April has been designated as Stress Awareness Month. The intent of this global month-long event is to improve understanding of the causes and symptoms of stress, as well the importance of prioritizing stress relief and mitigation as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes generous levels of mental self-care. April also includes Earth Day. Today […]
It’s that time of year. Many are feeling a twinge of those “Holiday Blues”. It’s an unpleasant mixture that can include elements of depression, anxiety and exhaustion. Some of us just feel listless. Others experience intense fatigue and tiredness that no amount of sleep seems to rectify. For some, it’s all about aches and pains. […]
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects over 250 million people worldwide. It causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, affecting all aspects of everyday life. While experiencing occasional periods of sadness is a normal part of the human experience, chronic or severe depression can be debilitating and requires professional assistance. Let’s discuss […]
September 11, 2001, was one of the most tragic and frightening days many of us have experienced. As the anniversary of that awful day approaches, we may benefit from advice about how to cope with what we are feeling. Whether we are conscious of the date or not, subconscious memories may be clouding our well-being. Somehow, our […]
It may start to creep up on us in September. By mid-October it’s in full swing. By the time we get to February, we’re pulling our hair out, and it becomes the longest month even though it only has 28 or 29 days. For many, there’s much more to it than a down mood. Some […]
A while ago, I was having a difficult time finding inspiration. Starting the day relatively early was one thing still had the ability to do, as I’m always eager for that first cup of coffee. After that, though, I was regularly losing my way. I knew what had to be done, but I kept dragging […]
We all know what it’s like to have a “meh” day. Nothing really matters. We don’t have the energy to do anything. We’re not sad, but we’re not happy either. It’s a hard feeling to describe – time is passing unremarkably. There’s a tipping point, though, when feeling “meh” turns into a life truly devoid […]
Depression. It is almost becoming an epidemic. More and more people are depressed. It’s difficult to know exactly how many. Because many who are depressed don’t seek treatment and some who seek treatment are not depressed. Regardless, there’s little doubt: the frequency of depression is on the rise. The good news? Recent research has confirmed […]
Some say the best way to avoid disappointment is to never expect anything good to happen. But a huge part of what makes life joyful is imagining that the future may hold. What may be more helpful advice is to focus on learning how to deal with disappointment in a way that minimizes discouragement. If, […]
Depression can overcome us unexpectedly and without explanation. Other times, we feel it coming for hours, days or weeks. We brace ourselves for the tangible sensation of the heavy curtain descending, blocking out the light. It feels as though we are fumbling in a dark room, looking for the light switch. We find it, only to […]
Seeking inner peace? One sure-fire way to get closer to it is to fully embrace self-compassion. When we do, negative feelings and thoughts that take up so much space begin to get crowded out of our minds. When we combine self-compassion with mindfulness, our peace becomes more solid and resolute. Changes in our thoughts lead to […]
Many identify themselves as “mental health advocates” on social media. One day I started to wonder, what does it really mean to be a mental health advocate? Is there a definition? I learned that there’s not one accepted description. And enjoyed so many inspiring thoughts from readers. What Does It Mean to be a Mental […]
Being kind becomes its own reward. And it does so many other amazing things for our minds and bodies.
