Serving Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs & Pine Counties, & the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
News & Events from the East Central Adult Mental Health Initiative
“… depression is not a choice, though both ignorance and stigma are.” Morning mantras are a thing. Enlightened people wake and set the day’s tone with phrases like “I am enough” or “I chose abundance.” For the better part of two years I woke and swore: depression’s mantra. Sometimes I sort of groaned it with […]
Well-meaning friends or family members may try to tell someone with depression to “snap out of it,” “just be positive,” or “you can be happier if you just try harder.” But depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Most people with depression will benefit from treatment and will need it to […]
Do you constantly have disturbing uncontrollable thoughts? Do you feel the urge to repeat the same behaviors or rituals over and over? Are these thoughts and behaviors making it hard for you to do things you enjoy? If so, you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which […]
NPR Article by Rhitu Chatterjee, Photo by Meredith Rizzo Priscilla Bogema lives in a rural town called McGregor, Minn., in a part of the state that has more trees and lakes than people. She came here about 20 years ago seeking solitude during a major crisis in her life. She had just gotten divorced and […]
This year, harness the power of optimism to manage stress. Discover possible health benefits, how to identify defeatist thinking and more. Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Practice overcoming negative self-talk with examples provided. By Mayo Clinic Staff Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old […]
Chronic stress can be bad for your body and mind. It can put you at risk for health problems such as high blood pressure, stomachaches, headaches, anxiety, and depression. Using relaxation techniques can help you feel calm. These exercises can also help you manage stress and ease the effects of stress on your body. How […]
Stigma is a social virus. A virus that spreads when we reinforce the negative attitudes that shame and isolate those with mental health conditions. Let’s all work to end stigma and create hope for those affected by mental illness. Through powerful words and actions, we can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living […]
Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash Staffed by peers MN Peer Support Connection Warmline operators are available seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. By Andy Steiner | 12/23/2019 Feeling her anxiety rising, a Minnesota woman picked up the phone. It was the middle of the night, and she was certain that […]
Kanabec County Times By Jennifer Kotila moraminn.comDec 25, 2019 Veterans who find themselves facing criminal charges as a result of behaviors instigated by combat- or service-related trauma will soon have an opportunity to access specialized services. The Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec (PICK) counties Veteran’s Treatment Court is a trauma-informed program that meets veterans where […]
Once Again And Seemingly Out Of Nowhere, At Least For Me, The Holidays Are Upon Us. Lights and decorations, food and family, parties and presents. To paraphrase the classic song from A Charlie Brown Christmas, “The holidays are here. Happiness and cheer.” Though many would argue that “bah, humbug” is much more reflective of their […]
Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills. […]
Grief doesn’t magically end at a certain point after a loved one’s death. Reminders often bring back the pain of loss. Here’s help coping — and healing. By Mayo Clinic Staff When a loved one dies, you might be faced with grief over your loss again and again — sometimes even years later. Feelings of […]
What is rumination? Has your head ever been filled with one single thought, or a string of thoughts, that just keep repeating… and repeating… and repeating themselves? The process of continuously thinking about the same thoughts, which tend to be sad or dark, is called rumination. A habit of rumination can be dangerous to your […]
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a type of feeding and eating disorder that’s now recognized as an official diagnosis. It affects almost 2% of people worldwide and can cause additional health issues linked to diet, such as high cholesterol levels and diabetes. Feeding and eating disorders are not about food alone, which is why they’re […]
Because millions of people in the U.S. live with a mental health condition, you likely encounter people with a mental illness in your family or in your daily life. However, if you are unsure of how best to approach someone who may be struggling, these tips may help. Suggestions on how you may approach someone […]
Tips for boosting your mood, energy levels, and outlook when the temperatures may drop and sunlight is scarcer. Madeline R. Vann Dark mornings, darker evenings, and chilly gray days in between mean winter is here — and with the coldest season come the winter blues. There’s no clinical diagnosis for the “winter blues,” but experts […]
6 Depression Symptoms you should not ignore. Major depression isn’t always so easy to spot in yourself or someone you love. Use these clues to determine when treatment is needed. By Elizabeth Shimer Bowers on Everyday Health Everyone feels a little down in the dumps now and then. But sadness and withdrawal can become crippling, […]
Are you extremely afraid of being judged by others? Are you very self-conscious in everyday social situations? Do you avoid meeting new people? If you have been feeling this way for at least six months and these feelings make it hard for you to do everyday tasks—such as talking to people at work or school—you […]
BY LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHDPsychologistDECEMBER 12, 2018 Feel the stress of the holidays yet? If not, consider yourself lucky… and prepare for the tension yet to come. While you might look forward to the obligatory family or friend gatherings ahead, you most likely also have some misgivings – most people do. Respecting your feelings (positive and […]
Love the destinations but not the process of getting there? Don’t give up the travel; learn to meet your anxiety head on. Any day waiting to board a plane, for me, starts with sweaty palms and a tight grip on my belongings. By Alicia Raeburn Anxiety is no stranger to travelers. Unusual scenery and food, […]