Mental Health Resources

10 Signs of Substance Use Disorder

By Christopher Rusk On Dec 12, 2024

If you’re questioning whether your relationship with substances is problematic, you’re not alone. Understanding the signs of substance use disorder (SUD) is crucial for recognizing when it may be time to seek help. Here are some important indicators based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5), …

Know Where to Go for Care

By Ivannette Juarbe-Ramos On Sep 19, 2024

No one expects to become sick or injured. This could be anything from the flu to needing stitches to emergency care. No matter the illness or injury, you will need to decide where to seek medical care. Not every ailment warrants an emergency department visit. In fact, many ailments or injuries can be…

Dementia vs. Age-Related Changes

By Dr. Anjali Patel On May 17, 2024

Millions of Gen-X Americans are finding themselves part of the “sandwich generation” as they care for their older parents, forcing them to be mindful of age-related health issues.

There are normal age-related changes that occur to the mind and body, but there are also signs of memory loss that may represent early signs of an underlying dementia disorder.

Reducing the Stigma of Men’s Mental Health

Mental health disorders, particularly among men, have gained momentum in becoming a silent killer. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women. While men make up approximately 50% of the population, they account for nearly 80% of suicides…

Can What You Eat Affect Your Mental Health or Mood?

Healthy Living

BY NICOLE FULLER ON DEC 12, 2023

Mental health has become an important topic of conversation. According to the American Psychology Association, we are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come. So, what are some ways you can improve your mental health? Can what you eat help? If so, which foods? Below are some foods, which are known to support brain health, that you may consider incorporating into your regular diet:

Eye Health in a Digital World

BY DR. PREMILLA BANWAIT ON NOV 15, 2023

Whether your team members are working in the office, remotely, or doing a little bit of both, they likely spend many hours looking at blue-light-emitting computers or smartphones. In fact, one report found people spend an average of 13 hours per day using digital devices, including for work and leisure…

Stop Binge Watching, Focus on the 4 M’s

BY DR. MANISHA PARULEKAR 

From “Ted Lasso” to “Severance,” there is a lot of good TV to watch. With streaming platforms dropping a whole season of a show at one time, it is tempting to binge watch. However, research says you shouldn’t, because binge watching can have a long-term impact on your mental acuity. You can actually set the stage for dementia when you are older, by binge watching in your 30s and 40s…

Sleeping Right!

BY JEFFREY BARASCH

We all do it, we all need it. Sleep is an important part of life and getting the right amount of quality sleep can often be overlooked. According to the Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Good sleep can improve an individual’s mood and mental function, promote cardiac health, restore the immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and more. Here are some tips to help you get good quality sleep for your health.

Handling Postpartum Depression

BY TIA DEMILLE WELSH

Having a baby can be a very exciting time in a woman’s life. However, it can also bring challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in eight women report symptoms of depression after giving birth. Postpartum depression typically begins one to three weeks after giving birth, but can occur up to a year later. Symptoms include intense sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness; loss of interest in activities; withdrawal from friends and family; and thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby. Postpartum depression also interferes with the ability to complete daily life activities. This condition often does not go away on its own and usually requires medical treatment. Here are some tips and facts to help you understand postpartum depression and how to combat these feelings.

4 Ways to Use Your Health Plan to Boost Your Well-Being

BY DR. DONNA O’SHEA

The road to good health is often a path of ups and downs. To help avoid this bumpy ride, try tapping into resources, including ones available through your employer or health plan. Whether your goal is to improve your physical or mental health (or both), considering these tips can help you take advantage of resources that may be included with your plan. Below are four strategies to consider, whether your coverage is through an employer, a state-based exchange, or government-sponsored programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.

Recognizing Potential Suicidal Behavior

BY DAVID BRITCHKOW

The fear of judgment or discrimination may prevent people suffering with a behavioral health issue from seeking the treatment they need. Without help or treatment, the feelings of hopelessness and loneliness may build, leading one to consider thoughts of ending their own life. Also, feelings of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these outcomes and put further strain on people’s mental health.

The Head Heart Connection

The heart is often thought of as a symbol of our emotions. “Scientists have uncovered a clear link between emotions and heart health, identifying that depression, stress and/or anxiety may make it more likely for individuals to experience a heart attack or heart failure in the future,” explains Gary Rogal, MD, FACC, medical director for cardiovascular services at RWJBarnabas Health. “In particular, researchers have found that anxiety can increase the body’s level of stress hormones, which elevates blood pressure. People with chronic anxiety are therefore more likely to develop high blood pressure, and people with high blood pressure are more likely to be anxious.”

The Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment

BY ANGELA MCCABE ON JAN 12, 2023

The statistics on cancer are sobering. One in three men and one in two women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. We know that a cancer diagnosis is life-changing for patients and their families. We also know that cancer doesn’t travel well, and patients ideally shouldn’t have to travel to multiple locations to receive the best care possible. But what does world-class cancer treatment look like? One thing is for certain. It’s about more than just medicine.

How to Have Happy, Healthy Feet

ON DEC 16, 2022

9 Questions to Ask Before You Retire

ON NOV 14, 2022

For most of the past 20 years, retirement rates in the US were declining. People were staying in jobs longer, experts speculated, because of factors such as increased life expectancy, higher education levels, and the rise in the minimum age to collect full Social Security benefits.

In the past two years, that trend reversed: Beginning with the pandemic-related economic shutdown in March 2020, a significant number of US adults who hadn’t necessarily planned to retire, did so. It’s estimated that two and a half million “excess” retirements took place between March 2020 and the second quarter of 2021.

Accommodating the Disabled

ON OCT 13, 2022

What is a disability?

Our definition of disability comes from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
• Has a record of such an impairment; or
• Is regarded as having such an impairment.

Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working.

6 Ways to Get Your Child Back to Sleep

BY PRABHAVATHI GUMMALLA, MD, FAAP ON SEP 2, 2022

Children are going back to school and that means they need to get back to a sleep schedule! Having a good night’s sleep is vital for a child’s growth, immune function, and overall development, so getting them back on schedule is important.

As per the Sleep Foundation, the recommended duration of sleep for preschoolers (3 to 5 years) is 10 to 13 hours, while school-age kids (6 to 12 years) need 9 to 11 hours each night. Adolescent children (14 to 17 years) need 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Some children may need more sleep or less sleep, and it depends on whether they feel tired and sleepy during the day. Following are tips to help children get a good night’s sleep:

Recovering from Nicotine Addiction

BY CONNIE GREENE ON AUG 15, 2022

Smoking causes about 480,000 deaths every year and remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. When an employee or a member of their family is addicted to nicotine, the impact on business can be significant. According to a study published by Ohio State University, smoking can cost an employer nearly $6,000 per employee, per year. Increased healthcare costs, lower productivity and the potential for serious illness are documented consequences of smoking and vaping. Empowering your employees, and providing them with the tools to overcome nicotine dependence and lead healthier lives, results in rewards that extend far beyond the walls of the office.

Heart Disease Can Be Preventable

BY GERALD SOTSKY ON JUL 7, 2022

Although heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, many Americans don’t recognize that it’s largely preventable. Fortunately, 90% of heart disease is due to modifiable/controllable risk factors. This means that heart disease is largely preventable and controllable by addressing treatable risk factors and making lifestyle changes. Key factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

Employment After Addiction

BY GIESEL GIRONA-USSERY ON JUN 14, 2022

For individuals coping with substance use disorders, finding and sustaining addiction recovery is only half the battle. After finding recovery assistance, the common barriers that may make it difficult to secure and retain employment include legal issues stemming from previous arrests while under the influence, poor work history, and lack of access to stable housing, internet, telephone, food, clean clothing, transportation and childcare, which can make it difficult to even begin the interview process.

Coping with Pandemic-Induced Substance Use

BY MEG FRY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

US alcohol sales have increased more than 14% since the beginning of the pandemic – and continue to rise, according to Bloomberg News, whilce cannabis sales have also increased due to widespread legalization.

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and COVID-19

While many people are likely aware of the most common risk factors associated with complications from COVID-19, including diabetes or high blood pressure, a surprising connection has emerged with dental health. A recent study found that people with gum disease, who become infected with COVID-19, are at increased risk of poor outcomes, including a greater chance of admission to the intensive care unit…

Exercise Is Medicine

BY DON TOMASZEWSKI ON MAR 9, 2022

Physical inactivity contributes to a variety of chronic diseases and health complications, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Performing moderate-intensity physical activity on a regular basis can help individuals live longer and help reduce health problems at any age. For example, individuals who exercise have an easier time keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control and maintaining a healthy body weight…

Mental Health: The New Imperative

BY SUZANNE M. KUNIS ON FEB 10, 2022

A mental health crisis was already well underway in the US when the COVID-19 pandemic’s upheaval swelled the numbers of individuals facing mental health issues. Because people don’t set aside those issues when they start work every day, what may seem to be a personal challenge also becomes a business challenge. Employers are realizing they must support their employees’ mental well-being…

Healthy Behaviors Help Fight Stress

BY DEBRA L. WENTZ ON JAN 19, 2022

The pandemic has led to significantly increased stress, which affects both mental and physical health. In addition to physical precautions, such as getting vaccinated, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, stress management and other healthy behaviors are essential for individuals’ well-being, productivity and effectiveness…