Brynne
on
CW: Mentions of suicide and self-harm. What does it mean to be a mental health first responder? We hear this term a lot today, so let’s explore the concept and get a better understanding of who mental health first responders are and why they matter. Today, suicide remains a global leader in causes of death. […]
Mackenzie H.
on
Content warning: Mentions of suicide, and suicide ideation. In September 2018, I tried to intentionally end my life for the first time. Something in my brain suddenly snapped and I became acutely suicidal. I felt like I was a plague that only caused harm to others around me. I eventually suffered a mental breakdown, and […]
Natalia
on
CW: Mention of Bipolar Disorder, mentions of depression and mania. When I first asked my mother to see a therapist, I was 14. She looked at me with a bewildered look in her eye and proceeded to tell me “We’re Cuban, we don’t do therapy”. From that moment on, I was convinced that Hispanic people […]
Sammantha
on
CW: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, homicidal urges, mentions of depression and anxiety. Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. The following explains my experience with OCD. When you hear the term “OCD”, you may think of lining everything up in order or keeping your room extremely clean. You may even picture Jack Nicholson’s character in […]
Veronica
on
We live in a world where communication reigns supreme. Every word we choose to express holds the capacity to heal or to harm, so it’s important we exercise this power with great care. It is critical to recognize the significance of our language and embrace a person-centered approach in our daily interactions. You may be […]
Greta
on
The start of the new year often brings forth resolutions and change. People frequently set ambitious goals that can be challenging to attain within their existing circumstances, leading them to abandon or break their resolutions within a month or two. According to a poll designed by the American Psychiatric Association, 76% of Americans are headed […]
Greta
on
TW: Panic attacks, suicidal ideation Panic attacks are scary and sometimes come without warning. When panic attacks occur, some people feel as if they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. That’s why it’s helpful to know the signs of a panic attack as well as the strategies that can be used […]
Sammantha
on
Everybody has a different mental health journey and experiences that have helped them grow and feel more in control of their emotional state. Personally, talk therapy has been and continues to be one of the most essential parts of my journey to understand myself, those around me, and how I interact with the world. Although […]
Greta
on
CW: Suicidal ideation, Suicide It can be challenging to reach out for help, especially in times of distress. Some people find it easier to deal with issues alone, even when the situation becomes dangerous for their own safety. That’s why having a suicide safety plan on hand can help people in times of crisis. September […]
Greta
on
CW: Binge eating, self-harm, addiction. Most people deal with stress throughout their lives. Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways can make people more resilient and help combat chronic illness and mental health issues according to the CDC. However, not all coping mechanisms are healthy. Negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, compulsive spending, […]