We at South Sound believe that our employees are our greatest asset. We are proud to announce the winner of the Employee of The Year Award for 2023. This amazing RN serves as one of our House Supervisors. It has been said that she is always willing to help anyone in need and always provides a positive, calm and respectful attitude no matter what the situation. She cares about our patients and always goes the extra mile for them. Her demeanor is as pleasant as her beautiful smile. Here she receives her award from CEO, Neil Lacanale. We are grateful to have such amazing caregivers at our hospital.

May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Mental health is essential to our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or ignored.

Mental Health Month aims to increase understanding and promote the importance of good mental health. Mental health is a crucial component of our physical health, and both are equally important. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it affects how we think, feel, and act, and impacts our relationships, works, and daily life.

Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Mental illnesses are common, and it is estimated that one in five people experience a mental health problem in any given year. Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, stigma and discrimination around mental illness remain significant barriers to seeking help.

Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to address these issues and raise awareness about the importance of good mental health. It is a time to promote access to mental health care and support, reduce stigma and discrimination, and encourage open dialogue about mental health issues.

You can support mental health awareness in many ways during Mental Health Month. Some ideas include:

1. Educate yourself about mental health: Learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the different types of mental health conditions.
2. Talk about mental health: Talk with your friends, family, or colleagues. Share your experiences or encourage someone to seek help if they are struggling.
3. Support mental health organizations: Many organizations support mental health awareness and provide resources for those in need. Consider donating or volunteering to help with their work.
4. Take care of your mental health: Practice self-care and prioritize your mental health. This could include meditation, exercise, therapy, or spending time in nature.
5. Advocate for mental health: Speak out about the importance of mental health and advocate for policies that support mental health care and resources.

Mental Health Month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. It is an opportunity to break down barriers and reduce the stigma around mental health issues. Let us use this month to raise awareness, promote access to mental health care, and support those struggling. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.

April is Stress Awareness Month, which aims to bring attention to the impact of stress on our daily lives and encourage people to take action to manage stress in healthy ways.

Stress is a natural response to challenging or threatening situations, but chronic or prolonged stress can negatively affect physical and mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels for many people, from concerns about health and safety to financial instability and social isolation. Recognizing that everyone experiences stress differently and finding healthy ways to cope is essential.

Causes of stress:

Various factors, including work, relationships, finances, and health issues, can cause stress. Familiar sources of focus include:

• Work: Long hours, high workloads, and job insecurity can contribute to work-related stress.
• Relationships: Conflicts with friends, family members, or romantic partners can cause anxiety.
• Finances: Money worries, debt, and unemployment can all be sources of stress.
• Health issues: Chronic health conditions, illness, and injury can cause stress.

Effects of stress:

Stress can have various adverse effects on our physical and mental health. Some of the most common products of focus include the following:

• Anxiety and depression: Chronic stress can lead to anxiety and depression, which can in turn, exacerbate stress levels.
• Heart disease: Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure and contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Digestive problems: Stress can cause digestive issues such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Insomnia: Stress can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Several strategies can help reduce stress, such as exercise, mindfulness meditation, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying connected with friends and family. It’s also important to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed.

Stress Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize our mental health and take steps to manage stress in healthy ways. Doing so can improve our well-being and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history. While it’s important to recognize and honor the achievements of women, it’s also essential to prioritize our mental health, especially during this month. Women often take on multiple roles and responsibilities, leading to stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges.

Here are some tips for celebrating Women’s History Month while prioritizing your mental health:

1. Practice self-care: Self-care is crucial for preserving healthy mental health; therefore, practice it. Spend time doing the activities you want to do, making you feel calm and refreshed. You can take a long bath, go to the spa, or walk outdoors. Whatever it may be, make sure it makes you feel happy.
2. Connect with other females: Women can often rely on one another for support and strength. Spend some time getting to know the other women in your life, whether through a book club, support group, or just a simple coffee date. Speaking with other women who have gone through similar things and face similar struggles might make you feel less alone and more in control.
3. Celebrate your accomplishments: It’s easy to focus on the achievements of others, but it’s important to celebrate your own as well. Take the time to reflect on your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your hard work and give yourself credit for your accomplishments.
4. Learn about women’s mental health: Women’s mental health is a complex and important topic that often goes overlooked. Take the time to educate yourself about the unique mental health challenges women face, such as postpartum depression, hormonal imbalances, and trauma. Understanding these issues can help you better support yourself and other women.
5. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present at the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health. Try incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy and counseling can benefit women experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Women’s History Month is an occasion to honor the efforts and accomplishments of women throughout history, but it’s also a moment to give special attention to our mental health. We can be mindful that we’re taking care of ourselves while respecting the heritage of women who came before us by engaging with other women, celebrating our accomplishments, learning about women’s mental health, engaging in mindfulness practices, and seeking professional help when necessary.

Did you know that using art as a coping tool is found to be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with self-harm or chronic depression and anxiety?

What is art therapy and how can it help? Art therapy is a complementary form of therapy that assists in a therapeutic outcome to grow in expression and communication. Art therapy along with medication management is a well-rounded treatment option that stabilizes compliancy.

What you should know about art therapy is:

• No experience is necessary to participate.
• It’s judgment free
• It’s a form of expression.
• It helps with depression and anxiety.

Art therapy allows for creativity, expression, and an avenue to explore. When overwhelmed with anxiety and fear, art therapy permits you the freedom to be guided through your thoughts, allowing engagement, whereas, through talk therapy, you may remain reluctant to talk. Art provides an area to vent fears and deeper thoughts in a relaxed state of being. Thus, significantly improving the mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Many people search for alternative methods of treatment that coincide with medication management or management of a mental illness in general. Art therapy fits the bill in many areas for those on a quest for whole health and well-being.