You’re Safe, It’s Just Change: Life Adjustments, Mental Health, and Coping Strategies During the Holidays
The holiday season is finally here, activating a range of emotions whether it be excitement, distress, or a little bit of both. If you thought the normal, day-to-day responsibilities were challenging, expect the holidays to add pressure. Gathering with loved ones, participating in traditions, gift giving, making nostalgic recipes, vacationing, and all the magic that the holidays bring does not happen on its own. Hosting dinners, budgeting, grocery runs, purchasing tickets to events, decorating, and taking time off work are just a few of the items on the holiday to-do list.
Healing on Hold: Mental Health Professionals Deficit in Southwest Florida
The National Institute of Mental Health reported that 59.3 million adults in the U.S. have any mental illness, or AMI, as of 2022 (U.S., 2024). The severity of these mental illnesses varies and includes any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that over 3.5 million adults in Florida have a mental health condition as of March of 2025 (Mental, 2025). Forbes Advisor ranked Florida fourth in the top ten worst states for mental health care in 2024 (Norman, 2024). Naples Daily News stated that this ranking was based on each state’s percentage of adults with mental disorders who did not receive care, percentage of those adults who could not afford care or who were uninsured, and the number of mental health centers per 10,000 business. It is estimated that 1.6 million Florida residents are living with an untreated mental illness.
Surviving After the Storm: Do You Have Symptoms of Trauma?
The devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian has deeply affected communities across South West Florida, including Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers, and Collier County. Beyond the visible destruction of homes […]