Category: Health(y)

Journaling Can Benefit Your Mental Health

By LaTangellia Walker on September 12, 2022October 20, 2022

By Tan Walker | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

When you think of “journaling”, it is easy to picture a young girl locked away in her room writing about her high-school crush in a diary with a lock on it. Although this is an easy perception to have, it likely matches with the overall consensus for adults: journaling is for young people still trying to figure out their purpose in life and gossiping about the latest high school drama.

Believe it or not, many adults own a journal of some sort. Whether it’s a diary, a 3 subject notebook, notes taken on a smartphone, or just a plain sheet of paper and a pen: journaling has no required format. Journaling only requires that you share your thoughts openly. Effective journaling can help you meet your goals or improve your quality of life (Ackerman, 2022; Purcell, 2006). Although personal goals vary from person to person, they are almost always positive and journaling can be a process that support goal accomplishment.

Effective journaling can help you clear your head, reduce anxiety, and it can also help you connect your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors. But how exactly does dumping words on a page have an impact on your mental health?

Well, journaling has been proven to help people struggling with a mental illness or people who want to improve their mental health (Ackerman, 2022; Purcell, 2006). More specifically, effective journaling has been found to:

Boost your mood
Enhance your sense of well-being
Reduce symptoms of depression
Reduce symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Improve your work memory

Here are some following tips to ensure your journaling is effective:

Write in a space free of distractions
Journal at least once a day
Keep your journal private -“my eyes only”
Be in control of the topic and structure of your writing

Try journaling today! The process may take some time, but the benefits can support your health and quality of life. It can be fun! Whether you choose to write about how your day went or your current thoughts and emotions, the fun part is that you get to choose what your narrative will be!

Courtney E. Ackerman, M. A. (2022, September 8). 83 benefits of journaling for depression, anxiety, and stress. PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

Purcell, M. (2006). The Health Benefits of Journaling. Psych Central. Retrieved on October 10, 2022, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/000721

Posted in: Emotional, Faith, Health, Mental, Positive, social, Writing

Advocacy Encouragement Prevention Protection

Overcoming the Mental Health Stigma and Seeking Mental Care

By LaTangellia Walker on September 3, 2022February 12, 2023

By Tan Walker | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans ages 15 – 24 in 2019 (Office of Minority Health, 2022). This alarming trend is very concerning, particularly because mental health professionals believe they can support these young people through their circumstances. The highest proportion of suicide deaths occurs among African Americans, ages 25-34. Why is this happening?

African Americans (AAs) may be stigmatized against seeking help from mental health professionals. This thought process may be linked to a cultural legacy where AAs endured the surviving of many cruel and inhumane circumstances within the United States. Many African Americans experience poverty at least once in their lives. This alone has negatively affected the mental health status of the black community. In fact, those living below the poverty level are twice as likely to encounter serious psychological distress (Office of Minority Health, 2022).

When encountering hardships, African Americans may work to suppress their emotions, resulting in them “doing what they have to do” to make it through each day. Taking mental breaks, seeking therapy, and expressing thoughts and feelings are not often discussed or practiced in the African American community.

Unfortunately, suicide rates among Black Americans have continued to progressively increase since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What better time to be proactive in addressing it than now?

Suicide is one of the most preventable public health problems, and young adults are at higher risk than any other demographic. Here are a few suicides prevention tips for young African American adults:

– Know the Signs
– Practice Self Care
– Research local counseling resources
– Call, text, or chat 988 to get connected with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline

References

Office of Minority Health. Mental and Behavioral Health – African Americans – The Office of Minority Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=24

Schimelpfening, N. (2020, December 8). How you can help someone one is suicidal. Verywell Mind. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/suicide-prevention-tips-1067531

Posted in: Health, Mental, Racism, violence

Promotion

Skating is a Great Way to Exercise and Enjoy the Sun

By Larrell Wilkinson on April 27, 2020

Check out a great way to get some good exercise, while also enjoying the sun. Rolllllll, Skate! Footage from A. Sellers!

Solo skating to enjoy the blue sky and get some exercise!

Posted in: COVID-19, Exercise, Skate, Sun

Promotion Solidarity (Commonality, Humanity) Understanding (Insight & Wisdom)

Love is a Noun & a Verb

By phameuscampaign on November 8, 2019July 9, 2023

By PHAME-US.com

What is “Love” to you? How do you describe Love? How do you define Love? We have read, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7 New International Version). Or we have observed definitions like, Love is a “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties”, and/or “attraction based on sexual desire, affection and tenderness felt by lovers”, and/or “to hold dear”, and/or “to like or desire actively” (“Love,” 2019). Tina Turner in her ballad, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” referred to love as a “second-hand emotion”. What’s that? By the way, I love the hit song from the 80’s and Angela Bassett in the movie (1993) was phenomenal. But back to the point… a second-hand emotion? So, love is something that is received after being used by another? Maybe this is a post for another time.

Posted in: Goal, Love, Noun, Verb

Promotion

Positive or Negative: Choose Positive

By Larrell Wilkinson on August 9, 2019November 29, 2019

Circumstances in life can weigh US down. As individuals, we not only experience challenges inwardly, but also face difficult situations externally. Although it may be difficult at times, we must be positive [over negative]. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8 New International Version).

One aspect of being positive is addressing the negativity within and/or around us. To do this, a person might:

Posted in: God, Positive, Think

Promotion

Graphic pictures on cigarette packs would significantly reduce smoking death rate

By Larrell Wilkinson on November 5, 2016November 29, 2019

Using prominent, graphic pictures on cigarette packs warning against smoking could avert more than 652,000 deaths, up to 92,000 low birth weight infants, up to 145,000 preterm births, and about 1,000 cases of sudden infant deaths in the U.S. over the next 50 years, say researchers.

