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How to Support a Friend with Mental Health Challenges
In a world that often prioritizes productivity and external success, mental health challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming, not just for those experiencing them but also for their friends and loved ones. If you have a friend who is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to want to help, but knowing how to do so effectively can be daunting. The good news is that your support can make a significant difference in their journey to healing. So, let’s explore some practical ways to support a friend facing mental health challenges. 7 Meaningful Ways to Support a Friend Struggling with Mental Health 1. Listen Actively One of the most valuable…
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Seasonal Depression: Common Symptoms and How to Cope
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, many people start to feel a little down. This feeling isn’t just about not liking the cold; it’s a real condition called seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this blog post, we’ll explore what seasonal depression is, how it affects people, and tips for managing it, especially in the fall and winter months. What is Seasonal Depression? Seasonal depression is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. People with seasonal depression might feel sad, tired, or unmotivated during this time. Some common symptoms include: While…
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Everyday Monsters: Anxiety, Fear, and Phobias, OH MY!
During this time of year, fear is something we talk about more often. Scary movies. Scary costumes. Haunted houses. Fear, when expected and controlled, can be fun! Some of us enjoy the thrill of a jump scare in a scary movie or a haunted house. But for some of us, fear and anxiety is something we deal with in our day-to-day lives, and it can be debilitating. 3 Common Ways Anxiety and Fear Haunt Our Lives 1. Fear without cause All of us experience anxiety to a certain degree. Our hearts race before turning a corner in the Halloween corn maze. Our stomachs drop when an animatronic at Spirit Halloween…
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How to Better Handle Big Life Changes
I am one of the newest members of the Be Inspired family, and this has been an awesome change for me to make in my life. But with that said, I am one of those people who typically struggle with making big life changes. I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have said “I hate change!” Seriously—I have been using the same brand of Chapstick since the 7th grade: Burt’s Bees Mango Butter. Every other Chapstick is inferior, and you cannot convince me otherwise. There is not much we are guaranteed in this life—but change is one of them. Here are some ways I have found…
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Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Mental health has long been a taboo topic in society, shrouded in stigma and misconceptions. Despite progress in recent years, many individuals still feel ashamed or afraid to seek help for their mental health challenges. This stigma can prevent people from getting the support they need and deserve, leading to feelings of isolation and exacerbating their struggles. It is crucial to break down these barriers and create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to openly discuss and address their mental health. Seeking Help is a Sign of Weakness One of the most pervasive myths surrounding mental health is the idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This harmful belief contributes to the stigma surrounding mental…
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A Season to Reflect
Fall is here in Louisiana and it’s a great time to stop and reflect! I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite season. The cool weather in the mornings is my favorite! I grew up in Michigan, and it’s a little different here than it is there during fall. For example, the leaves change quicker there, and sometimes in October, it snows! My family and I would go to a cider mill and get fresh hot cider and donuts every year. There’s something about the smell in the air and the big green trees turning yellow, orange, and red. Stop and Reflect Fall is also a time of…
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Life Lessons from Solving a Puzzle
A few weeks ago I did something I hadn’t done in quite a while—I put together a puzzle with a friend. Although we haven’t finished it yet, the experience reminded me of how putting together a puzzle is similar to moving through life. Here are some of the insights I gained while piecing it together. Clarity First, let’s normalize that putting together a puzzle, especially a 1,000-piece one with minimal detail, is not easy. When I started trying to put this puzzle together, I was quickly reminded to reference the picture of what the puzzle is supposed to look like often. Clarity is key. Understanding what you want your life…
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How to Combat Early Mornings for Your School-aged Child
As parents, we all know that getting our kids up and ready for school in the morning can be a real challenge. But for some children, the stress of waking up early and starting their day can have a significant impact on their mental health. Here, I will discuss some effective strategies to help combat the difficulties of early school mornings for kids and promote a positive start to their day: 1. Establish a Bedtime Routine One of the most important ways to combat early school mornings for kids is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. Set a specific bedtime for your child and make sure they stick to it…
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How to Maintain Adequate Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges that can impact mental health. It is essential for expecting mothers to prioritize their mental well-being during this period to ensure a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. Here are some tips on how to maintain adequate mental health during pregnancy: 1. Stay Connected Pregnancy can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you are experiencing mood swings or other emotional changes. It is crucial to stay connected with your partner, friends, family, and healthcare providers to share your feelings and seek support when needed. Joining a pregnancy support group…
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Understanding the Signs of Depression and How to Help
Is there someone in your life who you think may be struggling with depression? Sometimes it’s hard to know if someone is struggling, because they may not recognize it themselves or are unable to put into words how they are feeling or what they are experiencing. Depression can be a silent and isolating experience, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to help can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Here’s a guide to understanding the signs of depression and offering support. Recognizing the Signs of Depression How to Help Someone Struggling with Depression Final Thoughts Depression is a complex…
