Signs of mental illness can be difficult to recognize. Many are dismissed as temporary stress associated with a rough patch, a bad week, not sleeping well, or struggling with loss. If symptoms subside within a couple weeks, they could very well just be a temporary result of difficult circumstances. If they remain persistent for more than two weeks or become worse, they could be signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. And that’s okay. You might just need a little support to understand the causes and learn coping skills to start feeling like yourself again. Here are some early signs your mental health may need attention. Mood Swings and Extreme Emotional Changes If you find yourself [...]

The days between Christmas and New Year’s often feel quieter and a little slower. This moment offers an opportunity not to overhaul your life or set big resolutions, but to reflect and reset. We believe for your mental health doesn’t require a fresh start on January 1 or a list of goals you feel pressured to keep. Instead, it can be as simple as creating a simple plan that meets you where you are and offers support all year long. Start with reflection, not judgment. Before looking ahead, take a moment to look back. Reflection isn’t about criticizing yourself or focusing on what didn’t go as planned. Ask yourself: What helped me feel supported this year? When did I [...]

As the days grow shorter and colder, many of us notice changes in our mood and energy. Feeling tired, less motivated, or a little “off” during the winter months describes what many people call the winter blues. But for some, these symptoms go beyond seasonal sluggishness. They can signal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often beginning in late fall and continuing through winter. Here’s how to understand the difference between the typical winter blues and something more serious. What are the Winter Blues? The winter blues are mild, temporary mood changes tied to shorter days and colder weather. People may feel: A little more tired than usual Less motivated Less [...]

The holiday season can be joyful, meaningful, and full of connection, but it can also bring stress and emotional triggers. Navigating complicated family dynamics, grief, recovery, or simply the pressure to “hold it all together” can be overwhelming. Setting healthy boundaries is one of the most powerful ways to protect your mental wellness during this time of year. They help you show up authentically and preserve your emotional energy. Here are practical ways to set boundaries throughout December holiday gatherings: Give Yourself Permission to Say No You don’t need to attend every event, host every celebration, or meet every expectation. If a gathering feels overwhelming or draining, it’s okay to decline or shorten your visit. Set Time Limits That [...]

For many people living with a mental health condition or substance use disorder, stigma can be just as painful as the illness itself. But for individuals in marginalized communities, that stigma is exacerbated by bias, discrimination, and systemic barriers that make it harder to seek help or be heard. This “dual stigma” creates unique challenges that impact not only individuals, but entire families and neighborhoods. Understanding it is the first step toward breaking the cycle. Why the Stigma Is Stronger In marginalized communities, whether defined by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, stigma surrounding mental health and addiction exists for many reasons: Historical mistrust of healthcare systems: Longstanding inequities and discrimination have left many feeling unsafe or unseen within [...]

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families look forward to traditions that bring them together. A favorite meal. A shared prayer. A walk after dinner. A familiar table where stories are told year after year. These moments might feel simple, but they hold powerful meaning for mental health. During the holiday season that can be both joyful and emotionally complex, routines can provide comfort and stability. They can help individuals and families cope with stress, strengthen relationships, and build a sense of belonging. Here are a few key ways traditions support mental and emotional well-being. Create a Sense of Safety Whether it is cooking a special dish together or saying what you are grateful for around the table, traditions provide structure [...]

Honoring National Family Caregivers Month When a child has special needs, the entire family’s life can be shaped by care, routines, and emotional ups and downs. Parents become full-time caregivers, but there’s another group that can be overlooked in the caregiving experience: siblings. Siblings of children with special needs often show incredible empathy, patience, and maturity beyond their years. However, they may also experience complex emotions such as love, pride, frustration, and even jealousy, as they balance their own needs with those of their brother or sister. This National Family Caregivers Month, we’re recognizing the strength and compassion siblings bring to the caregiving experience and how families can offer support. Understanding the Feelings Siblings of children with special needs experience [...]