December 16, 2021
by Elizabeth Pratt
Despite global upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide rates in the United States fell during 2020.
The downward trend in suicide rates mirrors what occurred in the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918-1920. But researchers are warning that challenges still remain in addressing the impacts of COVID-19 among disadvantaged communities.
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It seems to be common sense that having someone to lean on in a time of need would be a good thing. And, not surprisingly, social psychological and clinical psychological research has confirmed that. But, in delving into the scientifically based questions of how, why, when and what kind of social support is most beneficial to people in times of stress, mental illness or well-being, social scientists have identified the truly important role that our relationships with others play in our psychological and physical health. When it comes to health, who we know is just as important, if not more so, than what we know.
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September 24, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Very often when you are faced with dealing with any type of mental health issue or severe stress, it can be easy to isolate yourself and try to handle things on your own. However, one of the best coping strategies is to build a multi-faceted support system that you can access whenever you may need it. Some of this support can come from social relationships, family, professional resources, or support groups.
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February 23, 2014
by bp (bipolar) Magazine
It would be great if hope could be bottled and distributed. Unfortunately, it can’t. However, hope can be shared. It’s infectious. Recovery is possible. There’s proof of this every day, all around us. Don’t feed into the stigma and negative messages. Stay positive. Keep hope alive.
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This winter I found I was ready to fully accept my illness. It was no great epiphany. It was a process. Why it took me ten months after sitting under the tree, I’ll never know. But I was also able to understand that some dreams and plans are now beyond my reach. I’ll never be an executive again. I may never be a college professor. My husband and I may never be financially stable. I may never work as a full-time artist.
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December 28, 2013
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Learning to live with and manage a mental health condition is tough enough without the additional stress of denial and outright disbelief of family members.
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