For many people, a new year means a fresh start. A new year is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year and think about improvements for the upcoming year. To hold ourselves accountable, we often set goals — or…
It’s the season of giving! But did you know volunteering can boost your mental health during the busy holiday season? Maybe you buy presents for friends and family. Or bake cookies for neighbors or leave out gift cards for the…
Are you marveling at photos of holiday bliss flitting across your social media feeds this time of year? Remember Instagram doesn’t feature the frazzled vibe. The holidays are supposed to be about relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. Instead,…
A three-digit dialing code number – 988 – strengthens and expands the reach of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. But it also includes a lifeline for veterans, answered by mental health professionals who are themselves veterans. “Dialing 988 and pressing…
With every happy emotion about the stunning fall colors, comfy sweatshirt weather and fun outdoor activities is a corresponding bittersweet reaction to less sunlight, colder temperatures and the onset of winter. Amber Olson, LCSW, a regional director with Memorial Behavioral…
Do you know the warning signs for suicide? Suicide is death caused by self-inflicted injury with the intent to die, and it is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide…
Many people who have dogs, cats or other animal companions will tell you how much joy their pet brings them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets…
A new school year is quickly approaching, which means many kids are helping pick out a new backpack and gathering school supplies. For some children, going back to school can increase feelings of anxiety because they will be separating from…
Each July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health observes National Minority Mental Health Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that marginalized racial and ethnic communities face in accessing care for mental health…
More than 2,000 people locally have reached out to the 988 national crisis hotline since its launch in July of 2022. One morning, Tayla Stone, a call center/triage counselor with Memorial Behavioral Health, received a phone call from a young…