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It was a knockout that was heard around the world - boxer Holly Holm’s roundhouse kick took down undefeated Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey in round two of their UFC 193 title fight in Melbourne, Australia. [More]

AMC’s most popular and stylish drama, Mad Men, is approaching its final episodes, and throughout the course of the series viewers have observed suave playboy, Don Draper, reliably destroy relationships with his prolific and alluring love interests. Underneath the façade of mid-century perfection, Mad Men reveals the demise of modern relationship constructs that are only more prevalent today. [More]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s March 3 speech to a joint session of Congress was hailed by the Republicans as a stirring appeal for the United States to stand tough against foolish nuclear negotiations with Iran. Even more satisfying to them was the insult to President Obama delivered by House Speaker John Boehner, who broke protocol by not consulting the President before issuing the invitation in the first place. [More]

The benefits of exercise have been explored for decades. The profit of a holistic approach to psychotherapy that incorporates a physical regime may improve outcomes in mental health treatment (Weir, 2011). Three exercise routines per week, lasting 20-30 minutes in conjunction with psychotherapy and a concurrent medication regime has been associated with enhanced mental health treatment. [More]

When lovers recognize that the perceptions of self and their partners are unconscious representations of their dream love, self, and an idealized relationship being experienced as reality they can recreate the relationship of their dreams. When lovers become consciously aware of their perceptions, the origin of those perceptions, and the meaning of those perceptions, they can move toward the third stage of romantic relationship—The True Love Stage. [More]

There is no way a person can completely avoid stress, but an easy way to vent out depression is discussing problems with friends, family or an expert counselor. However, the extent to which a person interacts with others depends on his/her personality and communication skills. For example, an introvert finds it difficult to express his/her emotions as compared to an extrovert. Moreover, the impact of stress on mental and physical health also depends on the ability of a person to deal with stressful situations. FB- Despite social media, text, and email communications, people are lonely. In this article, Theravive discusses the causes, symptoms and impact of loneliness on human psychology and overall health [More]

Long-term happiness refers to the state in which a person starts finding satisfaction in ordinary things, as a result of the pleasant impact of some prior incident. However, the impact of any pleasant or unpleasant incident depends on the psychological state of a person. If the person is already depressed then he/she might envision the life in a different way than a person who is not going through any mental trauma. This does not mean that a depressed person cannot seek happiness from a pleasant incident, but for obvious reasons the level of happiness will be lesser than the person who is not depressed. [More]

