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In honor of Pride Month, I wanted to call attention to the LGBTQ+ experience and how it relates to mental health concerns and treatment. As a counselor who works with people in the LGBTQ+ community, and as someone who is part of this community myself, I have yet to meet another from this community who has not experienced adversity along the way. What do we, as a community, know about these experiences?
This month is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and PTSD Awareness Month, and I'm grateful because it allows me to bring attention to how PTSD and trauma affect men's mental health. A large number of men suffer from the impacts of trauma, and there are many ways that men may be hiding their suffering.
Memorial Day is a day meant to honor those in the U.S. military who have died while serving their country. I only really understood the weight of Memorial Day once I became a little older. Growing up, my family cut flowers from our iris patch and peony bushes, tying them together in little bunches to take to the cemetery.
Being a first responder is tough. As a mental health professional specialized in working with first responders, I have heard the challenges that come with the job of being a first responder. You're always focused on helping others, but it's just as important to take care of yourself.
We’ve all been there. We get home for the evening and start debating whether we should relax and unwind or catch up on some chores. It’s an internal battle everyone faces, which can lead to negative thinking, feelings of shame, and overwhelm. However, engaging in intentional self-care and purposely setting aside time for yourself is vital to not only to your mental health but your overall health and wellness.
Today, we celebrate Earth Day! This annual event, observed on April 22, is a global initiative dedicated to appreciating the beauty of nature and advocating for the health of our planet. Interestingly, caring for the environment is not just about the earth; it’s also about caring for our mental health. The connection between our environment and our mental well-being is profound.
April is here, and that means Spring has arrived! I hope this message finds you and your family happy and well. Every April, we come together to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month. Put your pinwheels out and wear your blue! Child Abuse is not an easy topic to think about or discuss, but it is a vital conversation to have in the community as it is such a prevalent issue.
As a provisional registered art therapist, I receive a lot of questions from clients, parents of clients, friends, family, coworkers, and others about art therapy. Questions such as…"What is art therapy?" "What is an art therapist?" "Who can participate in art therapy?" "But I am not an 'artist.' Can I participate in art therapy?"
Sleep day is on March 15th and serves as a reminder that sleep is an important part of health and overall well-being. We do a lot of promoting mental health but often overlook the importance of basic health habits and how they can impact our moods or functioning. I would guess that many of you reading this have struggled with falling asleep, staying asleep, or just not feeling rested. Sleep is a basic need, much like eating, drinking, and breathing. However, 1 in 3 adults report not getting adequate rest or sleep. When this occurs, we start to see a decline in productivity and an increase in health-related issues and illness.
Personal boundaries separate you from others and define your space to be yourself. They are crucial to maintaining your mental and emotional health and well-being. A lack of personal boundaries typically influences a person's ability to be vulnerable, as there is a fear of sharing their emotions with others. Instead, there is a focus on making others happy or comfortable.