Every day we are given various tasks to complete whether that be at work, home, school, etc. We all have schedules that we have to follow but what people are often lacking despite having a schedule is having a routine. Routines are practices that we regularly follow and can set in place for ourselves rather than the schedules we conform to every day.

Routines are really important because they help reduce stress and the uncertainty that we may face during the day. Having practices that we do every day allows for more feelings of control and security rather than waiting for the unexpected. Here are some ways that you can incorporate routines into your life.

Meals

Meal prepping or writing out a meal planning calendar can be very beneficial in establishing a routine and diminishing the stress of what to buy at the grocery store and what to eat each day. Meal prepping is a really great way to do this especially if you are on the go. Planning also allows you to make healthier choices because you won’t have to make quick decisions and you will already have the ingredients to make a meal rather than go out to eat.

Sleep

Having a wind-down routine can greatly improve your quality of sleep which in turn reduces stress levels. Creating a routine that sets your space up for sleep will allow you to start to calm down before bed and signal to your brain that you need to go to sleep. Some different things that you can incorporate into your nightly activities are reading a book, creating a skincare routine, drinking calming tea, and reducing screen time.

Mornings

The morning is such a crucial time of day because your mornings set you up for the rest of the day. Having a good morning routine will allow you to start your day on the right foot and bring you into the rest of your day with calm energy. Different practices that you can add to your morning to create a routine are doing a workout or stretching, meditating, getting fresh air, and journaling.

The mental health benefits of routine can apply to everyone, but specifically, people going through addiction recovery can greatly benefit from having a routine. Planning allows people to feel more in control and slow down the decision-making process. Routines allow us to fill our day with productive thoughts and actions which allow for fewer stressors, preventing a potential relapse.

Creating routines that work for you is the first step to establishing this new practice. There are many different ways to create routines and ways that you can help yourself stick to them.

Write them down

Writing out your routines can hold you accountable and allow you to see where they fit into your current daily schedule and tasks. Some different ways to do this could be getting an hourly planner that allows you to write out your day or make a to-do list of the different things you want to incorporate into your daily routine.

Create manageable routines

Routines are only beneficial if they make sense for you. If the mornings are super busy, then make a small list of things that you can do in the morning. This can be as simple as writing out the order in which you would like to do your current tasks like brushing your teeth, then making breakfast, then getting dressed. This will allow you to have the order of your routine consistent without adding anything new. 

Making small changes

Fully changing the way you currently do things can be very overwhelming if you want to add and change your current routine. Start with small changes and slowly incorporate all the different things you want to change in your day. For example, if you want to change your nightly routine to minimize screen time and prioritize winding down, do not fully change the way you go to bed now. Start with dimming your lighting earlier in the night and decreasing your screen time from an hour to thirty minutes. Small changes are sustainable and lead to big differences over time.

Prioritizing our mental health is so important and a great way to do this is through establishing routines. Determine what you want your routine to be, make changes if necessary, start slow, and you will be on your way to having a more calm and consistent day. 

~ Alexa S.

Another student from the Teen Awareness Group at Staples High School gives some advice to incoming high school freshmen! We wish all students the best of luck in the new school year! You got this!

Click HERE to see advice from more students!

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Check out our flyer below to see our ideas for content in September 2024! Topics include Suicide Prevention Awareness, 9/11, Hispanic Heritage, and more.

DM us on Instagram or email us at turningpointct@positivedirections.org if you would like to share a blog post, video, or art around any of the topics below! If you want to share content around something else, you are totally free to do so!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Back to school can be a very stressful time. As a student, it can be very overwhelming to have new classes, teachers, classmates, and more. It is an adjustment to begin a new school year even if you are in the same school with the same people year after year. It is important to set yourself up for success at the beginning of the school year and push through the challenges that come with starting a new year. Although the start of the school year can be nerve-wracking it can also be new and exciting. Students have the opportunity to make new friends, learn from new teachers about new topics, and start fresh. Navigating this change brings up so many different feelings, so here are some different ways to manage the start of a new school year.

