Blog - Page 4 of 68 - Healthy Minds Philly®

From Suicidal Thoughts to Hope and Support

Janine Monico2025-09-13T13:27:32-04:00September 13th, 2025|Suicide Prevention|

At 28-years-old, Carter began struggling with suicidal thoughts. "At first, I tried to ignore them, but when they didn’t fade, I searched online for help. When I read Danny’s story, I knew that I had to stop pretending everything was fine. My best friend noticed something was going on even when I always said I was fine. When I finally opened up, it was the start of my healing." Honest conversations are so important for recovery. For Carter, starting these conversations helped him find more resources. Healthy Minds Philly offers online screenings and connections [...]

Understanding Gaming Addiction: A Modern Concern for Families

Janine Monico2025-09-08T15:52:38-04:00September 8th, 2025|Addiction & Recovery, Family & Youth|

Video games have grown from a hobby into a major part of everyday life. From early arcade games like Pac-Man to today’s immersive online worlds and competitive esports, gaming has evolved into an industry that entertains billions around the globe. For many, playing video games is a fun, social activity and even a way to build skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. But for some people, especially young people, gaming can slip from being an enjoyable pastime into something more concerning: gaming addiction. The World Health Organization added “gaming [...]

Volunteering for Suicide Prevention in High School Made Me a Healthier Adult

Janine Monico2025-09-05T11:21:14-04:00September 1st, 2025|Lived Experience, Suicide Prevention|

I struggled with mental health in my teen years. I grew up in a place where I thought that I could not talk about my struggles without feeling ashamed or being pitied. Growing up, suicide prevention was close to my heart because of my own suicidality. My high school was not a place where mental health was discussed, and suicide prevention efforts did not involve students. With the support of adults who understood the importance of preventing suicide in school, a group of my classmates and I decided to do [...]

Kratom’s Risks: A Rising Concern for Philadelphians

Janine Monico2025-08-15T13:35:34-04:00August 15th, 2025|Addiction & Recovery|

A quiet threat is growing in Philadelphia. It’s sold in bright packages and marketed as a harmless herbal pick-me-up. Behind its “natural” image lies a drug that can be just as dangerous as opioids. Kratom is a plant-based substance that has been making its way into smoke shops, wellness stores, and even convenience counters across Philadelphia. Marketed as a “natural” energy booster or pain reliever, kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, meaning it can be addictive and dangerous despite its legal status. Lately, kratom has captured headlines, including extensive [...]