Park Nicollet Health Services’ Post

July is Minority Mental Health Month! Healing Springs Wellness Center is a place for you to feel heard and understood, we specialize in therapy for people of color. Cultural competence is an extremely important aspect of our practice and therapeutic approach. All of our clinicians are trained in inclusivity, racial bias, and specific mental health issues affecting communities of color. In therapy, your experience will be not only validated but also valued as you develop a vocabulary around your needs and learn how to vocalize them. Getting support from a culturally competent therapist who understands your experience will help you feel safe and comfortable enough with becoming vulnerable and emotionally aware. Communities Of Color possess incredible resilience and strength, yet they often face unique and disproportionate mental health challenges. In our society, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) Individuals are more likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety—such as hypervigilance, increased heart rate and blood pressure—as well as symptoms of PTSD related to racial trauma. By acknowledging these challenges, we can empower ourselves to seek the support and resources needed to thrive mentally and emotionally. https://lnkd.in/eqtZBTty #bipocmentalhealth #blackmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters

Undoubtedly, the best thing one could do for their mental health is to stop apologising for it. And how will this help?? Well, it will help greatly in: 🔸 Reducing Stigma: Avoiding apologies helps challenge societal stigma surrounding mental health, contributing to a more supportive environment. 🔸Greater self-acceptance: Promotes self-acceptance, recognizing mental health challenges as a natural part of the human experience. 🔸Promoting Open Communication: Without apologies, individuals are more likely to engage in open and compassionate conversations about mental health, fostering understanding. 🔸Encouraging Help-Seeking Behaviour: By refraining from apologies, people are more likely to seek professional help when needed, promoting a proactive approach to mental health care. 🔸 Empowerment and Advocacy: Choosing not to apologise empowers individuals and can lead to advocacy for mental health awareness and education. 🔸Setting Boundaries: Unapologetic attitudes help in setting clear boundaries, ensuring time and space for mental well-being in various aspects of life. It's about recognizing the value of mental health without attaching shame or guilt to it. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthsupport #heyparth #psychiatrist

It's crucial to dismantle stigmas surrounding therapy to foster a culture where seeking help for mental health is normalized and encouraged. When stigmas exist, they can prevent individuals from seeking the support they need, leading to prolonged suffering and a reluctance to address their mental health challenges openly. By breaking down these barriers, we create a more inclusive and understanding society, where seeking therapy is seen as a proactive step toward self-care and mental well-being. It allows individuals to access the necessary tools and resources to navigate life's challenges, promoting emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and overall improved mental health. Ultimately, erasing stigmas around seeking therapy promotes a culture of acceptance, empathy, and support for everyone's mental health journey! At Leora, we're passionate about providing therapy. Give us a call, we do walk-ins for mental health and substance use treatment! #LeoraBH #AddictionRecovery #ColumbusAddictionTreatment #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness

Meet our next speaker 🔊 on the 2025 Women’s Conference Mental Health Awareness Women’s Conference at Sea 🌊 Lisa Nicholson. As a woman with a lived experience, I would like to encourage and empower women to embrace their hidden secrets and traumas that are passing through generational lines, and use them as opportunities to heal, become whole, and not just survive, but thrive. I will share my story of childhood trauma to include, rejection, abandonment, mental, physical, verbal abuse, rape and molestation that resulted in me being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I will share the importance of being in tune with your emotions and not allowing the battlefield of the mind to paralyze you, block you or stop you! I will also share the importance of placing a priority and value on one's mental health. I will share the importance of loving yourself without making an apology. Finally, I will share information on the National Alliance on Mental Illness and resources provided to local communities and how to get involved. Click here to join us: https://lnkd.in/ejQApvJZ

🧠 May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💙 Acknowledging my journey with bipolar disorder, I recall a moment of vulnerability when I first faced the diagnosis. The weight of stigma loomed large, leading me to a tearful walk. Despite the challenges, I found solace in sharing my story to combat misconceptions. Seeking help, I committed to an intensive outpatient program, only to be met with systemic hurdles. At a low point, it felt as though wellness was unreachable. Today, I stand corrected—recovery is possible. Let's continue destigmatizing mental health by fostering open conversations. Wishing everyone strength and resilience this month. Take care. 💪 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth 🌟

