Following a Sleep Hygiene Checklist to Beat Insomnia

Following a sleep hygiene checklist to beat insomnia

Sleep disturbances are a growing problem in America, with insomnia being the most common. However, creating and following a regular sleep hygiene checklist is one way to promote healthy sleep habits for a better quality of life–along with professional therapy and/or other lifestyle changes. Let’s find out why. How Many People Suffer from Insomnia? According to reports, up to 35% have brief insomnia symptoms, and up to 20% have short-term insomnia that can last up to three months. In addition, 10% of Americans have chronic insomnia disorder, which occurs at least three times a week for three months or more. Research shows women are at higher risk of developing insomnia than men, with pregnancy and pre-menstrual syndrome increasing a woman’s likelihood. The consequences of insomnia and sleep disturbances can include drowsy driving, lower productivity or increased accidents and errors at work, and mental illness. Specifically, 40% of those with insomnia have …

Read more

Preparing for Your First Telehealth Session

Preparing for your first telehealth session

Telehealth or a telehealth session may also be known as online therapy, virtual therapy, or teletherapy when treating mental health disorders and substance use disorders. While telehealth has been around for several decades, it has recently taken significant leaps in all areas of health care. Telehealth is defined as the use of any technological device to engage in therapeutic services. For example, video conferencing with your doctor to discuss medication-assisted treatment, telephone therapy sessions, couples therapy chats, individual therapies, and messages or assignments sent through emails and texts. The best telehealth programs utilize multiple online systems. How to Prepare for a First Telehealth Session If you are preparing for your first telehealth session, you can take some essential steps to ensure it is successful. Because video chats are often chosen as the initial forms of contact, the following preparation steps will focus on that type of online communication. 1. Prepare …

Read more

LGBTQ+ Mental Health 

By Ashley Barnes The LGBTQ+ community. Before understanding LGBTQ+ mental health, we must understand the community and their needs. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed, asexual (LGBTQIA+) community describes a diverse range of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation; oftentimes, this larger community is also referred to as the LGBTQ+ community. There are many sub communities which have unique experiences and challenges. In addition to these various identities and expressions, a person’s intersectionality (the overlapping aspects of a person’s identity such as race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion) impacts how they experience the world. LGBTQ+ mental health. It is important to note how different aspects of our identities relate to our mental health; for those belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, gender expression and sexual orientation may greatly influence mental health. Though not all identities’ mental health has been researched, studies have found that LGB adults are more …

Read more

9 Mental Health Tips for a Brighter Summer

9 mental health tips for a brighter summer

Summer is a season that reminds many people of fun outdoor activities like going to the beach, walking in the park, swimming, and picnics with family and friends. However, it reminds others of getting overheated, battling insects and bugs, and feeling overwhelmed with trying to accomplish everything on your to-do list. It also reminds them of vacation planning, traveling, finding childcare, more running around, and less time for themselves to care for their mental well-being, mental health conditions, or implementing mental health tips and strategies to alleviate some of the pressure. Pressure and Exhaustion Speaking of pressure… Pressure by peers to join activities, pressure by the boss to work later since the days are longer, and even pressure on yourself to get outdoors, even when you are exhausted, can bring on feelings of summertime dread. Before you know it, you are struggling with a anxiety and depression. This summer, make …

Read more

2022 AAPI Month: Celebrating Mental Health, DEI

Mental Health and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mental Health + AAPI Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of May, recognizing the incredible ways that Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed and influenced the culture, history, and achievements of the United States. California has a significant and diverse AAPI population. “AAPIs are the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the U.S. and an immensely diverse group of people in terms of income, ethnicity, migration status, and education.” Why Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? As readers may be aware, the AAPI community was subject to a rise in hate crimes with the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The most effective response to harmful rhetoric and attacks against the AAPI community is for our government and industry to collaborate in promoting a diverse, inclusive environment that is reflected in the policies we implement, our workforces, and …

Read more