Each person’s cultural beliefs, religion, experiences, and family dynamics shape their mental health, especially in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities that have been historically marginalized. Cultural understanding helps people feel seen, heard, and respected, which can make treatment more effective. As we recognize BIPOC Mental Health Month in July, let’s highlight the positive impact of culturally responsive care across the behavioral health experience, from therapy and counseling to nursing, case management, recovery support, and crisis services. Better Outcomes Research has shown that BIPOC individuals are more likely to stop mental health treatment and report care as ineffective compared to white individuals. Culturally informed care can help providers better understand a person’s behaviors, beliefs, values and communication [...]

Research has shown that LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and emotional distress than heterosexual youth. But they’re not more prone to mental health conditions because of their identity. LGBTQ+ youth often face mental health challenges due to: Bullying and harassment Stigma Family rejection or lack of support Discrimination and identity non-affirmation Lack of access to care Daily life in settings where people aren’t accepting of LGBTQ+ youth can cause them to carry a heavy burden of chronic stress that affects their well-being. Family acceptance and support are critical to reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicide. How Families Can Show Acceptance and Support of LGBTQ+ Youth Communication. Listen without judgment or interruption. [...]

Mental health and physical health are no longer viewed as separate parts of a person’s well-being. Because all systems within the human body are connected, they all fall under the same umbrella of “health.” The mind and body are in constant communication, and both are affected by mental health conditions. Mental health not only affects brain function, but also triggers biological responses that affect how you feel physically. Let’s take a look at how mental health conditions impact how we feel and function, and how quality of life can be affected when these conditions are left untreated. How Mental Health Affects the Mind Mental health conditions alter brain function, both structurally and chemically. This affects how you process thoughts, [...]

Technology touches every part of family life and offers plenty of benefits. We use smartphones to communicate throughout the day, manage family calendars, find information, support good mental health, connect with others through social media, and even help us sleep and wake up in the morning. But technology can also get in the way of healthy family relationships, and good health in general, if we don’t set boundaries that allow for real-world experiences together. Constant notifications, scrolling, online comparison, and too much screen time can affect mood, sleep, self-esteem, and the ability to be fully present with one another. Here are a few practical ways to set healthy technology boundaries as a family. Involve the Whole Family Setting boundaries [...]

When we experience physical pain, we sometimes dismiss it as normal. It’s just normal aches and pains. I’m just getting older. It’s not that bad. I have more important things to worry about. We tend to do the same thing with mental health. I just have stress like everyone else. Everything is happening at once, but it’ll pass. It’s not that bad. I have more important things to worry about. Each of these statements may be true. Or they may not. How do you when you should be concerned about what you’re experiencing and seek mental health support? Here are clear signs that it’s time to reach out for help. It’s intense and doesn’t go away. Temporary stress, anxiety, [...]

While much has been done to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health, we as a society have a long way to go. According to the American Psychological Association, 62% of people who seek mental health support say they’re ashamed to get help. If more people than ever are aware of the importance of mental health services, what’s causing the negative beliefs and attitudes that keep so many people from getting help? Stigma can come from society. It can be systemic. And it can come from within the individual. Self-Stigma Internalized shame and fear happen when someone believes society’s prejudices or stereotypes apply to them. They may view their mental health struggles as a weakness or personal failure, not a [...]

Sometimes the underlying causes of mental health disorders are practical, like food, housing, and sleep. If your most basic needs aren’t being met, even the best mental health treatment alone may not be enough to heal and move forward. Let’s discuss how instability in your basic needs affects your mental health and why those needs must be addressed for treatment to be successful. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Stuck in Survival Mode Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a pyramid that organizes the progression of human needs. At the bottom of the pyramid are basic, physiological needs – food, water, shelter, clothing, sleep, and even breathing. These needs are about basic survival. The goal is to move to the top of [...]

You might feel a little nervous, intimidated, or skeptical about starting therapy for a lot of reasons, and that’s okay. It’s a different experience with a new person, and mental health just isn’t discussed as openly as physical health. The most important thing to remember is that therapy is an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe space without pressure or judgment. You can say things you may have felt uncomfortable saying to others. And it could be the first time you feel truly heard. Oaks Vice President and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Michelle Carlamere shares, “Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to talking about your thoughts and emotions. We want people [...]

Stress is the human body’s natural response to life’s challenges. Stress can even be productive in short bursts when it helps you stay alert and focused. But when stress is too frequent, intense, or long lasting, it affects brain chemistry in a way that makes daily activities more difficult. Three basic human functions commonly affected by stress are sleep, mood, and focus. Poor sleep, changes in mood, and the inability to focus and concentrate can have an impact on every aspect of life, including work and school performance, communication, relationships, and decision making. Effectively managing stress begins with understanding how stress can take a toll on your well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of stress on [...]