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Tag: mental health

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A new year often comes with a wave of resolutions: lose weight, learn a new language, finally finish that novel. While these goals are admirable, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health alongside them.

Here are a few tips to incorporate mental well-being into your New Year's resolutions:

1. Set Realistic Goals:

  • Break it down: Instead of "get in shape," aim for "walk for 30 minutes, three times a week."
  • Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate small wins and be kind to yourself on setbacks.
  • Prioritize self-care: Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind and body, such as yoga, reading, or spending time in nature.

2. Practice Self-Compassion:

  • Challenge negative self-talk: Replace "I should be doing more" with "I'm doing my best."
  • Embrace imperfection: Mistakes are part of the human experience. Learn from them and move on.
  • Forgive yourself: It's okay to not achieve every goal. Focus on what you did accomplish.

3. Seek Support:

  • Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with friends and family.
  • Join a support group: Connect with others who share similar experiences.
  • Consider therapy: A therapist can provide guidance and support on your mental health journey.

4. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation:

  • Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress.
  • Unplug regularly: Take breaks from technology to disconnect and recharge.

5. Remember That Mental Health is a Journey, Not a Destination:

  • Be patient with yourself: Positive change takes time.
  • Adjust your goals as needed: Life happens. Be flexible and adapt your resolutions as necessary.
  • Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and appreciate your progress along the way.

Remember: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. By incorporating these tips into your New Year's resolutions, you can prioritize self-care and create a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

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It shouldn't come as any surprise, but your generosity is good for others and healthy for you!  “Hoy por ti, mañana por mi.” I’ll do for you today what someone will do for me tomorrow. Paying it forward is a concept we can wrap our heads around but do you realize by giving to others we actually give even more to ourselves? Here is a great article written by Jessica Beltran M.S. that talks about how being generous boosts your happiness.   

Generosity: Help Others, Help Yourself

Who would have thought that giving could be a selfish act? 🙂  - Angela

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WHO DOES WHAT... in the world of mental/behavioral health and addictions? The role of your professional counselor.
I have been asked several times whether I have appointments available to see a client because he or she is out of medications or no longer has a doctor who prescribes him or her medications.  I am always patient and try to take the time to explain to the individual exactly who I am and what I can or cannot do because it is confusing.
I decided I would take some time now and answer the mysteries of who does what in the world of mental/behavioral health and addictions.
 
I start by explaining that the only providers who can prescribe medications are medical doctors and some nurse practitioners; this includes, but is not limited to Primary Care Physicians (family doctors), Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners etc.
Social Workers, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, and Licensed Professional Counselors are Master's level providers/clinicians who provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy.  Some of these licensed providers also conduct substance abuse and other addictions evaluations to identify the appropriate level of care for an individual ie. residential treatment, outpatient, or intensive outpatient treatment.  These providers use talk therapy; processing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; incorporate psychoeducational materials; as well as incorporate homework assignments into the individual's treatment to increase participation, insight, and growth.
Psychologists have obtained their Doctorate degree; this does not make them a physician, it means that this person has went to school pass the Master's level and received a doctoral degree.  Psychologists generally provide many of the services that Master's level clinicians do, but also have specialized training in performing psychological testing for clients.
The most important thing to know and look for is a provider, clinician, or physician that meets your needs and places your care as their priority.  Some people NEED medication to help manage symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar, or Schizophrenia, however, the client/patient can reach higher levels of success and stability by participating in therapy/counseling services.
I hope this is helpful to you.  Just please remember that by working together, amazing change CAN happen!
Angela D. McClain