1. Planning/Organizing

Preparing for the start of a new school year will allow you to go into the year organized and ready. Some different ways to do this are to get a planner and start filling in the planner with information from your syllabi. In addition to having a planner, it can be very useful to color code your subjects. For example, you can make your notebook and folder for science the color green and when you are adding science assignments to the planner, also write that in green. This can help coordinate your subjects and keep everything consistent.

2. Keep an open mind

When starting a new school year it can be easy to find yourself wishing for familiarity and consistency. Remind yourself that you were in this same position last year and were able to adjust. Keep an open mind about new teachers, classmates, and class subjects. Allowing things to come to you as they are without preconceived notions will give you a positive experience and an easy transition.

3. Remain confident

Everyone walks into the wrong class on the first day. It is normal to get lost or confused in the first couple of weeks of school. Classes are harder and that comes with uncertainty. In these moments remain confident and continue to push through. It takes time to achieve success and staying strong will help you to accomplish all your goals. Always remember to be kind to yourself and remember that adjustment is temporary and shortly routines will be established.

4. Ask for help

Asking for help is so important during times of transition. Seeking support gives us strength and allows us to feel less alone. Ask for guidance whether that be from a teacher, classmate, parent, or a professional. Talking through difficult situations and gaining skills equips you to deal with future challenges and make future transitions easier.

~ Alexa

Check out advice from Phoebe to incoming high school freshmen.

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See more advice from other high schoolers HERE!

Our surroundings profoundly impact our mental health. Various environmental factors, from socioeconomic conditions to the presence of nature, can influence anxiety levels. Understanding these influences is essential to managing and improving mental well-being.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Conditions on Anxiety

Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in mental health. People living in low socioeconomic conditions often face chronic stress due to financial instability, lack of access to quality healthcare, and unsafe living environments. These stressors can increase anxiety levels.

Financial Instability and Chronic Stress

Financial instability creates a constant state of worry about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This persistent uncertainty can lead to chronic anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to focus on other aspects of life. The stress of financial strain can also exacerbate physical health problems, further increasing anxiety.

Limited Access to Healthcare

Inadequate access to healthcare means that mental health issues often go untreated, exacerbating anxiety and other mental health disorders. People in low socioeconomic conditions may not have the resources to seek professional help, leading to prolonged suffering and worsening symptoms.

Unsafe Living Environments

Unsafe living environments, characterized by high crime rates and poor housing conditions, also contribute to heightened anxiety. The fear of personal safety and the stress of living in substandard conditions can perpetuate a cycle of anxiety and depression. Constant vigilance and the inability to relax in one’s own home significantly impact mental health.

Addressing these issues through targeted public health efforts, including initiatives led by MPH online Texas programs graduates and MS in Public Health graduates from Johns Hopkins University, can make a substantial difference. Regions with higher crime rates and poor infrastructure require focused interventions to improve living conditions and, consequently, mental health outcomes. Graduates from programs like the University of Melbourne’s Master of Public Health can also bring global perspectives to address these challenges effectively.

The Role of Nature in Reducing Anxiety

Nature has a remarkable ability to reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in natural settings, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, can significantly lower stress levels. Nature provides a calming effect, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Green Spaces and Mental Health

Exposure to green spaces can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and improve mood. Activities such as walking, gardening, or simply sitting in a park can provide a sense of peace and relaxation. Green spaces promote physical activity and can improve overall mental health.

Urban Planning and Access to Nature

Incorporating nature into daily life, even in small ways, can profoundly affect mental well-being. Urban planners and policymakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of green spaces in cities, promoting mental health through accessible natural environments. Community gardens, rooftop parks, and tree-lined streets can enhance the quality of urban life.

Nature Therapy and Mindfulness

Practices such as nature therapy and mindfulness in natural settings can also reduce anxiety. Engaging in activities like forest bathing, where individuals immerse themselves in a forest environment, or practicing yoga in a park can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

Environmental Pollution and Anxiety

Pollution, both air and noise, has a detrimental impact on mental health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can increase anxiety and depression. Pollutants can affect the brain’s chemistry, leading to heightened stress responses and anxiety.

