National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month was built to encourage sustainable habits, bring community, and promote self-care. Self-care utilizes a holistic model encompassing physical wellness, emotional wellness, and mental wellness.

1. Physical Wellness: taking care of your body through exercise, proper nutrition, and regular medical checkups.
2. Emotional Wellness: recognizing and managing your emotions effectively by building resilience, fostering positive relationships, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress.
3. Mental Wellness: cognitive health such as intellectual growth, creativity, and critical thinking. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind like reading or solving puzzles.

Together, self-care and wellness are subjective. Ultimately, they are defined as deliberate actions to care for a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. National Wellness Month encourages people to prioritize self-care by taking a pledge to the habits of wellness.

This can be done in ways as defined below:

1. Drink plenty of water: hydration can improve your wellness through digestive health, skin health, cognitive function, physical performance, and more.
2. Get good sleep: proper sleep is good for heart health, consolidates memories, regulates hormones, and strengthens the immune system, while also positively impacting mood and cognitive function.
3. Exercise: regular exercise can help us gain stronger muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, weight management, reduce risk of chronic diseases, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep.
4. Relaxing activities: activities like yoga, hiking, reading, listening to music, and making art can improve mood.
5. Practice gratitude and positivity: take time to practice gratitude and positivity daily to lower stress, increase dopamine and serotonin, and reduce stress.

A change in your wellness routine can be made with small changes. Start by adding one extra glass of water a day, reducing screen time by one hour, or making small movements to improve exercise. Wellness reminds us to pause and take care of ourselves. The daily demands of life pull us in all directions, but we can bring ourselves back into focus.

Learn more about Wellness Month and sign up for the 31-day wellness challenge at https://livelovespa.com/pages/wellness-month.

Disability Pride Month
“We belong here, and we are here to stay”

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places to the public. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults have a disability, making this legislation a powerful step towards creating a more inclusive society.

Observed annually every July, Disability Pride Month aims to celebrate people with disabilities, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and promotes disability culture and visibility. This month is a time to recognize and feel pride in the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities.

Disability pride is defined as accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability pride is an integral part of an inclusive crusade and, furthermore, a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability.

Ways to Celebrate Disability Pride Month:

• Advocacy: Advocate for policies and practices that promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for individuals with brain injuries and other disabilities.
• Education: Seek educational resources to raise awareness about disabilities, their impacts, and the importance of supporting individuals in their recovery and daily lives.
• Community Building: Foster a strong, supportive community where individuals with disabilities can connect, share their stories, and find encouragement and understanding.
• Empowerment: Empower individuals with disabilities to live life elevated, pursue their goals, and take pride in their achievements.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

Post-traumatic stress develops in the weeks, months, or years following experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or severe accidents). PTSD was originally understood as “shell shock” or “war neurosis” in 1980 and associated with combat veterans. In 2014, PTSD Awareness Day was established in recognition of Joe Biel, a National Guard service member who experienced PTSD after two tours in Iraq and died by suicide in 2007.

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

After a traumatic event, it’s normal to have stress reactions including:

• Upsetting memoires
• Feeling on edge
• Having difficulty sleeping

If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks/months a person may develop PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited to:

• Nightmares/unwanted memories of the trauma
• Avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma
• Heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood that impact ability to perform in daily life or important activities

Treatment and healing are possible through “trauma-focused” psychotherapies and medications. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are some psychotherapy options to promote healing for PTSD.

By promoting awareness, sparking conversations, and extending support, we can create a world where the effects of trauma are met with empathy, understanding, and healing.

Check out this link for more information and support in dealing with PTSD:

Symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited to:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness month. A study in 2021 concluded that as many as 22.8% of US adults experience mental illness, representing 1 in 5 adults. In 2016 as many as 16.5% of US youth (age 6-17) experienced a mental health disorder as well. Of those 22.8% of adults, 47.2% of them receive treatment in 2021. As many as 50.6% of teens received treatment in 2016.

Mental illness can make it challenging to live everyday life. Beyond the individual, these challenges can have a ripple effect through families, communities, and the world. For example, people with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. As many as 21% of the homeless population have a serious mental health condition. As well as at least 8.4 million people in the US provide care to an adult with a mental or emotional health issue. However, we can’t test for mental illness in the ways we can test blood sugar levels for diabetes.

