Beleaf it or not: Plants make you happy! The effects of nature on mental health

Have you noticed a difference in your energy and mood after interacting with nature? How about going for a walk through your favorite park or smelling your favorite flower? Do you leave feeling more relaxed? Calm? Have a smile on your face? If you tried any of those activities and noticed a positive and uplifting shift in your energy and mood, your mental health likely was positively impacted by nature.  Nature and mental health are more closely connected than you may think. Did you know spending time in nature outdoors [...]

2023-04-30T09:41:17-04:00May 1st, 2023|Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

Women’s History Month – No More Labels

As a Hispanic woman who has had both gender and cultural expectations placed on me that made it difficult for me to get the help I needed throughout specific times in my life, I hope to encourage all women to stand in their authority and promote healing with no shame. In support of Women’s History Month, I challenge those who have gained from mental health support  to reduce stigma by sharing what those supporters have done for you. Others should feel empowered to seek support without judgment – because it [...]

2023-02-24T11:36:27-05:00March 20th, 2023|Mental Health, Women's Health|

Mind Matters: Mental Health and the African American Community

One of the reasons I started to work at Girard Medical Center was so I could better understand my mother’s addiction and depression. She behaved in ways I did not understand. I always wondered what made her so critical, mean, and sad. In fact, I did not understand why a lot of people in my family acted the way they did. Growing up, I heard a lot of code words being used for mental health. For example: “Don’t mess with her, she doesn't take no stuff” or “You know something [...]

2023-01-23T18:38:41-05:00February 13th, 2023|Mental Health, Racial Equity|

Can Your Family Doctor Diagnose Depression and Anxiety?

Mental health conditions such as depression, panic, stress, and anxiety are extremely common and affect one out of every five persons living in the United States. Substance use disorders affect approximately one in every 10 people. Although these conditions can be very distressing, they are also highly treatable.  But can your family doctor diagnose depression or anxiety? Many persons living with mental health conditions initially seek treatment within primary care. Indeed, it is estimated that up to 70 percent of primary care visits are due to concerns related to mental [...]

2023-02-07T12:07:38-05:00December 12th, 2022|Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health|
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