As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, many of us eagerly embrace the brisk chill in the air and the cozy comforts of autumn. Yet for some people, the transition into the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight can have a profound impact on their mood and emotional well-being. People may start to feel the “winter blues” when the days get shorter but in some cases these mood and behavior changes can be more significant, leading to seasonal depression, clinically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for. Signs & Symptoms of Seasonal Depression Persistent low mood: People with SAD often experience a persistent low [...]

Engaging in hobbies can have a profoundly positive impact on your mental health. Hobbies are known to reduce stress, enhance your mood, increase creativity, improve focus and concentration levels, bring a sense of accomplishment and enhance social connections. They also give you a sense of identity, promote self-expression and help build resilience. Here are some hobby ideas that you can explore and find one that gets your creative juices flowing. 1. Creative Hobbies Sensory hobbies like painting, crafts, cooking/baking, pottery, and sculpting can open the doorway to creativity by bringing out your best creative expression. Find your calling and the world is your oyster! 2. Physical and Outdoor Hobbies Research proves that interacting with nature has cognitive benefits that [...]

Back-to-school season is here which can be both exciting and challenging for students as they transition from leisurely summer days to the demands of academia. While academic success is important, maintaining good mental health is equally crucial for a well-rounded and successful school year. Here are some valuable mental health tips to help you and the students in your life navigate the back-to-school period with resilience and success. Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, reducing stress and anxiety. Set regular wake-up and bedtime hours and allocate time for studies, leisure, exercise, and socializing. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential. Engage in activities that you [...]

In today’s ever-changing healthcare environment, it can be extremely challenging to navigate the system. From difficulty accessing care, to issues coordinating between multiple providers, to rising costs, the whole process often feels overwhelming. By embracing an integrated approach to care, we can begin to address these issues and create a more holistic, person-first healthcare experience. Why Integrated Care? Integrated care focuses on treating the whole person to achieve mental, physical and emotional wellness. It considers each individual’s diverse needs with the goal of improving health outcomes and quality of life. At Oaks Integrated Care, our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Burlington, Camden and Mercer Counties funded by SAMSHA exemplifies this model of care by providing a centralized [...]

Social media continues to soar in popularity among today’s youth. With its ever-changing landscape and trendy environment, teens and young adults remain at the leading edge of this space. Research shows nearly 97% of teens and young adults use a social media platform, with over 45% spending the majority of their day online. Almost all U.S. teens reported using the internet daily. But how does social media impact today’s youth in terms of mental health? Introduced as a means to stay connected with one another, social media continues to provide outlets for teens to communicate with other like-minded individuals and build their social networks. Teens can find valuable support online especially those who may not feel connected in their [...]

Whether starting school this fall or heading back to campus for a new semester, college students are bound to encounter a time of excitement and change. While transitioning from summer break to starting school brings a great sense of independence, it also comes with an elevated sense of responsibility. Alongside these exciting changes in college, many students may face new mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, or loneliness. According to a 2023 Healthy Minds survey, the majority of college students (more than 60 percent) meet the criteria for at least one mental health condition. This notes a nearly 50 percent increase since a decade prior in 2013. The formative years of college can be quite challenging [...]

Racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities often face different mental health outcomes. From inaccessibility to health care services, to cultural stigmas and discrimination, many minority individuals encounter disparities when it comes to mental health. Therefore, it is essential to consider the importance of diversity in terms of mental health care. Statistically, individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive mental health care. According to the American Psychological Association, among adults with any mental illness in the U.S., 48% of white individuals received mental health services, compared with 31% black and Hispanic individuals, and 22% of Asian individuals. “Human experiences are diverse, and a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not adequately address the unique barriers [...]