Air Pollution and Mental Health

Air pollution can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, contributing to anxiety. Chronic exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter and toxic gases can worsen mental health conditions, making it crucial to address environmental quality. Public health policies aimed at reducing air pollution can significantly benefit mental well-being.

Noise Pollution and Sleep Disruption

Noise pollution, common in urban areas, disrupts sleep and increases stress levels. Chronic exposure to noise, such as traffic or industrial sounds, can contribute to ongoing anxiety. The constant background noise creates a stressful environment, making it difficult for individuals to relax and unwind.

Reducing Pollution for Better Health

Efforts to reduce pollution and create quieter, cleaner living spaces can significantly improve mental health. Implementing green policies, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing urban planning can help create healthier environments.

Social Environment and Community Support

The social environment, including relationships and community support, is crucial in managing anxiety. Strong social networks provide emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety. Communities that foster connection and support can help individuals feel more secure and less anxious.

Importance of Social Networks

Strong social networks provide a buffer against stress. Having friends, family, and community members to rely on during tough times can alleviate anxiety and promote mental resilience. Positive social interactions and a sense of belonging are essential for mental health.

Impact of Social Isolation

Conversely, social isolation and lack of community support can increase anxiety levels. Loneliness and the absence of a supportive network can make it difficult to cope with stress, leading to heightened anxiety. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of helplessness and despair.

Building Supportive Communities

Building strong, supportive communities is vital for mental health and well-being. Initiatives such as community centers, support groups, and social events can foster connections and provide a safety net for individuals struggling with anxiety. Encouraging community involvement and volunteerism can also enhance social bonds and improve mental health.

Conclusion

Your environment significantly influences your anxiety levels. Factors such as socioeconomic conditions, access to nature, pollution, and social support all play a role in shaping mental health. By understanding these influences, you can improve your surroundings and promote better mental well-being. Creating supportive, clean, and nature-rich environments, alongside robust public health initiatives, can help reduce anxiety and enhance overall quality of life.

NAMI Connecticut will be hosting several trainings on September 22nd and 23rd for teens and young adults in the state (see one below).

In these trainings, you will learn how to offer peer support to many groups of people. These groups include students, the LGBTQIA community, and more.

If you are interested in applying for these trainings, click HERE!

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Check out more advice from Teen Awareness Group members Zach and Abby at Staples High School.

Abby’s Advice

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Zach’s Advice

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Happy August 2024! Check out our flyer below to see this month’s topic ideas! If you or other teens and young adults in Connecticut that you know are interesting in sharing content with us, DM us on Instagram or email us at turningpointct@positivedirections.org.

Friendly reminders:

• Content is not limited to what is on the flyer.
• Content can be new (a recent creation) or old (something you already made a while ago).

College life is all about balance. Balancing classes, social life, clubs, and spending time with friends. For me, the hardest thing to balance is being healthy. Healthy has a different meaning to everyone, but I tend to focus on eating/drinking, exercising, and mental health when thinking about my overall health. College has proved to be a challenge when trying to balance my life, especially these three different aspects. There are so many different things going on in our daily lives that make it hard to focus on all aspects of our health, so I am here to tell you the small things that I try to do to achieve this balance.

Balanced Meals

Eating a balanced diet is so important because we need to fuel our bodies with the proper foods to keep going throughout the day, but it is almost impossible to resist eating all of the amazing food around us. As I have been trying to navigate my diet in college, I have found a couple of ways that work for me in maintaining balance. First, I love going out to dinner and it is one of my favorite ways to treat myself and spend time with my friends.

Freshman and Sophomore year I really wanted a change of pace from the dining hall, and now that I am a Junior, I can get too lazy to cook some nights. When I don’t feel like cooking or I just want a change of pace, I go out and order what I want, simple as that. However, I do not make a habit of going out every night. I go out when I want or need to and try to pick a healthier option!

In addition, I love sweets and eating dessert after I make dinner. Something that I like to do is put chocolate on my fruit and freeze it. I also love the cookie brand Sweet Loren’s because they are gluten and dairy-free, have a lot less sugar, and clean ingredients. Creating and maintaining a balanced diet is hard and I am still trying to figure out different methods that work for me, but I have started feeling better physically and mentally as a result of small changes I have made in my diet.

