Posts
January 2025 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
January
January is Mental Wellness Month
January 18 we are celebrating Mental Health Resources Day in Houston, TX!
Mental Health Resources Day
With Mental Health Resources Day, we aim to educate the community of local, state, and national resources available for mental health support, from local psychiatrists to NAMI. With speakers from SAMHSA, the Houston Recovery Center, and so many other local services, this event is sure to be both fun and informative!
Volunteer Spotlight
This month we are spotlighting Jimi! Jimi has become an Emerging Scholar through the Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program with Active Minds, and we are lucky enough to have him as a volunteer! He is a valued team member and we are so thankful that he helps with our Youtube channel. Thank you, Jimi!
DAISY’s Book Club
Reading has been shown to improve empathy, and it can help us use our phones less, so reading is a great hobby to pick up! This month, DAISY recommends The Anxious Generation by Johnathon Haidt. This book is really informative on the mental health issues that kids, teens and young adults are now facing with the onslaught of technology, social media and ever-changing social pressures.
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
December 2024 Newsletter
December 5 is Light Up a Life Day
Reduce Stress This Holiday Season
The holidays are known to be stressful, and can be even harder if you have lost a loved one you used to spend the holidays with. To help reduce stress around the coming holidays, there are a number of techniques you could try, like yoga and meditation, gratitude practices, baking, and spending time in good company. It can be difficult with the pressures to decorate, buy gifts, or host loved ones, but this season is also a good opportunity to appreciate what you have and those you love. If you choose to give gifts, try doing a gratitude practice beforehand – everyone could even write down what they are grateful for, if you don’t want to verbally say what you’re grateful for. Fostering a sense of gratitude can have positive effects on mental wellness and fortitude, thereby reducing stress and improving mood.
Nami also has great resources on managing your mental health during the holidays:
Surviving Painful Holiday Emotions
Avoiding Holiday Stressors
Mindfulness and Meditations for the Holiday Blues
DAISY’s Book Club
DAISY found Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam an interesting and informative read. It is, as the title suggest, about the lack of community in America, and some of the reasons Americans have shifted away from community, including politics, TV, and a decrease in church-goers. Many people may feel like social media and cell phones are the main cause, but the author says, “voting, giving, trusting, meeting, visiting, and so on had all begun to decline while Bill Gates was still in grade school.”
Updates in the Mental Health Sphere and DAISY’s World
Studies have shown that gratitude can reduce feelings of loneliness! If you are feeling lonely, try adopting a gratitude practice – whether you say, write or just think about what you are grateful for, it can help alleviate some of your loneliness.
Creative Mental Wellness has been accepted into the Kroger Community Rewards program! When you shop with your Kroger account, you can help support our mission!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
May 2024 Newsletter
May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
This month especially, take care to inform yourself and others about mental health. You can keep an eye out for local events sponsored by mental health non-profits and other organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI holds walks in major metro areas, a convention, and great social media campaigns that you can participate in from your living room! There are numerous companies and organizations working to provide helpful information this month – here are some that we think you should check out:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health America
American Psychiatric Association
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Giving a Warm Welcome to Summer
Physical activity tips to beat the heat
As the semester draws to a close and summer vacation approaches, it is becoming increasingly hotter across the United States. Because of the heat, it can be more uncomfortable and difficult to exercise, especially if you lack access to an indoor gym. There are a myriad ways to beat the heat and keep your physical health in mind this summer though!
Hydration is of course the most important thing to keep in mind as you sweat or spend time in the sun. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise and outdoor activities. It can also be beneficial to consume electrolyte-replenishing drinks and foods, like pickle juice and bananas. Even swimming uses your body’s water stores, so plan to be drinking a lot of water as you stay active this summer.
Timing your outdoor activities can help you avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early in the morning is typically the coolest part of the day, and also touts the lowest UV index, so you can worry less about getting sunburnt as well. There are many weather apps and websites that can show you the temperature and UV index by the hour, so you can plan out your day based on the given information; it may not be entirely accurate, but these weather apps give you the best chance for minimizing heat and UV exposure.
