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Whether or not we want to admit it, we can’t deny that stigma and discrimination are still alive and widespread in society today. Stigma affects not only how we view others in society but also how people view themselves. Our words directly impact the opinions we form about others, and…

We have all experienced stress at some point in our lives. Whether it’s brought on by work, school, family, finances, or other factors, almost everyone knows the feeling of being “stressed out.” April is both Stress and Alcohol Awareness months. Since stress and alcohol are often intertwined, we are exploring…

Learn what you can do to keep kids safe. National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) has been observed every third week in March since it was established in 1961 by Congress to raise awareness of poison prevention and safety while promoting the national Poison Help Hotline (1-800-222-1222). Poisoning is the main…

The increase in sports betting and online gambling brings increased risks of addiction, with higher risks for young adults. Casinos and gambling are not an old concept. Many of us have been to a casino at least once in our lives, whether it be for a concert, restaurant, shopping, or…

Let’s face it—most of us don’t go more than five minutes without picking up our cell phones. We’ve developed an undeniable urge to check our notifications, answer a text, or see how many likes our latest social media post racked up. Social media has become an everyday staple for many…

Symptoms to watch for, treatment and support resources, and tips for partners and family members It’s not a secret that pregnancy, childbirth, and jumping into motherhood takes a major physical toll on mothers. However, many new moms and their partners aren’t prepared for the mental health impacts that can happen…

We can’t do it all and we’re harming our mental health trying to balance the demands of our busy lives. Life can be busy and overwhelming for almost everyone in the family. Many parents and caretakers, whether single or in a partnership, find themselves juggling full-time work (or more!) outside…

What we’re doing, what you can do & why it all matters. The current legislative session is in full swing and will continue through June. We wanted to share the advocacy work that The Hub is doing and give you specific ways you can contribute to advocacy efforts on your…

A lousy diet can lead to a lousy mood. By making healthy choices regarding what we eat, we can positively impact our emotions and reduce the risk for developing a mental health disorder. In the winter months in particular, it's not uncommon to reach for food for comfort. With the…

It’s January again, and with the new year in full effect, many of us like to kick it off with resolutions hoping to make positive changes. Though studies show that nearly 91% of most New Year’s resolutions aren’t successful, the good news is that the very act of setting goals…

The stress of the holiday… Each year it feels like the holidays start earlier and earlier, the expectations are larger, and the pressure even more so. While the holidays are often filled with great moments, memories, and fun times, they are hard for so many. While it's a season of…

Good mental health is extremely important. While we have made very large strides in understanding mental health issues we still have work to do when it comes to men's mental health. Although both men and women are affected by mental illness, it is oftentimes overlooked in males. Researchers at The…

We spend most of our adult lives looking forward to the day we can retire and the life it will allow. However, growing older comes with considerable challenges that often affect our mental health. According to the CDC, It is estimated that 20% of people ages 55 years or older…

Know what signs signal that your mental health struggles are more than normal life stress As families settle into their back-to-school routines, many get wrapped up in activities, sports, and other commitments. It can be hard to differentiate regular life stress from a mental health condition. Recognizing when family members…

According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million made a plan, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. Suicide rates in 2020 were 30% higher than in 2000. A variety of factors…

What we can do to help teens in our lives Did you know 70% of deaths among CT youth ages 15 – 19 are preventable? According to the CT Department of Public Health, 25% of deaths are caused by car accidents, nearly 17% are suicides, 14% are homicides and nearly…

Guest Blogger: Liz Jorgensen 2016 was our family's last Prom season. Sarah, the youngest of our four children, was a senior at Joel Barlow High School, and it's hard to admit this: I could not wait for it to be over and done! Each year since our oldest daughter was…

A local woman shares her experience to help others. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that impacts the lives of nearly 6 million Americans. It is also misunderstood because many people have a stereotypical picture of the condition. It doesn’t always present like you see in the movies or…

Gaming is a popular hobby and a way for children and adults to de-stress and socially connect with others. It is even used for education. However, too much gaming can also have harmful consequences. The World Health Organization defines a gaming disorder as “a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming…

What is problem gambling? Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, is not just a financial problem. It is the uncontrollable urge to continue gambling regardless of the toll it takes on your life and includes all gambling behaviors that endanger, damage, or disrupt personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Gambling can stimulate…

We’re continuing to explore the impact of the pandemic on moms. Last week we discussed the significant increase in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This week we’re looking at the stress moms are facing and the rise in alcohol use among women. Why Moms Are So Stressed The pandemic has…

Alcohol Consumption in the United States In 2019, almost 66% of Americans enjoyed at least one drink over the course of the year and almost 50% of Americans considered themselves to be regular drinkers. But what happens when a person’s alcohol consumption becomes excessive? What is Binge Drinking? Binge drinking…

Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. At least 9%, or 28.8 million, Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are the second most fatal mental illness, with 10,200…

Did you know that your mental health also affects your heart health? While we think of our physical health, diet, and activity level when assessing our heart health, our mental health is often overlooked. Along with risky health behaviors associated with mental health issues, research shows that the chemical and…

It’s a new year, but there's no need to start worrying about resolutions. Traditional New Year's resolutions fail because they are generally based on negative feelings; things about yourself that you are not satisfied or happy with. It may seem motivating at first, but they can actually create feelings of…