Balancing Exercise

Exercising is crucial for college students because it not only strengthens our bodies but also improves our concentration and performance on assignments. I have found it very hard to make sure that I have time in my day to exercise because we have so many different responsibilities and sometimes exercising is put on the back burner. I find that the best way to get exercise is moving your body in a way that makes you happy, not that necessarily burns calories. If I am excited about exercising I am happy to make the time in my day.

My favorite way of exercising is walking. I think the best part about walking is getting to be outside and getting away from being in a classroom or the library. I love the change of scenery and getting to appreciate how beautiful nature is. Another way I like to work out is through workout videos. In my Freshman year of college, I was terrified of the gym. Although I warmed up to going to the gym and really like doing group fitness classes like cycling, I still like to do workout videos from the comfort of my room. My favorite workout platform is Peloton because I found that I like the classes, music, and instructors better than other things I have tried in the past, but there are so many different options online.

My suggestion is to try different things and see what works for you whether that be an app or a fitness instructor on YouTube. Working exercise into our daily schedules is so important and there are so many easy ways to get some sort of exercise every day, keeping us moving and healthy.

Mental Health Balance

Lastly, mental health is really important and often we forget about checking in with ourselves. Sometimes I feel like my schedule is in control of me rather than me controlling it, which leaves me with little time for myself. Although it is great to keep busy, it can get to be too much too quickly. I didn’t start to take time for myself until recently and I have noticed such an improvement in my mental health since.

Something that I love to do as I mentioned above is walking, and when I’m walking I always listen to my favorite podcast. This distracts me from thinking about all the tasks I have to do later, dwelling on drama, or how I should start studying for my next test. I forget about myself for a little bit and focus on what other people have to think and talk about.

Another thing that has made a difference in my mood is writing down three good things that happened to me that day before I go to bed. This can be as big as getting an A on a test, to as small as my coffee being particularly good that day. I end my day with positivity and reflecting on what has gone right for me in the last 24 hours rather than going to bed thinking about what went wrong. This has made me appreciate the little things in life and put me into a positive mindset.

These small changes that I have made in my life have improved my mental health and brought me into a happier state of mind.

Balance

Balance is hard to achieve in college, but with these changes I have made in my life, I hope you are able to see how small actions can lead to big changes. Creating changes in our physical and mental health will allow us to be better students and give us the motivation to do all the things that we need to get done in a day. As you progress through the semester, I hope you can take some of my tips and start to determine what works for you in achieving a balanced and healthy life in college.

– Alexa S.

The month of July has a couple of awareness days that we want to highlight.

Disability Pride Month

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Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

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Check out a flashback flick below from Zach, a Teen Awareness Group member at Staples High School. He offers some advice to incoming high school freshmen!

As classes resume next month, we want to help you have a successful school year!

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Welcome to summer! When we think of summer we often think about having a break and being able to relax from the pressure of daily life. Although that is true, it has also been found that cortisol, our stress hormone, is higher in the summer months than in the winter months. In the summer our daily schedules often change in addition to the added stressor of heat. This is why it is crucial to maintain our mental health in the summer months, and here are some ways that you can do that!

1. Exercise

Exercising is so important not only for physical health, but also for mental health too. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make such a large impact on stress and overall well being. The best exercises to do to lower cortisol levels are low impact workouts like walking, pilates, and yoga.

2. Go Outside

The best part of the summer is that we can finally get outside after being indoors in the winter. Being in green spaces greatly helps in lowering cortisol levels which is why it is so important to be in nature. A great activity to do is taking a walk in a park or on a trail which will really help in relaxing and decompressing.

3. Sleep

Summer is a great time to catch up on sleep because of the change in daily schedule and not having to wake up early for school. Not only does getting 7-9 hours of sleep lower cortisol levels, but creating an atmosphere and time to wind down before bed is crucial in lowering stress levels. The best way to do this is to limit screen time before bed and wind down by reading a book or doing self care activities like skin care and warm baths.

