Back-to-school transitions can cause stress for your kids as they anticipate big changes from the summer schedule to a school routine. For most students of all ages, there can be a mix of excitement and anxiety about reuniting with friends…
“Going numb” is one way people adapt to a prolonged time of heightened emotional response. According to Tisha Bayless, LCPC, and a manager with Memorial Behavioral Health, feeling numb doesn’t mean you don’t care, and it doesn’t mean you don’t recognize the…
If you are experiencing anxiety about returning to normalcy post-COVID and going back in public, you’re not alone. Taking step to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 helped to keep our families and communities safe, and as vaccination rates increase, an…
Forgiveness is an intentional decision to release feelings of resentment or anger toward someone who you believe to have done you wrong. Choosing to forgive others (and yourself) can be challenging, but learning how can benefit your mental wellness. “In…
A bad mood can sweep in like a winter storm cloud – often expected but sometimes a surprise. Sondra Wise, a licensed clinical social worker for Memorial Behavioral Health, shares three common triggers that can turn a good day into…
Starting a new school year in the midst of a worldwide pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for kids and parents. “It’s not surprising that so many families are feeling stressed as the school year approaches,” said Jonathan Ponser,…
The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted the lives of children across central Illinois and the world. Home from school, adrift from their friends and daily schedules, it’s no surprise that many are feeling anxious and fearful. As parents, it’s important to…
In these uncertain times, it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. But if these feelings start to take over your life, you may need to take steps to address your anxiety. Watch for the following signs: Irritability or difficulty concentrating…
This is a time of great uncertainty for everyone, but particularly for those who work in healthcare. It’s absolutely normal to feel stressed and anxious as you work to protect your communities from COVID-19. However, it’s important to take care…
Healthcare organizations in the United States have been preparing for COVID-19 for weeks, but many Americans are just now becoming more aware and concerned about the pandemic’s impact on daily life. For some it was a nation-wide quarantine in Italy;…