How Have LGBTQA Rights Progressed? It’s been 50 years since Stonewall, the moment that launched the queer civil rights movement, and there is a lot to celebrate. In the areas of work, housing, marriage, and access to queer-sensitive health care and HIV treatment, progress has been nothing short of astounding. At the same time, there… read more
Mental Health in the Black Community
For most Americans, the month of July is synonymous with Independence Day and related celebrations. However, the month also holds a less widely-known title; National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this title was created by the House of Representatives in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore… read more
The Power of Gardening to Improve Mental Health
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 20th century novel, tells the story of Mary Lennox, a girl relocated to England following the deaths of her parents. As she copes with her grief, she also faces ill health, loneliness and a slew of additional concerns that we now would recognize as major stressors. As you… read more
The Power of Food to Affect Your Mood
Follow Your Gut: What You Eat Can Affect Your Mental Health Growing evidence suggests that eating well can improve your mental health, particularly your mood. For example, foods such as berries can boost memory and learning capacity, and certain teas can increase focus and reduce mental fatigue. Further, studies have shown associations between diet, suicide risk and… read more
Mental Health on TV
Discussions of mental health on our televisions represent a radical change; there was a time when mental health was so stigmatized that people avoided discussing it within their families, let alone engage with it on a public platform. In many ways, this shift towards mental health representation is a major win. Shows that “do it right” can normalize conditions that might have otherwise felt isolating or shameful, and can encourage viewers to seek treatment.
How You Can Support Your Partners’s Mental Health
For many people, difficult times arise when one or more partners in a relationship are coping with a mental health concern. For example, the person suffering might feel embarrassed about their concerns, or find it difficult to convey their symptoms. Their partner might feel helpless or confused, and worry about making matters “worse.” To support… read more
Comparing Ourselves On Social Media
You’ve probably been there before: you’re scrolling through Instagram, only to see a friend’s gorgeous selfie. Suddenly, you compare your social media feed to theirs and feel totally inadequate. This happens all the time. However, it doesn’t mean you need to take a month long social media hiatus. A new study offers some insights into… read more
Which is Better, Idealism or Cynicism?
Just as people aren’t born “good” or “bad,” no one is born a cynic or an idealist. Our view of the world is shaped by our experiences—which is a relief, because it means we can change that view if we see fit. But which should we strive for, cynicism or idealism? What are Idealism and… read more
Take A Hike: How Outdoor Activity Builds Mental Health
In a day and age when technology reigns and face-to-face interactions have fallen by the wayside, spending time outside has lost some of its appeal. Despite this, outdoor activity can play a major role in gaining and maintaining mental health. By building communities with your fellow outdoorspeople, increasing your psychological resilience, and just plain enjoying… read more
How to Get Relief from Chronic Pain
Each year, millions of people are forced to cope with the physical and psychological effects of chronic pain. Viva therapist Regina Tosca, LICSW, knows this well—with her background in palliative care and hospital social work, she’s worked with many clients who deal with chronic pain in their daily life. In the following post, Regina breaks… read more
