“When day comes, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” After facing one of the most challenging years in our nation’s history, this quote by American poet and activist Amanda Gorman, summarized our feelings as we moved into 2021 following a global pandemic. Our mission to provide services to the most vulnerable members of our community became more important than ever. I’m proud to say with gratitude, that together - our dedicated employees, generous donors and valued partners - rose to the challenge. Our essential employees demonstrated resiliency, empathy and patience every day while keeping safety as the highest priority throughout the organization. Programs adapted to changes in the way we deliver services to ensure the individuals [...]

The holiday season is meant to bring cheer, joy and fun celebrations with family and friends. However, the holidays can often spiral into a whirlwind of demands such as cooking, shopping, cleaning and entertaining. Feeling financial pressure, coping with grief and managing family conflict can also be overwhelming. So, what can you do to manage holiday stress and other mental health challenges? Set realistic goals. The holidays may look different each year. As families and friends grow, traditions can change too. Ensure your plans for the holiday season are achievable and bring you joy rather than added stress. Be open to saying no to plans or activities if it’s just not feasible for you in the moment. Keeping your [...]

October is National Depression Awareness Month, a time to discuss, educate and share resources surrounding depression. As a widespread mental health condition, depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. While the typical signs of depression often show through sadness, other symptoms may be less obvious. Here are five possible hidden signs of depression to look for: 1. Hopelessness and loss of interest. When facing depression, one may present a pessimistic outlook on life. This negative view of the future, especially alongside other factors, can be your loved one’s way of showing their battle with depression. Additionally, an individual experiencing depression may lose interest in participating in hobbies and activities. 2. Difficulties in sleep. With sleep directly linked to an [...]

With the return of in-person schooling, bullying prevention among children and teens remains an important conversation. According to a recent federal survey, nearly 20 percent of U.S. students ages 12-18 reported being bullied on school property within the past year. Fifteen percent reported cyberbullying either online or by text. National Bullying Prevention Month this October reminds us that we all must play a role to prevent bullying and promote inclusion. Here are four tips to help parents and guardians through the process: 1. Create a positive and nurturing climate at home. Family environment is equally as important as the educational environment. Bullying in schools can sometimes arise from harsh parenting practices of sibling bullying at home. As guardians, ensuring [...]

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. We’ve taken a rigorous, proactive approach by adopting the foundational belief that suicide deaths are preventable and establishing the Zero Suicide Implementation Team at Oaks Integrated Care. By creating a culture that’s informed about mental health and makes suicide prevention a priority, we can save lives together. Unfortunately, there are many common myths about suicidal behaviors, feelings and thoughts. Understanding these myths is essential to reducing the stigma and creating a supportive environment. MYTH #1: “If I talk about suicide, I am planting a seed or encouraging someone to consider suicide.” Research indicates [...]

With September quickly approaching, students, parents and educators are busy preparing for another school year. After months of virtual learning, it’s very common for children and teens to feel nervous or apprehensive about making the return to in-person learning. Parents and guardians may feel uncertain about how to successfully make this transition with their student. Check out these five tips for parents and guardians to keep mental health a priority this school year. 1. Provide reassurance and encouragement. Make sure your student knows that it’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s from you, teachers, counselors or other school staff. Returning to school can feel difficult, so encouraging children to speak up if they are feeling anxious can make [...]

As we navigate the transition out of the virtual world, the return of face-to-face interaction can influence mental health. Social isolation is a serious health challenge that can be damaging to mental health. Therefore, the quality of our connections with one another can boost general happiness and decrease loneliness levels. For Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we believe in ensuring every person has access to resources and support for leading a healthy life. Here are 6 ways you can create more meaningful connections to feel motivated and driven to achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle: 1) Start with honesty. Some of the best conversations begin with honesty to break down barriers. Sharing authentic experiences can increase empathy levels between [...]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness and share resources so anyone affected by mental illness can find the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Now more than ever, it’s important to support one another through all of life’s challenges. Yet, finding the words to begin the conversation with a loved one about mental health can be daunting. Not knowing how to discuss it is normal! Check out these 7 ways to prepare for the conversation and show your support to others who are struggling: 1. Give them time to share with you. Offer your loved one space and time to open up about mental health. They might not be ready to [...]

Helping one another through difficult situations can often provide the most impactful and rewarding results. Sometimes, all it takes is showing someone how much they matter. Oaks brings together support like this to its 230 programs through community services and compassion. Our Jail Diversion and Correctional Case Management program (JIS) specializes in diverting nonviolent mental health consumers from the criminal justice system to appropriate mental health services in the community. The program increases resource coordination between mental health, criminal justice, and social services systems. This March, Supervisor Jade Kimbrough and Case Manager Supervisor Edgar Shaffer conducted a virtual consumer focus group to understand the results of the JIS program. The focus group was intended to gather information, feedback, and [...]