Ah, the holidays — that magical time of year when twinkling lights, cozy sweaters and family gatherings fill us with joy… and, if we’re being honest, sometimes a bit of stress.

Gratitude isn’t about pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good that exists — no matter how small — even in challenging times. When we shift our focus toward thankfulness, we give ourselves permission to experience more joy, connection and calm.

Exam stress is one of the most universal experiences in university or college life. This stress feels like a bad thing, but feeling some stress before exams isn’t just normal, it’s actually helpful. 

According to a recent survey of 1,500 professionals across Canada, 47 per cent report feeling burned out and 31 per cent indicate they are more burned out now than they were the year prior. Addressing employee burnout requires more than individual effort; it requires organizational commitment.

We recently hosted two workshops on cell phone use and addiction for Grade 9 students at Simonds High School in Saint John.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental depletion that develops when chronic workplace stress goes unaddressed. And while anyone can experience it, managers play a key role in spotting the early signs and creating a healthier work culture that prevents it.

In honour of Healthy Workplace Month this October, we’re sharing some meaningful ways managers and employers can support employee mental health, along with resources available right here in New Brunswick.

There are free crisis supports available across New Brunswick — people ready to listen, support and guide you to safety when you need it most.

For many people, the idea of scheduling an appointment, arranging transportation or walking into a counselling office can feel overwhelming. That’s why virtual therapy has become such a valuable option for people seeking support.

We are so excited to share that A Sweet Night for Mental Health is back for its second year! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 21, 2025 at 6:30pm at the beautiful Lily Lake Pavilion in Saint John.

In August, Just Us partnered with the Multicultural Association of Sussex to host a unique seminar designed specifically for newcomers to Canada. The group session was led by Andrea Jimenez, a counselling intern with Just Us who is completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling at Kingswood University.

September marks the beginning of a new school year for post-secondary students across New Brunswick. It’s a season full of excitement, change and opportunity—but it can also bring stress, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm.

The back-to-school season can be exciting, but for many kids and parents in New Brunswick, September also brings a wave of anxiety. Whether it’s a child worrying about making friends or a parent feeling overwhelmed by new routines, back-to-school stress is very real and very common.

According to the 2021 National Arts and Culture Impact Survey, 76 per cent of Canadian arts and culture workers reported high or very high levels of anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic. That’s why Just Us has teamed up with ArtsLink NB to offer free counselling to artists across New Brunswick.

Through a collaboration with Just Us, residents at Kennebec Manor seniors home are now receiving free and low-cost therapy on site — support that’s been long needed and deeply appreciated.

At Just Us, we’re proud to support passionate, thoughtful students like Madison. Our internship program is about more than hours and supervision, it’s about helping the next generation of mental health professionals find their voice, their strengths and their place in this important work.

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget that some of the most helpful tools for our mental well-being are already around us. And the best part? Nature doesn’t charge admission.

While conversations around mental wellness are becoming more common, many men still face a silent struggle. Social expectations, stigma and financial concerns often keep men from reaching out for the help they need.

At Just Us, we believe that mental health is health. In a province like New Brunswick, where access to support can be limited and financial strain is a barrier for many, we’ve made it our mission to close that gap. This past year, we took major steps forward—and the impact is real, measurable and deeply human.

Earlier this year, we started a new partnership with Avenue B Harm Reduction, bringing on-site counselling directly to those who are often overlooked in conversations about burnout, trauma and self-care: harm reduction workers.