At Oaks Integrated Care, we recognize the profound impact that systemic racism has on the mental health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. As we observe BIPOC Mental Health Month this July, it is essential to understand the unique challenges faced by these communities and the urgent need to address them. Mental Health America breaks down the facts and provides resources in this year’s BIPOC mental health toolkit: Systemic Racism and Mental Health Systemic racism manifests in various forms, significantly affecting mental health. For BIPOC individuals, the daily encounters with racism and discrimination lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. This persistent exposure to racial trauma has far-reaching effects, influencing every aspect [...]

Feeling stressed, anxious, or bogged down? You're not alone. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, mental health struggles are on the rise. But there's a powerful, accessible, and often overlooked solution right outside your door: nature's Rx. Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors can significantly improve mental well-being. It's a natural form of therapy, offering a multitude of benefits: Stress Reduction: Immersing yourself in nature lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing tension. Mood Boost: Being in nature can elevate your mood and combat symptoms of depression. Studies suggest that exposure to sunlight increases serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that regulates [...]

June is Men's Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the struggles men face and dismantle the harmful stereotypes that prevent them from seeking help. The Challenge Society often portrays men as stoic and emotionally reserved. Phrases like "man up" or "boys don't cry" create a culture of silence around men's mental health. This can lead to under-diagnosis and under-treatment of mental health conditions in men. The Reality Mental health issues don't discriminate based on gender. Men experience depression, anxiety, and other conditions at similar rates to women. However, men are: Less likely to seek help: The stigma surrounding seeking help can be a major barrier. More likely to engage in risky behaviors: Self-medication with alcohol or drugs can [...]

June is Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality. As allies, we can play a crucial role in fostering a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Here's your guide to becoming a powerful ally for the LGBTQ+ community: Education is Key: Unpack the Terminology: LGBTQ+ encompasses a spectrum of identities. Familiarize yourself with terms like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). Resources like GLAAD's Media Reference Guide offer comprehensive explanations. Stay Informed: The LGBTQ+ landscape is ever evolving. Seek out reliable sources like the Human Rights Campaign for current events and issues impacting the community. Embrace Inclusivity: Respect Pronouns: It's a simple yet powerful gesture. If unsure, politely ask someone [...]

As we recognize World Hunger Day on May 28th, it's crucial to understand the intricate connection between food insecurity and mental health. At Oaks Integrated Care, we understand the profound impact that access to nutritious food can have on one's overall well-being. Through our Food Pantries in Mount Holly and Berlin, New Jersey, we're committed to addressing food insecurity by serving over 1,500 households a month. Food shouldn’t have to be a choice! Our community members should not have to face the harsh dilemma of spending their meager financial resources to purchase the medications which keep them mentally stable or to purchase food. With help from our local partners including the Food Bank of South Jersey, local farms and [...]

“Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” this May’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme from Mental Health America, brings to light various environmental and personal stressors that affect mental health. Some are more obvious than others, for example, the “breaking news” cycle, while others can be more internal, like loneliness. Consciously or unconsciously, there are four factors that might be affecting your mental health. Let’s dive in: Current Events Violent and disturbing events impact people across the world. Maybe you have family in a conflict zone, are worried about increases in identity-based hate, or have no personal ties to a particular news event but are constantly seeing graphic images online. A 2022 study found that 73% of [...]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of overall mental health and well-being. This year, Mental Health America's theme is "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World." In a world that is constantly evolving, one factor that can negatively impact mental health is news consumption habits. The 24-hour news cycle can seem impossible to avoid in today’s fast-paced media climate. We are bombarded with dramatic news coverage and endless clickbait, which has more of an impact on mental health than we may realize. According to a survey by Grow Therapy, 99.6% of therapists said watching or reading the news can have a negative impact on mental health. People who belong to [...]

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding and inclusion for individuals living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Despite increased awareness in recent years, there is still much work to be done to break down stigmas and foster greater acceptance and support for individuals living with autism. 1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about autism and its various manifestations. Understanding the strengths and challenges associated with autism can help promote empathy and compassion for individuals on the spectrum. 2. Foster Inclusive Environments: Create environments that are welcoming and inclusive. This may involve providing accommodations such [...]

Childhood should be a time of innocence, growth, and discovery. However, for many individuals, it is shadowed by experiences of trauma that can have lasting effects on their mental health. In this blog, we will explore the profound and often overlooked long-term impact of childhood trauma on mental well-being. Understanding Childhood Trauma: Childhood trauma encompasses a range of adverse experiences, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and exposure to violence or substance abuse. These experiences can shatter a child's sense of safety and security, leading to profound psychological distress. Impact on Mental Health: Research has shown that childhood trauma can significantly increase the risk of developing mental health disorders later in life. Individuals who have experienced [...]