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 [...]

A chronic illness affects more than your physical health. It also impacts your mental health and emotional well-being. When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. There may be uncertainty about what comes next, frustration over changes to your routine, or sadness about the life you had before. You might even feel guilty for needing help or worried about how your condition will affect your loved ones. These reactions are normal. The constant appointments, lifestyle adjustments, and unpredictable symptoms can create ongoing stress that could lead to anxiety, depression, or isolation. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, this emotional toll is common but it’s also manageable with the right support. Here are five healthy ways [...]

Election seasons can stir up strong emotions such as hope, anxiety, frustration, and even fear. When those emotions enter family conversations, relationships can quickly become strained. For many, the stress isn’t just political—it’s personal. The uncertainty and constant exposure to divisive news can take a real toll on mental health.  According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 70% of adults say elections are a significant source of stress. Add differing opinions among loved ones, and that stress can affect sleep, mood, and even feelings of safety or belonging.  Fortunately, there are healthy ways to manage it. Here are five strategies to help protect both your peace of mind and your relationships this election season.  Recognize the Signs of Stress Election stress [...]

Bullying isn’t just “kids being kids.” Its impact can be long-lasting, contributing to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation that follow someone well into adulthood. Today on National Stop Bullying Day, we stand with children, teens, and adults who have been hurt by bullying, and commit to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone belongs. Bullying can take many forms — verbal harassment, social exclusion, physical intimidation, and online cruelty. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 students experience bullying each year, and adults can face bullying in the workplace as well. Healing from bullying takes time and support. Encouraging open conversations about emotions, helping young people develop self-confidence, and teaching coping strategies can make a meaningful difference. Parents, teachers, or mentors [...]

What does Gratitude have to do with it? by Sharon Joag, LSW, MSW, Psychotherapist at Oaks Integrated Care Outpatient Services “Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in YOUR situation is the Key to Happiness.” – Marie Forleo The month of September is Recovery month in the United States, and was established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1989. The word journey literally means “a long trip”, where one physically travels to another country or to another continent. A physical journey can be personally transformative, changing an individual’s perspective on life, which in turn can lead to personal growth and development. But journey is also a metaphor which signifies a personal life [...]

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that hope and healing are possible—and that none of us should walk through pain alone. One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is through peer support: connecting with someone who has lived experience and understands what it feels like to struggle. Why Peer Support Matters When a person is thinking about suicide, they often feel like no one can truly relate to what they’re going through. Peer support helps bridge that gap. Talking with someone who has faced similar challenges creates an authentic bond that reduces isolation, breaks down stigma, and opens the door to healing. Peer specialists—individuals who have lived experience with mental health challenges—bring a unique level of [...]

September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength of individuals and families on the journey of recovery and to highlight treatment pathways that support healing. Recovery from addiction is not a one-size-fits-all process, and for some, creative approaches like art therapy play an important role in improving mental and emotional well-being. A Creative Outlet for Healing Addiction can take away a person’s sense of control and connection. Art therapy offers a safe way to explore feelings that may be difficult to express in words. Through painting, drawing, clay modeling, or other creative outlets, individuals can process trauma and manage stress in new ways. Building Coping Skills and Self-Discovery Recovery from substance use disorders involves developing healthy tools for [...]

On Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, we pause to remember the lives lost, support grieving families, and shine a light on a crisis that affects us all. Behind every statistic is a loved one, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a friend whose life matters. Yet too often, stigma silences these stories. Shame and misunderstanding create barriers to treatment, isolate families, and keep people from reaching out for the help they need. At Oaks Integrated Care, we believe compassion must replace judgment. It’s time to break the silence and support those who need it most. Join the Movement Overdose Awareness Day is more than remembrance—it’s a call to action. Here’s how you can be part of the solution through our [...]