Awareness & Advocacy Depression Miscellaneous

Mental Health & Suicide in Rural Communities

October 21, 2024by Nicolette Rogers

When you think of Fall in Northwest Missouri, many think of football games and cooler weather, but if you grew up in a rural community, Harvest season is what first comes to mind. I grew up in a town of less than 300, which heavily relies on our farming community. ...I know the toll harvest season takes on farming families and the farmers who work all day and night to get the job done. I know the risks they take with safety and financial security. I know their mental health struggles that are often hidden, silent, and go unnoticed.

Awareness & Advocacy Counseling Individual Skills

Medals & Mental Health: The Journey Beyond the Podium

August 3, 2024by Kaitlyn Sampson

The Summer 2024 Olympics is underway! While we are excited to be watching our favorite athletes wear their country's colors, it's crucial to recognize the mental health aspect of these games. Mental health, a topic gaining global attention, is now making waves in the sports world. This shift is largely due to the courage of many athletes who bravely shared their mental health struggles and took action to address and spread awareness about their struggles.

Awareness & Advocacy Stress Trauma

The LGBTQ+ Experience & Mental Health

June 20, 2024by Jake Motta

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?

Individual Miscellaneous Skills Stress

Taking Care of Yourself: A Guide for First Responders

May 18, 2024by Cassidi Dye

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.

Anxiety Depression Miscellaneous Skills Stress

Engaging in Intentional Self-Care

April 30, 2024by Ashley Cross

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.

Anxiety & Stress Depression Miscellaneous Skills

Improve Your Mental Health on Earth Day

April 22, 2024by Lindsay Diederich

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.

Awareness & Advocacy Miscellaneous Treatments

October is Mental Health Awareness Month

October 15, 2023by Nicolette Rogers

October can mean many things: football, Halloween, fall weather, or a time change. For those of us in the mental health field, we know things get tough when seasons change. Although fall may be my favorite time of year, I know that daylight hours are getting shorter, and others may start to feel a little darker, too. You may not know this, but 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 U.S. youths experience mental illness each year (NAMI). According to SAMHSA, only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021.