In my last post I wrote about factors that can affect the mental health of family members especially the children. Today I will be writing about how you can recognize signs of mental health challenges in the family . This is crucial for providing support and seeking professional help when needed. Below are some common signs: 1. Changes in mood, behavior, or appetite 2. Withdrawal from social activities or relationships 3. Difficulty sleeping or concentrating 4. Substance abuse or addiction (this might not be obvious initially) 5. Unexplained physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) 6. Irritability, aggression, or sudden mood swings 7. Difficulty managing daily tasks or responsibilities 8. Expressing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness 9. Avoidance behaviors or avoidance of specific situations 10. Visible changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene If you or a family member is experiencing any of these signs, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Encourage open non judgemental conversations and please call 08098477756 to seek professional help. Your family's mental health is as important as their physical health. Oluwatoyin Ogunkanmi Family Psychologist

Meet our next speaker 🔊 on the 2025 Women’s Conference Mental Health Awareness Women’s Conference at Sea 🌊 Lisa Nicholson. As a woman with a lived experience, I would like to encourage and empower women to embrace their hidden secrets and traumas that are passing through generational lines, and use them as opportunities to heal, become whole, and not just survive, but thrive. I will share my story of childhood trauma to include, rejection, abandonment, mental, physical, verbal abuse, rape and molestation that resulted in me being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I will share the importance of being in tune with your emotions and not allowing the battlefield of the mind to paralyze you, block you or stop you! I will also share the importance of placing a priority and value on one's mental health. I will share the importance of loving yourself without making an apology. Finally, I will share information on the National Alliance on Mental Illness and resources provided to local communities and how to get involved. Click here to join us: https://lnkd.in/egBABHgD

It's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month! 📌Let's Break the Stigma This June, let's shine a light on the importance of men's mental health. Traditionally, men have been conditioned to suppress their emotions and "be strong." But strength comes in many forms, including seeking help when you need it. Remember: * Men are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than they are to seek help. * Talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are many resources available to support men's mental well-being. What can we do? Start a conversation Talk openly about mental health with your male colleagues, friends, and family. Promote resources. Share information about mental health hotlines, therapy services, and support groups designed for men. Listen without judgment and encourage men to prioritize their well-being. Together, we can create a culture where men feel comfortable seeking help and prioritizing their mental health.

“Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half will receive treatment, potentially leading to the greater risk of suicide. And, men in communities of color face additional challenges regarding their mental health, including generational racial trauma, violence against people of color, and difficulty trusting healthcare professionals. That is unacceptable, and it is time men take charge of their mental health.” - Dr. Frank Ghinassi, RUTGERS-UNIVERSITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE In a recent article focused on reducing the stigma of men's mental health, New Jersey Business Magazine highlights some of the ways depression and anxiety impact #mensmentalhealth, as well as how people can spot some of the warning signs to look for in men. ManTherapy.org is designed to help all men, as well as those who support the men in their lives, learn about these warning signs for things like depression and anxiety, explore interactive tools to engage with their own mental health, and connect directly with national mental health or crisis line resources. See below for more information! Check out the article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gXSvsN4E Explore Our Gentlemental Health 101 Page on Anxiety ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gQsg9yGR

The month of June is considered as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month! Men's mental health remains one of the most underreported and least talked about domains of mental well-being. Some striking facts - 📌 50% of all men suffer from a mental health issue during their lifetime. 📌 40% of all men have never voiced about their mental health to anyone. 📌 80% of all suicides are committed by men. 📌 Substance use disorder (eg, alcohol, tobacco etc) are more 2 times more prevalent in male population. In most cultures, men often grow up under the caveat of gender stereotypes where they are expected to be 'tough' and 'manly'. Talking about their own mental health is perceived as being 'fragile' is often not promoted. Hence, it becomes increasingly important to unlearn these social constructs and promote positive mental health! 🧠 This month, let us all come together and break the stereotypes. Support each other and remind yourselves to check in on your male family member/ friend/ colleague! 🤝