Conflict is a natural part of life, but how we handle it can greatly impact our mental well-being. During Mental Health Week (May 5-11), let’s focus on managing conflict with empathy and intention. As a counsellor, I encourage people to approach disagreements with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Pause, breathe, and listen—often, what lies beneath anger is a need to feel understood. Healthy communication doesn’t mean avoiding conflict; it means engaging in ways that strengthen relationships rather than damage them. This week, consider how you can bring more compassion into your conversations—for others, and for yourself.