Support 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|

“Pardon me, but it’s not supposed to be everlasting punishment!”

Release from custody and supervision should bring relief! After release, returning citizens regain their freedom, reunite with friends and family, and start working towards their life goals. However, what should be a small setback for “correction” becomes, for many, a long-lasting punishment. This is due to the secondary consequences of a criminal record. The American Bar Association says criminal records nationwide can raise over 40,000 barriers for returning citizens. It may be hard to get a job, go back to school, or get stable housing. It may be hard to [...]

Janine Monico2023-08-02T11:34:41-04:00August 1st, 2023|Awareness, Community, Support|

Breastfeeding and Mental Health – It’s Personal

The arrival of a little bundle of joy brings heart-stealing smiles along with many opinions and advice about breastfeeding. Undoubtedly, nursing creates a physical and emotional attachment between mother and baby. It strengthens babies’ immune systems, and for moms, can reduce the risk of disease and bring joy and fulfillment. But not always. For some mothers, breastfeeding is extremely painful. Others cannot supply enough milk, which can lead to extreme feelings of guilt. Breastfeeding and anxiety often go hand in hand as infants on breast milk require frequent feedings. The [...]

Janine Monico2022-08-14T21:51:06-04:00August 4th, 2022|Family & Youth, Mental Health, Support, Women's Health|

How to Talk to a Suicide Loss Survivor

Talking to someone who has lost a loved one to suicide is challenging to say the least. It presents challenges beyond the discomfort we commonly feel in the presence of grief. Despite our hearts being in the right place, the eagerness to comfort someone may mistakenly cause us to say something hurtful. The fear of compounding the loss survivor’s pain by saying the wrong thing may cause us to avoid those who are grieving. Let them know about the Suicide Loss Support Groups that happen throughout the month in our [...]

Janine Monico2024-02-21T10:25:12-05:00September 10th, 2019|Awareness, Depression, Suicide Prevention, Support|