4. Do Things That Make You Happy

Having free time in the summer gives us an opportunity to do the different things that we can get too busy to do during the year. Spending time with friends and family, playing games, going on adventures, etc, all help in reducing stress and filling our days with fun rather than work.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to reduce cortisol levels and manage everyday stressors. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness like journaling, mediation, and more. There are guided meditations online and on music platforms like Spotify and Apple music. If guided meditation is not for you, deep breathing is always a good practice that you can do anywhere at any time. A popular deep breathing exercise is 4-7-8 in which you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds.

6. Seek Professional Help If You Need

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or need to talk to someone, consider seeking professional help. Professionals will be able to help with navigating stressful situations and giving different techniques to help you manage whatever you are struggling with.

– Alexa S.

Check out our content themes for July 2024! Topics include, but are not limited to, Independence Day, Minority Mental Health, International Self Care Day, and more!

Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at turningpointct@positivedirections.org if you or other teens and young adults in Connecticut are interested in sharing a blog post, video, or art around these topics. Content can be something new you have recently created, something you made a while ago, or something pre-existing that you relate to.

Check out the Media Room and Our Stories to what your fellow peers have shared!

Every June, we recognize Men’s Health Month.

Men’s emotional, mental, and physical health can often be overlooked, which should never be the case.

Your physical health matters. Your emotional health matters. Your mental health matters.

Forever, and always. 🧡🩷🩵

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Happy Pride Month! During the month of June, we take time to emphasize the importance of acceptance in oneself and each other.

The LGBTQ+ community often face discrimination for expressing who they are, which should never happen. We are all human. We should all work together to be inclusive, no matter how similar or different we may be to each other.

Never be afraid to be who you are. ❤️‍🔥

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A few weeks ago, our Peer Support Specialist, Quinn, tabled at Band Together, a Young Adult Mental Health Awareness Fair.

At the fair, they got to meet many awesome teens and young adults in Connecticut, and watched musical performances from Diggity and Blonde Otter!

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June is here, which means the end of another school year and the beginning of summer!

Check out our flyer below for some content ideas for June 2024, which includes Pride Month, Men’s Health Month, and more!

As always, content does not have to limited to what’s on the flyer, it can be about anything you feel comfortable sharing!

Email us at turningpointct@positivedirections.org or DM us on Instagram if anything piques your interest!

Join Rise Be is running The RISE Leadership Training, a FREE 4-part training series that will occur every Thursday in March from 10 AM-3:00 PM in Middletown, CT.

The learning experience is designed to promote recovery leadership among young adults currently receiving DMHAS Young Adult Services. Core topics include recovery, the transition to adulthood, social-emotional growth, and leadership. Students will also practice stress-management techniques to support trauma recovery. We will use a semi-structured curriculum with space for self-directed learning through creative expression and dialogue.

• When:
  • Every Thursday in March (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th)
  • 10:00am-3:00pm
• Where:
  • Rockfall Foundation
  • 27 Washington St #2
  • Middletown, CT 06457

Click HERE to register!

BSEB (Birth Support, Education & Beyond, LLC) is a comprehensive perinatal support program that comes to you. The team of specialists works with pregnant and parenting youth, young adults and persons with significant trauma histories, mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder and vulnerable populations. BSEB works with these population for various stages of pregnancy, parenting and beyond.

If interested in learning more or filling out a referral form, click here.

Did you know today is Random Acts of Kindness Day? Here are 10 ways you can make an impact today, and everyday.

1. Pay for a strangers coffee
2. Compliment someone’s outfit
3. Thank your teacher for all they do
4. Write positive words on sticky notes and leave them around town
5. Smile at someone in passing
6. Give up your seat for someone
7. Hold the door open for someone
8. Donate clothes you no longer want
9. Leave a basket of tennis balls at the dog park
10. Write letters to soldiers or elderly people

The Connecticut Hearing Voices Network (CTHVN) is designed to enhance current opportunities for people who hear voices, see visions or have other unusual sensory perceptions to find and build supportive peer communities through support groups and community education. CTHVN offers free supports groups to those who need a space to discuss their experiences. Use this link or call (860) 952-4050 for more information.

