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…
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…
Children who have sensory disorders want to enjoy summer fun, too, and it’s important to ensure they are as comfortable as possible and engaged. “Children who have sensory disorders want to fully experience activities alongside their peers and with proper…
Few of us will ever step aboard a submersible like the one that vanished this week en route to the wreckage of the Titanic. But the story captivated public attention and generated thousands of posts on Twitter and TikTok, as…
Belonging to the LGBTQ+ community comes with a sense of empowerment and pride, but it can bring unique challenges. For those who identify as LGBTQ+, it’s important to recognize how sexual orientation and gender identity relates to mental health.…
Emotional well-being on the court, playing field or pro level is an important skill for athletes to pursue. Too often, athletes fall into patterns of negative self-talk, doubt and anxiety. Build time into your schedule to practice stress management techniques,…