Mental health is a core component of our health. When you prioritize your own mental health and wellbeing, it opens opportunities to focus on the wellbeing of your family, friends, communities and organizations.
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Let’s get real: there are times in life when you’re going to feel overwhelmed. Whether it be with work, school, social obligations or just life in general, we all feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed at some point. It’s important to give yourself grace when you have these feelings. Try not to brush them off or … Seguir leyendo
The “Sunday Scaries.” You know that feeling: tomorrow is Monday, another week of work, and your relaxation time is over. It can feel like a pit in your stomach, maybe it makes your heart flutter. Sometimes, it can escalate and paralyze you into staying in bed. Weekends are supposed to be a time to recharge … Seguir leyendo
The benefits of self-care can be much more than a fresh glow after using a face mask. Self-care is a frequent social media buzzword, but why is self-care important? While the answers might look different for everyone, self-care is something everyone needs. Mental health challenges are common — 23.4% of adults experienced mental illness 2024 … Seguir leyendo
Nothing deflates the excitement of a Friday afternoon more than the Sunday Blues hitting way too soon afterward. One moment, you have the whole weekend ahead of you and the possibilities seem endless. The next moment, it’s Sunday, you go back to work or school tomorrow, and you just can’t relax anymore. What are the … Seguir leyendo
“Doomscroll.” “Brainrot.” These terms, and more like them, refer to the amount of time we spend absorbing negativity from our phone’s news and social media feeds. And they’ve quickly become part of our everyday vocabularies. The concern over doomscrolling isn’t for nothing: concerns persist about smartphone and social media use and mental health, particularly among … Seguir leyendo
College can be an incredibly exciting time for young adults – and it comes with potential stressors like financial burdens, academic pressure, homesickness and pandemic-related hardships like social isolation, any or all of which can lead to mental health challenges. A study by the American College Health Association found that 48% of college students reported … Seguir leyendo
It’s easy to feel mentally exhausted in a world that demands so much of our time, energy and focus. Many people push themselves from sunup to sundown in a quest to keep up with responsibilities at home and work, juggling social events, kids’ activities and other commitments. With all this, the need to take care … Seguir leyendo
For some, the start of the year is a prime opportunity to wipe the slate clean and set goals. For others, the thought of making New Year’s resolutions triggers a heavy eye roll. If you’re in the latter group, it’s OK and understandable! In a way, not making resolutions can be freeing. Why? Because accepting … Seguir leyendo
As the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, let’s lift our mental health! With 29% of people having expected to make a mental health-related New Year’s resolution for 2023, you’re bound to be in good company. It’s the goal that can #BeTheDifference for you and your community. Forbes reported that the top resolutions people make … Seguir leyendo
From family gatherings to financial pressures, the holiday season can take a toll on your mental health.
Tragic events – from school shootings to natural disasters – can make us feel out of sorts and depressed afterward. Hope may seem lost, whether you’re directly or indirectly affected by the situation. Whether tragedy strikes locally, nationally or internationally, your mental health can take a hit. Even anniversaries of traumatic events can cause mental … Seguir leyendo
Life has a rhythm. Some seasons are busier than others, some are quieter and more predictable. Workloads ebb and flow. Relationships evolve. And then there are the curveballs thrown our way. Our lives change no matter what, and that change can be hard. But adjusting how we look at change can improve our attitude. Instead … Seguir leyendo
The first day of school is a welcome reprieve for many parents. Juggling childcare, work and summer activities can be flat-out exhausting! But, while parents may look forward to school-year routines, some teachers may have a hard time gearing up to be back in the classroom. Throughout the year, teachers are tasked with setting up … Seguir leyendo
When you have substance use challenges, navigating summertime social gatherings can be difficult. It can be hard to strike the balance between wanting to spend time with friends and family when you know there could be temptations, such as alcohol, and, in some cases, recreational substances. So, how do you hang out with people you … Seguir leyendo
Taking charge of your mental health doesn’t have to mean drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, the smaller the shift, the more likely it is you’ll do it. Big, lofty goals are often unrealistic and quickly fizzle out. For example, you wouldn’t start training for a marathon by running 26.2 miles every day; you would start … Seguir leyendo
Caring for aging parents while raising a family can be challenging. As their child, you feel pressure to care for aging parents, and as a parent, you feel the obligation to tend to your family. As a caregiver, you may feel like you’re being squeezed on both ends, like an uncomfortable sandwich. “Sandwich generation” refers … Seguir leyendo
