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November 2023 Newsletter

November 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by CMWadmin

Updates!

Website debut and Mental Health Resources Fair

We are so excited this month to debut our new website! A wonderful team of volunteers has been working hard and are prepared to debut the official Creative Mental Wellness website. Our website will be used to provide further updates on our organization, the Mental Health Resources Fair, and all things DAISY. You can visit the website here or by going to www.creative-mental-wellness.com. We are moving forward with the Mental Health Resources Fair so that attendees can learn about local, state, and national mental health resources. This event will be held in Houston on January 13th, 2024. Save the date!

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

How Celebrating Dia de los Muertos Can Heal

Día de los Muertos–or Day of the Dead–is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. A time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, the holiday is a celebration of life AND death. It is believed that the spirits of the dead return to the world of the living to be with their families and friends.

The significance of the day lies in the belief that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness; instead, it is a time of celebration and joy. Families build altars or ofrendas in their homes and decorate them with flowers, candles, photographs, and other items that the deceased enjoyed in life. The altars are meant to welcome the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living and to show them that they are still loved and remembered.

One of the most significant items used in the decoration of the altars is marigolds. These bright orange flowers are believed to guide the spirits of the dead to the altar. Marigolds are also used to create a path from the cemetery to the altar, so the spirits can find their way home. The strong scent of the marigolds is said to help the spirits find their way back to the world of the living.

The holiday is celebrated with music, food, and parades. People dress up in costumes and paint their faces to look like skulls. The most famous symbol of the holiday is the sugar skull, which is a skull-shaped candy that is decorated with bright colors and patterns. Sugar skulls are often placed on the altars as an offering to the spirits of the dead.

Celebrating Day of the Dead can be a healing experience as it provides an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. In addition, this special day of remembrance reminds us that death is a natural part of life and that our loved ones are always with us in spirit. It is a time to celebrate their lives and to reflect on the memories that we shared with them. This can help us to feel more connected to our loved ones and to find comfort in the knowledge that they are still with us in spirit.The holiday is a reminder .

According to an article by The Healthy, Day of the Dead traditions support the idea that our relationship with the deceased isn’t over; it’s simply changing. Grief experts say that having a continued relationship can be healing. The article suggests looking for ways to continue the relationship with our loved ones that are comfortable for us .

In addition, an article by Psychology Today suggests that after-death communication experiences may even promote healing. These experiences may provide healing from deep trauma unmatched by traditional forms of grief work, or they may be soothing in experiences of less intense grief .

Participating in Day of the Dead celebrations can also be a positive impact on our mental health. It is a time to come together with family and friends and to celebrate life in a shared experience.. This can help us to feel more connected to our community and to find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our grief.

The Power of Volunteering

Volunteering is the act of giving one’s time, skills, and energy to help others without expecting anything in return. It is a noble and rewarding way of contributing to the well-being of society and making a positive difference in the world. But volunteering is not only beneficial for the people and causes that receive the help; it is also immensely valuable for the person who volunteers.

While the term sounds very “other-focused,” service to others actually enhances many aspects of a person’s life. Volunteering helps the person who volunteers by providing opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience, enhance resumes, and advance careers. For example, by volunteering in a hospital, one can learn about medical procedures, patient care, and health administration. By volunteering in a school, one can improve their teaching, communication, and leadership skills. When volunteering for a nonprofit organization, one can gain insight into social issues, fundraising, and project management. These skills and experiences can be useful for personal and professional growth as well as opening up new opportunities in the future. As a side benefit, volunteering provides the volunteer with an opportunity to create relationships that can potentially aid the person professionally.

Improving mental and physical health is another positive outcome of volunteering. Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, keep the mind stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. Research shows volunteering can stimulate the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good hormones, in the brain and creates a “helper’s high” that boosts the mood and self-esteem of the volunteer. Volunteering can also foster social connections, which are key for increasing happiness and well-being. By meeting new people, making friends, and building networks, the volunteer can feel less lonely and isolated and more supported and valued. If a person tends to lead a rather sedentary lifestyle, volunteering can help increase physical activity, which can improve the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. By staying active and engaged, the volunteer can prevent or delay cognitive decline, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and increase their lifespan.

Enabling a person to find meaning and fulfillment in their life is yet another benefit of being a helper. The volunteer can discover their passions, interests, and values and align them with a cause that matters to them. By choosing a volunteer role that matches their personality, skills, and goals, the volunteer can feel more motivated and satisfied with their work. Volunteering can also help the volunteer to make a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy. By seeing the results of their efforts, the volunteer can feel proud and accomplished and know that they have made a difference in someone’s life or in a community.

