The Effects Death, Traumas And Disasters Have On Mental Health

October 11, 2019 / Alex Hanna  / 
death, trauma
This post was sponsored by, and originally published on Choice Mutual, Written by Anthony Martin,

When people watch news reports about death, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or school shootings, they may feel confused and scared.

Maybe they worry about themselves and the safety of their family and friends. These events disrupt our way of life and peace of mind. They can make people feel unsafe and afraid.

The following information can help people prepare for a death or disaster. The more someone learns now, the easier it can be for them to deal later on.

How do people feel after a death or disaster?

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Emotional Impact of Physical Injury

August 12, 2019 / Ben Green  / 
physical injury

Note: This article was authored by an outside organization. Challenge the Storm does not explicitly promote the use of the treatments contained within this article but does encourage all readers to be as informed as possible about possible treatment options, including the one in this article.


Many people, athletes and otherwise, have experienced some form of injury throughout their lives. Though it can sometimes be overcome, there are instances where the injury becomes a part of life. Physical therapy, medication, and even surgery can be options to help the recovery process. Many doctors focus on this — the physical aspect of injury. It is discussed less often how an injury may affect mental health, however. The correlation between mental and physical health is strong and should be discussed with doctors though it is often overlooked in the exam room. Exercise and eating healthy has a proven positive effect on mental health as well as the community aspect of working out that many people find comforting. The recovery process can be draining and contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and more. Standard treatment methods may help an injury, but it is also important to consider other treatments along with seeking psychological help. The mental hurdles that must be overcome to fully recover are often not associated with treatment, but are just as necessary to consider.

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Don’t Give Valentine’s Day a Pass Just Because You’re Single

February 11, 2019 / Michelle Peterson  / 
valentine's day

It’s Valentine’s Day and you’re without a date. This can be difficult for anyone, especially those with mental health conditions. Our deepest fears are reinforced and we often choose to blame ourselves. This can lead to a downward spiral of self-deprecation and potentially dangerous and destructive behaviors.

See, Valentine’s Day is simply not meant for singles, unless, of course, you want to throw caution to the wind and play the rebel. And why not? There’s no reason to ruin an otherwise wonderful day. Too often, we find ourselves stuck in a pattern of self-loathing, wondering why we’re single, talking down to ourselves, and negatively affecting our self-image, our self-esteem, and our overall mental wellbeing. With that in mind, here are some ways that you can treat yourself and join in on the fun on your own terms. You may have more fun than you expected and give yourself a mood boost in the process. After all, taking care of your mental health is critical. A little self-care goes a long way.

Buy Yourself a Gift

Get yourself something nice — you deserve it, and it would certainly lift your spirits. Besides, it’s not too indulgent if you focus on your physical and emotional well-being with a S’well water bottle, a foam roller, a customized yoga mat, or a few sessions with a personal trainer. Along those lines, a Fitbit activity tracker could help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions. The important thing is to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, regardless of what you choose to get.

Spend Time with Your Family

Show your love for your parents or siblings by paying a visit on Valentine’s Day. They’d appreciate it all the more if they have no big plans themselves for the holiday, and it would give you a chance to catch up on new events while doing something fun together. The laughter you share will quickly put the single’s blues to rest. Further, time with loved ones can stave off loneliness and serve as a reminder that you don’t need a romantic interest to feel loved and respected.

Hit the Town

Get out into the night for a few drinks and a whirl around the dancefloor, which is often best done with some of your other single friends in tow. Let a groovy beat pick you up and forget about the one that got away. You’ll probably have more fun than they are anyway.

If you’re a single parent, remember to hire a babysitter, and do it early before the qualified ones are all booked up for the holiday. Besides, it will put your mind at ease knowing the kids are safe at home. What’s more, you can relax and let the good times roll.

Try Something New

Toss tradition aside and add a little adventure to your life, which could mean skydiving, bungee-jumping, downhill skiing, or taking a hike. If you’d prefer something on the quiet side, that can be easily arranged. Sign up for a pottery class, begin meditating, or take the plunge and start learning a foreign language — the options are almost endless.

