Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington

Dealing with Depression

Depression is a medical disorder with a biological or chemical basis that affects thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and physical health. Depression may occur with no identifiable cause or be triggered by a life event. Depression affects more than 18 million Americans of all ages and races and may occur only once or may be a … Read More

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Here are some facts from the PTSD Journal:  PTSD is our body’s reaction to a traumatic event. Symptoms are both physical and psychological. Symptoms may include: nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or … Read More

Mental Health Month Resources

Mental Health Month Resources

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has designated the month of May as Mental Health Month. This is a time set aside to recognize the importance of self-care practices aimed at our mental health. It is also a time when we promote the importance of eliminating the stigma associated with seeking care for our … Read More

Embrace Your Mental Health

Embrace Your Mental Health

When we think of the concept of well-being, we often think of our physical health. It’s easy to count the number of steps we take each day and set a goal to add a few more. Mental health is a little more elusive. Having poor mental health does not have to equate to having a … Read More

Cheerful mid adult Hispanic female volunteer accepts a canned food donation during community food drive. She is wearing a gray volunteer t-shirt. Her friends are volunteering in the background.

April is Volunteer Awareness Month

One of the things that makes our country great is the fact that so many people support one another through volunteering to make a difference in their communities. Volunteerism has grown into a national value and helps to improve our communities through providing support for much needed services and causes. This national value seems to … Read More

Dreaming Big and Setting Goals

Dreaming Big and Setting Goals

As the daffodils begin poking through the soil, we are reminded that Spring is around the corner. The changing of the seasons is nature’s subtle reminder that change can be a good thing and that time moves on without our consent. As we prepare for the next season, it is a great time to consider … Read More

Coping After Traumatic Events

Coping After Traumatic Events

After hearing about a traumatic event, such as the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, it is normal to have a flood of emotions. It is important to understand the reactions you and others may experience in the following days and weeks, and learn how to effectively cope with them. Emotional Reactions After a Traumatic Event … Read More

February - Heart Health Month

February – Heart Health Month

Not only is February the season for heart-shaped candy boxes, candy hearts with “Be Mine” or “Text Me” on them, and Valentine’s Day cards abounding with hearts, but it is also Heart Health Month! Why Heart Health Month? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It … Read More

Eating Disorder Awareness Month

Eating Disorder Awareness Month

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder are serious, life threatening conditions that affect the lives of millions of Americans and their families each year. Eating disorders are not limited by age, gender or socio-economic status. February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month. Below are some resources that you might find helpful if … Read More

Embrace Life

Embrace Life

No one likes to feel out of control. It is in those times when we feel that we are just going with the flow and passively riding along on life’s journey that we feel down. With the new year comes a challenge to choose to be more in control of your own journey in life. … Read More