Please keep in mind that these resources are meant to serve for those who lack access to therapy or aren’t finding the help they need, but this is not meant to replace therapy or many professional mental health care. If you’re able to, pairing your own self care and education with therapy is an incredible method to healing. <3

Mindfulness, Mental Health Awareness Lexes O'Hara Mindfulness, Mental Health Awareness Lexes O'Hara

The Neuroscience of Mindfulness: How It Rewires Your Brain for Happiness

Mindfulness can transform your life by rewiring your brain for happiness. It activates brain regions associated with attention and emotion regulation, strengthening neural pathways and enhancing connectivity. Practicing mindful breathing, body scan, loving-kindness meditation, and mindful movement can improve emotional regulation, sleep quality, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

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Breaking the Stigma: Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Try Medication for Mental Health

Learn the truth about anti-depressants for mental health: Despite significant advances, many myths and misconceptions exist. In this blog post, we explore the benefits and risks of medication, the honest realities of trying it, and why we need to overcome the fear and stigma of anti-depressants to seek help. Discover how medication can regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep, and find out why medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's time to break down the stigma surrounding medication for mental health and encourage individuals to seek help for their mental health struggles.

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Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: Understanding the Key Differences

One in four people globally will experience mental or neurological disorders in their lifetime. Mental health and mental illness are two different concepts that are important to understand. Mental health refers to a person's state of well-being, where they can cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to their community. Good mental health is essential for overall well-being, and strategies such as regular physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, and a healthy diet can help promote it. Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect a person's mood, thinking, and behavior, and require professional treatment. Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help when they need it. Mental illness is not a personal failing but a medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Empathy towards others can be developed through understanding the difference between the two concepts. Maintaining good mental health can help reduce the risk of developing mental illness.

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Mental Health Options for Low-Income Individuals: A Comprehensive Guide

Low-income individuals may struggle to access mental health services, but there are options available. Medicaid covers mental health services, and community mental health centers and nonprofits may offer low-cost or free options. The Affordable Care Act also provides insurance options. Sliding scale and online therapy are affordable alternatives. Free resources include mental health apps, crisis hotlines, and self-help resources. Find the best fit for your needs and financial situation by exploring different options…

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Mental Health Awareness, Teens Lexes O'Hara Mental Health Awareness, Teens Lexes O'Hara

Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health

This article provides tips for parents to help their teenagers struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. To support their child emotionally, parents need to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where the teenager can express their feelings. Parents should encourage openness about mental health, validate their child's feelings, and suggest seeking help from a trusted adult, such as a mental health professional. Giving the teenager space is also important to allow them to express their emotions in their way. Additional homework assignments or activities for parents include a family fun day, daily routine planning, a gratitude journal, and creating positivity posters with their teenager. Supporting the child in building their independence and encouraging self-care practices will help them recover gradually.

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How Mental Health Impacts Physical Health: Can Negative Thoughts Lead to Illness?

Our mind and body are always communicating and working with one another collaboratively. When you touch a hot stove, your body lets your mind know that the stove is hot, so you quickly pull your hand away. It happens so quickly and naturally that you’re not even aware of the connection between the mind and body. This process happens through the nervous system; signals are sent through the spinal cord to help you in making decisions. Your mind can also impact your body through thought alone. Every single thought that you have leads to a chemical reaction in the brain. 

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Is there a Correlation between Untreated Mental Health and Poverty within the United States?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 50% of the homeless population struggles with severe mental illness and/or substance abuse. Lack of (or inaccessible) mental health services is one of the top four causes for individuals to end up homeless…

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The Economic Cost of Untreated Mental Health Disorders in the United States - Why You Should be Concerned About the Decline in Mental Health

Untreated mental health disorders have a severe impact on our economy and its only looking to get worse from here, but the good news is that we, as a society and each of us as individuals, can turn this damage around and it starts here, by educating yourself on the impact…

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Anxiety, Mental Health Awareness Lexes O'Hara Anxiety, Mental Health Awareness Lexes O'Hara

What Does it Mean to Be Stuck in Survival Mode? The Long-Term Impacts of Living in "Fight or Flight"

Survival mode is an instinctual fight or flight response caused by perceived threats, stress, or trauma. When a person perceives danger, their nervous system immediately draws all of its attention and energy towards getting them to react quickly for safety. The survival responses are fighting, running, hiding, or freezing for survival from that stressor...

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