Indoor workouts are also a great option, even if you do not have access to equipment. There are so many great Youtube videos for workouts tailored to a variety of different needs, whether they are no equipment, limited mobility, or “beginner friendly.” Pilates and yoga can be great starting points. If a certain video or “influencer” doesn’t fit your physical or mental needs, look for some that do! It is important to find exercises that motivate you, make you feel good, and are good for your wellbeing.
It is great to keep your body moving and to keep physical exercise in your life when possible, but as the seasons change, our bodies and mindsets change. It is okay to change your workout routine, and we recommend keeping hydration, timing, and alternative exercises in mind in the coming months.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
- Helping a friend clean. DAISY helped her friend do some Spring cleaning! Cleaning with a friend is not only quicker, but more fun!
- Picking up litter. When DAISY goes for a walk and sees a piece of trash, she safely disposes of it! She put in extra effort this month to pick up more litter when she is out of the house. Remember: safety first. Wear gloves when picking up litter, and be extra careful with any glass.
- Donating the clothes she no longer wears. DAISY’s spring cleaning made her realize she has some clothes that no longer fit her or her her style. She has no ideas to “upcycle” or alter these items to help fit her life currently, so she is going to donate them to a local secondhand shop.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
April 2024 Newsletter
April
April is National Stress Awareness Month and National Minority Health Month
April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day
April 7th is World Health Day.
April 12th is the Day of (No) Silence.
Stress Survival Guide
How to cope with stress
April is appropriately deemed the National Stress Awareness Month… taxes, end of the semester approaching, allergies. We’re not going to tell you not to stress about these things -stress is a part of life and manageable stress can even be beneficial for your health. We are going to tell you some ways to help cope with and reduce the effects of your stress.
Physical health is a big part of managing stress, from exercise to nutrition and sleep. Physical activity is our number one recommendation for stress management! Especially if you can pair exercise with nature. Taking a walk around a park, roller skating at a skate park, hiking, and doing yoga in your backyard are all great examples of how to pair exercise with nature to help produce “happy hormones” and reduce the feelings of stress on your body. There are other ways to get moving though – dancing, cleaning, playing tag, and numerous other activities are great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Eating enough nutrient-rich foods is also important; without enough of the right nutrients, our bodies struggle to handle stress. Fiber has been shown to be incredibly important in maintaining gut health, which in turn helps take care of our brain’s health! Leafy greens, fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber and should be incorporated into your diet when possible. Your diet is vital for your physical and mental health. Sleep is also very important, because our bodies use sleep to maintain our brains, immune systems, and memories. Getting enough sleep (typically 7-9 hours are recommended) and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can be beneficial for your mental health and ability to manage stress. Your physical health is one of the most important factors in coping with stress.
DAISY’s Reading
The Cuckoo’s Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage by Clifford Stoll
The Cuckoo’s Egg is about an astronomer (Cliff Stoll) working as a systems manager at Lawrence Berkley Lab who finds an unwelcome visitor on Lawrence’s computer systems. With some help from the CIA, FBI, and foreign intelligence agencies, he unveils the hacker and the people supporting them.
This book is a bit of a long read but it is quite a page-turner! DAISY wanted to keep reading to find out what Stoll and the hacker would do next. A really interesting read from a time before the internet was as accessible as it is now.
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
March 2024 Newsletter
March
March is Self-Injury Awareness Month¹
March 1 Self Injury Awareness Day² and Zero Discrimination Day
March 10-16 Sleep Awareness Week
March 18-24 National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
March 30 World Bipolar Day
¹ *trigger warning: discussion of self harm* https://www.inspiremalibu.com/blog/mental-health/march-self-injury-awareness-month/
²*trigger warning: discussion of self harm* https://www.lifesigns.org.uk/siad/
Mental Health Resources Day
January 13th is Mental Health Resources Day, and we celebrated this year with our inaugural MHR Day Fair. We are so pleased that we were able to pull off this event, and we could not have done it without the dedicated members of the Houston community and the mental health space. We would like to thank the following individuals and groups:
- Be Smart (Isha Archer)
- Disability Rights Texas (LaRita Lockhart-Brown)
- Houston CIRT/Houston Police Department Mental Health Division
- Janssen Neuroscience (Hannah Yterdal)
- Kingwood Pines Hospital (Monica Garcia-Guinessey)
- Mosaic Tree Counseling (Warren Barrett)
- MoveNation Dance Academy (Jennifer San Miguel)
- Once Ann Again Therapy (Jessica Johnson)
- Westpark Springs (Marie Morrow) James Ellis Jr. – NAMI
- Zayna Fulton – SAMHSA
- Niesy Bevilacqua – MuttsTraing
- Margaret Alvarez – My Artsy Coach
- Jessica Johnson, Psycotherapist/CEO – Once Ann Again Therapy
“Pawsitive” Mental Health Practices
How pets and pet therapy can benefit your mental health
Having pets or visiting with animals can be beneficial to your mental health in a myriad of ways. Petting or cuddling can help you feel happier, calmer, and less anxious¹. Some pets can also provide you with a sense of purpose, a routine, and a reason to go outside or play more. If your pet needs to be fed every day, taken for a walk, etc., it can give you more motivation to have healthy practices.
