Articles

Written By Leslie Stevens, M.Ed., LCMHC If you deal with symptoms of anxiety, you know the challenges of your body not listening. Let me paint the picture. You are sitting at your desk, working away. Seemingly, all of a sudden, your heart starts beating rapidly, you feel a tightness in your chest, you get knotsContinue reading “Anxiety: What To Do When Your Body Isn’t Listening”

Written By Lauren Abrams, Contributing Writer I hear the phrase “unprecedented times” a lot, nowadays. Throughout the pandemic, everyone in my email inbox seemed to hope I was “staying well during these unprecedented times.” I’m guilty of using the phrase myself! What the thinly veiled message behind the phrase is really saying is, “I recognizeContinue reading “Remote Work and Technology Burnout: Is it you? Or is it Zoom?”

Written By Lauren Abrams, Contributing Writer Grief throws a wrench in life regardless of when you feel it. There will never be a convenient time to lose someone, to attend a funeral, or to grieve. As a society, we often seek “closure,” which the American Psychological Association defines as “the act, achievement, or sense of completingContinue reading “Pandemic Grief: The Longevity of Healing From Tragic Losses”

Written by Leslie Stevens, M.Ed., LCMHC I started working when I was 15 years old. I have held at least two jobs simultaneously since I started working. I haven’t always known the value of a dollar. My value was in making money, and since the age of 15, I purposed to do just that. IContinue reading “Mourning the Loss of Hustle Culture”

Written by Leslie Stevens, M.Ed., LCMHC This past weekend, Naomi Osaka, a 23-year old, two-time U.S. Open champion, made what I call mental health history. After being fined $15,000 and a looming threat to have her expelled from the tournament, Naomi withdrew from the French Open. What was all of this about you ask? NaomiContinue reading “Naomi Osaka: Taking Care of HER Business”

Written By Miracle Hawkins, Contributing Writer 5/27/21 So much is happening in the world right now and a lot of it is out of our control. Despite all the challenges caused by the pandemic, the clock continues to tick, and the world continues to revolve. I still must show up for work, I still haveContinue reading “Balancing Work and Family Life as an Adult College Student : A Personal Reflection”

Written By Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 5/24/21 Depression in children can often go unrecognized. Unfortunately, when depression goes unnoticed, it leaves little opportunity for them to get the treatment and support they need. Younger children probably will not recognize symptoms of depression in themselves. However, just because they do not recognize it, doesn’t mean itContinue reading “Kids Deal with Depression Too”

Written by Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 5/22/2021 Studies have shown that essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are not only more susceptible to being exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but are showing increased prevalence for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (1). The psychological distress brought on by their likely exposure to theContinue reading “Stress & Anxiety Among Essential Workers”

Written by Miracle Hawkins, Contributing Writer 5/21/21  There are many narratives and stereotypical concepts that have been placed specifically on Black women throughout history. The two most popular are “The Angry Black Woman” and “The Strong Black Woman” narratives that have been consistently reinforced through film, music, and other media outlets. The Strong Black WomanContinue reading “Being A Black Woman: Dealing With the Pressure of “Being Strong””

Happy May good people! May is Mental Health Awareness Month! I could go on and on about the alarming statistics concerning mental health in America. But I think I’ll spare US the agony. I do however want to drop some encouragement at your door. Life is tough and times are challenging for many people. AllContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Month”

Written by Mili Dhru, Contributing Writer 5/17/21 In a psychological context, perfectionism is defined as the “tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation” (American Psychology Association, n.d.). Even without a background in psychology or any prior,Continue reading “Perfectionism that Stems from Cultural Expectations: A Personal Reflection”

Written by Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 4/20/21  As vaccines are being distributed, many are wondering if it is finally safe to visit their family in longer-term care facilities. Because of the risks posed against those in elderly care facilities, visits and contact with family has been strictly regulated and controlled. Most aren’t able to seeContinue reading “Ways to Thwart Loneliness and Isolation for Elderly Family Members”

Written By Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 4/12/21 Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are common in new mothers. And having to deal with a global pandemic on top of that is not an easy task. If you are a new mother during this time, you most likely have your fair share of concerns. HereContinue reading “New Moms Need Love Too”

Written By Miracle Hawkins, Contributing Writer 3/26/21 As children, parental expectations play a major role in how we perform in school, on a sports team, or in a club or organization. When we grow older and begin to understand the ways of the world, we realize that our parent’s expectations were actually social expectations derivedContinue reading “Feeling Burnout? Trace Your Steps and See Why”

By Mili Dhru, Contributing Writer March 4, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has created one of the largest public health and economic crises that America has ever experienced. States began mandating social distancing and lockdown procedures in March of 2020, and although they proved beneficial in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, these measures triggered a severeContinue reading “Graduating During a Pandemic: How to Cope”

Written by Miracle Hawkins, Contributing Writer 2/18/21 During the month of February, necessary attention is brought to Black history, facts, and culture to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month began in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson who was a writer and educator. “Woodson proclaimed that Negro History Week should always occur in theContinue reading “Honoring Black Americans in Mental Health”

Written By Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 2/18/21 It is no doubt that this past year has been difficult and unpredictable. And even with the promises of the vaccine, there is no telling how long it will take for things to go back to “normal”. Along with the stress surrounding the effects of the pandemic, thereContinue reading “COVID Vaccine: How to Handle the Stress”

Written by Miracle Hawkins, Contributing Writer 2/12/2021 Valentine’s Day is a favorite holiday for many people, as it is a designated day to express our love and appreciation for the relationships we have. Valentine’s Day normally consists of going on romantic dates, giving gifts, flowers, and spending quality time with our loved ones. However, thisContinue reading “Valentine’s Day: How to Avoid the Stress by Loving on Yourself”

Written By Raquel Nixon, Contributing Writer 2/9/21 About 85% of American’s have admitted to feeling some sort of financial anxiety (1). Financial anxiety can have drastic effects on a person’s health and well-being. It’s a common misconception that financial stability and freedom depend on how much money you make. While that may be true to aContinue reading “Money Makes Me Nervous: Tips on Getting Financially Fit”

Written By Mili Dhru, Contributing Writer 2/9/2021 When reports of COVID-19 first began circulating across the globe, the extent to which the pandemic would impact society was indeterminable to even the most knowledgeable of public health professionals. No one was able to foresee the indefinite quarantine periods, mandatory face covering and social distancing protocols, devastatingContinue reading “Better Together: Strengthening Your Family During COVID”