Pandemic Effects: Summer 2021- Safe and Fun Activities for the Family

School is out, warm weather is here, and more and more people are getting their COVID-19 vaccinations. The feeling of “normal” is slowly coming back to our communities. But many of us are left with questions and lingering uncertainty about when it’s okay to return to normal. Here’s why it’s important to engage in fun,…

The pandemic disrupted every aspect of our lives. On their own, each of these changes might have been small. Shifting to remote work was challenging, for example. So were the many months of isolation and feeling nervous about whether a neighbor might be contagious. But combine all these changes together, and the experience quickly becomes…

The pandemic forced millions of people out of their routines. For many, this meant no longer having access to the coping strategies and structures they needed to maintain their mental health. Going to the gym? Taking a break to go see a movie? Even going to school or work? All unavailable in a moment. This…

Many people suffer from recurring periods of depression each year, typically during the winter months. People commonly refer to this condition as “seasonal depression,” and another name for the condition is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) labels the condition as “Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern.” This year,…

After experiencing trauma, people may suffer from the effects of those events for the rest of their lives. Trauma experiences can lead to a range of behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Fortunately, behavioral health treatment programs are available to help people in need. With the right treatment, people can recover from…

Each year mental health conditions affect millions of Americans. While each condition’s causes and symptoms are often a topic of discussion, sometimes discussions on the mental health recovery process take the back seat. Recovery from mental health conditions can be challenging, but recovery is possible. With treatment, people can get back in control of their…

Men’s mental health issues often go unshared and undiscussed. Many men view struggles with mental health as a sign of weakness and as something they need to “get over” themselves. Unfortunately, those sentiments are unhelpful, and they are similar to saying that one should simply “get over” a broken leg. Mental health treatment is an…

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) urges us to observe May as Mental Health Awareness Month, but they, along with other mental health professionals, understand that depression and anxiety are topics that must be discussed daily. Details of Depression Sadly, there is a lot of data about depression and anxiety. The World Health Organization…