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Mental Health Center

Self-care Spotlight 004

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Self-care

By Ashley Barnes This week, I thought a lot about the ways in which music helps calm me during times of stress, quickly realizing how listening to music can be deemed a form of self-care. Los Angeles residents may be familiar with the stressful traffic, people dangerously weaving in and out of it, and the bustle of people trying to get from point A to point B during a busy work day. In my commute to downtown, I became cognizant of the ways my environment was impacting me. Sometimes self-care is turning on music that boosts your confidence (some may think of hip hop or pop music), and other times, it sounds like “Clare de lune” by Claude Debussy (which was what I ended up choosing). Listening to music can help us feel empowered and ready for a big interview and it can calm us when we notice we are …

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Addressing Change

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Self-care

By Ashley Barnes Change. One doesn’t have to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder (which is an actual diagnosis) to have a hard time with change. The reality is that we will be faced with many changes throughout the course of our lives. Your favorite restaurant in your hometown may close its doors for the last time. You may leave the expectancy, sureness, and comfort of your home for a dorm room. You may adjust to a new job, or change careers entirely. You may be navigating the drastic change that comes with the loss of a relationship or the death of a loved one.  We so often grow comfortable and rooted in certain aspects of our lives that when change comes about, we feel uprooted. Change can be surprising or it can be anxiously anticipated. It could evoke fear and excitement simultaneously. Whatever comes up for you, I want to …

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National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

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A family participating in therapy for bipolar disorder

By Ashley Barnes What is National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month? National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed during the entire month of July since 2008 with an effort to bring attention to the multitude of mental health challenges that affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) groups. The effort was developed by Mental Health America to bring light to the communities’ concerns and traumas which tie into their mental health experience, noting the historical marginalization, prejudice, and stigmatization that still impact the BIPOC community today.  BIPOC Mental Health. According to Mental Health America, 6.8 million Black/African Americans, 8.9 million Latinx/Hispanic Americans, 2.2 million Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and 830,000 Native Americans are reported to be living with mental illness; further, people who identity as being two or more races are most likely to report any mental illness within the past year than any other race/ethnic group (2021). Studies …

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Self-Care Spotlight 003

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Self-care

By Ashley Barnes   This week, I discovered that I had been overlooking one of the most underrated forms of self care: going on a short walk. Getting movement is a way to regulate our nervous systems and is an especially important tool to utilize when we are parked in our office chairs all day. It is also a way to get a change of scenery and some novelty to add something new to our routines. Especially as daylight lingers longer into the evening and as the temperature starts to cool, going on walks may be a good way to exercise and take a break after a long day. If you are an early bird, the mornings are another wonderful time to get some movement in if possible! When I go on my walks, I like to incorporate mindfulness by taking note of the chirping birds, the chatter of people …

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Celebrating Juneteenth 2022

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Celebrating Juneteenth 2022

By Ashley Barnes What is Juneteenth? One June 17, 2021 Juneteenth became the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, emphasizing education and achievement while celebrating African American culture. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas and has been celebrated annually on June 19th within the United States since 1865. The name “Juneteenth” originates from the combination of “June” and the number 19. This year, Juneteenth falls on Father’s Day. It is a day of remembrance, recognition, and celebration.  How to celebrate and support. Los Angeles holds several Juneteenth events throughout the city; attend to show your support and help the community celebrate! Another great way to celebrate Juneteenth is by supporting Black-owned businesses! Being a diverse city, Los Angeles county has a multitude of Black-owned businesses. Book stores, coffee shops, cultural institutions, fashion and lifestyle businesses, health and …

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