Category: Mental Health Matters

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence, challenging the stigma and promoting mental wellness for all. It’s an opportunity to open a conversation about how mental health affects...

Trauma often lies in the body and nervous system, not just in the mind. For many people, especially those who struggle to put painful experiences into words, traditional talk therapy might not feel like enough. That’s where...

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of child abuse and neglect while recommitting ourselves as a community to protect the most vulnerable among us,...

BY CHRISTINA MARTINEZ, LCSWContributing Writer Mental health remains a taboo subject in many Latino communities, where seeking therapy is often viewed as a sign of weakness or something only for people with “serious” problems....

March is Social Work Appreciation Month. A time to recognize the dedication, compassion and hard work of social workers who tirelessly serve individuals and families in need. These professionals play a critical role in our...

With the recent passing of President Jimmy Carter, many individuals mentioned the importance of living a life of service. President Carter’s commitment to helping others was admirable and a testament to his character. With this...

As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us seize the opportunity to reflect, reset and set goals for the months ahead. While resolutions often focus on physical health, career aspirations or personal achievements, it is...

BY REGINA BATTLE, LMFTContributing Writer While most people are looking during the holidays to connect with family and friends, others are bracing themselves for the waves of sadness that grieving a loved one during the holidays...

On Dec. 1, Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services will launch a new pathway to deliver mental health and substance use disorder services to the most severely impaired Californians who too often suffer from...

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time for joy, celebration and togetherness. However, for many, it can also be a time of increased stress, loneliness and emotional strain. To enjoy this season, it is important to keep...

During this time of year, many people look forward to watching scary movies or going to Halloween attractions to be scared by others. What some may not realize is that fear serves the purpose of keeping us safe. Fear is an...

People often use these labels interchangeably, but the reality is that these are two distinct conditions. Neither psychopathy nor sociopathy is a true mental health diagnosis. In the world of psychiatry, both fall under the...