Center for Emotional Health

As we approach Thanksgiving, a day widely celebrated to acknowledge the good things in our lives, it is important to be aware that this holiday (like much of the holiday season) can very much be a two-sided coin. The day can often mean visiting with family, travel, stress, and reconnecting with people after a significant absence, in addition to the joys of family traditions, a good meal, and being truly grateful for the good things in life - whatever those might be. So, with those ideas in mind, it seemed to be a good idea to put together a little survival guide to help navigate some of the ups and downs of the holiday. Try to Maintain Routines While it may seem passé to remind yourself of the importance of your daily routines, especially sleep and exercise routines, they really do help you maintain an even keel by maintaining a sense of familiarity. Try to stick to your routines as much as possible. Be Mindful of Information Overload During the holidays, we can find ourselves immersed...

Each year on November 11, we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Now called Veterans Day in the United States, the day was originally called Armistice Day and marked the official end of the hostilities of World War I. Armistice Day is still recognized across the world in countries that remember the anniversary of the end of World War I. Many of those who have served in our armed forces have been affected by their service – some in obvious ways, and others in ways that are not readily apparent. The unique and challenging lives led by our military service members can lead to a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury. Some veterans may be suffering from one or more of these conditions at the same time. Here are some ways that you can support veterans in your life who may be dealing with these challenges. ANXIETY Anxiety is a normal response to stress, and...