Summer Self-Care: How to Prioritize Your Mental Health During Warmer Months
Summer is often associated with vacations, relaxation, and social gatherings, but it can also bring challenges to mental health. The change in routine, pressure to be social, and expectations of productivity can create stress and anxiety. While longer daylight hours and warmer weather can boost mood, they can also lead to exhaustion, disrupted sleep patterns, and burnout if self-care is neglected.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Therapy Isn’t Just for Crisis
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on mental health issues and promoting the importance of psychological well-being. While therapy is often associated with crisis intervention, its benefits extend far beyond immediate emergencies. Engaging in therapy can support personal growth, enhance stress management, and improve overall well-being.
The Power of Respect: Teaching Kids the Golden Rule
In October, schools across America recognize the Week of Respect. Respect is a fundamental value that every child should learn from a young age. It forms the basis of healthy relationships, builds empathy, and promotes kindness and understanding in our society. Teaching respect to children is about helping them understand that every person deserves kindness, consideration, and fair treatment.
The Summer Blues: The Other Side of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Ah, at last, the summer has finally arrived! For many people, this time of year brings a sense of joy, lightheartedness, and fun. Afterall, what’s not to like about sunshine, beach outings, vacations, and longer days? It would seem like a simple equation for happiness and uplifted moods- right? However, a small percentage of people experience summer much differently than the majority. You have probably heard of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which is typically associated with the winter months. This is when a person experiences symptoms of depression due to less sunlight and colder temperatures. However, for a smaller subset of people, summer has the opposite effect and triggers an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms. Experts believe it may be attributed to higher humidity levels, social pressures, body image issues, or longer days. So, what can we do to help ease summer depression symptoms? Here are a few tips to help cope with SAD in the summer.
Mental Health Awareness for Teens
Let’s take note of a particular population that has been facing a unique set of challenges over the past few years- our teens. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a loss of socialization skills, an increase in stress, and a disruption in the routines and norms of our teens’ lives. In fact, there is no better time to raise awareness of the importance of addressing the mental health needs of teenagers as the ramifications of their challenges are now being seen more readily both at school and at home.