Source: Graphic pictures on cigarette packs would significantly reduce smoking death rate

Promotion

Employing Your Talents

By Larrell Wilkinson on December 4, 2015November 29, 2019

In conversation, my friend mentioned to me that she was stuck in a job that brought her no passion, no joy, and had become a ‘drag’ on her daily routine. This led me to ask the inevitable question, why don’t you look for a new job? Her reply, “I am content where I am.” Well, I wasn’t convinced and come to think of it; I am not sure she was either.

Posted in: dissatisfaction, Job, work

Hopeful Promotion

Don’t Conform, Stand Up and Stand Out!

By Larrell Wilkinson on March 6, 2015November 29, 2019

Sometimes, do we feel like we don’t belong? Do we feel like we’re not part of the popular group on campus? At school? To be in that group, are you asked to sacrifice “who you are” as a person? If you’re older, do you recall a time when you tried to “fit in”? A time, when you did or said something you knew was wrong…just so you could feel like you were cool? To be a part of that crowd?

I can recall times in my life when I gave in. Times when I tried to be cool, tried to act hard, tried to go against my nature…all for the purpose of fitting in or being cool. My nature you might ask…I’m mild, calm, not really tough unless pushed to the limits, patient, kind, respectful…that is me in a nutshell. So why did I do it? Why did I smoke that, drink too much of that, treat that person that way, curse that, steal that, cheat on that…Why did I fight so hard to be so wrong? Why do you? Why did you? I am assuming we all aren’t perfect, but if this doesn’t apply to you…please share your strengths in the comment section. For others, answering WHY (i.e. fear, teasing, bullied, risk-taking, peer pressure) can be the first steps to “Standing Up and Standing Out”.

If trying to fit into the wrong crowd is something that bothers you, then allow me to offer you some encouragement. If this is a battle you overcame some time ago, please share your strategies with others reading this post. First, just to cover our basis…what is the wrong crowd? Chances are, if people around you are repeatedly hostile, arguing, causing strife, using illegal drugs, lazy, divisive, rebellious to authority, promiscuous sexually, angry, or even place money and material goods over people; chances are you don’t want these individuals to be your closest friends. This may not be the crowd you want to “run with” regularly (or at all). Why? Simply put, their negativity can “rub off” on you. They can bring you down, burden you physically and mentally, or place you in serious trouble or danger.

At this point, you might be thinking: “Well, everyone is bad…so I guess I’ll have no friends”. Although we all make mistakes, everyone is not of the wrong crowd. Everyone is not bad! When you don’t conform, you stand out! Standing up for your beliefs, for what you know is right (i.e. fair, moral, and ethical) attracts other positive people to you! When you stand out, it becomes easier for good people to find you! Furthermore, when you lead by good example, others will follow. Your leadership creates a path away from conforming with the wrong crowd, to establishing a good group of friends of your own. So when the WRONG crowd tries to put you down, Stand Up! When the WRONG crowd asks or tries to force you to be in their group, Stand Out! Be Strong, Be Encouraged, Be Comforted… for greatness comes to those who do good!

PHAME-US

Posted in: Conformity, Stand Out, Stand Up

Promotion Wholeness

Gauging Behavioral Health in America

By Larrell Wilkinson on March 5, 2015November 29, 2019

SAMHSA | March 5, 2015

A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) details important trends — many positive — in Americans’ behavioral health, both nationally and on a state-by-state basis.

SAMHSA’s new report, the “National Behavioral Health Barometer” (Barometer), provides data about key aspects of behavioral healthcare issues affecting American communities including rates of serious mental illness, suicidal thoughts, substance use, underage drinking, and the percentages of those who seek treatment for these disorders. The Barometer shows this data at the national level, and for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Barometer indicates that the behavioral health of our nation is improving in some areas, particularly among teenagers. For example, past month use of both illegal drugs and cigarettes has fallen for youth ages 12-17 from 2009 to 2013 (from 10.1 percent to 8.8 percent for illegal drugs and 9.0 percent to 5.6 percent for cigarettes). Past month binge drinking among children ages 12-17 has also fallen from 2009 to 2013 (from 8.9 percent to 6.2 percent).

The Barometer also shows more people are getting the help they need in some needed areas. The number of people receiving help for a substance use problem has increased six percent from 2009 to 2013. It also shows that the level of adults experiencing serious mental illness who received help rose from 62.9 percent in 2012 to 68.5 percent in 2013.

The data in the Barometer is drawn from various federal surveys and provides both a snapshot of the current status of behavioral health nationally and by state, and trend data on some of these key behavioral health issues over time. “The Barometer provides new insight into what is happening on the ground in states across the country,” said SAMHSA’s Administrator, Pamela S. Hyde. “It provides vital information on the progress being made in each state as well as the challenges before them. States and local communities use this data to determine the most effective ways of addressing their behavioral healthcare needs.”

The Barometer also provides analyses by gender, age group and race/ethnicity, where possible, to further help public health authorities more effectively identify and address behavioral health issues occurring within their communities, and to serve as a basis for tracking and addressing behavioral health disparities.

For the first time, the Barometer provides analyses broken down by poverty level (above or below) and health insurance status. This data can help provide researchers, policy makers, public health authorities and others a better understanding of how income and insurance coverage affect access and utilization of behavioral healthcare services.

To view and download copies of the national or any state Behavioral Health Barometer, please visit the SAMHSA web site at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/browse-report-document-type?tab=46.

Posted in: Behavioral Health