Here are some warning signs of mental illness to look out for:

• Feeling sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks
• Severe, out of control, or risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or difficulty breathing
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real*
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
• Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
• Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still
• Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

There are many tools that can improve the experience on the road to wellness in mental health treatment: medication, counseling (therapy), social support, and education. With the help of a trusted professional, you can develop a well-rounded and integrated recovery plan that may include counseling, medication, support groups, education programs, and other strategies that may work for you. If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health symptoms, please seek support and services through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to find additional information or resources. If you are seeking a trusted professional, please visit Psychology Today to find a counselor near you.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Unfortunately, sexual assault is far too common with research showing that Over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence with most reporting that they were harmed by someone they know. While many may think of sexual assault prevention as a series of actions that an individual can do to keep themselves safe or minimize risky behavior, there is much more that can contribute to preventing sexual assault.

Here are a few things that you can do in order to prevent sexual assault:

1. Encourage children to express and respect boundaries. Encouraging children to ask others before giving hugs, encouraging and protecting a child’s right to say no to touch or affection from others, and teaching children how to treat others with respect can support them growing into adults that have respect for the autonomy of others as well as feeling empowered to set their own boundaries.
2. Advocate for workplace policies and government legislation. Unfortunately, many workplaces may not have strong policies to protect employees and current laws and legislation can make it more challenging for survivors to come forward and for offenders to be punished. Advocating for better protections can improve safety for everyone.
3. Challenge negative stereotypes and harmful behaviors in your friends, family, and coworkers. When you encounter potential harmful, demeaning, or derogatory jokes or comments from others, address the individual and encourage respectful treatment of others.

The theme for this year’s awareness month is “building connected communities”. In addition to the steps above, take time this month to participate in raising awareness by sharing your support for victims, wearing teal, taking part in online or local events, or donate time or money to local or national organizations that support survivors of sexual assault.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. There are many resources available to support you. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (https://www.nsvrc.org/find-help) has many resources available. There is also the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) operated by The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network that can connect you with support and resources. Additionally, mental health professionals are available to provide support to survivors of sexual assault.

Black History Month

Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.

Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated across the country in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community centers when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” The Wall Street Journal describes Black History Month as “a time when the culture and contributions of African Americans take center stage” in a variety of cultural institutions, including theaters, libraries, and museums.

2025 Theme: Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), designates a theme each year. The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” is a powerful reflection on the pivotal role that the hard work of African Americans has played in shaping our country’s history. Whether voluntary or involuntary, skilled or unskilled, labor has been at the core of the Black American experience. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans, which was foundational to the economic systems of this country, to the prosperous establishment of “Black Wall Street” which was a demonstration of the brilliance and resilient abilities of black corporate collaboration, this theme highlights how work has been central to both survival and empowerment.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Learn about Black History through museums, books, websites, or other literary pieces.
• Support Black-owned businesses.
• Donate to organizations such as the Black Youth Project, Loveland Therapy Fund, Amistad Law Project, as well as grassroots organizations that oftentimes don’t receive widespread publicity.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

In 2000, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act went into effect as a reflection of the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking domestically and internationally. President Biden then proclaimed, in January 2023, that this month would be National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Human trafficking includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people – adults and children – subjected to human trafficking around the world, including the United States.

There is a three-element framework used to form a human trafficking violation; acts, means, and purpose. The “acts” element includes the recruitment, harboring, transport, providing, or obtaining. The “means” element includes coercion, debt manipulation, withholding of pay, reputational harm, manipulation of addictive substances, or threats to others. The “purpose” element focused on the perpetrator’s goal for exploitation in terms of labor or sex.

Red flags for potential trafficking situations include:

• Job offers that appear too good to be true.
• Signs of physical abuse (bruises, scars, burns, etc.).
• A new relationship with significant difference in age or financial status.
• Withdrawal from other social supports and activities.
• The individual appears to be coached or cannot speak freely.

If you see or suspect indicators that someone you know may be in danger of trafficking, help is available. Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker. The National Human Trafficking Helpline is available 24/7/365. It is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to helping victims of trafficking. They can be reached by calling 888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) or, if there is immediate danger, call 911.

Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

The seasons changing can bring mood changes. The weather is cold so we can’t go outside for long periods of time, the sun sets earlier, and people are more likely to spend more time in their homes. For some, this is a normal transition at this time of year. For others, this period can change how they think, feel, and behave and might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Please consider speaking with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during the fall/winter months:

• Oversleeping
• Daytime fatigue
• Overeating
• Feeling sad
• Hopelessness
• Lack of interest in usual activities
• Decreased socialization
• Suicidal thoughts

Studies show that those who have Seasonal Affective Disorder have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Shorter daylight hours may prevent these molecules from functioning properly, contributing to decreased serotonin levels in the winter.

