Mental health is becoming a more prevalent topic in the media for both positive and tragic reasons. Mass shootings and teen suicide rates continue to be a growing concern, but in recent years the stigma surrounding mental illness has been declining. The younger generations have ushered in a new era of the way we look [...]
Suicide awareness helps understand the thoughts and emotions that lead to behaviors of a decision that cannot be undone. However, awareness is not 100% prevention, but it can increase the likelihood of survival. We are all human and we are imperfect, we cannot “fix” someone else, but we can be there for someone going through [...]
September is Suicide Awareness Month. Suicide rates continue to rise each year yet, sadly, the stigma associated with Suicide remains. While all Suicides are tragic, serious, and difficult subject matter, it should not keep us from discussing it as a community. Our society has a habit of focusing on the shock factor. The shock makes [...]
Most people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also experience sleep problems, including insomnia. PTSD can lead to insomnia for a variety of reasons, including nightmares, an over-active “fight or flight” response that leads to hyper-vigilance, increased worrying, and distressing thoughts. In addition, although sleep problems are typically considered a symptom of PTSD, over time [...]
When we think about the term “health” many of us associate that term with the idea of being physically active and healthy eating. During Men’s Health Month I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the effects of mental health on the body, and how participating in physical activities can help maintain your [...]
Traditionally, there has been a stigma surrounding men’s mental health. A man outwardly discussing his thoughts and feelings can be uncomfortable in the workplace, socially, and even at home. Culturally, we generally require our men to “suck it up” or “man up”. These phrases send the message that we are looking at behavior more and [...]
Raising a child with autism can be overwhelming and as caregivers, it can sometimes feel as if no one understands what you and your family experience on a daily basis. Given my experience working with children diagnosed with Autism the following are tips for parents who may identify as feeling “overwhelmed” in their daily lives. [...]
Depression is experienced by a lot of people and is a common reason why people seek counseling. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, diminished interest in activities one use to find pleasurable, significant weight loss or weight gain or decrease or increase in appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, insomnia or hypersomnia, feelings of [...]
Each April is Awareness month for two big issues: Autism and Child Abuse. As a provider who has encountered both of these big issues in practice, I have seen how life-impacting they are for both clients and for their families. Here’s a few things you might not have known about them, and some useful information [...]
April is Child Abuse Awareness month. What does it mean to be aware of child abuse? How do we recognize the signs of a child being abused? How can we break the cycle in our families? What does open communication look like with our children? According to the American Society for the Positive Care of [...]