One more email. One more text. One more date on the calendar. It’s shocking how one more can quickly become 20 more things to do. Soon, it seems you can’t get ahead or catch your breath. While work and personal life will inevitably throw some stressful situations your way, creating healthy boundaries in your daily … Seguir leyendo
No matter who you are or what your background is, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate a fresh start. A reset. A clean slate. And even though the new year is a great time to set resolutions that support your mental wellbeing, it can also be challenging to follow through. External triggers, … Seguir leyendo
November is National Gratitude month, and the beginning of the season when many people may begin to think about what they are grateful for in their life. While it is nice to count your blessings during the holidays, practicing gratitude for the big and small things in your life can benefit your life all year … Seguir leyendo
When someone we love dies, experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, regret, guilt and sometimes even relief, is common and natural. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum adds that bereavement grief, which occurs with the death of a loved one, can have some of the same symptoms as major depression, like intense sadness and … Seguir leyendo
November can be a time for s’mores, warm hoodies and crisp air. For me, it’s also a time to reflect, educate, recognize and honor the more than 53 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. These individuals passionately support family (89% of those caring for adults are taking care of a relative), friends and community members. … Seguir leyendo
As a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer who is on the road and in virtual training spaces regularly, I am one who talks about the importance of centering wellbeing and self-care often. Like many in my courses, work and the stresses of life often disrupt my ability to be consistent. Truthfully, I don’t want … Seguir leyendo
Taking time off from work has immense benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, extended time off can increase life satisfaction, improve mental wellbeing, reduce heart disease risks and reduce anxiety and depression. But we don’t take time off! On average, 55% of Americans do not use all … Seguir leyendo
We’re bombarded with messages about our physical health. Commercials hawk the latest diet programs or supplements; magazines boast the best workout routines; and subway ads remind you to see your doctor for a physical. These messages usually ignore a very important aspect of our overall health – our mental wellbeing. The National Council for Mental … Seguir leyendo
After what feels like an eternity of stay-at-home orders and roped off public spaces, a somewhat “normal” summer is a welcome treat. Longer and warmer days, a more flexible work schedule (or even summer break) and an abundance of social activities make this season a favorite for many. However, feelings of anxiety due to rising … Seguir leyendo
Throughout my Army career, I carried a piece of paper folded in the breast pocket of my uniform with a list of the names of the 35 soldiers killed in my brigade during my first deployment to Iraq. I carried it as a reminder of the sacrifice that these men and women made for our … Seguir leyendo
As a grits-powered mental health programming developer, facilitator and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, food is more than a source of sustenance for me. It’s an ice-breaker and a way to get friends, attendees and strangers to talk about feelings. Through food, you can tap into your creativity and build culinary confidence. You can … Seguir leyendo
The moment many of us have been eagerly awaiting – the start of Spring — has finally arrived! Did you know that natural medicine traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine base their entire understanding of health on the distinctions between the seasons? Each season, according to these traditions, has its own set of rhythms … Seguir leyendo
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA … Seguir leyendo
Many people go through periods where their moods are impacted by the changing of the seasons. Feeling ‘down’ in the winter is a common experience, as well as periods of anxiety when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. However, if you are noticing that your mood changes are significantly impacting how you … Seguir leyendo
Somewhere around the time the New Year’s Eve parties ended, retail displays transformed from winter wonderlands to Cupid’s playgrounds. But whether you dread it or eagerly anticipate it, Valentine’s Day can also serve as a reminder that we can all use a bit of TLC (tender, loving care), regardless of our relationship status. Unrealistic depictions … Seguir leyendo
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 52.9 million people, or 21% of adults ages 18 years or older, experience a mental health or substance use challenge each year. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, those numbers are likely to be higher, with roughly three out of four adults reporting that … Seguir leyendo
It’s safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on all of our lives. Keeping distance from family and friends, and quarantining when sick, are difficult and necessary actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can also make people feel isolated and lonely. The uncertainty, fear and misinformation … Seguir leyendo
