The excitement for Halloween starts building early for most kids – costumes, candy and goosebumps. But for children with anxiety or sensory processing issues, Halloween presents a unique challenge for parents. Leaha Jones, LCPC, and manager of Mobile Crisis Response…
Long hours, market conditions and unpredictable weather can create stress for farmers and their families across central Illinois. “Farm life can be very rewarding, but it can also be very stressful, especially at times like planting and harvest,” said Kenny…
If you or a friend are struggling, remember – you are not alone. Don’t keep it to yourself. Sooner is always better than later to seek help. Reach out for help if you know something, hear something or your gut…
Social stigma against mental illness often prevents people – especially men, minorities and older adults – from seeking treatment. “If you don’t feel comfortable enough to talk to a friend about your mental health struggles, you’re certainly not going to…
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…
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…