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Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health When a Loved One Passes Away.

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If you have ever experienced the serious illness or passing away of somebody close to you, you will know that this is a seriously difficult time for  your own mental health . When we lose a family member, friend or partner, the grief process is long and arduous. When somebody dies in our community, we sometimes focus on taking care of others, trying to help them through the tough time without thinking much about our own wellbeing. Similarly, death brings up all sorts of logistical obstacles such as funeral arrangements, will-reading and sifting through the person’s belongings.  Even if the person who has passed was sick for a while, elderly, being given live in care or other assisted living arrangements, death still comes as a shock. If you have experienced this, you will know that this is a highly overwhelming time both practically and emotionally.  So how can you take care of your own mental wellbeing when this happens? Grieving is a time to look inward, as well as outward to the fut
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Overcoming Teen Depression

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Tip 1: Talk to an adult you trust Depression is not your fault, and you didn’t do anything to cause it. However, you do have some control over feeling better. The first step is to ask for help. Talking to someone about depression It may seem like there’s no way your parents will be able to help, especially if they are always nagging you or getting angry about your behavior. The truth is, parents hate to see their kids hurting. They may feel frustrated because they don’t understand what is going on with you or know how to help. ·         If your parents are abusive in any way, or if they have problems of their own that makes it difficult for them to take care of you, find another adult you trust (such as a relative, teacher, counselor, or coach). This person can either help you approach your parents, or direct you toward the support you need. ·         If you truly don’t have anyone you can talk to, there are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help. ·  
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Mental Health Conditions: Depression and Anxiety

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What Is Depression? Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed. Symptoms of depression include: Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep Waking up too early or sleeping too much Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself The following information is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis of major depression and cannot take the place o
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Do Mental Health Issues Get Worse with Age?

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Mental health disorders affect about 20% of older adults in the world according to the Centers for Disease  Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, nearly one in three of those seniors does not receive treatment.  Careful attention to your aging loved one’s mental health may be even more important amid fear and stress over  the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. While anxiety and concern related to the pandemic affect people of all ages,  the elderly may be more susceptible to mental health disorders during this time. Isolation due to essential  physical distancing preventive measures and concerns over their increased risk of severe illness from COVID-  19 can take a toll on seniors’ mental health.  With knowledge and watchfulness, you can assess your senior loved one’s safety and well-being, and stay  aware of their emotional and mental health to ensure they receive proper treatment. Do mental health issues get worse with age? Mental illness is not a natural part of aging. In fact, me
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Coping with Covid-19 and Mental Health

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following: ·         Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on. ·         Changes in sleep or eating patterns. ·         Difficulty sleeping or concentrating. ·         Worsening of chronic health problems. ·         Worsening of mental health conditions. ·         Increased use of  tobacco , and/or  alcohol and
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