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Be A Mental Health Ally

Be A Mental Health Ally

Perhaps the biggest misconception about mental illness is that it is a single condition. Anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and schizophrenia, etc., vary greatly from one another and can range in severity from mild to acute. The first step to being a mental health ally 

Reframing

Reframing

Reframing is looking at a feeling, situation or belief from another angle which can assist in challenging assumptions and automatic thoughts. Therapy often allows individuals to shift their perspectives and view circumstances or problems from different points of view, discovering new ways to manage or 

Mental Wellness Challenge

Mental Wellness Challenge

January is Mental Wellness Month. The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being [where an]…individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life…[and] work productively…, and is able to…contribut[e] to his or her community.” Mental 

Establishing Boundaries

Establishing Boundaries

Setting boundaries not only protects your mental health and needs, it also provides the ability to say “No” without feeling guilty and the opportunity to identify your emotional patterns with specific individuals and situations. Boundaries can involve your feelings, finances, health, opinions, possessions, relationships with 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Being bullied is a traumatic experience that has long lasting effects, which can damage school performance and self-esteem and cause or worsen anxiety, depression and substance abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 33 percent of middle 

Depression and Mental Health Screenings

Depression and Mental Health Screenings

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a serious mental illness, 37 percent of inmates in state and federal prisons have a diagnosed mental condition, and 70 percent 

Combating Social Isolation

Combating Social Isolation

Teens can be embarrassed to say they need help or worry that anyone they tell about their mental health issues will not understand or will be disappointed in them. Five signs that someone is in emotional pain and may require assistance are agitation; a change 

Making Changes

Making Changes

Mental illnesses are manageable. There are many things you can do following a diagnosis to benefit your treatment and recovery, including gaining an understanding of your condition, taking responsibility for your own care and reaching out to others for help. It is important to show 

Preparing for a Doctor’s Appointment or Initial Therapy Session

Preparing for a Doctor’s Appointment or Initial Therapy Session

The typical doctor’s appointment only lasts 15 minutes. By making a list of concerns and/or issues ahead of time you can ensure that all of your questions are addressed and appropriate treatment is provided. Things to consider before your visit are: any alterations in mood 

Minority Mental Health

Minority Mental Health

July is now designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. (The public education campaign began in June 2008 to highlight the unique struggles with mental illness faced by underrepresented groups in America.) Individuals in marginalized communities not only have a higher