Edgar Allan Poe pointed to an intriguing question: Does the highest form of human genius require a certain level of mental instability? The idea of a mad scientist, a mad artist, or a mad genius is not novel. William Blake’s poetry was made that much more alluring, that much more brilliant by his mental instability. Lord Tennyson’s mood swings unveil an internal struggle between the solipsistic artist and the outside world. Sylvia Plath, a brilliant American novelist, poet, and writer, suffered from profound depression, eventually culminating in her committing suicide at age 30. Mozart’s behavior was unpredictable, as he quickly shifted from moments of ecstatic euphoria to a pit of melancholic hopelessness. And Albert Einstein sought help from a therapist to deal with his depressive tendencies. So, is there a relationship between brilliance and mental health issues? Modern Findings Today, researchers have confirmed that several of the above suffered from either depression or manic-depressive illness. The former often produces melancholy, while the latter is frequently manifested in dramatic mood swings.[1] Being brilliant does not require mental instability, but modern findings have shown that a surprising number of geniuses do suffer from one of the above mental health illnesses, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, commonly known as the DSM. Historiometric research indicates that highly creative individuals are twice as likely as the average person to suffer from a mental illness, often showing signs of depression, addictions, and suicidal tendencies.[2] Also, the more intelligent the individual, the more intense their symptoms can be. Studies have also shown that artists are more likely than scientists to suffer from a mental health illness. For instance, Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institute confirmed that writers are almost twice as likely than the general population to commit suicide.[3] In addition, dancers and photographers are more prone to have bipolar disorder. Artists are also more likely to suffer from anorexia or autism. Psychiatric studies have shown that the relationship between mental health issues and genius is often inherited.[4] Again, this is especially the case for those with artistic talent. The Danger of Romanticizing Mental Health Issues Unfortunately, some have come to romanticize the relationship between brilliance and mental instability. But this can be a dangerous path to follow. As argued by Murphy, some elevate the status of geniuses merely because they suffer from a mental health illness. But mental illnesses can have dire effects and deserve to be treated seriously.[5] The notion that creative genius requires mental instability can lead certain artists to pursue unhealthy life choices. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, for example, believed that he could not produce works of poetic genius in a drug-free state. He sought a heightened sense of imagination through taking opium and eventually became an addict. From the Struggling Artist to Art Therapy Although the notion of the struggling, mentally unstable genius persists to this day, there is also an emerging movement of art therapists who are reclaiming the relationship between art and mental health. At Artbeat Studio in Winnipeg, Canada, for instance, a new program aims to bring about empowerment and recovery through the pursuit of individual creative expression.[6] Art does not need to produce melancholia, grief, and depression. As a society, we should seek to deepen our understanding of how the creative world can bring about freedom, insight, hope, and beauty. Though creative geniuses should not be naïve, they have the potential to find fulfillment in works that are uplifting and hopeful. Art can provide the opportunity for one to grow and reflect (here's a great article on The Art of Self-Reflection). In the documentary Why Beauty Matters, philosopher Roger Scruton explains that our modern culture of art often points to the grotesque and to the ugly, rather than to the insightful and the beautiful. Perhaps this is a symptom of society’s pessimistic obsession with depressing realities, including the notion that geniuses by definition need to experience a heightened sense of suffering. But the good news is that creative geniuses can find hope for themselves and for others, including through artistic endeavors. And mental health professionals should help them rediscover this brilliant pursuit – a pursuit that can foster a healthier environment for talented individuals and those who admire their life works. [1] Jamison, K.R. 2008. Manic-Depressive Illness and Creativity. What Makes A Genius? New York: Rosen Publishing Group. [2] Simonton, D.K. 2005. Are Genius and Madness Related? Contemporary Answers to an Ancient Question. Psychiatric Times. [online] Available at: < http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/are-genius-and-madness-related-contemporary-answers-ancient-question> [3] Roberts, M. 17 October 2012. Creativity ‘closely entwined with mental illness.’ BBC News. [online] Available at: <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19959565> [4] Ibid. [5] Roberts, M. 17 October 2012. Creativity ‘closely entwined with mental illness.’ BBC News. [online] Available at: <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19959565>

Many of us plan vacations to get away from our busy schedules. Arlene Uhi’s text, The Complete Idiots Guide to Beating Stress, suggests that much of the stress we experience is often connected to our daily routines (i.e. commute, commitments, and concerns) (Uhi 2006). According to a recent 2009 study completed by Joudrey and Wallace, active leisure pursuits (such as taking a vacation) helped reduce job related stress among a sample of 900 participants (Whitbourne 2010). Beyond the individual benefits, taking a vacation can also help increase family bonding, communication, and solidarity.A vacation can (Uhi 2006): Slow down our frantic routine Temporarily relieve us from our chores Provide space and time to reflect Provide space to recondition negative habits Teach us new stress-beating skills that we can adapt to our daily life. The author suggests that you choose a getaway that will instill calmness and relaxation. Taking a break from routine can help decrease hormone activity related to stress and hyperarousal. Give yourself an opportunity to escape from your daily rituals and experience something new. Any new activity that breaks away from your comfort will likely lead to increased satisfaction and joy. Activities you may want to consider: Pampering Spas Receiving a massage Enter a whirlpool or hot spring Mud bath treatment Getting a Facial Yoga Vacations Learn and practice Yoga Enjoy peaceful surroundings Meet a diverse group of individuals Active Adventures Bicycling Tours Camping Golf or Tennis Camps Multisport tours Walking Tours Beach or Patio Vacations References: Uhl, A. (2006). The complete idiot's guide to beating stress. New York, N.Y: Alpha Books. Whitbourne, Susan (2010). The importance of vacations to our physical and mental health. Psychology Today: Sussex Publishers Counselling Services for York Region

