Addiction, Mental Health and Unemployment
The COVD-19 pandemic has gravely impacted our mental health and addiction due to unemployment in more ways than one. The majority of individuals are anxious about the unknown, and millions of hard-working Americans are experiencing a financial crisis after losing their jobs. We are not only mandated to stay home, but we are mandated to […]
Being an Advocate for the Minority Community
Minority mental health matters “July was first declared as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, July has been a time to acknowledge and explore issues concerning mental health, substance use disorders, and minority communities, and to destigmatize mental illness and enhance public awareness of mental illness among affected minority groups across the […]
Living With PTSD
I have suffered multiple traumas in my life. As a first responder family, we were very aware of how cruel and dark the world can be. In 2013, when my then law enforcement husband was shot, the kids and I were again reminded that the world is not fair, and can be traumatic to say […]
Men’s Health Month: Masculinity and Mental Health
According to research, men are less likely to seek mental health services compared to their female counterparts. One of the factors that contribute to this underuse of seeking professional help is masculinity norms. June is Men’s Health Month; a month dedicated to raising awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of […]
Supporting vs. Enabling Someone With PTSD
All too often, we label some behaviors as post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. This is a major disservice to all people who suffer from this debilitating disturbance. Many symptoms that are erroneously labeled as PTSD fall within these categories: Addiction Substance misuse Anxiety Depression Domestic Violence Abuse Enabling is always a concern and excusing unhealthy behaviors […]
LGBTQ Pride Month
Stigma, Addiction, and Mental Health within the LGBTQ Community “Like racism and all forms of prejudice, bigotry against LGBTQ people is a deadly carcinogen. We are pitted against each other in order to keep us from seeing each other as allies. Genuine bonds of solidarity can be forged between people who respect each other’s differences […]
PTSD and the Lifelong Road to Recovery
This blog is written by John D. Ivanisin III, a Quest 2 Recovery alumni. On May 17th, 2020 he celebrated one year of sobriety. Introduction I grew up in a small town outside of Hartford, Connecticut. My parents raised me, my brother, and sister together until they separated in 1995 when I was 11 years […]
Feelings of Hope During COVID-19
Feeling of Hope: What We Will Never Take For Granted Again “When this is over, may we never again take for granted: A handshake with a stranger Full shelves at the store Conversations with the neighbors A crowded theatre Friday night out The taste of communion A routine checkup The school rush each morning Coffee […]
What It’s Like to Be a First Responder in Quarantine
Our first responders currently have the added stress and trauma of COVID 19. With that comes the unfortunate risk and exposure leading to many of our first responders being quarantined. Many of our first responders are not only quarantined but contract COVID 19 from those they encounter. Sasha Lefler’s Story Sasha Lefler, a paramedic of […]
Mental Health Awareness Month: Staying Mentally Healthy During COVID-19
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and self-care, eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, and educating the public on the importance of routine mental health care. Mental health goes beyond the scope of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, […]
