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 [...]

Stress and anxiety are closely related. They may feel the same and have overlapping symptoms, like feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. But the underlying causes of stress and anxiety are different. If you treat anxiety like stress or vice versa, the root cause might not be addressed, which makes it more difficult to address the issue and move forward. Let’s take a look at where stress and anxiety come from, how long they typically last, and the path forward. The Origin Stress is your body’s natural response to an external trigger or pressure. Stress is focused on something specific that’s happening now, like a heavy workload, a big deadline, financial pressure, or life change. Stress in [...]

If you suspect a loved one is struggling with their mental health, or they open up to you about thoughts and feelings that are causing them pain or stress, you want to help. But saying the right thing might not be easy. The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be a trained clinician. or “fix” the situation. You just need to be present and patient, listen to what they say, validate what they’re feeling, and show that you truly care for them. What to Say to Someone Who’s Struggling That must be hard. I’m sorry you’re going through this. It’s okay to feel that way. This validates what your loved one [...]

Social Work Month was first celebrated in March of 1963 to support social workers and their mission – “to enhance human well-being, meet the basic human needs of all people, and put special attention on the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.” The ability of social workers to uplift, defend, and transform lives is needed more than ever. Demand for support from social workers has never been higher, with rising costs, social injustice, and lack of access to care and essential resources in many communities. At Oaks Integrated Care, we’re grateful for social workers who provide a safe space for people to speak openly without judgment. And we’ve seen the life-changing impact [...]

Misconceptions, false assumptions, and misunderstandings about developmental disabilities often lead to stigma and barriers for individuals and families. This can keep people from receiving the support they need and living happy, fulfilling lives. To build truly inclusive communities, we need to understand the experiences of people living with disabilities and separate myth from truth. As we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to address some of the common misconceptions that still exist. Myth: People living with developmental disabilities have limited learning potential and low IQs. Developmental disabilities can affect how a person moves, processes information, or their pace of learning. However, many people living with developmental disabilities have above-average intelligence or have unique talents or strengths. [...]