Persistence is a quality we would all like to have, but one that we rarely feel like we possess. We hear stories about how others overcame challenges, kept going through hard times and came out stronger, and think, Wow, they’re so resilient. I wish I could be like that. But having that persistence in our own lives, especially when dealing with mental health, can feel impossible.

September is here, and during the last few weeks, many of us rushed to Target, buying school supplies and clean sneakers for our children’s upcoming school year. Some of us sent our toddlers to daycare for the first time, while others nervously prepared for the first day of high school and beyond.  

Our lives are comprised of a series of habits. These habits are daily patterns that can positively or negatively influence how we think, act, and feel. We are often unaware of our habits; they have become second-nature to us because we have been doing them for so long.

It's the beginning of August, a time when many of us are just getting into the swing of back-to-school preparations. Parents and children are adjusting to new routines, stocking up on school supplies, and savoring the last days of summer. Yet, as you walk through stores, you might notice something curious (and honestly a bit annoying): Halloween decorations already filling the shelves.

Ah, remember being in school when you were little and after every school year there was this feeling of accomplishment and freedom? What happened to that feeling? Can we get it back at other significant moments in our lives? It’s worth a shot. Pat yourself on the back. So you did something great! Yay! You got the degree, the job, the house. Or maybe you made your last car payment or ran a marathon. Congrats! You’ve earned a treat.

Summer is a season of sun, fun, and adventure, but it can also bring unique challenges for mental health, especially those navigating busy lives. As the temperatures rise, it’s important to keep your cool—both physically and mentally. Here are some easy tips to help you stay balanced and happy during the hot summer months.

My name is Kyleigh B., I am 29 years old, my birthday is July 12th (Cancerian baby!), I work as an Executive Assistant and I studied Community Health at George Mason University right here in Fairfax, VA – Go Patriots! I grew up living in a few different parts of the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area with my parents and two siblings (one older brother and one older sister).

Read Kira’s full Community Connections interview here

Read Lauren’s full Community Connections interview here

Read Allan’s full Community Connections interview here

In our society, vulnerability often carries the connotation of weakness. Even the dictionary defines vulnerability as being "susceptible to physical or emotional injury or attack." Social norms, gender expectations, and the fear of rejection all contribute to our reluctance to embrace vulnerability, both within ourselves and with others.

In recent times, the term "trauma dumping" has entered discussions about mental health and emotional support. Coined to describe instances where individuals share their traumatic experiences without considering the listener's well-being, this concept has sparked debates in therapeutic circles and online forums. While acknowledging the need for boundaries and self-care, it's crucial to avoid labeling such expressions as "dumping," which oversimplifies the complexities of trauma and human connection. 

What immediately crosses your mind at the mention of the word "stress"? Personally, the mere mention of the term makes me tense up and feel stressed. However, it's important to recognize that not all stress is alike.

If you search the internet for “beautiful” photos, literally every perfect image out there appears — images of flowers perfectly arranged, people with perfect make-up, lighting that seems too good to be true, ocean views and perfect beaches, the list goes on. But what about the kind of beautiful you have to dig for, the kind you literally need to squint to see?⁣

Sit comfortably. Lengthen spine. Inhale. Exhale. Reposition the cushion. Actually–just lie down. Longer exhale. Slower inhale. Unclench the jaw. Exhale. Pause. Sigh out the mouth. Longer sigh.

Hannukah is a time that prompts reflection. Even though we celebrated the holiday a few months ago, sometimes my mind drifts back to it. Jewish children are taught the story of Hanukkah from a young age: how the Maccabees reclaimed the 2nd Temple and burned the last jar of Holy oil, which miraculously burned for 8 days straight. For me, thinking about the history of Hanukkah is a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people, both historically and currently.

For the holidays one year I received everything I would need to stick to a healthier lifestyle: a few cookbooks, a new cutting knife, a Ninja blender and a food scale were among my generous lot. After cringing at the realization of how truly ‘adult’ my wish list was, I couldn’t’ wait to get home and start meal prepping. Visions of being in the best shape of my life danced around my head like Zumba instructors.

National Compliment Day is the perfect occasion to spread positivity, not only to those around you but also to yourself. In a world that often highlights flaws, taking a moment to acknowledge and compliment yourself is an act of self-love that can have lasting effects on your well-being. 

“So, what do you do in the winter???”
This is the most frequently asked question that I get as a sailboat charter captain in Vermont. Vermont is not the first state that you’d picture for a boat captain, but it makes me a pretty in-tune expert on living seasonally. Come October, temperatures drop, boats come out of the water, and we are forced to live for 6 months as landlubbers.

As the year draws to a close, it's natural to find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months. We celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and set new goals for the year ahead. However, this time of reflection can also have a profound impact on our mental health. In this blog, we'll explore the connection between the year ending and mental health and offer some valuable insights to help you navigate this period with mindfulness and self-compassion.