The Value of Free Play for Children’s Mental Wellbeing
Over the last decade, research has shown that unstructured free play has been rapidly declining despite the acknowledged benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged teachers and parents to see the benefits of unstructured play when schools were closed or virtual. Instead, there is often an emphasis on resume-building and more structured play. Extracurricular activities such […]
When PTSD Affects Your Relationship
For many with PTSD, life is exhausting and they are unable to enjoy things that used to bring happiness to their lives. PTSD is not something that can be turned on and off and affects most aspects of the sufferer’s life. In June we recognize PTSD awareness month. Even resilient people can suffer from PTSD, […]
Dispelling 5 Common Myths About PTSD
In June, we recognize PTSD Awareness month. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event that is either experienced or witnessed. Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance of situations, intrusive thoughts, depression, and more. There are many stigmas surrounding PTSD and there […]
The Importance of Taking Mental Health Days
Each May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness month. An easy way to stay functional and recognize your own mental health is to take a Mental Health Day. If you’re on your third coffee by 10 am and feel like you’ve been through the ringer on a Tuesday, you might need a mental health day. While […]
Bipolar Disorder & Borderline Personality Disorder: What are the Differences?
March 30 – World Bipolar Day Diagnosing mental illnesses can be challenging as there is usually no way to physically measure or run lab tests that can help determine one diagnosis from another. Helping an individual find the best treatment options for their unique condition also poses a challenge. Mental health professionals depend on symptoms […]
Understanding Why People Self-Injure
In the month of March, we observe Self-harm Awareness month and observed Self-Injury Awareness Day on March 1st. Studies show that self-harm is much more common than you might think. Nearly one in five individuals will deliberately injure themselves during their lifetime. On average, cutting typically begins during the teenage years, often between the ages […]
What the Research Tells Us about Diet and Depression
March: American National Nutrition Month Depression remains one of the largest health issues in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. The economic burden of depression has been estimated to reach nearly $200 billion annually, sometimes leading to disability in adults and children. Estimated to cause severe impairments in nearly 10 million Americans, depression rates […]
Fighting Eating Disorders During a Pandemic
From February 23 to March 1, we recognize National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a triple threat to those suffering from eating disorders. Fear regarding health and food combined with social isolation can have a large impact on recovery. Stay-at-home orders, economic uncertainty, and stress relating to the pandemic only add […]
Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness During a Pandemic
February 17th, 2021 marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Never before has random acts of kindness been so necessary due to the mental toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on all of us. During uncertain times, kindness helps us come together to create hope, support, and a sense of community. Kindness has the added […]
The 3 Most Toxic Dynamics in a Relationship
Several factors exist that conflict with a loving long-term relationship or marriage. Distrust, disrespect, and disinterest are relationship killers that slowly break the bond between two people. Over time, these three factors could potentially cause a break-up or divorce. Distrust Doubting the reliability or honesty of your partner is what it means to distrust them. […]