Mental health differs for many individuals based on their background and experiences. According to Mental Health America, sixteen percent (4.8 million individuals) of Black and African American people in the U.S. reported having a mental illness – that’s more than the populations of Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston combined. While mental health conditions occur at the same or less frequency than in White Americans, studies show that stigma and disparities in access to care prevent many in the community from seeking treatment. This Black History Month, we’re featuring Black influencers in the mental health space to promote the importance of understanding how mental health issues affect the Black community. Check out our list of impactful influencers dedicated to spreading awareness, [...]

The start of the new year brings forward the opportunity for setting goals and introducing positive habits. Each January, many of us set our sights on outlining a set of New Year’s resolutions intending to reinvent ourselves. Within the past decade, the concept of “new year, new me” arose to promote introducing a new “you” to the world at the start of the year. While the promise of a new year and a new you may feel exciting, it can be rooted in reaching a form of perfection through a series of self-improvements. According to Forbes, New Year’s resolutions are built on a problematic approach to change. These goals base themselves around the idea that you are currently flawed [...]

Accepting help from others can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Many individuals experience levels of discomfort and personal difficulties depending on others for assistance in everyday life. Additionally, many who struggle with mental health may not feel a need for help. Listening to those offering help can be the first step toward growth and progress. According to Psychology Today, challenges accepting help stem from irregularities in attachment history. “Our early attachments help shape how we relate to others and how we expect others to relate to us,” shares clinical psychologist Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. “If we weren’t used to receiving consistent, quality care from our parents or attachment figures, it can feel confusing to accept this from others throughout [...]

Every year around this time, I pause to reflect on the last 12 months– the accomplishments, the challenges, the opportunities – but most importantly, what I’m most grateful for. As CEO, I understand that our mission to provide critical services to the most vulnerable members of the community would not be possible without all of you by our side. To the individuals and families we serve: Thank you for putting your trust in our team. Whether it’s providing addiction services, outpatient counseling, job training, housing or emergency hunger relief, we commit to making a positive impact on the lives of the individuals and families in over 230 programs throughout New Jersey. To our employees and community partners: Thank you [...]

Coping with grief during the holiday season can feel overwhelming. In such a celebratory time of year, known to be spent with loved ones and filled with traditions, feelings of grief and loss can be conflicting and difficult to navigate. Understanding how grief differs for each person and having conversations about loss can help provide balance and find peace in unexpected ways. While grief and mourning are universal responses to loss, there is no predictable timeframe or consistency to each individual’s experience. Due to its personal nature, how each individual navigates grief differs from person to person. Establishing awareness to the symptoms of grief, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping or physical aches, can help you or your loved one [...]

Millions of individuals across the country provide crucial care and assistance to parents, children, siblings and other loved ones every day. November recognizes National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and increase the accessibility of support services for caregivers. Navigating life as a family caregiver for an individual living with a mental illness can be both physically and emotionally stressful. When your loved one is diagnosed, finding appropriate medical and psychiatric care becomes your first priority. But as a caregiver, often times YOU need help finding balance in your life. The Oaks Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program in Camden and Mercer Counties offers therapeutic support, education and resources for those caring [...]

Veterans and military families embody courage, strength, and resilience. Each November is National Military Families Month, a time to recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and military families across the country. When it comes to mental health, veterans and military personnel remain one of the most prominent groups impacted by mental health challenges. Life’s transitions can be particularly stressful for veterans and military families, making it difficult to prioritize well-being. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from active-duty service to civilian life. This adjustment along with deployments and frequent geographic moves require veterans and their families to make changes in their lives across multiple domains including relationships, employment, finances, housing, community supports and health. To gain [...]

As we turn back the clocks for Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, keeping general mood changes in mind is important. Making this time adjustment can have many affects on our bodies and our mental health. According to Healthline, changing our clocks twice a year greatly impacts our health, with fall causing a decline in mental health. Entering the winter months causes less sun exposure for our skin, creating a decrease in vitamin D. While Daylight Savings Time does not directly cause mental health conditions, these changes commonly affect those with pre-existing mental health conditions or those more susceptible to anxiety or depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, often occurs during this time period. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder [...]

Stress and anxiety are two of the most significant mental health challenges faced by individuals across the country. Despite their similarities, stress and anxiety can offer different experiences, symptoms and severities. Understanding how to spot the differences can help identify the best course of option for treatment. Almost all individuals experience some degree of stress at some point in their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, people under stress experience “mental and physical symptoms,” including irritability, fatigue, muscle pain, or sleep difficulties. As of 2022, around 75% of Americans reported to the American Institute of Stress about experiencing physical or mental symptoms of stress. Responses to stress can be more or less intense depending on the person and [...]