Mental Health Archives - Page 2 of 14 - Healthy Minds Philly®

The Power of Social Tango Dancing: Community, Growth, and Calm

During summer, Philadelphia comes alive with festivals and public events, giving residents many chances to try new activities. These celebrations help people discover things that can enhance their well-being and bring global cultures into the city through music, food, art, and community gatherings. These occasions are a great time to embrace social dancing. A fun way to enhance overall well-being, social dancing offers physical, mental, and social benefits—such as increased confidence, reduced stress, and new friendships. To help Philadelphians discover how social dancing can improve health and happiness, HealthyMindsPhilly visited [...]

Janine Monico2025-07-21T09:26:22-04:00May 6th, 2025|Depression, Lived Experience, Mental Health, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

A Journey to Well-being through Gardening

Daniel, a passionate gardener, knows about the healing power of gardening for the body and the soul. He started gardening when his kids were born. “[My wife] was big on making sure the kids ate healthy,” he said. He did not know at first that he was so good at it, but soon it became clear that Daniel had a green thumb. “I failed a few times. It was frustrating because I didn't know the things you can do to make something great.” So Daniel watched YouTube videos and asked [...]

Janine Monico2025-01-21T12:28:01-05:00January 17th, 2025|Mental Health, Self-Help|

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|

I cannot stop cutting myself. Please, help me understand why!

Cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, or biting oneself is often called “self-harm.” Self-harm refers to the deliberate act of causing physical harm to oneself. It is typically done to cope with emotional pain, distress, or overwhelming feelings. For example, a teenager feels very upset after an argument with their mom because they got a bad school report – or because they are dating and their families do not approve. Feelings of distress can be very overwhelming. Then the teen might experience the urge to cut to calm down. Some teens say [...]

Janine Monico2024-05-16T14:03:35-04:00February 19th, 2024|Awareness, Mental Health, Self-Harm|