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The mental health care system is broken. While thousands of providers work tirelessly to provide essential care to Americans, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in our teens and young adults remain high. Long waitlists, the stigmatization of mental health, or people feeling like therapy “isn’t for them” has kept many away from clinically appropriate levels of care, creating a dangerous and traumatizing feedback loop of hospitalizations and discharges.

A healthy body image is an essential aspect of a young person’s self-esteem and self-worth. Significantly, body image is about how you perceive your body, not about what your body looks like. This image is often affected by pressures of friends, family, celebrities, and social media. Fostering a healthy body image at a young age is critical. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder reported that approximately 95% of individuals struggling with eating or related disorders are between the ages of 12 – 25.

For decades, post traumatic stress disorder –or PTSD– was viewed as a one-off diagnosis reserved for soldiers returning from war or survivors of car crashes. But as both time and innovations in mental health research have shown, PTSD is a more nuanced, complex and widespread mental health diagnosis than previously thought. According to the National Center for PTSD, 7-8% of people will live with the disorder at some point in their life. 

While many Americans enjoy staying up to date on daily news, instant access to the 24-hour news cycle can be overwhelming. Headline stress is not a clinical diagnosis, but many psychologists have started using the term to describe people who are overwhelmed and experience increased stress by viewing or reading the news. Headline stress effects all of us differently, but often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and helpless which can result in increased levels of stress or anxiety.

Toxic positivity refers to the idea that in any given circumstance the most appropriate course of action is to remain positive, “look on the bright side,” and understand that “it could be worse.” An optimistic perspective can be a healthy and effective coping mechanism; however, toxic positivity refers to the extreme, unwavering presence of positivity in which this attitude causes a failure to effectively process and validate emotions.

The changing of the seasons and the start of the warmer months is generally associated with growth, rebirth, and a frenzy of flowers pushing out of the barren, thawing, soil. We see shining faces and blue skies across all media platforms, claiming that simple #springcleaning is the key to mental well-being and a sunny disposition. However, the changing of the seasons is not the end all cure for seasonal depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. In fact, the spring and early summer months see the highest rates of suicide, and many people experience increased depression and anxiety.

Nutrition is a key component to ensuring mental and physical health. For young people in particular, eating regularly and maximizing nutritious foods is critical when the body is still developing. Numerous scientific studies have shown a strong connection between diet and mental health. It’s essential to take advantage of what is in your control to better your own mental wellbeing.

Adolescence is a common time for signs of mental health issues to emerge—many are struggling with hormonal changes, adapting to new environments, and increased stress from school or social activities. Critically, 1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness; however, the majority of young people fail to receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention is essential when warning signs of mental illness emerge. If you are unsure whether you or a loved one is experiencing signs of a mental illness, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional. Self-diagnoses can be dangerous and often inaccurate. In order to receive the most appropriate and effective care, reach out for support—you are not alone.

Despite the new year, COVID-19 continues to spread and devastate communities. Collective trauma refers to an event that incites psychological trauma shared by large groups or populations. In the case of this pandemic, the collective refers to our global population. Not all communities, however, have been impacted the same. It is important to recognize that COVID-19 has devastated certain communities, businesses, families and individuals more than others.

The holiday season is once again upon us. Despite the expectations of joy and festivities, this time of year doesn’t always go as planned. For many, the holiday season can bring about feelings of sadness, grief or disappointment. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. This year, in particular, has brought unexpected challenges and the holidays are no different. Many of us are unable to spend time with family and loved ones. These circumstances can add to the stress that many of us are already feeling. We’ve put together some tips on how you can stay motivated and survive this holiday season.

Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy that employs techniques and tools that can enhance mental or physical wellbeing and assist in the process of healing. Art therapy typically incorporates painting, finger painting, drawing, sculpting or carving.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, families and students alike have been forced to adapt to a new way of learning. For many, even regular school can be overwhelming and exacerbate underlying signs of mental health disorders. It’s important that families work together to promote healthy schedules to allow students to remain motivated with online learning.

Sleep is an essential component of our physical and mental health that allows our bodies to rest and recharge. A healthy sleep schedule can be challenging while juggling the responsibilities and pressures that accumulate throughout the day. Nonetheless, it is critical to prioritize how and when you sleep in order to improve the quality and productivity of the day.

Despite 2020 being a challenging year for many, expressing gratitude this year is more important than ever. The holiday season tends to exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. Particularly during COVID-19, many are feeling lost and isolated. These feelings can make expressing gratitude this Thanksgiving uncomfortable and difficult. However, research suggests that giving thanks can actually promote mental wellness and help you cope with symptoms you may be struggling with.

Mindfulness practice is the utilization of various tools and techniques that train the brain to arrive in a mindful state. The practice emphasizes non-judgment, non-attachment, as well as acceptance of the entire journey even when it is challenging. For those who are new to mindfulness practices, know that with consistency the experience will gradually come with more ease. That said, even with regular practice, some days will be more difficult and others more accessible.