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...

The fall is a very interesting time – we see the leaves change through beautiful colors (depending on where you live) but know that winter is right around the corner. The changes in the amount of daylight can have a strong emotional impact. It’s very true that as the leaves change, so can our mental and emotional health. The two most common things people experience during that time are Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Autumn Anxiety. According to Psychology Today, more than 10 million Americans report being affected by SAD, and another 10 to 20 percent of the population experience mild symptoms without ever being diagnosed. Seasonal Affective Disorder typically affects four times as many women as men, and is typically diagnosed between ages 18 and 30. Autumn Anxiety and SAD share many of the same symptoms, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, and a general loss of interest in daily activities. What Causes SAD and Autumn Anxiety? Despite the fact that SAD...

So, Just How Important is Sleep to my Mental Health? We have all heard the expression “waking up on the wrong side of the bed,” usually when we are not feeling our best in the morning, typically as the result of less than optimal sleep. We know we can feel out of sorts, have lower energy levels, and be more emotionally reactive. The question is- How much does sleep really affect your mental health? As it turns out, quite a bit! Researchers are continuing to study the relationship between sleep and mental health, and how exactly each can influence the other. Current research shows that the relationship is definitely bidirectional. Mental health issues can influence the amount and quality of sleep a person gets, and poor sleep can contribute to worsening symptoms or even the initiation of mental health issues. How can sleep affect mental health? According to the Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org), the proper amount of sleep – especially REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, helps the b...

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...

Have you noticed the signs but aren't sure how to help? Learning that someone you love self-injures can be a difficult situation to handle and understand. The most important thing you should know is that you can help them overcome this. This isn’t to say that their pain will go away easily or quickly, but your help and support will go a long way in their recovery.  People self-injure for many reasons. It could be as common as stress from school or work or something more sensitive such as bullying and abuse. Individuals who self-injure do not normally share this action because it can sometimes be labeled as “attention-seeking” and cause them even more emotional distress. If you believe someone you know or love is self-injuring, here are a few signs to look out for: self-isolation, frequent injury, multiple scaring patterns, or suddenly wearing long clothing items. People who self-harm are used to hiding these signs so it might be hard to notice these at first. The important thing is...