No one predicted the widespread impact COVID-19 has had on day-to-day life — life events were put on hold, vacations postponed, and we’re spending more time at home than we have in decades. But for all of the challenges we experienced in 2020, we also had a few triumphs that gave us hope for the … Read more
There isn’t much the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t impacted – it’s affected how we interact with each other, where and how we work, how we celebrate life events, and most importantly, how we feel. Regardless of how you have been impacted by COVID-19, feeling supported and being able to offer support to loved ones has become … Read more
Every year, we try to find a word to encompass the past 12 months, and there were some to be expected: coronavirus, pandemic, and lockdown. But the one we chose may be less obvious: resilience. There is no denying that 2020 was hard. But for all of its trials and tribulations, we made it to … Read more
The end of 2020 is approaching, and many of us won’t be too sad to see this tumultuous year go. The COVID-19 pandemic has colored the year, impacting people across the country in unprecedented ways. We have missed weddings, graduations, birthdays, and holidays. It has been a year that has tested our physical, mental, and … Read more
On April 11, 2019, Puerto Rico awoke to the tragic news that a daughter had hammered her 89-year-old mother with Alzheimer’s Disease to death. The 54-year-old daughter presented signs of compassion fatigue for her role as caregiver, and she told the media, “I am not a bad person, and I took care of her for … Read more
As the holidays quickly approach, it’s clear this year is a little different from past holiday seasons – we’re still adjusting to a “new normal” because of COVID-19. Limited social activities and physical distancing requirements mean many people will spend the holidays away from loved ones. This lack of social connection can have an impact … Read more
It is that time of year again. The air is crisp; 6 p.m. looks like midnight; and it feels difficult to adjust. Many of us can relate – we have lost an hour of sunlight because of Daylight Savings Time, and it may have an impact on our mental health. Maia, a songwriter from California … Read more
The holiday season is often a time of year for social activities, holiday shopping, and quality time with loved ones. This year, however, COVID-19 threatens to make those activities more difficult. Keeping up with activities, staying positive and — especially in 2020 — safely socializing can be overwhelming. In addition, 40% of U.S. adults face … Read more
As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to stay grateful despite the stress and uncertainty we have all faced. Being grateful and showing gratitude are more than nice things to do; they help you appreciate your life and what you have without comparing yourself to others. It feels good to be grateful! … Read more
“It was crushing to try to manage it all by myself,” Cera Flynn shared in a recent Cleveland Clinic article. “When you’re in quarantine, you’re limited. My mom and other people couldn’t come in and help to take the kids or do laundry or let me just lay down and take a nap. I felt … Read more
Nearly 83% of United States workers experience work-related stress across the country. This stress causes approximately 1 million employees to miss work every day and can lead to drops in productivity.
Many factors contribute to recovery, including having a good support system of people that you like, respect and trust. They can be family members, friends, teachers, faith leaders, neighbors or peers — what’s important is that you have people you feel comfortable talking to about what you’re experiencing and support you may need. Recovery is … Read more
If you or someone you care about feel 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 … Read more
For many of us, this time of year seems busier than others. We may be working from home, with our children at home with us, and typical family outdoor activities are canceled because of COVID-19. Close quarters and the departure from “normal” can cause increased feelings of stress and worry for all members of the … Read more
You may have heard it before: You can’t help others without taking care of yourself first. Self-care is an important way to protect your physical, mental and emotional health so you can better adapt to changes, build strong relationships and recover from setbacks. You can also better support those around you who might be in … Read more
The idea of practicing self-love can be daunting. We’re constantly facing internal and external challenges, such as busy schedules that make pausing for self-love or self-care seem impossible. However, taking small steps each day or week to take care of and love yourself can help you better manage daily challenges and put more passion into … Read more
If you’re a frontline worker, we thank you for your work and applaud your courage. You’re keeping society running in the face of some extreme stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic! The good news is, you’re not in it alone, and there are things you can do to protect your mental health. If you — or … Read more
COVID-19 has impacted millions of families across the country. Many of us are now working from home, with our children home and away from school. Your kids may be worried, confused or scared about what is happening around the world and why. It’s important to answer their questions and reassure them that they are safe. … Read more
COVID-19 is impacting everyone in different ways. Children and youth may not be going to school or daycare, can’t see their friends on a regular basis, and might not be able to even play outside. Kids sometimes do not know how to communicate changes in feeling and emotion, making it vital that parents and caregivers … Read more
“This is an unusual time.” “This is an uncertain time.” “We are living in unprecedented times.” I never anticipated hearing these phrases during my lifetime. Never did I imagine that I would live in a time where I would be sheltering in place, doing my best to keep myself safe from something I can’t even … Read more
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 … Read more