We are looking for Young Adults to contribute to TurningPointCT! Unsure of what to write about? Check out the flyer for ideas for the month of February. Not much of a writer? Not a problem – we have a podcast too. Podcasts are released bi-monthly and hosted by our team members. We’d love to have you join. Share Your Voice!

Where Do I Start?

At TurningPointCT we want to create a safe space for our peers! Especially make your life a little easier!

• Share your Mental Health Journey or read about your peer’s journeys here.

• Email Maria, to contribute a blog post at mchappa@positivedirections.org.

• Email Sarah, to be a podcast guest at smckinnon@positivedirections.org.

• Interested in contributing to the podcast, but want more info on being a guest? Click here to learn more.

– The TurningPointCT Team

What is human trafficking?

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), human trafficking is:

The “…[use of] force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.”

Who is most targeted to human trafficking?

The short answer is that anyone can be human trafficked. But, there are certain populations/circumstances that may be more vulnerable to it. For example:

• Native Indigenous/American People
• People of Color
• Those in the Foster Care/Juvenile Justice System
• Those of the LGBTQ+ Community
• People Facing Economic Struggles
• Youth & Children
• Those who Recently Experienced a Natural Disaster

How can I identify if someone is being trafficked?

An individual of human trafficking has more than 3 of the following identifiable characteristics. There are many individuals who present almost all these characteristics:

• Change in Physical Appearance & Use of Language
• Bruising, Broken Bones, New Tattoos that seem out of character (Read the Following for Tattoo Examples)
  • Branding Marks (seen under black light)
  • Hidden Barcodes
  • Small Numbers
  • Anything Royalty Related
    • Commonly accompanied with a “name”
• Self-Harm, Use of Substances, Declining Mental Health
• Missing a lot of school
• Running away from home
• Acting more promiscuous in person or online
• Influx of new clothes, gadgets, accessories
• Using common trafficking term “the game”, “daddy”, “manager”

There are some individuals who are not aware that they are a victim of trafficking. They are commonly brainwashed into thinking the “love” is real. Therefore, the use of their language may appear more subtle, however, loyal. The bullet points above still apply to these individuals.

I think someone I know is a victim of human trafficking or I am a target, what do I do?

There is a hand symbol that signified the need of EMERGENT help.

If you see someone doing this hand gesture, call 911. If you feel as though someone is in danger, call 911 (even if they don’t sign this).

Utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline. If you are reporting human trafficking, you can leave an anonymous tip. If you are the person needing help, they will connect you to recourses and bring you to safety.

• Call: 1-888-373-7888
• Text: “BeFree” (233733)
• Live Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org

Be sure not to confront the trafficker or alert the victim. This may make it harder for the victim to receive help and can put you in ganger.

How can I avoid being a victim of trafficking?

• Do not talk with strangers on the internet without VPN and/or give out personal information (this includes chat rooms, social media, and gaming platforms)
• Verify all job opportunities that are presented to you – traffickers will offer victims a “job” that turns into trafficking
  • Job examples include and are not limited to babysitting, and photography opportunities for a large sum of money.
• Know the signs of abusive relationships
• Always trust your gut, if you feel uncomfortable or in danger tell someone (trusted adult, family member, 911)
• Do NOT indicate that you live alone to anyone! Have a friend be around if you are going on a date and/or when a new person is around!
• Do NOT put anything that identifies specific information about you and/or your children on your car! For Example:
  • School/Institution Stickers
  • Family Stickers that show how many people live in your household

Links to learn more about human trafficking…

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Department of Homeland Security – Blue Campaign

Hope for Justice

U.S. Department of Justice

Have you ever experienced anxiety around the environmental crisis we are currently facing? Well, turns out there is a term for it…eco-anxiety. Read the article below, written by a Yale student, to learn more about eco-anxiety and what it means.

There’s no right or wrong way of giving back to the community! Feeling grateful has led me to look not only inward but also outward of how I can help.

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Reflecting on the holiday season…

Over the holiday season, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be privileged. Unlike some, I was lucky enough to grow up with a pantry that was always full and new school supplies each year. This year in particular, I felt an overwhelming sadness for those who do not have the same. I think it can be very easy to go about your day and not realize everything you have at your disposal that others may not. In the new year, I have decided I want to give back to my community.