The holiday season is here. For some, that means cherishing time with family and friends, but for many, especially those who feel emotionally distant or isolated from others, it’s a time of year that leaves them particularly vulnerable to feelings of loneliness. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we interact with … Seguir leyendo
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health. In fact, a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling extreme stress … Seguir leyendo
The holiday season is most often associated with traditions that may include traveling, spending time with family or friends, and tempting feasts. While these traditions can elicit feelings of anticipation and joy, they can also provoke stress, anxiety and loneliness — especially for people who have mental health or substance use challenges, including eating disorders. … Seguir leyendo
It’s impossible to avoid stress. Whether it’s impending deadlines for school or work, a packed to-do list or an argument with a loved one, everyone experiences stress from time to time. How you handle the stress is what makes a difference, and your response can impact the trajectory of the rest of your day and … Seguir leyendo
While it can feel fulfilling to support your loved ones if they are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, providing help can also take a toll on your own physical and mental wellbeing. It can be emotionally draining, bring up feelings of anxiety or sadness, or even make you physically tired. Mental Health … Seguir leyendo
There is no doubt that the last year and half has been difficult, and the COVID-19 pandemic changed what many of us consider to be “normal.” That’s especially true for schools, which switched to virtual learning almost overnight — an adjustment that was harder for some than others. But now, with three vaccines available in … Seguir leyendo
We have all been there before: a long day of work or school or just life where things pile up and nothing seems to be going the way you want it to. Cue the increased heart rate, scattered thoughts, irritability and negative feelings – some of the all-too-familiar symptoms of stress. Medline defines stress as, … Seguir leyendo
We talk a lot about the benefits of self-care. It’s good for physical health and mental health, and it makes you feel good. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, and exactly how to take care of your mental health. Self-care, the healthy practices that reduce stress and maintain and enhance … Seguir leyendo
As adults and teens across the country receive their COVID-19 vaccine, we’re all beginning to wonder what normal will look like. Regardless of whether you’re excited to pick up where you left off before the pandemic or you’re hesitant to return to the hustle and bustle of pre-COVID life, it’s important that you take your … Seguir leyendo
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and especially after the events of the past 12-plus months, it’s crucial that we equip ourselves with strategies and tools to take care of our mental health. Less than half (44%) of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2019, so this month, we’ll shed light on how … Seguir leyendo
It’s no secret that staying active benefits your long-term physical health, but many probably don’t think about the mental health benefits of moving your body. Talking about exercising can elicit a number of responses (groans or cheers, mostly) but in terms of mental health and wellbeing, exercise can be a fantastic tool to help you … Seguir leyendo
The events of the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic have changed how we shop, socialize, learn, and work. And while some of us are working from home and some of us are still commuting into the office, there is no denying that feelings of stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. According to … Seguir leyendo
We’ve all been there: the evening is winding down, you’re finishing just one more show before you get ready to sleep. You do your nighttime routine, get comfortable, and once you get into bed, suddenly you can’t sleep. You’re thinking about what happened today, what you need to do tomorrow, did you remember to do … Seguir leyendo
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a range of emotions, including anxiety, grief, uncertainty and sadness. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 40% of U.S. adults are struggling with their mental health, with 31% reporting symptoms of anxiety. Another study found nearly one-third of teens surveyed reported feeling unhappy or … Seguir leyendo
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new “normal” that is nearly unrecognizable for many of us. Gone is the hustle and bustle of life and simple things like running errands, going to school, commuting into the office and spending time with friends seem almost out of the ordinary. Now, your home is also your office, … Seguir leyendo
Whether you’re a new parent or your youngest child is preparing to graduate high school, the effects of COVID-19 are complicating day-to-day life. A year of everyday life, plus the added layers of managing physical distancing, virtual learning and some people working from home means many parents are feeling pressure as they keep everything running … Seguir leyendo
