America is facing a rising tide of mental health concerns. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reports of more Americans dealing with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, and substance abuse is off the charts. While mental health in America is an issue that has always been stigmatized and never fully addressed, it has only increased and worsened since the beginning of 2020, impacting more American individuals and families.   Since 1949, the month of May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a month dedicated to raise awareness of those individuals living with mental health issues and mental illness, take steps to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and [...]

Celebrated annually every June, Pride Month is a month-long celebration by the LGBTQ+ community, advocates, and allies. It is celebrated each June as a tribute to those individuals who were involved in the Stonewall Riots (also known as the Stonewall Uprising), a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBT community that began on June 28, 1969 in New York City as a response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.   Throughout the month of June, LGBTQ+ community members, advocates, and allies will participate in parties, parades, and other celebratory activities. However, Pride Month is also a time for education, for awareness, and to further the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in America. LGBTQ+ members [...]

During the month of May, organizations and communities around the country will celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Every year throughout America, millions of people face the difficulty of living with a mental illness or mental health condition. Mental Health Awareness Month is a platform that attempts to raise awareness about mental health issues, educate the public on mental illness, and break the stigma often associated with mental health and mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month is also vitally important to help individuals recognize that mental health is an essential component to one’s overall health and wellness, that resources are available for those suffering and seeking help, and that mental illnesses and mental health conditions are treatable.   Theme of Mental [...]

Since 2015, the usage of hallucinogen drugs is on the rise throughout the country. A recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati found that the use of LSD has risen 56% since 2015. With the disruption of COVID-19 causing mass quarantining and isolation, just as the rates of overall substance use and misuse has risen, so has the use and misuse of hallucinogens. Americans seem to be passing the time by tripping in quarantine. What are Hallucinogens? Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings. These drugs also impact an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Some examples of the effects of hallucinogens are “seeing music”, altered perception of reality, seeing images that aren’t there, [...]

While Thanksgiving is typically a time of year where we discuss the benefits of giving thanks, 2020 is a difficult year for many people to find gratitude. While during most years we discuss getting together with family and loved ones and sharing gratitude, 2020 is making that all the more difficult. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, ravaging the planet since March, is surging, families are having to cancel Thanksgiving plans, and many people won’t be able to participate in their usual Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations. On top of the coronavirus pandemic, America is divided based on the recent presidential election, many are out of work and struggling financially, and the rates of mental health issues, substance use issues, and suicide are [...]

Today is Election Day, and either Joe Biden or Donald Trump will be elected president. And regardless of who wins, millions of Americans will be upset. This is one of the most emotional national presidential elections ever. American cities are currently bracing for the fallout, boarding up shops and windows and taking extra precautions. Federal authorities even announced the White House is building a ‘non-scalable’ fence around the property. The nation is at a tipping point.   Therefore, it is important to remember that no matter what side of the political aisle you fall on, or what candidate you support or what your political views are, we as Americans must take steps to protect and manage our mental health in [...]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Since 1949, the month of May in America has been considered Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to create platforms throughout the country to bring awareness about mental health and mental illness.