advice for a reader's question on how to come out to their religious parents.
Student Stress and Pandemic Parenting: Coping with the thoughts and emotions

How to cope and balance life during the pandemic
I’m worried about my relationship as we spend so much time together during the lockdown. Any tips on getting through this?

Jasmine Bajwa, psychologist with UAlberta Counselling and Clinical Services, shares some advice on relationships in the time of quarantine.
How do I cope with the stress and anxiety of a pandemic?

Managing the impact of COVID-19 with nine simple strategies.
Getting right to it: Power over procrastination

A three-step guide to beating procrastination.
How do I detach myself from superficial objects and circumstances?

Starting on the path of non-attachment.
Boundary basics: Taking care of you when you are there for others

Knowing your limits and setting boundaries when you are caring for someone in distress.
Beating the winter blues

How to fend off winter blues
Relationship check up: what is healthy?

Signs of a healthy relationship
After the break up: Getting through the feelings

Moving on after a break up
I need advice. Have you got a book for me?

Self-help books you should read.
I have been having a hard time feeling motivated

Getting motivated when not happy.
Dear Maddi, I am having trouble making friends

Making friends in university.