Having a routine can make you feel more grounded and prepared for the day ahead. “Carrying out routine activities reduces stress by making the situation appear more controllable and predictable,” said Indumathi Bendi, a primary care physician at Piedmont Healthcare. As it reduces stress, your routine can also benefit your mental and physical health. Eating … Read more
Police officers are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, faced with enforcing the law while potentially confronting the coronavirus. Although in some places crime rates are dropping because of physical distancing, police officers continue to work long and tiring hours with the risk of insufficient personal protective gear. Despite this, there are more than … Read more
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 … Read more
On March 10, I stood in a classroom teaching Mental Health First Aid. I was three hours away from the closest confirmed COVID-19 case. Nothing had been cancelled, life in my small rural county hadn’t been altered in any way, and people didn’t seem scared. We live in a very remote area, tucked in the … Read more
When our world changes quickly and suddenly because of things like COVID-19, it is common to experience changes in our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Feelings of anxiety, fear or worry are typical in stressful situations. Typical reactions include: Feeling stressed or overwhelmed, frustrated or angry, worried or anxious Feeling restless, agitated, on ‘high alert’ or … Read more
Practicing physical distancing can be hard. As we spend less time interacting with others, it becomes more likely that we experience feelings of isolation, loneliness or even anxiety. It’s important to remember that even though you may be inside right now, you are not alone. Thanks to technology, your family and friends are just a … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
If you’re feeling stressed or nervous during these days of COVID-19, you’re not alone. Uncertainty and the sense of not being safe — not to mention physical distancing, round-the-clock news and empty grocery shelves — are stressful. What you’re feeling is common around the world. We know you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
A recent study on New Year’s resolutions found that about 40% of Americans set resolutions at the start of the year, and less than half are successful after six months. We all want to make positive and impactful changes in our lives, but how can we make the changes last? Keep them realistic. When setting … Read more
The new year is quickly approaching. For a lot of people, it’s a time to hit the reset button on fitness and nutrition, let go of negative habits and expand career or travel goals. It’s also a great opportunity to prioritize your mental health. We know that mental health treatment can be expensive and time-consuming. … Read more
You may not realize it, but seasonal changes can impact both physical and mental health . As the temperature starts to drop and there is less natural sunlight, we are at risk of getting not only the flu, but also seasonal affective disorder – or SAD – a type of depression. SAD, more commonly referred … Read more
The holidays can be a time full of shopping, family traditions and holiday parties. But, for many people, it can also be a time of stress and social anxiety. The idea of walking into a crowded office party, traveling to see family and friends or attending large gatherings can produce intense feelings of anxiety and … Read more
Joanna is a Mental Health First Aider who practices gratitude regularly, and especially during stressful or difficult times, as a way to manage her mental health. And she’s not alone. Many mental health intervention programs and life coaching regimes include gratitude practices in their treatments through activities like gratitude journaling, group discussions and daily meditation. … Read more
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Of the people who had a mental illness in the past year, only 41 percent received mental health services … Read more
You’re making a difference for so many people, but how can you be the difference for yourself? You can practice self-care. When we hear about self-care, we often think about expensive massages, retail therapy, yoga classes and vacations. These are all great ways to relieve stress and relax but aren’t always an option. Many of … Read more
“More than nine in 10 Generation Z adults (ages 15-21) said they have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom because of stress, such as feeling depressed or sad or lacking interest, motivation or energy,” according to research published by the American Psychological Association. High school teens spend most of their time attending classes, … Read more
Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to understand, recognize and respond to people who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and connect people to care, if necessary. But what happens after people make the decision to see a therapist? Finding and choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. This … Read more
Summer is a great time to think about self-care. With long sunny days and warmer weather, there are more opportunities than ever to switch up your routine and enjoy what the season has to offer. Use our self-care checklist to get some ideas for taking care of yourself this summer. We hope these suggestions will … Read more
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults each year. Yet only 36.9 percent of people living with anxiety disorders receive treatment. The good news? In addition to seeking professional treatment, there are self-care tools you can use daily to manage symptoms of anxiety. Learn … Read more
Summer is a great time to focus in on your self-care routine. Getting outside, shopping for fresh fruits and veggies at the farmers market and listening to upbeat summer tunes are all wonderful ways to take care of yourself during the warmer months! For #BeTheDifference in July, we’ll be talking about ways to practice self-care … Read more
In 2016, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode – 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults. But with appropriate professional and self-help strategies, recovery from depression is possible. Self-help for depression can help alleviate symptoms and put someone on the path to recovery. Here are 5 … Read more
