As May is Mental Health Awareness month, I decided to put forth a focus on addressing and maintaining self-care when working in the mental health field for our own mental health stability. We all know that finding the time to take care of ourselves can be challenging most days; whether we avoid social gatherings, or become too busy with work, school, and/or taking care of the family due to being too tired. We, as human beings, become so consumed with helping others because we are compassionate and caring individuals. But how many of us take a step back and schedule the occasional mental health day?! Below, I have added some tips that can help to keep your life balanced.
Summer is near so let's do something fun!
May Mental Health Awareness 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
As we at Thrive focus on raising awareness in our communities,
Let’s celebrate those who listen and those whose voices are heard
Let’s celebrate our continued effort to speak up for and with, those struggling to reach out.
“The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down”
This past year has tested our strength and resiliency, with an increase in people suffering from depression and anxiety. Let’s highlight the work we do at Thrive and focus this month on some new and creative targeted activities in support of May Mental Health Awareness Month.
S.A.D. Activity Ideas
Happy Spring everyone!
The change of seasons is probably a welcome one for all of us sick of the cold and snowy winters here. With the temperature rising, it opens up many doors for our clients to finally get out and enjoy the new season. Unfortunately, not all of our clients are in the positive mental state to truly get to enjoy all of the season on their own. So here are some activities we can do with clients that can help fight against some Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) side effects.
Taming a Beast
Drawing Inspiration From Math When Working in Mental Healthcare
I Heard Birds
And to think that I saw little birds in February, singing their songs from the tops of the trees! I had seen birds all winter, but they were quiet. It wasn’t particularly warm that day, only a few degrees above zero, but the sun was shining. I like to believe that the promise of summer was what made them happy, a little bit of sunshine and the hope of better days ahead.
Vaccine Spotlight - St. Peter
Vaccine Spotlight - Birch Tree Center
On Friday, February 12th, Birch Tree Center in Duluth received their second visit from the clinic to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s personally comforting to see our staff and guests taking advantage of this great opportunity. Dawn Martinson, Treatment Director at BTC, shared the following recap and images from the day:
Vaccine Spotlight - Willow Haven
On Tuesday, February 9th, CVS joined Willow Haven once again to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. This was their second visit here, but it was my first opportunity to receive the first round of the vaccine. Jeff Bradley, President of Thrive, also joined to receive his first round. Arriving with my paperwork already filled out, the whole experience from start-to-finish was short and honestly painless.
What Do You Do When Overwhelmed by Work-related and Personal Circumstances Combined?
I have found with my new adventure with the “littles” that having a work and home balance is essential for mental health and wellness. I have struggled with making that balance for years. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, it hasn’t made it any easier. I have found that crafts, games, and movies have gotten us through, but everyone is getting sick of the same things over and over.
Vaccine Spotlight - Sauk Rapids
This past week, HCBS homes Eastern Star and Western Star, located in Sauk Rapids, received their first round of the COVID-19 vaccine. Rob Benner, Director of Program Management - HCBS, was on-site on January 27th to assist and receive his first shot. Rob provided the following great recap of the day: