Clarksville Counseling Center

How to Help Kids Conquer Back-to-School Fears

How to Help Kids Conquer Back-to-School Fears By Summer Batte, author of Name and Tame Your Anxiety: A Kid’s Guide The start of a new school year can be exciting—and also anxiety-provoking. When we anticipate change, it’s natural to worr…

Call 988 for a mental health crisis. 988 is the new nationwide Su***de & Crisis Lifeline number. The new 988 is an easy-to-remember number for help around the clock. At a minimum, this could mean offering resources and connections over the phone to help callers and their families resolve the crisis themselves. If that’s not enough, crisis teams of mental health professionals may be dispatched. These crisis teams may include law enforcement officers for the safety of the caller, family, and community, and if the patient needs hospitalization. The new 988 is the quickest way to find the right help for a mental health crisis. 988 is a winning number for everyone!

Do I need therapy? The benefits of therapy - The Secret Ingredient

Do I need therapy? The benefits of therapy - The Secret Ingredient People often feel that they need to go through a life-changing event, suffer trauma, or have a mental health issue to warrant therapy, but this isn’t the case; most people would likely benefit from some form of therapy. Even very successful people embrace therapy for its benefits as being able to ...

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and gardening has so many health benefits!

Gardens are magical places. And the act of gardening is pretty magical too! Yes, there are pests and weeds and plant diseases, followed by aches and pains and muscle soreness, but gardening eases the body and soul in immeasurable ways.

And the science is finally catching up with what gardeners have known for eons.

Researchers at the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK found that 2 hours/week in a natural environment can markedly improve physical and mental wellness. Some physicians are even writing “green” prescriptions to help alleviate their patients’ depression and anxiety. Community gardening is one manifestation of this type of prescription and has shown a corresponding decrease in the use of NHS services.

There’s even a medical name for community gardening now: social and therapeutic horticulture. Not only does it improve physical health (through increased exercise, faster recovery from illness and surgery, consumption of a more healthful diet, etc.) but mental wellness too. Here are just a few of those benefits:

🌱 Stress reduction—being outdoors and engaging in tactile tasks generates positivity, wonder, and joy.

🌱 Mindfulness— working in the garden helps the outside world and all its stressors melt away, leaving the act of gardening as the sole focus.

🌱 Mental resilience—by providing physical movement along with respite from the outside world, gardening can help the mind rejuvenate, recharge, and respond to challenges in a more positive way.

🌱 Connection—the cycle of plant–nurture–eat creates a strong bond with nature and the earth. Gardening is a relationship with our natural world, more than simply an activity.

🌱 Community—gardening provides a safe space in which to connect with others on a deeper, more spiritual, and emotional level.

🌱 Growth mindset—gardening allows us to embrace new perspectives, to fail forward, and learn from our mistakes.

🌱 Acceptance—in the garden, there are many things beyond our control. In challenging us with a certain level of unpredictability, Mother Nature teaches us to practice acceptance.

Other studies have shown that frequent bouts of gardening result in greater overall health, lower BMI, increased life satisfaction, improved longevity, and up to 38% more social activity!

But it’s not just the physical movement, bathing in sunshine, or being surrounded by plants that increase our mental fitness. The soil and our exposure to certain bacteria healthy soil contain, has been shown to improve serotonin levels in mice. A mood regulator, among other things, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has positive effects on brain function and mental health. The more we can get, the better!

A friendly reminder: We've done our research, but you should, too! Check our sources against your own, and always exercise sound judgment.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201906/10-mental-health-benefits-gardening

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/health-and-wellbeing/articles/Lockdown-lowdown

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/realestate/gardening-pyschology.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301401#bb0085

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/66840#1

Mental health is an important part of physical health- and vice versa! We can improve our mental health every time we exercise or go for a walk!

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Remember that it's okay to ask for help. Remember that it's okay not to feel awesome every single moment. We are all human and have bad days.

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During the month of May, the American Counseling Association joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. You can explore our mental health tools and resources for professional counselors here: https://bit.ly/39v3po2

These 6 Habits Increase Your Odds Of Divorce, From A Marriage Therapist

These 6 Habits Increase Your Odds Of Divorce, From A Marriage Therapist Research shows couples who split within six years of getting married tend to have six similar habits.

Micro-moments of happiness ☺️ When you really pay attention to these micro‐moments, they can have a big impact on your chemicals of happiness and overall positivity. What are you grateful or happy about today? Comment below.

Two Sisters With OCD and Anxiety Created Therapy-Inspired Bracelets to Help Others

Two Sisters With OCD and Anxiety Created Therapy-Inspired Bracelets to Help Others Emily and Lindsay Stetzer started Presently to create mindfulness bracelets featuring words inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy.

.mentalhealth

Is Therapy Working? Watch This Therapist's TikTok For Key Points to Consider, Like "Do You Trust Them?"

Is Therapy Working? Watch This Therapist's TikTok For Key Points to Consider, Like "Do You Trust Them?" This therapist posted a TikTok video sharing important questions to ask yourself in order to know if therapy is working.

Why Bids For Connection Are Crucial For Successful Relationships

Why Bids For Connection Are Crucial For Successful Relationships Here's how to boost your relationship's odds of lasting.

9 Surefire Ways To Make A Relationship Last

9 Surefire Ways To Make A Relationship Last They are arguably the world’s leading relationship experts, and they have thoughts.

