Center for Emotional Health

Each year, World Animal Day is observed on October 4th. This celebration of the animals we share the planet with dates back as far as 1925, when Heinrich Zimmerman, who published a German animal lovers magazine, organized the very first event in Berlin. Six years later, in 1931, the event went global when the International Animal Protection Congress formally adopted World Animal Day globally. You can certainly celebrate your favorite wild creatures – wolves, bison, rhinos, kiwis, or even your favorite salamanders - but you can also celebrate a bit closer to home. At home, in fact! Our pets, it seems, are not simply pleasant companions. According to scientists, they can also be good for your health. Approximately 68% of US households have at least one pet and, for the last decade, scientists have been studying the direct health benefits of keeping pets. While different types of pets can bring differing health benefits, it seems that interacting with animals lowers blood pressure, and al...

Each year in September, we mark National Recovery Month. During this time, we recognize those who are doing the hard work of recovery, and those therapists, providers, practitioners, family, and community who support them. Another important focus during this time is making sure that those in recovery are aware of some of the resources which are available. These resources may be local, community-based resources, or regional-, state, or even federal-level resources. If you are in recovery, would like to be, or know someone who may be ready to begin the process, here are some resources you can use: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA Treatment Locator Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) If you are, or someone you know is, in crisis:  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (simply dial 988) Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) At the federal level, SAMHSA provides a nationwide treatment locator for mental health needs, substance use, and more...