Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington
COVID and Domestic Violence

COVID and Domestic Violence

  Domestic or intimate partner violence happens globally in the best of times. The World Health Organization has warned that COVID-19 creates a situation—due to stress, the disruption of social and protective networks, and decreased access to services—that increases the risk of violence in the home. Are you worried about your neighbor, yourself, or your … Read More

Managing Mental Health During Civil Unrest

Managing Mental Health During Civil Unrest

The unrest playing out in cities across America has affected the mental well-being of everyone in the country. At a time when Americans are already suffering under the emotional toll of COVID-19, these pressures threaten to undermine the sense of stability of so many Americans. BHS believes that all forms of racism and racial discrimination … Read More

Just Take a Breath: Breathing Exercise

Just Take a Breath: Breathing Exercise

During moments of stress, like the current COVID-19 pandemic, your thoughts may be drawn toward past regrets and worries about the future. Thankfully, you possess a readily accessible tool that can be used to manage stress—your breath. Breath practices are a great way to become more in touch with your mind, body and spirit. During … Read More

Mental Health: What's Normal, What's Not

Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Many people who have mental health conditions consider their signs and symptoms a normal part of life or avoid treatment out of shame or fear. If you’re concerned about your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek advice. With appropriate support, you can identify mental health conditions and explore treatment options, such as medications or counseling. … Read More

Mental Health Month: Past Stigma and Toward Wellbeing

Mental Health Month: Past Stigma and Toward Wellbeing

As we celebrate May as National Mental Health Month, our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to stop the stigma associated with mental health. With growing statistics of stress, anxiety, depression and decreased evidence of successful work/life balance, people in the United States struggle to stay on top of … Read More

Returning to Work During COVID-19

Returning to Work During COVID-19

In response to the current coronavirus crisis, most state and local governments required the closures of non-essential businesses and schools, and prohibited large gatherings to encourage social distancing. Most states also declared  mandatory stay-at-home orders for all but non-essential workers. These measures were taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus; however, this action may have … Read More

Managing Employee Return-to-Work During COVID-19

Managing Employee Return-to-Work During COVID-19

For managers, the COVID-19 pandemic is a new kind of crisis that no one has dealt with before. The crisis will pass at some point, but the reality is that many businesses will struggle to return-to-work amidst the pandemic. Open and clear lines of communication will be critical to the rebuild. Here are some recommendations … Read More

How to Talk to Children About COVID-19

How to Talk to Children About COVID-19

Currently, reports of COVID-19 are constant in the media. The impacts of the current situation have led to school and child care provider closures, quarantines and bare shelves in grocery stores. For children, this can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. Below are some suggestions on how to support and talk to your children about … Read More

Cancelled by COVID-19: Managing Disappointment

Cancelled by COVID-19: Managing Disappointment

In addition to fear and anxiety, COVID-19 is causing many to struggle with feelings of disappointment. Whether it is a cancelled celebration or a postponed vacation, disappointment emerges out of an unexpected sense of loss. If not managed in a healthy way, disappointment can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. Below are steps to … Read More

How to Reduce Your Coronavirus-Related Financial Stress

How to Reduce Your Coronavirus-Related Financial Stress

The coronavirus will have long-lasting financial implications on millions of Americans. It’s hard to tell exactly what the future will look like, but it’s safe to say this is going to be our new normal for a while. By adjusting our finances, we can eliminate or prevent hardships. Start an Emergency Budget. Keeping a budget … Read More