6 Foods to Boost Brain Power — Plus 4 to Save for Later

6 Foods to Boost Brain Power — Plus 4 to Save for Later It wants you to drink more coffee, too. You’re welcome.

The Southside Community Housing Conference is a FREE one-day, virtual webinar sponsored by the Southside Virginia Continuum of Care and Tri-County Community Action Agency. This event will feature educational seminars and panels on first-time homebuying, tenant’s rights, credit repair, introduction to housing barriers and more!
The educational seminars featured in this event are for anyone interested in learning more about affordable housing. Whether you are a tenant looking to learn your rights or a provider hoping to learn more about the barriers being faced in this community, there is something to learn for everyone.

Professional certificates are available for qualifying seminars.

Register for FREE today by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UZ4yQXklRuaZzNRuxr9t_g?_x_zm_rtaid=YdyZGt9VTuaOrkLLiAD9fQ.1622125922374.f81c598fdc67bb929abac7e861415e68&_x_zm_rhtaid=162

If you do not live in southside Virginia, that’s okay too. All affordable housing advocates are encouraged to attend! See you there!

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Mental Health Mth
All the Sentara videos recorded for Mental Health Awareness

www.youtube.com

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Almost Committed Su***de at 24

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Almost Committed Su***de at 24 Matt Haig didn't jump off the edge of a cliff, even though he thought about it. These are the things he would've liked to have heard.

I Was Addicted To Opiates & In Jail: Here's How Fitness Gave Me Strength

I Was Addicted To Opiates & In Jail: Here's How Fitness Gave Me Strength What I initially thought of as my greatest setback ended up becoming my biggest blessing.

Try This 21-Day Mental Health Plan From Therapists For Mindfulness and Self-Reflection

Try This 21-Day Mental Health Plan From Therapists For Mindfulness and Self-Reflection You'll ask yourself one self-reflective question from a therapist every day for 21 day in order to foster a better sense of mental health.

Election Stress Getting To You? 4 Ways To Keep Calm

npr.org Doom-scrolling much? Nearly 70% of Americans report feeling stressed about politics. We're sleepless and irritable, and our heads hurt. Here's how some of your fellow citizens are coping.

People Who Use These 3 Toxic Phrases Have Very Low Emotional Intelligence — Inc.

https://apple.news/A1pD1cC4DTm2FJO2JVwIpVA

apple.news Listen for these kinds of phrases, and you'll understand people better than they understand themselves.

Southside Wellness Coalition

‼️ ACEs: Adverse Childhood Experiences training
FREE VIRTUAL TRAINING!!

When children experience traumatic events, it can have lasting effects on their mental health and well-being. These events are called ACEs.

WHY WE CARE
Studies show that 26% of adults have at least one ACE while 1 in 8 adults have 4 or more ACEs. This trauma increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases and some cancers.

WHAT WE DO
ACE trainers across Virginia are working to raise awareness through education and connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce ACEs and ultimately improve the health of our communities.

DATES
June 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register >> https://bit.ly/3eDNW20

June 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Register >> https://bit.ly/36RlIOT

Brought to you by Rockbridge Area Community Services, Goochland Powhatan Community Services, Southside Community Services, Crossroads Community Services

mindbodygreen

Journaling is always a great coping skill...here are some ideas to use it during our current situation

Grab your notebook and get cozy!

American Foundation for Su***de Prevention

Right now, many of us are worried about COVID-19. In times like these, our mental health can suffer. We don’t always know it’s happening. You might feel more on edge than usual, angry, helpless or sad.

If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:

Southside Wellness Coalition

Coming up soon!

Caregiver and Schizophrenia: How to Handle the Psychosis

caregiver.com It’s important for caregivers to know how to recognize the early-warning signs indicating that a psychosis is developing, and to know where or from whom to seek assistance.

Managing Schizophrenia: 9 Things Every Caregiver Should Know

psychcentral.com Some people with schizophrenia are capable of managing their own care while others may require the help of family members or a caregiver. Here is a guide for those people who find themselves in a

mindbodygreen

Science has uncovered the physiological reason for that post-yoga bliss. 🧘 After analyzing 30 patients with clinical depression, researchers found practicing yoga can increase GABA levels on a temporary basis, and taking one yoga class weekly might maintain those enhanced levels. 📈 Read on for more on this essential neurotransmitter + how to prolong its positive effects! ➡️ http://bit.ly/2UsX56J

📷:

The FlyLady

I told you! !

mindbodygreen

First, you need to understand that trauma affects everyone at one point or another. And it doesn't have to be one specific event, either.

Dr. Daniel Amen

The conditions affecting the most Americans are anxiety disorders (28%), depression (21%), impulse control disorders (25%), and substance use disorders (15%). Half of all cases start by age 14, and 75 percent start by age 24. http://ow.ly/tp4J30pvLN2

‎The mindbodygreen Podcast: 133: We’re all dealing with some kind of trauma—here’s how to heal on Apple Podcasts

podcasts.apple.com ‎Show The mindbodygreen Podcast, Ep 133: We’re all dealing with some kind of trauma—here’s how to heal - Jul 25, 2019

mindbodygreen

Dietary habits and mood are clearly connected. Here's what you need to know about the link between diet and mental health.

Dr. Daniel Amen

The sooner an autistic child gets help, the more effective treatment will be. Early intervention can help overall development and decrease symptoms. http://ow.ly/1Wxl30ozQob

Child Therapy: 19 Counseling Techniques & Worksheets for Kids [+PDF]

positivepsychologyprogram.com What is child therapy? How does it differ from regular therapy? Here's an overview of counseling techniques, worksheets, activities, for working with kids.

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital

Join us for an in-depth behavioral health lecture series featuring Dr. Gregory Weiss. Call 434-517-3538 to secure your spot today!