Here are some options for what you can do to help mood changes or Seasonal Affective Disorder:

1. Light Therapy. Vitamin D is responsible for the production of serotonin. Thus, a reduction in sunlight causing a reduction in Vitamin D, brings less serotonin, which hinders our ability to regulate mood changes. Sit in front of a very bright light box (10,000 lux) every day for about 30−45 minutes. The light box, which is about 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor light, filters out the potentially damaging UV light, making this a safe treatment for most.
2. Counseling. Counseling can help adjust the way we think, feel, and behave that might contribute to depression or low mood.
3. Medication. Medications used to treat depression (antidepressants) can be effective for SAD when used alone or in combination with talk therapy. Please consult with your doctor to see if medication is right for you.
4. Exercise/Balanced Eating. Regular exercise improved overall mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods. Nutrition also plays a key role in mental health and well-being.
5. Manage Stress. Practice meditation, use positive self-talk, connect with trusted people, and engage in other activities that help alleviate stress.

Holiday Stress Management

The holiday season brings various amounts of stress to us all. A staggering 89% of adult Americans say that financial burdens, grief, and anticipated family conflict cause stress this time of year. Near half of U.S. adults describe their stress levels between November and January as “moderate” with around 41% saying their stress increases in this time of the year compared to other months. This stress causes 43% of people to enjoy their holiday less with 36% of people feeling like the holidays are a competition.

Here are some ways to reduce or manage stress during the holiday season:

1. Be realistic with yourself and others. Consider making a list of expectations for yourself and others, then evaluate if they are realistic or unrealistic.
2. Keep or develop healthy habits. Make sure you are getting balanced sleep, eating well, and making necessary time to rest or recharge.
3. Reach out. Despite more regular social gatherings, feelings of loneliness and isolation creep in between the months of October and January. Reach out to trusted loved ones in your life to maintain a sense of community and receive necessary support. Ask for help as needed.
4. Make small adjustments. This season can bring about big changes in your day to day lives, so focus on small changes you can make to help yourself adjust. Things like taking a short walk, reading a book, listening to your favorite playlist can help boost your mood in small increments.
5. Accept imperfections. Often times we get stuck in the idea of perfection, and when things don’t turn out perfect, they can feel disappointing. Bring awareness to the healthy and natural imperfections of life.
6. Be mindful of gratitude. It’s easy to get lost in the meaning of the holidays. In moments of stress, ask yourself “What is going right?” Finding gratitude in moments of stress can shift your mind into recognizing the positive and not dwell on the negative.

Preparing ahead of time is the catalyst for a more positive, less stressful, holiday season. Be mindful of your emotional response to stress, create a plan of action, and take care of your needs. Self-care isn’t selfish.

ADHD Awareness Month

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in childhood with around 11% of children in the US having been diagnosed. Additionally, around 6% of adults also have this diagnosis. While there is much debate around the actual rates of this diagnosis and the current tools for diagnosing, the importance of ADHD Awareness Month increases as we improve our understanding of this disorder and the impacts of late diagnosis for many teens and adults. Individuals with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD may have difficulty maintaining employment or move from job to job, struggle with managing the day to day demands of managing finances, forget appointments or meetings, be frequently late to work, school, or appointments, and struggle to maintain their relationships with loved ones.

Here are a few common myths about ADHD:

1. Kids will outgrow their ADHD. While some children do “outgrow” their symptoms, as many as 50-80% will still struggle with some or all of the same problems. Some may also experience new problems related to their ADHD as they enter adulthood.
2. People with ADHD just cannot concentrate. Many kids and adults with ADHD do struggle with focus and concertation however, they are often able to concentrate on things that they find interesting or engaging.
3. ADHD is caused by bad parenting. There are many potential factors that contribute to ADHD including genetics. Research has shown that the brains of individuals with ADHD are wired differently which impacts their attention and impulse control. While positive parenting strategies can improve some of the behavioral challenges that emerge with ADHD, it does not actually change the ADHD symptoms.
4. ADHD medications are addictive. When used in their therapeutic dosings, the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD have not been found to have a significant risk for addiction. In fact, because of the positive impacts of these medications on symptoms, there is some evidence to suggest that these medications may decrease the chance for developing a substance use disorder as those with untreated ADHD may be somewhat more likely to try to self-medicate. Additionally, there are also non-stimulant medication options available for those who may not want the other effects of stimulant medications.

For more information about ADHD including links to the research referenced here check out https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/. If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD or is considering pursuing assessment for ADHD, mental health professionals can provide support through coping skills and strategies to adapt to your needs as well as support seeking formal assessment.