Awareness Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

Finding Calm on Campus: How Spending Time With Animals Can Help Reduce Stress

As college students across Philadelphia pack their bags, move into dorms, and gear up for a new semester, many are already feeling the pressure that comes with balancing classes, work, social life, and new routines. It’s completely normal to feel stressed during this transition, but the good news is that research continues to show simple, accessible ways to support your emotional well‑being. One approach that has gained solid scientific attention is spending time with animals. A study published in a peer‑reviewed journal found that even brief interactions with animals (such [...]

Janine Monico2026-08-24T15:23:36-04:00August 21st, 2026|Anxiety, Awareness, Community, Depression, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

Best Mental Health Books for Kids and Teens

Kids and teens today are navigating their changing minds and bodies while under the pressures of social media, plus the pressure from parents who are trying to raise healthy kids. But when it comes to facing heavy topics like depression, anxiety, and body image, reading about characters with mental health conditions can help. When a child sees their internal struggles mirrored on the page, they learn that they are not alone, they are not broken, and there is a way forward. Whether you are searching for children's books about [...]

Janine Monico2026-08-10T15:20:10-04:00August 3rd, 2026|Anxiety, Autism, Awareness, Depression, Eating Disorder, Family & Youth, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress, Suicide Prevention|

Adopting a Pet, Caring for Myself

When I moved to the Philadelphia area in 2024, I was not planning to adopt a pet. That changed when I kept seeing the same flyer for a 1‑year‑old cat in Mt. Airy, first at a café, then at the co‑op across the street. I saw Jimmy photo and short description stayed with me. After the second sighting, I finally called Brenda’s Cat Rescue’s number. Up until then, being a pet owner did not feel realistic. My work schedule, limited resources, and past housing situations made it hard to imagine [...]

Janine Monico2026-05-12T11:36:05-04:00May 12th, 2026|Anxiety, Awareness, Depression, Family & Youth, Lived Experience, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

More good days, together: A mission for May

May is Mental Health Month, and this year’s focus is on helping people have more good days, together. “Good” looks different for everyone. It doesn’t always mean being happy or productive. Sometimes a good day is simply one that feels manageable, calm, or comfortable. Start building more good days, together, with these tips: Define what “good” means to you. Ask yourself, “What does a good day look like for me?” On a low-energy day, "good" might mean staying hydrated, taking five minutes to sit in the sun, or finally [...]

Janine Monico2026-05-13T09:22:33-04:00May 12th, 2026|Anxiety, Awareness, Community, Depression, Mental Health, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress, Suicide Prevention, Support|