Mental Health Articles

In the News Autism Acceptance Month – Part I

This April, across the world Autism Acceptance is celebrated. In order to accept those living with Autism, we first must understand what Autism is, the diagnosis of it, the treatment of it and the prognosis of it.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.

The way Autism affects everyone is different. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

While there is no known cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live a full and successful life.

Autism is diagnosed by persistent differences in communication, interpersonal relationships, and social interaction across different environments. This can look like: 

• Being nonverbal, nonspeaking, or having atypical speech patterns, having trouble understanding nonverbal communication, difficulty making and keeping friends, difficulty maintaining typical back-and-forth conversational style. 

Autism is also diagnosed by restricted and repetitive behavior, patterns, activities, and interests. This can look like: 

• Repeating sounds or phrases, repetitive movements, preference for sameness and difficulty with transition or change in routine, extreme sensitivity to low sensitivity to sensory stimuli. 

(Continued in Part II…)

Fitness for All Self-Care Challenge – Awareness in April

Sometimes being fit isn’t just about working out, burning calories, and building muscles. Being fit also includes metal fitness. So, this month, we offer you the Self-care Challenge.

Besides working through these daily challenges, take time for yourself to meditate or walk during this month.

• Create or reaffirm a goal.
• Make a gratitude list.
• Name one thing you like about yourself.
• Create a dream/vision board.
• Treat yourself.
• Do a short yoga routine.
• Do a random act of kindness.
• Donate a thing you don’t need.
• Share something that makes you happy.
• Do something unusual.
• Practice deep breathing.
• Organize one room or closet.
• Walk barefoot in the grass.
• Have a movie night.
• Start or add to a bucket list.
• Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Share a thing you are proud of.
• Color or draw a picture.
• Track your water intake.
• Share a recent accomplishment.
• Give up a bad habit for the day.
• Confront a problem, big or small.
• Share your favorite song.
• Compliment a stranger.
• Make a healthy snack or meal.
• Take a walk in nature.
• Share a fond memory.
• Do something fun.
• Exercise or stretch.
• Share how you feel after completing the challenge.

In the News: Self-Care Tips for December – Part I

The month of December is notoriously known for being the busiest month for most people. Because of all the hustle and bustle, many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Here we offer you some tips for making the month of December a little less overwhelming.

Keep a gratitude journal. Include things that you are grateful for as well as things you accomplished each day. This will help you to remain grateful and positive.

Make a new holiday recipe. Trying a new recipe will challenge you and keep your mind active. You might even find a new holiday treat.

Get creative by writing and/or crafting. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked. These activities help you express yourself through art and keep your creativity flowing.

Think of something that you want to improve. Maybe you want to practice a foreign language or pick the guitar back up, whatever it is challenge yourself and you will find that through success you will be rewarded. 

Show love to someone. Reach out to an old friend or family member. Go out of your way to make someone feel special. Even a simple thank you card can be very meaningful. 

Write about a fun memory that you have had. If you are feeling in a funk, remembering a good time can sometimes help you get back into the happy mindset. 

At least for one day, take a break from your phone. Stay away from social media and the news. Spend more time getting to know yourself during this holiday season.

Continued in Part II…

In the News: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – Part II

(Continued from Part I…)

Care – Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging, without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.

Escort – When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

Resources that are available 

• Take the person to the nearest Emergency Room, where they will receive a full suicide assessment and receive needed care. If the person is hesitant to receive emergency healthcare, call 911.
• Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and follow their guidance. You can also visit their website, suicidepreventionlifeline.org for further information.
• If the person you know has a mental health professional that they see, help them schedule an urgent appointment. If they do not have an existing connection with a mental health professional, help them make an urgent appointment with their family physician. 

This year Suicide Prevention Week is celebrated September 10 – 16. The week is about prevention awareness but it is also about reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance, such as therapy.

In the News Suicide Prevention Awareness Month– Part I

Suicide is a problem that affects people of all different walks of life. Many of us know someone, such as a friend, family member or coworker that has committed or attempted suicide. Over the past 20 years, suicide rates have risen rather steadily in the United States. Suicide is currently ranked as the 10^th highest cause of death of among all ages.

During the month of September, we celebrate Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, as suicide is preventable and together through treatment and support, we can help reduce the number of suicides.

Warning signs of suicide

• Feeling extreme depression, guilt, or shame.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Talking about, or preoccupation with, death or suicide.
• Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means (buying a firearm, acquiring quantities of pills/medication, researching ways to die).
• Exhibiting a dramatic change in behavior, including withdrawal from friends or usual activities, increased alcohol/drug use, difficulties in sleeping or eating, decreased self-care.

What to do if someone you know is experiencing a crisis or hurting

If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember steps:

Ask – Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may feel awkward, research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way.

(Continued in Part II…)