Another possible way service to others benefits the volunteer is a financial one. Volunteering for events–like the Super Bowl or a concert–affords those who might not have it in their budget to attend the event (as a paying patron) the opportunity to get to have the experience.

There are many different types of volunteering roles available for anyone who wants to help others and themselves. Some of the most common and popular volunteering roles are:

Tutoring or mentoring children or adults who need academic, personal, or professional guidance.
Providing companionship or assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, or people who are ill or isolated.
Serving food, clothing, or shelter to people who are homeless, hungry, or in need.
Advocating or raising awareness for a social, environmental, or political cause that one cares about.
Cleaning, restoring, or conserving a natural or historical site that one values.
Fundraising or donating money, goods, or services to a nonprofit organization that one supports.
Organizing or participating in a community event, such as a festival, a parade, or a sports game, that brings people together and celebrates diversity and culture.
Ushering at a local venue for performing arts.

These are just some examples of the powerful and transformative way volunteering can make a difference. There are many more opportunities and options available for anyone who wants to get involved and give back. The most important thing is to find a volunteer role that suits one’s interests, abilities, and availability and that makes one happy and fulfilled. You can look for local organizations and events to volunteer at, or use websites like Volunteer Match to help you find the right opportunities.

Volunteer Spotlight

One of the volunteers at Creative Mental Wellness volunteers at her local wild animal rescue center. She loves animals and likes supporting this organization. It is very rewarding for her because she gets to support the organization, while interacting with cute critters, like these raccoons!

Resilience and Management

The most pragmatic approach for dealing with mental health challenges

Resilience and management are two important goals for people dealing with mental illness. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt to difficult situations and cope with stress, adversity, or trauma. Building resilience can help protect individuals from various mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can also help offset factors that increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as being bullied or previous trauma.¹

Management, on the other hand, refers to the ability to manage symptoms of mental illness and improve overall quality of life. Management strategies may include medication, therapy, self-care, and support from family and friends.²

Tactics for building resilience are actually similar to those utilized for managing symptoms associated with mental health challenges/mental illness. To build resilience–as well as manage symptoms associated with mental health challenges–individuals can take several steps, such as:

CONNECTING with others
VOLUNTEERING
Practicing self-care activities, such as meditation or exercise1
GOING OUTDOORS is another easy-ish, inexpensive way to increase resilience; fresh air and sunshine as well as the natural beauty of the outdoors is an important “tool” in our work for mental health management.
To manage symptoms of mental illness, people can obtain help from a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works best for them.²

It’s important to note that building resilience and managing symptoms of mental illness is a process that takes time and effort. It’s also important to seek support from family and friends when needed (if possible).

Having grace with yourself is the best approach. Just acknowledging you’re struggling is tough to do. And unfortunately, there’s no antidote for mental health challenges nor cure for mental illness. Taking each day–you know the cliche of “one day at a time”–really IS the best “advice.” Dealing with life’s challenges is not easy…which is why it’s so important to be kind and respectful but accountable to yourself. (And in conjunction with CONNECTION–”commiserating” with others who are challenged with similar issues CAN be helpful. You can support one another in dealing with obstacles. That’s called a SUPPORT GROUP, right????😉)

For people dealing with mental health challenges/mental illness, setting resilience and management as goals can be effective. Building resilience can help protect individuals from various mental health conditions while management strategies can help improve overall quality of life. By working together with healthcare providers and loved ones, individuals can build resilience and manage symptoms of mental illness effectively.

1. mayoclinic.org

2. mentalhealth.va.gov

DAISY Practices

spending time outdoors

DAISY spent time at a pumpkin patch to breathe fresh air, enjoy a walk, and chat with her friend Seanda. This fall, see if you can find local pumpkin patches with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.

Your friend,

September 2023 Newsletter

September 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Newsletter/by CMWadmin

Welcome to our First Newsletter!

Introducing DAISY the Mental Health Dachshund (and Her Human Seanda)

My name is DAISY, and I’m known as “DAISY the Mental Health Dachshund.” I’d like to introduce myself and Seanda (that’s the human I work with, and–btw–her name is pronounced SHAWN-DUH). We decided to work together because we noticed how many people–children, youth, and adults–are struggling with/suffering from mental health issues. We decided that we could put our knowledge, experience, and talents together to create a way to educate the public about mental health topics and mental illness while we try to normalize discussing such topics and decrease the stigma of mental illness.

BTW- we practice what’s called RADICAL TRANSPARENCY. (We give as much information as we can in an effort to PURPOSELY decrease anxiety– because people usually feel better when they feel there’s no hidden agenda and a person is being authentic.) If you notice that I sometimes OVER-INFORM (give a little too much information about the topic at hand), YOU’RE RIGHT (and “getting” our nifty STYLE)!