Go to the Spa

Heading to the spa might sound decadent, but it bears numerous health benefits along with simple pleasure. It’s an effective cure for stress as you relax your worries away, and there’s nothing better than a massage to rub aches and pains out of your muscles and joints. Perhaps best of all is the peace and quiet that allow you to reconnect with your inner self. Though it may seem indulgent, bear in mind that taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your mental (and physical) wellbeing.

Cook Dinner for One

Cook dinner for yourself and make whatever you want, though you may want to stay on the lighter side if you’ve got those New Year’s resolutions on your mind. Even if that’s the case, you don’t have to scrimp on flavor, as Bon Appétit has dozens of recipes that would tickle your taste buds without adding unwanted pounds to your waistline.

Watch Movies

Forget about bawling your eyes out with tear-jerking romances that remind you of how alone you are. Hollywood has much more to offer than that, including comedies and dramas that focus on friendships and pursuing dreams amid the absurdities of modern life, and you’ll find a selection of those from Bustle. Of course, don’t forget the popcorn.

Spoil Your Pet

Maybe you’ve found the love of your life, but they have four legs and shed on the couch. Let that little ball of fur cuddle on your lap as you laugh your way through some of those movies. And to spoil them even more, offer them a few treats of their own to nibble on. They’ll appreciate your affection — and give you some in return.

Moral of the Story, Take Care of YOU

It’s hard enough taking time for yourself in our ever-busy lives. We toss aside our mental and physical well-being in favor of other “priorities”. But now you have the perfect opportunity to try some of these tips to improve your mental and physical health. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying these healthy and fun activities on your own or with friends any other day of the year. All you need is a weekend and a will to make the best of your situation, which isn’t all that bad — even if you’re single.

The State of Australian Men and Mental Health in 2018

December 12, 2018 / Nicole Allen  / 

Australian Men’s Health is something that has been transformed in recent years. With substantial innovation and product availability from around the world, it has never been a better time to increase your vitality and well-being as a man. Australian men are also choosing to research and identify products that are useful to them such as rehabs for men to help with addiction and mental health. The branching out that has taken place helps new products get introduced in Australia.

There are a lot of reasons that mental health needs more attention. With changing socioeconomic climates and the rapid rate of globalization, mental health has taken on a new meaning in the present decade. It means being ready for the unexpected or having the confidence to weather unforeseeable circumstances. Men in Australia are subject to these pressures and it may affect their mental health. This year, the state of people seeking treatment at rehabs for men shows that it is an important part of the national conversation. Addressing mental health initiatives can help create a better workplace and environment for change and progress. It can also improve the quality of life that many Australian men have.

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Acceptance

December 6, 2018 / Danei Edelen  / 
NAMI

Acceptance

Driving away from the Panera Bread on a late Monday afternoon, I was elated. To think, she kept our brochure for a month after she got off the Behavioral Health Unit! That is so awesome! I thought to myself.

Every other Friday, I give a talk to the patients on the Behavioral Health Unit at a local hospital. I tell my story and talk about the support groups and classes National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers. The patients hear there is life after a mental illness diagnosis.

Anne* had been a patient about a month ago. She kept our brochure and contacted us, which is a positive difference from my own past experience. When I was on the Behavioral Health Unit ten years ago, no one told me about NAMI. Seven tough years went by before I heard that NAMI could help. When we started the NAMI affiliate in Brown County, I was determined I would do for mental illness patients what no one had done for me. As we say in NAMI, “If I can make a difference in one person’s life, it is worth it.”

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The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

November 27, 2018 / Alex Hanna  / 
mental health outdoors

A cloudy weekend invites you to stay indoors, wrapped in your favorite flannel pajamas. While it might be comforting to wallow in bed and binge-watch your favorite soap opera from 10 years ago, there is a better way. Face it, we are all a bit lazy on the weekends, falling back into old and comfortable habits.

Break out of those old habits and face the sun. Scientists are finding that spending time outdoors can give your mental health a well-deserved boost. You’ll surprise yourself with the fun you’ll have. So, dress well, pull on your boots, and see if you don’t find these benefits within just a few hours.

There are places in every corner of the world that offer splendid scenery, great exercise opportunities, and fun for people of all ages. Don’t worry if you can’t climb a rock face or bike for 26 miles; there’s activity for persons with any ability. There are many benefits for persons from five to ninety-five.

Five Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

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