How Being Outdoors Helps My Mental Health
Contributed by: Sylvia DeMichiel I have always felt drawn to the outdoors. There was so much I wanted to explore and do, but I was terrified. Any time I tried something more challenging than a casual hike, I became paralyzed. I was overcome with negative thoughts. Things like I’m going to look like an idiot. […]
When the Stories Echo in Your Own Family Tree…
Contributed by: Jacquilyn Davis, MHC’s Marketing and Development Coordinator and ESJA Advisory Committee Creator & Facilitator On June 8th, 2020 Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) published The Condition of Being Human, a blog post and official statement from MHC. The statement in its entirety is a reflection of the frustration and pain that many of us […]
Could Mold Be Affecting Your Mental Health?
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood Mental health issues are now the leading cause of hospitalization in Connecticut for children, teens, and young adults, making it a major problem. Mental illness is often a result of daily stress, life experiences and chemical imbalances, but science has uncovered another cause: mold toxicity. Mold toxicity can cause both physical and mental health […]
Planning A Vacation While Battling A Mental Health Condition
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood Going on vacation recharges and renews people, at least on a short term basis, according to the American Psychological Association. However, if you’re battling a mental illness, the thought of vacationing may seem less appealing, since you may be concerned about the potential stress involved. As is the case with all goals, planning […]
The Season of Gratitude
The following article is an opinion piece, written by MHC’s Marketing and Development Coordinator, Jacquilyn Davis. The holiday of Thanksgiving holds a special and unique meaning for many. For those who celebrate, food, family, and football are popular elements to many on this day, while others spend time volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in […]
Just a Few Clicks: Maximizing Online Mental Health Help for Seniors in Assisted Living
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood This following article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Around 20-40% of Americans over 65 have one or more mental health conditions, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Even if you have mental health concerns, it should not stop you from […]
Looking After Your Mental Health in Older Age
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood More than 6 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from some form of depression. For some individuals this can be debilitating or even life-threatening, as depression is a significant predictor of suicide in elderly Americans. Therefore, understanding how to stay fit and healthy is crucial to ensuring older people […]
The Connection Between Protein and Your Mental Health
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood Nutrition can play an important role in achieving better mental health; a recent study showed that in a group of adults with depression, ⅓ of participants who ate a diet rich in produce, fish and legumes experienced a remission of symptoms. The foods you eat impact the structure and function of your […]
Surprising Ways Poor Accessibility Affects Mental Health
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood It is estimated that 132 million individuals need mobility assistance via wheelchair. With such a large amount of the population needing mobility help, one might think that wheelchair, walker, and electric scooters are always accommodated, but that’s unfortunately not the case. As a result of poor accessibility, some individuals that rely on […]
Sparkly Teeth, Settled Minds: The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Mental Health
Contributed by: Jane Sandwood Good health was previously thought to be related to staying physically fit through exercise but we now know that mental health plays a significant factor in your quality of life. A medical study of individuals with dental issues has reported a significant negative impact on their self-esteem. This, in turn, was detrimental to their mental […]