First, I’ll tell you a little about Seanda. For a human, she’s pretty nice. Her mother died when she was 16 (I can’t count very high, but I remember she’s in her 50s now), she’s an only child, and she struggled with infertility (and was unable to conceive following treatments). Following her mother’s death in 1985, Seanda perceived that mental health problems/mental illness was a personal, shameful weakness. Her journey accessing mental health care started then, and she’s been very disappointed in the amount of progress in the system since she began the journey.

Seanda is a registered nurse. (I don’t really understand the human education system, but she has what they call a “master’s degree” in nursing.) With her nursing education/experience along with her life experience relative to accessing the mental health care system, Seanda has a unique understanding of the system. She wants to encourage discussions about mental health topics (to decrease the stigma about “mental health”/mental illness) work on making it more accessible to all people, educate people of all ages about mental health topics, and help people feel better while they struggle with managing their mental health (just like she struggles).

I recently joined up with Seanda (when the puppet-maker stork delivered me to her) to make it easier to engage children–and maybe a few adults–in discussions of mental health topics (like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and even suicide) while being age-appropriate. (Seanda feels the importance of talking about suicide with children is relative to discussing “bad touch” and death with them; it can be done without making it scary but such that it educates the child and emotionally prepares them if something traumatizing does occur.) Seanda & I know how important it is to enable and encourage mental health discussions in an accepting environment so people feel comfortable enough (and “feel seen”). The impact of a global pandemic has amplified many mental health challenges, and we want to do whatever we can to decrease the suffering associated with those challenges.

Here at CR38V3 M1ND5, we strive to make the world a happier, healthier place. We know that sometimes all it takes to change one’s life is a little support. Since our founding in January of 2020, we have been determined to make an impact by providing mental health outreach and resources to those who need it.

The Essential Mental Health Pillars:

CONNECTION, NATURE, & VOLUNTEERING

Improving one’s mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. There are 3 MENTAL HEALTH PILLARS that are easily accessible and inexpensive, yet have a significant impact on enhancing one’s quality of life: CONNECTING to other people, spending time outdoors/in NATURE, and engaging in VOLUNTEERING.

Connecting to Others | Creative Mental Wellness

1. Connecting to Other People:

Human beings thrive on social connections for both practical and emotional reasons. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships with others is vital for our mental well-being and attaining an optimum level of health. When we connect with others, we experience a sense of belonging, support, and understanding. This connection provides emotional nourishment and helps us navigate life’s challenges.

Benefits of connecting to other people for mental health include:

a. Emotional Support: Sharing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with trusted individuals can provide a sense of validation and comfort. It allows us to feel understood and less alone in our struggles.

b. Increased Resilience: Social support networks offer a safety net during difficult times. They provide us with resources, advice, and different perspectives, enhancing our ability to cope with stress and adversity.

c. Positive Influence: Being around supportive and positive individuals can inspire us, boost our self-esteem, and encourage personal growth. It helps create a nurturing environment where we feel empowered to pursue our goals and aspirations.

💚 NOTE: A Comment About CONNECTING WITH OTHERS in 2023

Connecting with a diverse group of people–including those who share our values as well as those who hold different perspectives–offers a range of benefits for personal growth and mental well-being. One significant benefit is the opportunity to learn and practice getting along with individuals from diverse backgrounds and thoughts, which can contribute to lowering anxiety levels. When we engage with people who have different beliefs and experiences, it challenges our own perspectives and expands our understanding of the world. By actively seeking out diverse connections, we learn to navigate and appreciate differences, fostering empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness. This process helps to reduce anxiety by reducing the fear and discomfort that may arise from interacting with individuals who are different from us. Embracing diversity and building connections across various backgrounds enhances our social skills, broadens our knowledge, and promotes a more inclusive and harmonious society. From a practical standpoint, we just FEEL better when we have positive connections with others.

Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, genuine human connection often takes a backseat. Factors such as social media dependency, busy schedules, and societal pressures can hinder our ability to form deep and meaningful connections. It is crucial to make a conscious effort to prioritize face-to-face interactions, engage in active listening, and foster supportive relationships. YOU DESERVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HEALTH…AND YOU’RE WORTH IT!!!!!

💚NOTE: CONNECTIONS and COMMUNITIES

When discussing the importance of connecting to others, it is crucial to highlight the relationship between connections to individuals and communities. Building connections with people on an individual level is significant and allows us to establish deep and meaningful bonds, providing a sense of belonging and support. However, connections to communities go beyond individual relationships and play a vital role in our overall well-being. Communities provide a broader sense of identity, shared values, and a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. They offer opportunities for collective action, social engagement, and mutual support. Community connections foster a sense of solidarity, social cohesion, and shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to the overall health and resilience of individuals within the community. By acknowledging the importance of both individual and community connections, we can cultivate a holistic approach to building and maintaining meaningful relationships, benefiting not only ourselves but also the larger social fabric in which we exist.

