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Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid

While it is important to know Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the reality is that you are more likely to encounter someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis than a physical emergency. The National Council for Behavioral Health notes that each year, one in four Americans will 

Building Social Connections

Building Social Connections

Giving support is just as important as receiving it.  You depend on your friends and relatives, however, they rely on you, too.  To continue to build social connections in your life, ask others about their interests, families and jobs, etc., rather than simply focusing on 

Young Adult Books That Depict Mental Health Issues

Young Adult Books That Depict Mental Health Issues

As students enjoy the final weeks of Summer Break, it is the perfect time to read for pleasure. Increasing numbers of Young Adult books address mental health issues. Some recent favorites include the following eight titles. Essential Maps for the Lost by Deb Caletti explores 

What to Say to Someone With a Mental Health Issue

What to Say to Someone With a Mental Health Issue

In 2016, an estimated 3.1 million American youth aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode; and in 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that approximately 1.3 million teenagers suffered from a substance abuse disorder. As a result, 

Improving Your Wellbeing

Improving Your Wellbeing

Wellbeing is defined as the ability to adapt to change, deal with the normal stresses of life and respond to trauma, work productively and contribute to your community. Best known for its public opinion polls, Gallup has studied Americans’ wellbeing since the mid-20th Century. Its 

Social Media and Helping a Friend in Need

Social Media and Helping a Friend in Need

If you someone you know is placing distressing content on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, it may be a sign that he or she needs help. Be aware of stories, posts, photos or videos that include themes of feeling alone, hopeless, isolated, useless or that 

Depression and Sleep Disorders

Depression and Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is common among individuals with depression. Symptoms can range from having difficulty falling or staying asleep to feeling unrefreshed when you wake up and/or experiencing daytime drowsiness. It is a good idea to tell your mental health care provider(s) about any sleep issues you 

The 13 Worst Habits For Your Mental Health

The 13 Worst Habits For Your Mental Health

Many of the small choices you make each day may be affecting your depression or anxiety more than you realize. Fortunately these behaviors can be changed. With most students now on Summer Break, it is the perfect time to focus on developing better mental health. 

Ways to Say No to Alcohol

Ways to Say No to Alcohol

Issues with alcohol, including earlier and more frequent use, often accompany mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. With Graduation Party season underway, there are many ways to be happy and sober when you feel like everyone around you is drinking. The first is 

The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

A typical American spends only 5 percent of his or her life outside. The anxiety, insomnia and loneliness that can accompany too much time indoors is referred to as “nature-deficit disorder.” Just 5 minutes in a natural setting can change your mood. In fact, “forest