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Mental illness is the most common cause of disability, affecting one in four adults, and one in ten children in the United States, but minorities are less likely to receive care. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to raise awareness about mental illness in diverse communities and promote wellness and recovery. Statistically African Americans living below the poverty level are 3 times more likely to report psychological distress compared to those who are over twice the poverty level. Suicide rates for African Americans between the ages of 10 and 14 increased 233% between 1980 and 1985, while Non-Hispanic Whites increased 120%. Southeast Asian refugees, who experienced trauma due to immigration, are at risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but Asian Americans have lower rates of mental health utilization because stigma and shame deter them from treatments. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for American India/Alaska Natives between the ages of 10 and 34 in 2009. Adolescent American Indian/Alaska Native females have almost four times the rate of suicide than white adolescent females. In 2011, Hispanic high school girls attempted suicide 70% more than white girls of the same age. [1] National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed throughout the month of July. The United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The purpose is to recognize the need for improved access to mental health treatment and services, and make people aware of mental illness, especially for minorities that do not get care. [2] In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, who was member of the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED), the resolution was passed May 21, 2008. Campbell was also a member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and cofounder of the Inglewood, California chapter. [3] Bebe Moore Campbell was best known as a journalist and bestselling author of several novels including “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine,” a historical novel about Emmitt Till, and the beginnings of the Civil War movement. She wrote children’s books such as “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,” which deals with coping with a mother who is mentally ill. Her novel, “72 Hour Hold,” demonstrates the complexities of living with a family member with bipolar disorder. [4] Bebe Moore Campbell was dedicated to move people to support mental wellness and bring awareness to the hardships of those with mental health disorders. Addressing the Need Barriers to mental health care cause minorities to have less availability to mental health care, and they are less likely to use the services that are available. This means that a lot of minorities are also not being included in mental health research. Barriers include: Stigma In some communities, seeking a mental health care professional can be a problem because the community has stigmatized healthcare providers, and treatments. On the other hand, some have used cultural stigmas to dismiss mental illness. Language In order to diagnose and treat any mental illness, there must be communication. When there are language barriers, fear of treatment or mistrust can keep a person from receiving the care they need. Economics The cost keeps many from getting the care they need, but for minorities who are uninsured, or underinsured, mental health care is out of reach, or the care that they do get is of poor quality. Social status and economic disadvantage contribute to the stress and depression that perpetuates mental illness, leaving minorities even more vulnerable. Cultural Differences Faith, customs, values, and traditions play a big part in person we are, and how we live our lives. Whether a provider of care, or the patient, we have a set of values that we use to base our truths. In the United States, the health care we use is based on Western Medicine. If a person of another culture has views that are opposed to Western Medicine, they are unable to benefit from treatment. [5] Help spread the word, and encourage people to seek wellness. You can contact the Office of Minority Health to find events going on in your area, or start your own event. Treatment and recovery are possible for everyone. Anyone who has symptoms or concerns about their mental health should continue to seek help. If you find care that does not work for you, keep seeking until you find quality care that works. You are not alone. [1] "Mental Health Data/Statistics - The Office of Minority Health - OMH." Office of Minority Health - OMH - Home Page. US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, n.d. Web. 14 July 2013. [2] Gimeno, Jessica. "NAMI | History and Highlights: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month ." NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness - Mental Health Support, Education and Advocacy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 July 2013. [3] Ibid. [4] "Bebe Moore Campbell Biography." Encyclopedia of World Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 July 2013. [5] "Executive Summary Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General." Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. U.S. Public Health Service, n.d. Web. 13 July 2013.