Awareness Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

When Christmas Isn’t Merry: Coping with the Holiday Blues

For many people, Christmas can be less about carols and more about the blues. The holiday season can be the “most wonderful time of the year;” but for others, Christmas can feel heavy, lonely, or even painful. It is a completely valid way to experience this time. The constant pressure to be cheerful, whether from music, advertising, or social media, can add shame, as if not liking Christmas means something is wrong with you. The truth is that for some people the holiday season can bring grief, stress, or memories [...]

Janine Monico2025-12-20T16:18:59-05:00December 20th, 2025|Awareness, Depression, Faith & Spirituality, Holidays, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

Mind Your Holidays: A Season for Compassion, Connection, and Care

The Holidays Aren’t Easy for Everyone The holiday season often brings excitement, gatherings, and good cheer; but for many, it can also stir up feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and grief. At Population Health’s Healthy Minds Philly Initiative, we recognize that the holidays can look different for everyone. As part of our community commitment to mental well-being, we’re inviting you to Take the Pledge to Mind Your Holidays - to bring mindfulness, compassion, and care into every part of the season. Why "Mind Your Holidays" Matters Behind the glitter and festivities, some people [...]

Janine Monico2025-11-04T10:11:05-05:00November 3rd, 2025|Awareness, Holidays, Self-Help|

New Mural Brings Hope and Healing to North Philadelphia

Photo Credit: Steve Weinick A powerful new mural is bringing color, hope, and awareness to the walls of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia. Unveiled during Suicide Prevention Month, Embracing the Light is the latest addition to the city’s public art landscape. But it’s more than just a piece of art. It’s a call to conversation, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that no one has to struggle alone. Created by artist James Burns in collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia, First Person Arts, and the Department of [...]

Janine Monico2025-10-29T12:23:14-04:00September 25th, 2025|Awareness, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Trauma|

Recovery After Strokes: Ignacio’s Story

Ignacio is a 50-year-old Argentine tango dancer and instructor. He moved to Philadelphia less than two years ago from Argentina to live with his partner, Meredith. Their life together took an unexpected turn in March 2024, when he suffered a life-threatening cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The Day Everything Changed On March 9, 2024, Ignacio was at home with Meredith when he began to feel ill. He lost mobility and his gaze became blurred. After emergency services arrived, Ignacio was transferred to Temple University Hospital, where his life was saved with an [...]

Janine Monico2025-05-20T09:46:25-04:00May 20th, 2025|Awareness, Lived Experience, Stress|