If you’re feeling disconnected or stressed out, hit pause and spend a minute or two (if time allows) focusing on each of your five basic senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste.

It may be tricky to connect with people the way we used to, but staying in touch with friends is worth the effort. “Human connection is so essential for our health and well-being,” Weinreb says. If you can’t connect face-to-face, send friends a quick text, email or even voice note to check in and let them know you’re thinking of them.

For a quick mood boost, go for a walk or a hike in nature, or sit in the grass in your yard or local park. Research shows people who regularly visit green spaces typically have lower levels of depression. Plus, spending time in nature may impro ...

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It can be very difficult and heart-wrenching to see a loved one struggling with symptoms of mental illness. And often it can be hard to know how to best help and support your loved one.

Every individual is different and situations vary greatly. The person may have a specific diagnosis, or you may just have concerns about the way a person has been talking and behaving. You know your loved one and may have an understanding of what approach or support will be most helpful. However, below are a few tips and things to consider when you are trying to help a loved one.

Withdrawal from social interaction, unusual problems functioning at school, work or social activities or dramatic changes in sleep and appetite are possible signs.  Someone exhibiting these signs or having these experiences does not necessarily mean the person has a mental health problem, the symptoms could also be related to other issues or problems. But fo ...

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Trauma is defined as an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects. Traumatic events range from one-time incidences to experiences that are chronic and even generational. 

Acute trauma refers to a one-time event, such as an earthquake, fire, assault, or car accident.
Chronic trauma refers to traumatic experiences that are repeated and prolonged, such as ongoing exposure to family or community violence, chronic bullying, or a long-term medical issue.
Complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events from an early age, often within the caregiving system or without adequate adult support, which has short and long-term effects in many areas. Examples include abuse and neglect within families, witnessing domestic violence, or experiencing other forms of violence or a ...

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