Our lives are deeply intertwined with the environments around us. Who and what we are surrounded by impacts our mental health and overall wellness. In particular, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that have challenged how these communities remain sustainable and continue to thrive. Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell through National Minority Mental Health Month. Through her written work and advocacy efforts, Moore Campbell delves into the complexities of cultural identity, community dynamics, and interpersonal connections. This year, Mental Health America outlined the theme of “Culture, Community, and Connection” to highlight the impact of environment on community and [...]

Have you ever felt exhausted trying to make everyone happy? Or anxious because friends and family are taking advantage of your time? Guilty for saying “no” to friends? It might be time to set some healthy boundaries. Boundaries are essential to mental health and can look different for each individual. A boundary is a rule or limit you set with others to express what we deem acceptable versus unacceptable. They are lines we draw for ourselves to outline our level of comfort around others. Research indicates that violations of personal space can cause discomfort, especially those caused by boundary violations. Personal boundaries help us avoid feeling overused, overworked or overstimulated in situations. It may feel difficult to set appropriate [...]

LGBTQ+ youth deserve support, affirmation and safety. However, from home, to school to healthcare spaces, many LGBTQ+ youth feel unsafe or unwelcome, causing a lack of comfortable conversation. To better meet the needs of all young people, it is essential to integrate safe spaces for an open dialogue with LGBTQ+ youth. Research notes LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their peers to experience stigma in an environment. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth of color are at disproportionate risk for negative sexual health outcomes and face stigma related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. This stigma and discrimination places LGBTQ+ youth at higher risk of mental health issues and poverty. Creating safe and welcome spaces for LGBTQ+ youth is [...]

Everyone deserves a place to call home ‑ to live a healthy life and enjoy a future. Research shows that without a permanent, stable home, it’s nearly impossible for individuals struggling with mental health challenges to move toward wellness and recovery. Inadequate housing can lead not just to homelessness, but also lengthy hospitalizations, frequent visits to psychiatric screening centers and ERs, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Housing provides individuals with the support needed to reach the highest possible level of independence and become contributing participants in their community. However, finding a safe and affordable place to live remains a challenge. In 2022, over 500,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Homelessness is deeply connected with [...]

With longer days and warmer weather around the corner, summer is the perfect opportunity to switch up your routine and embrace the importance of mental and physical wellness. It’s also a great time to set good, healthy habits in motion that can serve as a strong foundation for colder months ahead. Keeping your mental health and self-care in mind, here are four great tips to get you started: 1. Embrace the outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun. Exposure to natural sunlight is known to increase vitamin D levels and serotonin in the body, both of which are proven to boost mood and energy. Try experimenting with a new outdoor hobby, such as gardening or [...]

Mental health concerns can be difficult to identify in others. Despite a perception as rare, mental health conditions are common and widespread today. According to Mental Health America, an estimated 44 million Americans suffer from some form of mental health disorder in a given year. If you are concerned that someone you love may be struggling with their mental health, there are some signs you can look out for. Behavioral Changes If someone you love is experiencing challenges with their mental health, they may start to behave differently than usual. They may suddenly become withdrawn, such as avoiding social situations or isolating themselves from friends and family. Some individuals may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed, such as [...]

In today’s fast-paced environment, achieving a state of holistic health and wellbeing has become more crucial than ever. As a comprehensive approach, integrated health practices consider the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional wellness. “Integrated care is whole-person care. It focuses treatment and interventions on the individual’s diverse needs in an effort to improve health outcomes,” shares Michelle Joo, LPC, MPH, Director of Oaks' Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Burlington County. Integrated health presents a unique approach as it incorporates a diverse group of team members to establish a comprehensive treatment plan for each individual. Through harmonizing the various aspects of care, integrated health empowers individuals to lead balanced, fulfilling lives. “Sustained stability is best achieved when [...]

Overall health and wellness can be significantly affected by natural and built environments, such as where we are born, live, learn, work, play, and congregate. From neighborhoods to genetics, many factors can affect mental health. This May, we celebrate Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the barriers and supporting factors aligned with mental health. Mental Health America highlights “Look Around, Look Within” as the theme for this Mental Health Month, inviting individuals to learn about how surroundings can impact mental health. Following our first blog, this blog will discuss the final two of the four types of surroundings. Understanding the relationship between types of surroundings and mental health can guide the effective information, resources, and support. Healthy Home [...]

Did you know your ZIP code plays a significant role in how healthy you are? Stable housing allows individuals to develop routines and connections to their local community, which are beneficial for mental health. This May, we celebrate Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the barriers and supporting factors aligned with mental health. Mental Health America highlights “Look Around, Look Within” as the theme for this Mental Health Month, inviting individuals to learn about how surroundings can impact mental health. This blog will discuss two of the four types of surroundings. Understanding the relationship between types of surroundings and mental health can guide the effective information, resources, and support. Safe and Stable Housing Housing is more than just [...]

Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues of today. Whether driven by work, relationships or personal struggles, stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming and affect a person’s mental and physical health. Stress is a “state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation,” whereas anxiety includes a more “persistent, excessive worry” which remains present “even in the absence of the stressor.” Understand the differences between stress and anxiety here. Taking the steps to decrease levels of stress or minimize anxiety-inducing experiences can help ease daily functioning. Check out these four helpful tools for coping with stress and anxiety: 1. Yoga or Meditation Physical and mental practices such as yoga or mindfulness meditation [...]