Self-Help Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

Dancing to a Decrease in Depression Symptoms

Feeling down can make it hard to get out, meet people, or try something new. A recent study with young adults found that taking a weekly salsa class helped many of them feel less depressed, less socially anxious, and even a bit happier in everyday life. Salsa did not replace counseling or medication, but it gave people a fun, welcoming place to move their bodies and connect with others. What makes salsa special? The music is upbeat, the steps are simple to start, and you do not need any experience [...]

Janine Monico2026-08-10T19:36:18-04:00August 14th, 2026|Anxiety, Community, Depression, Mental Health, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

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|

Finding Harmony: Leah’s Journey of Self-Care and Community Support in Philadelphia

At 29, Leah, a West Philadelphia native, is navigating the complexities of adulthood while embracing her passion for music and mental health advocacy. Her story is proof of the power of self-care, creativity, and community to fostering well-being and heal from anxiety. Leah's journey with anxiety began early. "I started to experience anxiety at 8," she recalls. What others mistook for butterflies because of a crush with a classmate, Leah experienced as the grip of anxiety. Rapidly, her thoughts about a classmate became concerns about all her social relationships: “How [...]

Janine Monico2026-05-12T12:29:00-04:00May 12th, 2026|Anxiety, Lived Experience, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

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|