Mental Health

March 31, 2021

Spring Clean Your Life

“’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,’” proclaims the old Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts.” And who wouldn’t like a little more simplicity? You can have it now by clearing out things that complicate your life. Start with these: Tune Out Media saturates our lives and can over-stimulate or even depress […]

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February 1, 2021

The Depression and Heart Disease Link

Although heart health and mental health are often viewed as distinct, they are very much related. The tight connection between the mind and heart can be good news – if you take steps to protect one, you may be protecting the other as well. A Two-way Relationship People with depression have an increased risk for […]

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January 22, 2021

What You Need to Know about Your Family Health History

Think back to the countless times when you’ve sat in a doctor’s waiting room, filling out a family health history questionnaire before an appointment. Many times, this is done in a rush with little thought to the importance or accuracy of the knowledge we have. Do we really have the answer to every question about […]

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December 29, 2020

What Is Resilience and How Do We Strengthen It?

By Tonia W. Hale, DNP, MAOM, BSN, RN Resilience is discussed often now, especially as we reflect on enduring the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented over the last nine months. Our ability to creatively cope with challenges and even crises that emerge with little to no warning in our lives — like […]

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December 11, 2020

How to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

While the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall and winter mean relief from summer heat and sun, they can, for some people, bring changes in mood. These changes may take the form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during particular seasons, then improves as the next season begins. In […]

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August 31, 2020

The Great Outdoors: A Panacea for Your Mental and Physical Health during COVID-19

By Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA, CEO and CNO of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital As we learn more about how to live safely during a time of pandemic, I’ve heard some people declare that they’re grateful for the fact that the outbreak didn’t occur in the winter, when it was cold. I understand that, because it would […]

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June 26, 2020

Do You Know the Signs Someone May Need Help with Mental Health?

By Cheri Hinshelwood 5 Ways to Show Support in Stressful Times 1. Communicate. Stop by, call or stay in touch. 2. Connect. Share time or an activity. 3. Don’t try to fix it. The best thing you can do is listen. 4. Encourage physical activity. 5. Ask how you can help. And then follow up. […]

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September 26, 2019

Teens and Suicide: Talking (and Listening) to Your Child Can Lead to Prevention

Hearing the words “I don’t care” or “nothing matters” from your teen should be a red flag for parents. “While these comments could be chalked up to teen drama, they could also be a cry for help,” said Ashley Carver, DO, a pediatrician with Mission Pediatrics – McDowell. Teenage years can be tumultuous and fraught […]

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May 6, 2019

Spring Slump? Don’t Ignore Your Mental Well-being

Just when most people feel energized because it is spring, others want to pull the covers over their heads. Seasonal change can be harder on those with anxiety and depression. Speaking with your primary care physician can be a first step in feeling better. “Often patients dismiss their earliest suspicions of depression or anxiety,” said […]

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