What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?

woman enjoying sunlight in room with plants while wondering ... what are the 8 dimensions of wellness?

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD What are the 8 dimensions of wellness? Wellness is often mistaken for not being physically sick. Some think being unwell means having the flu, headaches, diabetes, cancer, or other conditions. However, the physical aspects are just one element of overall wellness. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the “active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health.  In total, there are eight dimensions of wellness, sometimes referred to as the circle of wellness. Below are details of each dimension and how to improve them. You don’t need to try for complete balance in each area. Life doesn’t work that way. Focus on the areas needing the most attention. 1. Physical Wellness Since this is the first area that most think of when it comes to wellness, starting with physical wellness makes sense. It refers to how you care for your …

Read more

Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

Illustration of mom and dad comforting child on couch - Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

Are you parenting a child with mental health issues? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of parents across the globe face similar challenges daily. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6 million American children between 3 and 17 have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 5.8 million have anxiety, and nearly 3 million have depression. If you are parenting a child with mental illness, there are many things you can do to improve the outcomes for your child, yourself, and the whole family. Keep reading to discover helpful tips when parenting a child with mental health issues. Love Your Child If a child has a mental health disorder, it means their brain and nervous system are not functioning correctly. The communication parts of the brain malfunction, sending out incorrect messages to the rest of the body. Mental illness is not your child’s fault or …

Read more

How to Share Your Mental Health Journey with Others

mental health journey

Have you ever felt alone and overwhelmed while navigating the challenges of mental health? You’re not alone. Sharing your mental health journey with others can be a powerful way to connect, heal, and empower both yourself and those around you. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of opening up about your mental health experiences, from breaking down stigmas to building supportive communities. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to share your story in a way that resonates with others and fosters meaningful connections. Imagine the impact of your story on someone else’s life – offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. By sharing your journey, you can create a ripple effect of understanding and compassion that extends beyond your immediate circle, helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles. So, let’s dive in and learn how to share your mental health journey effectively and safely, allowing …

Read more

How to Find a Good Psychiatrist for Mental Health

How to Find a Good Psychiatrist

Are you experiencing mental health symptoms but not sure whom to turn to for help? Have you done some research but got confused over the many different titles and types of mental health professionals available? You are not alone. Around 50 million American adults experience mental illness. Each has likely asked the question, “Who can help me?” A good place to start is with a psychiatrist. Whether your symptoms are severe or mild, whether you feel like you are facing a crisis or have questions about your mental health, a psychiatrist can help. In this article, we’re exploring a common question we hear – how to find a good psychiatrist? What Is a Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They attend the same medical schools that all other doctors do. After medical school, students move on to their residencies and specialty courses, where they gain further knowledge and experience in a …

Read more

Supporting Transgender Youth Mental Health

transgender

By Ashley Barnes, M.S.   Transgender identity. Transgender individuals are those whose sex assigned at birth does not completely align with their current gender identity; it is important to note that the identities of transgender and nonbinary are not always mutually exclusive (Price-Feeney et al., 2020). People who identify outside of the gender binary and who may or may not also identify as transgender are non-binary individuals. Non-binary gender identity can include identifying as neither male nor female, both male and female or as different genders at different times. (Richards et al., 2016). Risk Factors. While the LGBTQ+ community is often lumped together as one large unifying group, it incorporates sub-communities and identities with vastly different experiences; one such sub-community with its own unique experience is the trans-community. Though the larger LGBTQ+ community experiences stigmatization and discrimination on social and political levels, research has identified solemn truths about some of …

Read more