Depression Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

The Power of Early Intervention and Non-Crisis Chatlines

Through my experience providing support on the chatline, I have witnessed the power of non-crisis chat lines as urgent care for the mind. Our platform serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking understanding and validation, empowering them on their mental health journey. The Power of Early Intervention As a Certified Peer Specialist, I understand the importance of addressing mental health concerns early on. Too often, individuals hesitate to seek help until they are in crisis, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Through the chatline, we aim to break down those barriers [...]

Janine Monico2025-03-25T15:38:16-04:00March 24th, 2025|Anxiety, Certified Peer Specialists, Depression, Stress, Support|

The Art and Benefits of Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a timeless practice that offers a deep connection with the natural world. What is a nature journal? At its core, a nature journal is a personal notebook where you record your observations about nature through sketches and notes. Imagine it as a mix between a diary and a sketchbook, where you capture the beauty and details of the natural world around you. You can also write about your thoughts and feelings, making it a personal and reflective experience. Whether you’re exploring your backyard, a park, or a [...]

Janine Monico2024-07-18T12:31:11-04:00July 16th, 2024|Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

It’s Not Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Daylight saving time is coming fast. If you are like many, the thought of an extra hour of sleep seems glorious. Plus, the fall brings pretty colors, fun holidays, crisp air, and pumpkin spice lattes. For others, fall brings with it feelings of depression—seasonal depression. This type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder or SAD - a type of depression that happens seasonally. Its symptoms usually last through fall and winter, about four to five months each year. For some individuals, SAD occurs in summer. However, this is not [...]

Janine Monico2023-11-01T08:31:18-04:00November 1st, 2023|Depression, Mental Health|

The Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Mental Health

In a time where we have near instant connections with people, it’s strange to think that as a society, some have never been lonelier. Loneliness is a subjective emotional state, often resulting from social isolation and lack of social connections, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact mental and physical health. Some of these effects include depression, decreased quality of sleep, poor cardiovascular health, and decreased brain health or cognitive functioning. Among older adults, chronic loneliness and social isolation are [...]

Janine Monico2023-10-03T11:49:24-04:00October 3rd, 2023|Depression|