For those that don’t have a pet of your own, there are some other ways to benefit from animals or pets, like going to your local zoo (you could even look for a petting zoo!), volunteering at a local animal shelter, walking in a neighborhood where a lot of people walk their dogs (you could make two friends – a dog and their owner!). Going outside in general is a great way to feel connected to animals – could you learn what birds live in your area and practice identifying them? Animals and pets are more beneficial for your mental wellness than you may even realize!
1. Barker, Sandra B., and Kathryn S. Dawson. “The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients.” Anthrozoös, vol. 20, no. 2, 2007.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
- Cooking a meal for her sick friend. DAISY loves to try to make nutritious, healthful foods, so she is preparing something special for her friend that is sick. Could you bake or cook something for your friends? Or better yet, could you cook something together?
- Complimenting people. DAISY is really good at picking out things to compliment – she always tells people how much she likes their outfit or smile, or she tells her friends how funny and smart they are. She also tries not to point out “flaws” or things that cannot be fixed within two minutes – she might tell someone they have a piece of lettuce in their teeth, but she would not tell them their teeth are crooked.
- Reaching out to someone she hasn’t heard from in a while. Maybe you have an old friend or cousin who would like to chat and reconnect!
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
February 2024 Newsletter
February
February is International Boost Self Esteem Month, with
Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb 11 – Feb 17) and
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb 26 – March 3)
February is a great month to reconnect with our mental health practices, our friends, and nature. Despite the cold and gloom that many Americans are feeling, February can serve as a month to boost our mental wellness. As the New Year’s resolutions and accompanying excitement subside, try to practice self compassion and self care.
Connection as a Mental Health Tool
How connection to others can benefit your mental health
Humans are social animals. We need to interact with others to thrive and survive. Connecting to others can provide us with many benefits, such as:
- Improving our ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression (ie increasing RESILIENCE). Social connection can help us cope with negative emotions, provide us with emotional support, and enhance our ability to deal with adversity. When we get to know people–and we allow them to know us–we can share our burdens and offer assistance and encouragement for navigating the travails of life. Linking ourselves to others can lead to increasing our “cheering section”; people become invested in us and can provide much-needed encouragement. This process strengthens our ability to recover from challenging times.
- Promoting healthy habits and behaviors. Social connection can motivate us to eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. When we know people care about us, we perceive we are valued and “seen”; feelings of worthiness can enable us to make healthy-er choices for our physical and mental health. Connecting to others can even reduce the risk of engaging in violent and suicidal behaviors.
- Improving our sleep, well-being, and quality of life. Social connection can help us relax, enjoy life, and feel satisfied. It can also improve our self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. Spending time with others allows us to discuss challenges and “vent” frustrations. Having a trust-worthy outlet to express emotions–even the not-so-good ones (in a respectful way)–can prevent ruminating on them and/or an escalation of those emotions. Having a trusted “sounding board” (i.e. someone whose intentions you know are positive/”good”) gives us the opportunity to obtain feedback and gain understanding through others’ perceptions.
