May is “National Mental Health Month” (#NationalMentalHealthMonth,) a month dedicated to fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public, and advocating for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. It also draws attention to suicide, which can be precipitated by some mental illness.
March is “National Nutrition Month,” so we at LIFT have asked our resident dietician and certified eating disorder nutritionist to contribute her expertise. Below, she weighs in on the HAES (Health At Every Size) movement.
First of all, the current health risk assessment for the general American public who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at present time (03/02/2020), is considered low. As more cases of COVID-19 may be identified in the coming days in the US, it is likely that more person-to-person spread will begin to occur, which includes the possible widespread transmission of COVID-19.
The week of February 24 to March 1 marks National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) week.
The 2020 theme for #NEDAwareness is “Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20.” This year’s theme is meant to convey that everyone’s story — no matter their identity or where they are on their journey to self-acceptance — is valid and worthy of representation. NEDA hopes that this theme will encourage people to reflect on any positive steps (regardless of how small) they have taken toward accepting themselves.
At dinner this week, our son shared the noodle necklace he created in preschool as a Valentines’ project. “What a beautiful necklace!” our daughter exclaimed, “thank you for making it for me!” “Actually,” our son responded, “it’s for myself!” Daughter looked incredulous. “But if you don’t get ME anything for Valentine’s Day, that means you don’t love me!”
As a registered dietitian and a certified eating disorder specialist, I have encountered an expansive array of client demographics and backgrounds, and have also have worked closely with those struggling with mental health issues.
In our practice, inquiries for couples counseling and separation mediation nearly quadruples during this first month of the year. Let’s face it, the dissolution of a marriage is always an upsetting event, marked by disappointment and loss of dreams and expectations.
A new year offers the promise of a fresh start to all, hence the ever-popular practice of setting “New Year’s resolutions.” 2019 is available for download as a fresh and ready set of data on YOU.
The therapy office can be the loneliest and alternately the most companionable place in the world. Such intimacy and secrets shared, then silence. They stick to me like ectoplasm.
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