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 [...]

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when we are reminded to oppose the harassment or victimization of all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, or identity. As a means to harm another individual through behavior or speech, bullying can have a direct impact on mental health. According to StopBullying.gov, children and youth who are bullied over time are more likely than those not bullied to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. While learning from home during the pandemic, many students relied on devices as their primary form of conversation. L1ght, an organization that tracks online harassment, reported an over 70% increase in cyberbullying in 2020 alone. As of August 2022, 60% of teens report experiencing some sort of cyberbullying. Additionally, 87% [...]

The history of the LGBTQIA+ community revolves around supporting and championing all individuals. Recognized annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day reinforces the belief that accepting differences makes us stronger and knowledge drives out the dangers of hate. In celebration of National Coming Out Day, Oaks’ Development & Communication Assistant Orlando Salas shares insight into his experience coming out and how it can help impact others. Words of Resilience and Acceptance, by Orlando Salas Walking through this world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with its own set of unique challenges. You may feel like you have to constantly keep your guard up because other people want to hurt you just for existing. But whenever I [...]

Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community. Recognized every September, National Recovery Month promotes substance use treatment and mental health services which support those battling these disorders in leading healthy and rewarding lives. At Oaks, our goal is to offer hope for long-term recovery and a chance to end the revolving door of treatment. Read Chris’ inspiring story of recovery. Chris’ Story Chris first attended an assessment interview at the COPE Center in 2019, after being referred to treatment for assistance with his co-occurring issues and a history of substance use. At the time of the assessment interview, Chris reported a lifelong history of trauma, grief, loss, and mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression. He [...]

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of background. Because of this, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-34. September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, a time to reflect on those impacted by suicide, raise awareness, and share important community resources. Suicide can be prevented. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 80% of those who die by suicide show warning signs. Learning and recognizing the warning signs to help those with suicidal thoughts and feelings is the first step in the process. Common signs include: Expressing self-criticalness or being a burden to others Acting anxious or agitated Withdrawing from loved ones/isolation Discussing death or a lack of will to live [...]

International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31st to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths. The day also remembers and honors those who lost their fight to overdose. At Oaks, our mission remains consistent – helping to save lives. According to the CDC, over 90,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2020 alone, with opioids remaining as the leading cause. However, drug overdoses can be prevented. The CDC states, “More than 3 out of 5 overdose deaths had at least one potential opportunity to link people to care before the fatal overdose or to implement life-saving actions when the fatal overdose occurred.” Recovery is always possible with the proper treatment, [...]

For today’s youth, mental health holds a significance in their day-to-day lives. As we head back-to-school this September, many students may struggle with changes in their daily routine or encounter new challenges in school. Parents and caregivers should keep an eye out for persistent behavioral changes, excessive stress, or withdrawal as indicators that your student is facing a mental health-related challenge. Looking at the numbers, an estimated one in six children have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder today. As outlined by the CDC, mental health disorders are described as “serious changes to the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems throughout the day.” ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, and depression are the most [...]

Beginning on July 16, 2022 a new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline was released throughout the United States. In the state of New Jersey, 988 will offer “compassionate, accessible care and support” to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance abuse crisis. With our focus on mental health and addiction services, Oaks remains dedicated to informing you about the changing status of mental health resources in the US. Here is what you need to know about the new lifeline: Designated by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 lifeline will directly route callers to mental health services for people in distress and crisis. The free, 24/7, and confidential support offered by the lifeline is [...]

This July, we asked members of our leadership team to share personal or work experiences related to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Mental Health Month. Our Vice President of Adult Developmental Disability Services, Pam Brown, wrote the following opinion piece about her experience growing up in an African American Christian household and how the "Pray it Away" philosophy impacted her life ~ "Pray It Away" this phrase has been used when discussing homosexuality but it was also used in my household for many years as it relates to mental illness. Growing up in a Christian household, I always heard my grandmother say, "there is nothing wrong with him." Pray and God will take it away. PUSH (pray [...]

Just as every person is unique, so is every culture. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) individuals hold rich histories and unique experiences which impact their beliefs and well-being. According to Mental Health America (MHA), BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions. With July as BIPOC Mental Health Month, it remains essential to understand mental health challenges through a diverse lens. To support BIPOC communities, MHA outlined information and resources for specific cultural groups. American Indians/Alaska Natives It is estimated that at least 18.7% of the 9.6 million American Indian/Alaska Natives have experienced a mental health condition within the past year. Many native tribes and lands that exist within the U.S. have been deeply [...]