Stress and isolation are risk factors for addiction. These experiences can also undermine a person’s efforts to remain in recovery after they’ve received treatment for a substance use disorder. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and communities throughout the nation, almost everyone is dealing with elevated stress levels and a sense of being … Read More
Individuals coping with mental health symptoms often struggle with staying in the present moment. Those coping with depression may become stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts or cognitive distortions [false beliefs colored by depressive symptoms]. Whereas anxiety-related disorders can cause a focus on potential danger in the future. For people healing from trauma, intrusive thoughts, … Read More
As the Chaplain for Timberline Knolls, I have the unique opportunity of meeting people from a variety of circumstances and accompanying them on their spiritual journey. These journeys traverse the paths of spiritual highs and lows. In the heights of spiritual connectedness residents feel empowered, joyous, hopeful and happy. In the lows of spiritual connectedness … Read More
Lift up your hearts Each new hour holds new chances For new beginnings. This quote from Maya Angelou, poet, author, and titan of American literature, encapsulates the essence of hope. In seemingly dark and challenging times for our communities and families, for our society, and in our own, searching hearts, we can feel the nagging temptation of despair. But what Angelou writes … Read More
“I can’t do this anymore.” “I am mommied out.” “There’s no way I can cope with all of this.” Have any mothers among us not said or thought these words? They’re usually followed by the guilt and possible shame of not doing enough for our families. Because we can never do enough, right? Last on any to-do list is us. Stressors we experience every day: time demands (there’s never enough time); … Read More
Days seem particularly dark of late. We are living through a pandemic, severe social injustice, civil rights violations and loss of jobs and businesses. This undoubtedly is affecting many of us in different ways; physically, emotionally, financially, changes to our community and how we communicate, just to name a few. Here are some suggestions to … Read More
Our thought life has incredible power and influence over our behaviors, and the intensity, direction, and quality of our thoughts can manifest in healthy and unhealthy ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn much-needed attention to the importance of maintaining good mental health and reaching out for support when necessary. However, despite the increased conversation and focus … Read More
For individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder, the ability to recognize and avoid triggers can be an essential skill. But no matter how hard you work or how diligently you prepare, sometimes it’s impossible to remove yourself from situations or experiences that threaten your sobriety. For example, we know that excessive … Read More
There was a time in my life, after my recovery, when I was in a position in which very little about my role, my life, where I would be traveling the next day, and who I spent time with was under my control. The job of Miss America may seem very glamorous and exciting, but being on the road most days of the … Read More
As we continue to practice social distancing and attempt to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus is on protecting our physical health and preventing an overwhelming toll on many of our medical and surgical hospitals. But as new cases diminish, effective treatments become reality, and – eventually – a vaccine becomes available, there will … Read More
