Blog - Page 18 of 8835 - Healthy Minds Philly®

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

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

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 [...]

What’s the deal with self-care?

Janine Monico2025-01-10T15:22:25-05:00July 24th, 2023|Self-Help|

You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” tossed around, but you may have no real concept of what it is. If so, you are not alone. What self-care actually is – versus what society insinuates it should be – are two different things to many of us. Self-care can be defined as broadly as “care for oneself” (Merriam-Webster) or as specifically as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress” (Oxford English Dictionary). I would argue that most of [...]

Barriers to Minority Mental Health and Microaggressions

Janine Monico2023-07-19T15:41:09-04:00July 3rd, 2023|Racial Equity|

The word “minority” might be confusing, and that is OK. Minority refers to people who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). BIPOC people have a higher risk of having a mental illness. BIPOC people have historically and presently had to deal with stress and unfairness. Also, they very often have limited access to proper health care. This contributes to anxiety and depression. When BIPOC people want to get help, they often have a harder time finding support. Here are some things that can be done. Individual Level [...]

Juneteenth Crossroads: Music and Black Culture

Janine Monico2025-07-21T09:26:08-04:00June 19th, 2023|Awareness, Community, Music and Mental Health, Racial Equity|

Juneteenth is a significant holiday for Black Americans. It’s a time to celebrate freedom and reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of their ancestors. It is a powerful reminder of Black culture, history, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black communities come together to celebrate Juneteenth through various cultural activities, including community events, parades, and especially music, which has played a vital role in Black liberation throughout history. Enslaved Africans historically used music as a tool for communication and resistance, while hip-hop continues today to shed light on the [...]