2. Increasing Time Spent Outdoors in Nature:

Nature has a profound impact on our mental health. It provides a sanctuary away from the demands and stressors of daily life. Spending time outdoors in natural environments can have a rejuvenating effect on our mental well-being. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air, surrounded by plants and animals, offers numerous benefits for our well-being. Additionally, observing and interacting with animals can spark a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world, fostering a deeper connection with our environment.

Benefits of spending time outdoors for mental health include:

a. Stress Reduction: Just spending time outdoors in nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body. The sights, sounds, and smells of natural surroundings can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes relaxation and improves overall mood. Sunshine stimulates the production of needed vitamin D. Connecting with nature allows us to disconnect from the stressors of daily life, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving our mood. Being in the presence of plants and animals has a calming effect on the mind, fostering a sense of peace and harmony.

b. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Being in nature has been linked to improved focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It allows our minds to relax, recharge, and function at their best. Breathing in fresh air promotes a sense of rejuvenation and clarity, improving cognitive function and overall mental well-being.

c. Physical Activity and Well-being: Ensuring physical activity is included as part of a healthy lifestyle is a way to CARE FOR YOURSELF! Taking care of your body also helps care for your mind.

Physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances overall physical fitness. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in weight management, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions.

Stimulating the production and release of various neurotransmitters in the brain is another positive effect of physical exercise. Such neurotransmitters have a direct impact on our mood and mental well-being. For instance, exercise increases the production of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that act as painkillers and mood boosters. These endorphins create a sense of euphoria and overall well-being, often referred to as the “runner’s high.”

Physical activity also promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Higher serotonin levels are associated with improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased feelings of happiness and contentment.

Additionally, physical activity increases the production of dopamine, which is involved in reward and motivation pathways. Dopamine release during exercise can contribute to a sense of pleasure, motivation, and a positive outlook on life. Overall, the stimulation of neurotransmitter production through physical activity creates a chemical cascade that positively impacts mood, promoting feelings of happiness, relaxation, and overall mental well-being.

Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mental resilience and self-esteem. It can also enhance cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Engaging in physical activity provides an outlet for stress, helps in managing emotions, and fosters a more positive outlook on life.

Engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, or gardening, combines the benefits of nature and exercise.

3. Volunteering:

Volunteering not only benefits the community but also has a positive impact on mental health. Focusing on helping others and engaging in acts of service provides a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment.

Benefits of volunteering for mental health include:

a. Increased Self-Esteem and Purpose: Volunteering gives a sense of meaning and value by contributing to something larger than oneself. It enhances self-esteem, self-worth, and personal identity.

b. Reduced Feelings of Isolation: Engaging in volunteer work connects us to a community of like-minded individuals. It fosters social connections and combats feelings of loneliness and isolation.

c. Distraction from Ruminating Thoughts: By directing our focus and energy toward helping others, volunteering can divert attention from our own problems and negative thought patterns. It promotes a positive mindset and resilience.

Although volunteering has numerous benefits, it is often overlooked due to perceived time constraints or the belief that personal problems should take priority. It is important to recognize that even small acts of kindness and service can make a significant difference in our own well-being and the lives of others.

💚 NOTE OF MOTIVATION (for CONNECTING, being in NATURE, and VOLUNTEERING more): Being healthier generally makes navigating life easier. When we FEEL better, we tend to be more EFFICIENT/PRODUCTIVE/EFFECTIVE and HAPPIER!!!! 😀

DAISY in San Antonio Texas — Daisy enjoyed a trip to San Antonio, Texas with Seanda! She got to experience the beauty of the boardwalk, from the flower to the snacks and conversations with friends. The San Antonio boardwalk is proof that healthy activities like walking outdoors can be fun. Do you have a local park or outdoor shopping center you could walk around with friends?

Daisy Practices

spending time outdoors

Daisy spends time outdoors because the fresh air feels nice, and she enjoys the sounds of nature. She particularly likes the sounds the Chickadees make – sometimes referred to as the “feebee” call. As she spends time outside throughout the year, she also gets to watch the leaves turn color and fall in autumn, and she can watch as the grasses turn green and the flowers bloom in spring and summer. Aside from her conscious enjoyment of nature, her walks in the park get her blood pumping and muscles working. Many of us are left sitting all day, whether in school or at work, but a short walk every day can help stave off the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Coupling the walk with time outdoors can increase enjoyment, as well as the physical benefits of exercise. Daisy hopes you can take a walk outside this week and enjoy the vast array of benefits!

Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.

Your friend,