What can I do to give back?

There is no right or wrong way of giving back! Here are some ideas to get you started…

1. Put together kits and bring them to your local shelter
2. Check on your elderly neighbors
3. Pick up trash along the beach or at parks in your area
4. Write thank you notes to First Responders in your area
5. Donate children’s books to local schools or families in need
6. Hold a food drive and donate items to a food shelter
7. Write birthday cards and drop them off to a nursing home – some residents do not have anyone to celebrate their birthday with
8. Sign up to cook a meal at a Ronald McDonald House

Whatever you do, big or small, giving back will never go unnoticed!

-Maria

Working in the medical field is such a strange job. When you really sit down and think about it, medical providers have to be a jack of all trades. At the same time, they must be an expert in the area they choose to work. Looking out into the workforce, there are very few careers like it. When you feel drawn to work in healthcare, it can become all consuming. It’s like a shiny new toy sitting under the Christmas tree. You okay with that toy everyday for about a month or two. Then after the month is up, you don’t pick up the toy again. This is the case for some people in healthcare. But, for some they’ve found the trick to longevity.

Lessons taken away from working in the medical field…

The trick to continuing to pick up that toy and to continue playing with it for years, is to constantly be curious. Look at the toy as a whole, not on a granular level. If you choose to look too closely too fast, you will miss the chip in the paint, the loose button or the broken sound effect. Healthcare is not much different. Working in the medical field teaches you how to experience patients as a whole. When you begin to look at them too granularly, you don’t see the full picture. You may miss the full prescription bottles sitting on the nightstand. Or the lack of food in their fridge. Providers see patients on what could be their worst day. It is easy to forget to a moment and think about the effect their situation may have on their mental health.

The most valuable lesson to be taken away from those experiences is to provide compassion and comfort. Look at the big picture; while also treating the symptoms at hand. For providers with passion, the toy never becomes less shiny. It becomes something you strive to improve upon. You go to the store and find the right paint color, the string needed to sew up the button, and we bring it to a hobby store to have the sound effect fixed.

In order to go back to the store year after year, it is imperative to nurture your mental health. Medical providers, as strong as they are, are still human. In one shift they may see a child in the PICU take their last breath. They may see a 26 year old shot with gun shot wounds hanging on to the last moments of life. They may also see someone come into the world. And an elderly patient come back to life in front of their eyes. But, unfortunately the bad can out-way the good; for some more than others. Despite this, mental health resources are oftentimes not provided. And when they are, providers do not gravitate towards seeking help.

Why healthcare providers may not seek help…

As a medical provider, you are hardwired to help people even if that means leaving yourself behind. In a perfect world, incorporating mental health check-ins once a week or at the end of each shift would be the perfect answer. But the truth is, the only way to go about fixing the broken system is honesty. This means we need to be honest when asked “how are you?” by a colleague, employee, or supervisor. Day in and day out you ask your patients to be honest with you. Why? Because when they are, providers can help them in an effective and timely manner. It’s time the medical field starts to incorporate honesty around mental health in an effort to combat this epidemic.

It isn’t until providers begin to share our struggles and triumphs that a real change can be made. The toy may not look the same as it did under the Christmas tree, but it still functions. All thanks to the time you take to maintain it. 

– Maria

I have loved creating art since I was little. Art class was always one of my favorite subjects in school. I love creating art and gifting it to other people, but until this past year, I rarely made art for myself. I have come to realize, art is a form of therapy for me. Over this past year, I have begun to use creating art as a way to gage how my mental health is. I have found when I am going through a depressive episode, I stop painting completely. When I am feeling super anxious, I use painting as a way to calm my mind. I also find painting helps me feel productive on days where I feel like I cannot perform how I want to.

Recently, I created a painting on the biggest canvas I’ve ever used. Despite this painting taking weeks to finish, it gave me something to look forward to each day. Whether you are new to creating art or a pro, art can be an outlet to express your feelings and take time for yourself!

From, Maria