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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 6, 2023

In Ashland County and everywhere victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, every age, background, education levels, economic levels, cultures, ethnicities, religions, all lifestyles. It is essential that we believe and support individuals in domestic violence situations. If you find yourself in a relationship like this, you are not alone, reach out for help. 

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Keywords: domestic violence

September is both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Awareness Month

September 18, 2023

Self-harm and addiction are ways people cope with a negative view about life and who they are due to adverse childhood experiences.

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Tools for Positive Mental Health

August 7, 2023

Joseph Campbell writes, “We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” To grow in joy, take time every day to count your blessings.

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Sense of Awe and Wonder

July 31, 2023

Research is beginning to demonstrate that having a sense of awe and wonder is good for your mental health.

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Summer break is here

June 1, 2023

For many families this can be a tough transition as parents’ work schedules and child supervision create new challenges.

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Appleseed Community Mental Health Center awarded BBB accredited charity status

May 23, 2023

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center (“Appleseed”) has achieved BBB charity accreditation. Appleseed’s mission is to walk with families and individuals on their journey to live healthy, whole, and productive lives by offering comprehensive and integrated behavioral health, housing, outreach & prevention, substance-use disorder, and victim services.

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Improving Your Sleep For Mental and Emotional Resilience

April 20, 2023

According to the Sleep Foundation, there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health. Each affects the other.

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Keywords: mental health, sleep

February is Black History Month

February 13, 2023

February is Black History Month, and this week I want to highlight important ideas from Black leaders that support your mental health.  Dr. Martin Luther King Junior said, “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright-daybreak-of-peace-and-brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

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Smartphones, Social Media, and Mental Health

January 30, 2023

Social media is a way we can stay in touch with our friends and family, but overuse and overreliance is strongly correlated to poor mental health.

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January is Stalking Awareness Month

January 23, 2023

Being stalked by another human being is a frightening and traumatic experience. Stalking victims suffer higher rates of depression--anxiety-insomnia-and-relationship issues.

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Keywords: stalking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

January 17, 2023

According to HumanTrafficking-Hotline.org, Human trafficking can happen to anyone but some people are more vulnerable than others.

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Keywords: human trafficking

Martin Luther King Jr

January 16, 2023

Today we remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many things he said over the course of his life can help us all live more fulfilling and resilient lives.

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Healthy Relationships and Mental Health

January 3, 2023

One of the most important and powerful ways to improve your mental health is to work on improving your relationships.

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November is Gratitude month

November 21, 2022

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.  The Greater Good Science Center reports that, “people who practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness, and depression, have more optimism, happiness, and stronger relationships.”

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Keywords: gratitude

Managing Anger

November 14, 2022

Anger is a normal part of life. Things happen that irritate and frustrate us. When you or someone else is wronged. anger is a natural emotion. But allowing anger to fester and smolder rather than using appropriate and healthy ways of expressing it can be detrimental to everyone.

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Keywords: anger

International Stress Week

November 7, 2022

What are some things that give us a sense of purpose? Caring for someone who needs your help. Community volunteering. Or being part of a group that connects you with others such as a service club or a church. 

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Keywords: stress

Sleep

November 4, 2022

Make sure you prioritize mental health by getting the sleep your body needs to do well. When you burn the candle at both ends you wind up lacking the bandwidth to be your best.

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Keywords: sleep

Family

November 1, 2022

Since it's family story month I encourage you to strengthen practices in your home that foster a sense of belonging and emotional security. Make a safe space for family discussions. Eat meals together. Have a family game night once a month. 

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Keywords: family

Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2022

Sharing with others, being silly, being part of a community activity, being creative, are things that promote Good Mental Health. So I encourage you to celebrate now or anytime you get a chance. Have a party. Dress up. Be generous. Smile and enjoy yourself. 

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Keywords: halloween

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 24, 2022

Victims are often told by their perpetrators that there is something wrong with them. This leaves the victim feeling as though they don't deserve to be loved and treated well. The reality is we all are lovable, and we all deserve to be respected and cared for. 

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Keywords: domestic violence

Stop Bullying

October 17, 2022

Safe Schools Week is Oct 16-22, and I want to say a word about the important topic of bullying. The CDC defines bullying as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times. It results in physical, psychological, social, or educational harm on the targeted youth.

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Keywords: bullying

October is ADHD Awareness Month

October 12, 2022

Like any other challenge in life, ADHD can be overcome with the right interventions, training, patience, persistence, and love.  Families that have a child who meets the criteria, need support, understanding, and skill building. Early intervention can make a huge difference so reach out to your pediatrician or trusted mental health provider and get the help you need.

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Frustration

September 28, 2022

Being frustrated with something or someone is a common experience. It is important that we learn to recognize and manage frustration, so it doesn't become the feeling that is driving all our decisions or actions. Maybe there is a change at your work that-you-have-a-hard-time accepting or something unexpected happens and your vacation plans get put on hold.  

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Keywords: frustration

September is Suicide Awareness Month and Recovery Month

September 21, 2022

Often suicide and addiction are manifestations of dealing with the self-incrimination that occurs as a result of childhood trauma. Sixty six percent of adults have experienced an adverse childhood experience meaning they lived with abuse, neglect, parental separation, or loss.  A negative self-image, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression can all stem from childhood trauma. These behavioral health issues then, correlate with both suicidal thinking and addiction.

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National Recovery Month

September 15, 2022

One of the most common catalysts for substance abuse is adverse childhood experiences. In fact, for every adverse childhood experience encountered, the risk of substance use increases. Experiencing some form of abuse, neglect, loss or lack of stability in childhood happens to most people. Research indicates 66% of us have had at least one childhood trauma.

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Keywords: recovery

September is National Recovery Month

September 8, 2022

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking that is difficult to control, despite its consequences. Repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist urges to take drugs.

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Keywords: recovery

Back to School

September 1, 2022

A new school year is here. With it can come anxiety about the unknown, but also comes opportunities for developing problem solving and life skills. One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to get organized. Parents...Work with your children to plan their time. Make a plan for each day about when they will do their schoolwork, when they will do chores, when they will do hobbies or extracurricular activities, and when they will have down time.

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Keywords: back to school

Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2022

Governor DeWine has declared today Overdose Awareness Day. If you have an addiction to opioids or drugs of any kind, you already know that recovery is going to require change. You may fear both the physical and emotional withdrawal you'll experience from not having the substance.

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Keywords: overdose awareness

Caring for Someone Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

August 3, 2022

Caring about someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be very emotionally painful. If you're in that situation, there are things you can do to help yourself…and also possibly help the person in your life who is addicted.

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Keywords: addiction, boundaries

Journaling for Mental Health

July 27, 2022

Journaling is one of the best tools you can put in your mental health toolbox. Researcher Silvia Bastos writes, “Many of us, when we face anxious thoughts, try to deny them — push them away, and think of something else.” and “You probably know how it feels to lie in bed for hours unable to sleep because you’re worried about problems, commitments, or the future.”

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Keywords: journal, mental health