Managing the Holiday Blues
Author: Aimee Copp-Hasty Looking out of the window at the falling snow is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. Then suddenly, I am reminded of all of the things that I have to do: decorate the tree and the inside and outside of my house. Plus, I have a lot […]
November is National Gratitude Month
By: Nicole Passafume, Health Promotion Specialist Many people look forward to this time of year and start to think about what they are grateful for in their lives as they plan their holiday shopping and family gatherings but for some of us that’s harder to do. As the seasons change and the leaves begin to […]
It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide
Author: Mikki Burcher, Valeo Behavioral Health Care September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and now, more than ever, we need to talk about suicide. The rates of death by suicide have risen significantly over the past decade, with 2022 having the highest number of deaths by suicide ever recorded (Center for Disease Control and […]
Trauma Informed Care
Author: Mikki Burcher, Valeo Many professions and organizations, including Valeo and other behavioral healthcare centers, have formally adopted a trauma-informed approach (often called trauma-informed care). But, we can also use trauma-informed practices in our day-to-day interactions with others. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), there are six key principles to […]
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
By Mikki Burcher, Health Promotions Specialist In 2008, Congress formally recognized July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, now called BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and persons of color) Mental Health Month. This month honors Campbell’s legacy as an author and advocate for the mental health needs of underrepresented communities and asks us […]
LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Making Mental Health a Priority
Author: Aimee Copp-Hasty June is celebrated as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Pride Month. Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health condition. While there is much to celebrate this month, unfortunately, many members of this community still experience mental health struggles at higher rates than their straight and cisgender peers. LGBTQ+ individuals face stigma based […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Author: Aimee Copp-Hasty Many people are impacted by a mental illness. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. Overcoming the stigma behind mental illness tarts with us. Here are a few ways to stop the stigma: There are other opportunities during the month of May to start […]
Effects of Alcohol on Mental Health
Author: Anabel Feauto Drink to celebrate? Drink when you feel blue? How about after work with your co-workers? Alcohol and mental health are closely connected. Alcohol can play a role in the development and progression of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. It is not uncommon for people to have an addiction to […]
Financial Stress and Mental Health
If you find yourself worried about money, you are not alone. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 72% of Americans feel stressed about money at least some of the time. There is a common connection between financial stress and mental health. There are many financial stressors that people can be impacted by. Stressor such […]
Loneliness Effects Mental Health
Author: Racheal Boyd Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, even in social situations. Everyone has experienced loneliness, however, it can sometimes become consuming. These feelings are often over whelming, depressing, and frustrating. Not only is loneliness a public health concern, it is a global human phenomenon. Humans are social beings. We require healthy social […]