- Reducing our risk of chronic diseases and increasing our longevity. Social connection boosts the immune system, lower blood pressure, and protects us from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. When we feel better emotionally, we often feel better physically, too. Experiencing connection can increase our sense of well being, which enhances our immune system and reduces inflammation in our bodies. It can also help us live longer, as people with stronger social connections are 50% more likely to survive than those with weaker connections.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
- Donating a book to a Little Free Library. DAISY finished reading Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. She really enjoyed it, and wants others to enjoy it as well, so she found a Little Free Library near her house.
- Writing a letter to a loved one. Handwritten letters can brighten up someone’s day. Could you write a letter to your best friend, a parent, or teacher?
- Taking a walk with her friend. This simple act is great to get DAISY and her friend outside, and allow them time to hang out in person.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
December 2023 Newsletter
Updates!
Mental Health Resources Day
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for updates on our Mental Health Resources Day Fair! The event is going to be held at MacGregor Park in Houston, Texas. A special thanks to our premiere sponsor Move Nation Dance Academy and the local government for their cooperation! Additional details will be provided on our website or you can reach out to our founder, Seanda Blocker, at seandablocker@cr38v3m1nd5.com.
Holidays are Bluer for Some Than Others
The holiday season is often associated with feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging. However, for some people, this time of year can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. These feelings are often referred to as the “holiday blues.” The holiday blues are a real phenomenon, but they are likely to have different effects than you might think.
The holiday blues can be experienced on a continuum, ranging from lower levels of dysthymia and sadness to more severe depression. The reasons for sadness during the holidays are varied and can include financial stress, loneliness, grief, and unrealistic expectations. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress level increased during the holiday season.
The holiday blues can affect anyone, regardless of age. A poll of more than 1,000 adults by the Principal Financial Group found that 53% of people experience financial stress due to holiday spending, despite the fact more than half set budgets for their holiday spending. Children can also experience the holiday blues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 68% of children report feeling sad or dissatisfied during the holidays.
There are several things that can be done to address the holiday blues. Easier steps to take for oneself include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, spending time outdoors, and staying active. Seeking professional help is also an option. According to NAMI, 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help.
It’s important to note that there is a difference between the holiday blues, which typically go away when the holiday season ends, and more severe depression, which lasts longer and interferes with activities of daily living. If the holiday season passes and you’re still feeling depressed or anxious, it’s best to consult with a medical professional. However, if speaking with a therapist or counselor is too overwhelming, talking with a trusted friend or family member can be an easier way to initially address uncomfortable feelings.
While there is solid evidence that the suicide rate in the United States does not spike around the holidays, the holiday blues can still be a difficult time for some people. According to the U.S. Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate is highest between April and August. However, low suicide rates don’t necessarily mean that the holiday blues aren’t a real phenomenon. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help.
In summary, the holiday blues are a real phenomenon that can affect anyone, regardless of age. The reasons for sadness during the holidays are varied and can include financial stress, loneliness, grief, and unrealistic expectations. There are several things that can be done to address the holiday blues, including seeking professional help. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help. Remember, the holiday blues are temporary and can be overcome with the right support and resources.
Holiday Traditions and New Year’s Resolutions
DAISY’s favorite ideas
DAISY knows that holidays can be tough, but she would like to share some thoughts on holiday traditions, including New Year’s resolutions.
- Decorating, whether with many or few decorations, homemade or bought, can be fun and help your home feel merry!
- If you have pets, it can be cute and entertaining to take pictures of them with holiday or winter items (think scarves, Santa hats, etc.)
- Baking. Home made cookies, dog treats, banana bread and other snacks can be really therapeutic and help you bond as a family or with your friends!
Resolutions can be motivating for some, but it can also feel overwhelming or disappointing. Most people compare themselves to others, especially with social media being so prevalent. Keep in mind that most social media profiles only shine a spotlight on the “best” parts of people’s lives, and pictures and videos can be heavily edited. Some resolutions that might be more accessible for most people can include things like:
- getting outside for 15 minutes/day
- eat 2 servings of vegetables/day
- cook one new recipe every week
- read a book every month
- volunteer at a new place (you could start writing letters to inmates through Letters for Change!)
Happy holidays, all!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Your friend,
Latest Newsletter
May 2025 NewsletterMay 2, 2025 - 8:48 am
April 2025 NewsletterApril 2, 2025 - 6:22 am
March 2025 NewsletterMarch 2, 2025 - 8:00 am
