As we journey through life, embracing the art of aging becomes not just a necessity but an opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. In this pursuit, unlocking the benefits of creativity and mental agility emerges as a transformative pathway towards greater well-being. Through the simple act of engaging in creative endeavors, such as painting, crafting, or even solving puzzles, individuals can tap into a reservoir of untapped potential within themselves. This article explores how the fusion of creativity and mental agility serves as a cornerstone in the art of aging, offering a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond mere leisure activities. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of creative expression and discover its profound impact on the journey towards aging gracefully.

Source: NAMI | By Talik Monroe

I experienced severe trauma as a child — trauma that I struggle with to this day. I wear the scars of my past; from being sexually abused as a child by two of my male cousins, to growing up with parents who battled drug addiction, to being physically abused for minor infractions.

Looking at children and teens from an evolutionary perspective shows us that, for thousands of years, they have spent most of their free time with peers. Our brains are hardwired to depend on these interactions for our overall mental well-being.

As hard as it may be to prioritize social time, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to a lack of sunlight or changes in seasons. Have you ever heard of the 'winter blues'? SAD is very similar to the winter blues but with increased symptoms

Like many of you reading this, I know what it feels like to lose someone close to you to suicide. Many are also feeling a combined sense of sadness and awareness following the high-profile suicides of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and fashion designer Kate Spade. While their worlds are well outside of healthcare, mental health touches us all.

Since adolescence, I have prided myself on my resilience, my willingness to serve others and my ability to achieve and persevere through any season of life. Growing up, I was captain of a competitive science team and a member of multiple other academic teams. While I was thriving academically, I struggled with my mental health; I dealt with panic attacks caused by a phobia of food and restaurants.

Are you wellderly? When we think of the term “elderly,” we immediately associate it with terms like “old” or “sick.” Wellderly Day encourages us to re-examine what “old” means and promote a healthier, more beneficial perspective on aging.

Jaime Torres has been seeing his school social worker, Theresa Jones, for individual and family therapy for some time now. The bright, timid high school senior grappled with feelings of hopelessness and panic attacks for several years. His struggles started with palpitations, night sweats and an overwhelming sense of the room spinning out of control. Jaime also experienced a sense of desperation and sadness. He could not gain control of his thoughts and struggled with suicidal ideation. Eventually, he decided to seek help.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health.

Most of us have heard the saying: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” This old-fashioned mantra reinforces a long-held, misguided belief: that being “unclean” equates to laziness and moral ineptitude. As a result, our culture often takes an unsympathetic approach to addressing issues like poverty and homelessness; far too many of us interpret these situations as a personal failing rather than a product of structural inequality.

As a therapist, I have noticed significant distress among youth and young adults, particularly college-aged clients. One way we can take a preventative approach to dealing with this emotional distress is to change the way we think of timelines. Specifically, we need to begin adjusting our expectations of young adults and what they should accomplish by a certain age.

As a society, we pressure youth to achieve certain milestones “on time.”

When I was in seventh grade, I started to feel different. My moods changed a lot; I would be fine one minute, then I would be crying and agitated the next. I’m sure the adults in my life thought I was just adjusting to middle school — that the moodiness was a result of turning 13.

Early warning signs often emerge at the onset or worsening of mental illness symptoms. Simply, put these warning signs are any thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that significantly impair day-to-day functioning — such as feeling excessively sad or low — and they may indicate you need help.

Understandably, if you are experiencing unusual thoughts and feelings, you may prefer to ignore them or expect them to pass, but ultimately, it is in your best interest to address them as soon as possible

I almost flinch at the pity in her gaze.

“So,” the therapist sighs, “I’m guessing you’re this way because your parents were tiger parents?”

“I’ve seen a lot of patients like you,” she continues, as she tells me what my story must be.

One of the determinants for success and leadership is mental strength. To be a peak performer and attain excellence in any field, you need desire, effort and discipline. This goes beyond acting tough; you have to be willing to work hard and persist even in the face of struggles.

Mentally strong people are willing to seek strength and fortitude by building themselves up every day. Here are eight daily habits that can help you build your mental strength.