Hillside Blog
“Pain in life is inevitable; suffering is optional.” Things often differ from how we think they should be or how we want them to be. The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. Increased commitments, holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and traveling to visit relatives can all grate…
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Take a moment to think about the last time you reflected on something positive. Has it been a while? For many people, it can feel easier to focus on things that go wrong. Journaling for gratitude helps bring awareness to the things and people we are thankful for. It provides…
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We have made significant strides from the ancient times of mental illness deemed a cause for incarceration and the mid 1700s asylum era of overcrowded, poorly kept institutions. There is however, still ample room for improvement and increased access to community-based care for individuals struggling with mental health. Nobody questions…
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Perfectionism is a trap that we unwittingly set for ourselves. So, when does perfectionism become maladaptive? Ascribing to themes associated with inferiority, unworthiness, failure and guilt constitute maladaptive perfectionism. It masks overcompensating. Maladaptive perfectionism can be described as a trait involving extremely high-performance standards and an obsessive concern over making…
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With the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, many myths have developed that often prevent people from seeking the treatment or help they need. Debunking these myths can help reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and make seeking help and addressing mental health challenges easier. If you or someone you know…
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Members of the LGBTQ community are at a higher risk of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Studies show LGBTQ individuals are up to three times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual individuals, with factors like discrimination, family rejection and lack of support and resources contributing to these rates. Promoting…
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Supporting someone who is struggling is no easy task. Both being mindful of what they need and how to best communicate with them are critical to this process. Our natural inclination when someone close to us (whether it be a friend, close loved one, or your own adolescent) expresses an…
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Suicide is complex, and people with specific backgrounds and identities are at higher risk. Specifically, minority communities face disproportionate factors linked to suicide, like substance use, health disparities, physical or mental health problems and financial concerns. Additionally, anyone who has experienced violence, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like physical abuse,…
Read More >“If I had learned about my mental health earlier on—been taught about my condition in school the way I was taught about other subjects — my journey could have looked very different.” -Selena Gomez Singer and Songwriter, Selena Gomez, bravely shares her struggle with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder throughout…
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Everyone’s heard that it takes a tribe–what does it mean to have a tribe in today’s society? Families and children having natural supports have shown lots of benefits to mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that having a community can decrease loneliness, increase positive emotions, reduce stress, provide a sense…
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