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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation as part of a systemic pattern of power and control perpetrated by an intimate partner against another and happens across all genders, ages, races, and other demographics. This abusive behavior may include physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse. Safe Haven is holding several events to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence throughout October. All events are free and open to the public.  

ADHD can lead to obstacles including impeded academic progress, relationship conflicts, questions about self-worth, and difficulty with decision making. Treatment may include medical interventions, individual and family counseling, and nutrition. Early intervention is key so reach out to your pediatrician or trusted mental health provider to discuss the best way to move forward.

We are winding down National Recovery Awareness Month and National Suicide Awareness Month. Both of these issues can be made worse by interpersonal tensions and stress. With COVID-19 still disrupting how we live and the intensifying election propaganda, we need to intentionally make time for self-care. Below are a few self-care tips for stress management.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or death please know, there is help. Take that step to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust. Appleseed has caring staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling our 24 Hour Crisis hotline at (419) 289-6111. You may also visit Suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information.

Recovery is possible. There are many great recovery communities in our area.  Don't let anything keep you from reaching out. There are paths that will allow you to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of very difficult life experiences. If you find yourself addicted and struggling remember you are loveable, forgivable, and changeable.

COVID-19 has impacted everything we do from work to school to vacation plans. One emotion we are all dealing with related COVID is disappointment for the way it's affecting our lives. Dealing with the disappointments and losses that COVID has caused in our lives is no different than dealing with grief. You are mourning the fact that your school year is turned upside down, your work has significantly changed, or your plans for the future are on hold.  Acknowledge your feelings for what they are and then use healthy ways to express them.

According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults and that stress has continued to grow over the past few decades. Unfortunately, many people who experience excessive stress at work use unhealthy coping techniques such as overeating, eating unhealthy foods, smoking cigarettes, or abusing drugs and alcohol to cope.  Stress coupled with unhealthy coping techniques can lead  to physical or mental symptoms such as  chronic pain, heart or blood pressure issues, insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, depression and anxiety.

July is Minority Mental Health and Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use emergency departments, and more likely to receive lower quality care.

May was National Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Appleseed, it is a month that is extremely important not only to our agency but to every one of our staff. It is a time that we can use to reach out to our community and offer education on strategies to improve their mental health.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The month of April is an important time for everyone here at Appleseed Community Mental Health Center. Each April, staff at Appleseed’s RCDV Safe Haven Program promotes awareness of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse and prevention of this crime through a variety of educational events and presentations.

Dear Appleseed Family, We understand that our services are critical to the overall health and wellbeing of the clients and community we serve. We want to be clear that our services are available telephonically and, if needed, face-to-face. We are also quickly working on additional options for clients to virtually meet with their psychiatrist, counselor, or case manager to ensure that services with us remain uninterrupted.

January has always been an important time of the year for Appleseed Community Mental Health Center. It is a time that we look forward to a new year and plan for the year ahead.