Recognizing that you may need mental health support is an important first step. But knowing what kind of support you need isn't always easy. Should you talk to a therapist? Would medication help? What if you need more support than occasional counseling? The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. “People reach out for any number of reasons,” said Anita Menewisch, LPC, Director of Admissions at Oaks Integrated Care. “More times than not, they don’t know exactly what type of services they need. They simply know that they are struggling and need some help, and that's okay. To be honest, that's all they really need to know. We can guide them [...]

Although bullying continues to be a serious problem in schools, it’s not limited to kids in lunchrooms and locker rooms. People of all ages can be affected in different environments. Bullying happens in workplaces, social groups, neighborhoods, and within families. Because of social media and other online platforms, bullying can be constant and relentless. In other words, it doesn’t stop once you get home from school or leave work. Intimidation, humiliation, harassment, and physical abuse can cause chronic stress and mental health challenges that leave scars that last for decades. October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Let’s discuss the effects of bullying on people in different age groups and how to help someone who is bullied. Children and Teens [...]

Did you know people with a mental health disorder are more likely to develop a substance use disorder, and vice versa? For example, someone with a condition like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is at an increased risk of developing an addiction to alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other substances. It’s not that one condition causes another. But mental health disorders and addiction are both chronic brain conditions that can influence each other, and treating one condition and not both can make healing and recovery more difficult. What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder? A co-occurring disorder, also called a dual diagnosis, is the presence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder at the same time. [...]

When someone’s relationship with alcohol or drugs begins to change, it can be difficult to know when substance use has become something more serious. Substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects the brain and can make it difficult for a person to control their use of alcohol or drugs, even when it is causing harm in their life. It’s also important to understand what substance use disorder is not. Substance use disorder is not a failure or weakness that can be fixed with willpower. It can affect anyone, and it’s not always as simple as making a different choice. Recognizing the warning signs can be an important first step toward getting help. These signs generally fall into [...]

Many students are filled with excitement and curiosity as they head back to school. They can’t wait to see their friends, make new friends, meet their teachers, and learn new things. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all students. This can be a stressful transition that causes students to feel consumed by nervousness and stress. Let’s discuss why back-to-school anxiety is common, warning signs to look for, and what you can do to make returning to school less stressful for your child. What Causes Back-to-School Anxiety? The specific underlying causes can vary but may include: The shift in routine from summer relaxation to a more tightly structured schedule – getting up in the morning, going to school, moving from [...]

You’re concerned and want to help, but you don’t want to say something that pushes them away or makes things worse. That’s the fine line to walk when a loved one is struggling with substance use. Addiction can affect a person’s health, safety, relationships, work, and education. It’s a complex condition with no perfect solution. Before you have a conversation with your loved one, give careful thought to when, where, and how to approach them and what to say. Set a Realistic Goal Don’t expect them to quit right after your conversation. The goal should be to let them know you’ve seen their substance use, you’re concerned, and you’re there for them. This will make them more likely to [...]

Most people think of burnout as physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Motivation drops, performance drops, and people become disconnected from friends, family, and co-workers. Physical symptoms are noticeable and include everything from headaches and chronic pain to digestive issues and changes in appetite. There’s also high-functioning burnout. On the surface, everything looks fine. The individual is doing their job well and meeting personal and family obligations, but something doesn’t feel right. This is often dismissed as temporary stress, even though more subtle, underlying symptoms could contribute to burnout that becomes downright debilitating. Here are the signs of burnout that aren’t obvious when all seems well on the outside but your mental health could be falling apart on the inside. [...]

The transition from high school to higher education is about more than academics. College life, especially for students living away from home for the first time, is filled with social changes, new routines, new responsibilities, and a more independent lifestyle. Feeling homesick and a little overwhelmed is common. But starting college can also create pressure, stress, and emotional challenges. Many students feel anxious and uncertain in a less structured environment and struggle with everything from grades to relationships. When students have an idea of what to expect and how the transition to college life can affect their mental health, they can develop habits and skills to ease the transition and make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Stress Does [...]

Many people associate trauma with a single traumatic event, like a serious injury or accident, a health emergency, loss or grief from the death of a loved one, or witnessing a tragedy. These events can definitely cause trauma, but trauma can also develop gradually over time. In some cases, people don’t realize it’s happening. Past trauma can affect your mental health right now, even if the connection isn’t obvious. Let’s discuss various types and sources of trauma, how it can show up later, and the type of support that can help you move past trauma. Common Types and Sources of Trauma Trauma can be ongoing, layered, or quietly experienced over many weeks, months, or years. In many cases, people [...]