For some reason, when we hear the term self-care a lot of us think "bubble bath". While on the one hand, don't knock it til ya try it, it's obviously about more than that and it’s not always so luxurious. Self-care is really about building strength and resilience to navigate whatever life throws our way. It goes deeper than simply "treating yourself."

Research shows that the brain and body are constantly communicating. When you experience stress, your nervous system shifts into a state of “fight or flight”—your body’s natural survival mode. While this is useful in short bursts, staying in this state for too long can wear you down. Chronic stress can lead to physical problems like headaches or back pain, and emotional issues such as anxiety or burnout (Siegel, 2020).

One of the main issues we work with at Resilience Rising is anxiety. Through our experience and research evidence, we’ve seen that anxiety in men manifests in vastly different ways. We know of the societal expectations that keep men from addressing their emotional experiences, but the physiological and psychological underpinnings of anxiety in men can be unique.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall often brings with it a sense of renewal. For many of us, it feels like a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Whether you're adjusting to recent life changes or finding it hard to manage your mood as the days grow shorter, fall can be an ideal time to focus on your mental well-being. Here’s why.

Your professional life is demanding. The responsibilities are high and the pressure to perform can be intense. When work stress spills over into your home life, it can create challenges that are just as tough to navigate, often more so. Balancing your identity as a professional with your role as a partner or parent isn’t always easy, and the impact can be felt in both areas.

Starting your own therapy practice can be an immensely rewarding endeavor, offering autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to build something uniquely tailored to your vision and approach to therapy. However, this path is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the amount of time spent on non-clinical activities, which can significantly detract from the time available for seeing clients.

In recent years, student athletes have increasingly turned to mental health care as a crucial component of their overall well-being and performance. This shift reflects a broader cultural change that acknowledges the importance of mental health alongside physical health.

Resilience Rising recognizes there has long been a stigma surrounding men seeking therapy. This reluctance can be attributed to various cultural and societal factors, including traditional expectations of masculinity that discourages vulnerability. Traditional gender roles often discourage men from sharing their feelings, which can lead to emotional suppression. Let’s also face the fact the therapist community is primarily made up of women.

31 days for Awareness - The rest for Action

As we come out of Mental Health Awareness Month, we reflect on the attention our society pays to mental health issues and the importance of mental wellness. While this month plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and reducing stigma, we also recognize that thirty-one days are not enough to address the profound issues surrounding mental health and mental healthcare.