As the days grow shorter and the air takes on its familiar chill, fall in Rochester brings both beauty and challenge. The brilliant colors of Highland Park, the calm of the Genesee River, and the scent of woodsmoke in the air can be grounding, but for many, these seasonal shifts also trigger changes in mood. […]
Category: Mental Health
How to Create a Mental Health Emergency Plan
When we think about emergencies, most of us know what to do for a house fire, a heart attack, or even a flat tire. But what about a mental health emergency? For many people living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or other conditions, crises can arise suddenly and unpredictably. In those moments, it’s […]
How to Help Prevent Suicide This September
Every September, we pause to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And while it’s a month marked by ribbons, campaigns, and hashtags, the truth is that suicide prevention is not a one-month-a-year responsibility. It is a year-round, everyday effort. It is about the conversations we’re willing to have, the myths we’re willing to challenge, and the […]
How Biofeedback Can Help Manage Anxiety and What to Expect
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like your body has a mind of its own. If you notice your heart racing, breath shallow, or mind foggy during moments of stress, know that many people experience that. It’s not a flaw, it’s your response system doing its best to keep you safe. And you absolutely deserve tools that […]
How to Navigate Political Conversations Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Friends)
Political conversations don’t have to mean constant stress or emotional turmoil. By gently setting boundaries, listening compassionately, speaking kindly, and nurturing your emotional health, you can navigate these moments with confidence and care. Your emotional well-being and relationships matter deeply, never hesitate to protect your peace. You deserve meaningful connections without unnecessary emotional distress. Political […]
What Happens When You Give Your Brain a Routine
When your mind has been in survival mode for a long time, structure can feel impossible. Waking up at the same time each day, remembering to eat, taking your medication, even brushing your teeth—it can all feel like climbing a mountain with no trail. But routine is not just a wellness trend. It’s a therapeutic […]
Not Just Hormones: The Hidden Crisis of Maternal Mental Health
Pregnancy and new parenthood are often labeled as the happiest times of your life. Yet for many, the emotional reality includes fear, fatigue, overwhelm, or simply feeling like you’re on autopilot. It’s tempting to brush these feelings off as “just hormones” or “exhaustion,” but research shows that mental health struggles during this time are common, […]
The Importance of Play in Mental Health: Why Hobbies and Fun Matter for Adults, Too
Play is not a phase you outgrow. It is a form of psychological oxygen. Somewhere between paying bills, caregiving, chasing goals, and surviving the news cycle, a lot of us lost our sense of play. We don’t mean to; we just forget. As children, play is how we explore the world, process emotions, and build […]
How to Find the Right Mental Health Therapist for You
Therapy can be life-changing, but let’s be honest, starting the process can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a while, wondering if it’s really for you. Or maybe someone mentioned it and you shrugged it off, unsure how talking to someone could make a difference. You’re not alone in that hesitation, and […]
How To Stop Negative Thinking With Simple CBT Methods
Negative thoughts can feel automatic, shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world. When left unchecked, they can create a cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. These patterns can become so ingrained that they feel impossible to change. But here’s the good news: the way you think is not set in stone. Cognitive […]