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Search Results for: self care

Supporting Transgender Youth Mental Health

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transgender

By Ashley Barnes, M.S.   Transgender identity. Transgender individuals are those whose sex assigned at birth does not completely align with their current gender identity; it is important to note that the identities of transgender and nonbinary are not always mutually exclusive (Price-Feeney et al., 2020). People who identify outside of the gender binary and who may or may not also identify as transgender are non-binary individuals. Non-binary gender identity can include identifying as neither male nor female, both male and female or as different genders at different times. (Richards et al., 2016). Risk Factors. While the LGBTQ+ community is often lumped together as one large unifying group, it incorporates sub-communities and identities with vastly different experiences; one such sub-community with its own unique experience is the trans-community. Though the larger LGBTQ+ community experiences stigmatization and discrimination on social and political levels, research has identified solemn truths about some of …

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Tips for Staying Sober this New Year

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tips for staying sober

Staying sober throughout the year can be challenging, especially during holidays and other events involving alcohol. However, by following a few tips, it can be possible to maintain sobriety and continue to make progress in recovery. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to focus on improving and developing yourself. Many people choose to make resolutions about their health and well-being, such as quitting smoking or drinking less alcohol. Staying sober for a year is an admirable goal that requires dedication and determination to follow through with. In this article, we’re exploring helpful tips for staying sober all year. Tips for Staying Sober  Staying sober does not mean cutting out all pleasure from your life – there are many sober activities that can be enjoyed without having a drop of alcohol involved. Taking up sports or another hobby is a great way to keep busy and stay healthy; going for …

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How to Ask for Help with Mental Health

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How to ask for help with mental health

Do you know how to ask for help with mental health? Are you aware that many resources and tools are available? There is good news in the field of mental health. The number of people seeking treatment for mental health disorders is rising. The American Psychological Association notes that a recent practitioner survey found psychologists see an increase in calls for help. Results of the survey show that since the pandemic, the following have increased: 12% increase in depressive disorders 10% increase in anxiety disorders 9% increase in substance use disorders 12% increase in trauma and stress disorders While the increase is great and more people are getting the help they need, 46% of Americans with mental illness are still not receiving treatment. Reasons People Do Not Ask for Help There are many barriers to treatment, and they differ for each person. A barrier is something or someone preventing a person from …

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Treatment for Postpartum Depression

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transgender

By Ashley Barnes What is postpartum depression? If you are a mother experiencing postpartum depression, you are not alone. In fact, approximately 1 in 7 women experience PDD (GUNHS, 2021). According to the American Psychological Association (APA), postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can appear days or months after a woman gives birth, with symptoms lasting longer than two weeks (2022). The severity of symptoms and their prolonged nature (lasting more than two weeks) distinguishes PDD from the “baby blues.”  The mood disorder can affect any woman regardless of the course of pregnancy, those who are first-time mothers or have had children before, and regardless of race or ethnicity, income, culture or education, and age. However, there are known risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PPD, including the inevitable shift in hormone levels after giving birth, previous experience of depression and anxiety, family history of depression or …

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January Mental Wellness Month (Let’s Celebrate!)

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January mental wellness month (Let's Celebrate!)

It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The most common is to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, get organized, and learn a new skill or hobby. Other common resolutions focus on family, travel, and having more fun. But what about resolutions for mental health conditions? To kick off the year, celebrate January Mental Wellness Month for better mental health and well-being for all of 2023. Focusing on Mental Wellness This Year All resolutions are worthy and can be accomplished. So, why do up to 80% fail within the first few months of the year? One reason may be that no one resolved to focus on mental wellness, which is needed to accomplish any goal. To make lasting changes, you need to prepare for them mentally. Plus, when you abandon your goals, it can be mentally exhausting. Too often, guilt and negative self-talk about not …

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