Health Matters 4/23: Pandemic Stress Leading People to Turn to Alcohol
By Nicole Orro, LPC, LCADC
Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have increased as more people have turned to alcohol to cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the virus, according to recent surveys.
And while with rising vaccination rates there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, feelings of stress and anxiety will likely linger for some time even after life returns to a post-pandemic normal.
This could mean that people will continue to view alcohol as a means to cope.
Drinking, however, is not a healthy coping mechanism. Using alcohol to deal with stress could ultimately lead to dependence, harm your health, and have a significant impact on many aspects of your life.
Health Matters 3/12: Granting Yourself Permission to Be Less Than Perfect
Feeling less than perfect these days?
You’re not alone.
Despite what the banana bread photos on social media might suggest, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for just about everybody.
Letting go of perfectionism, however, can help ease the stress and strain, not only now, but also in a post-pandemic life.
If you feel pressure to be perfect all the time and are struggling to cope, therapy may help.
Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health offers evidence-based treatment programs for children, adolescents and adults. These programs help address behavioral health issues, develop coping skills, and regain quality of life through intensive, multi-week outpatient programs. Inpatient treatment is also available for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Princeton Health Community Wellness: Virtual Classes in March
Click on the weekday above to register. This is now a monthly series.
This slow-paced class includes breathwork, stretching, and seated postures which will help to improve flexibility and reduce stress. A gentle flow, balancing, and a cool down are also incorporated into the class. This is ideal for those new to yoga and those who desire a relaxed practice of yoga.
Click on the weekday above to register. This is now a monthly series.
This gentle form of yoga incorporates standard yoga poses while sitting on or standing next to a chair. This class is an adaptation of a standard yoga class and will improve flexibility, concentration, and strength while reducing stress and joint strain.
HEALTH MATTERS 1/15: Telehealth Helps Individuals with Mental Health Disorders Stay Connected
By Jody Kashden, Ph.D.
For people living with mental health disorders, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges. Not only has the pandemic exacerbated feelings of fear and anxiety, but it also has disrupted how individuals connect with each other, including with their therapist.
Maintaining a human connection, however, is critical to maintaining your mental health and key to treating disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. At Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, the transition to telehealth during the pandemic has enabled patients to connect virtually, ensuring they continue to have access to the programs, care, and human interaction they need.
Health Matters 12/11: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma
By Peter Maclearie, MSW, LCSW
Psychological trauma – emotional damage that occurs as a result of a distressing event or series of events – can be caused by many things, from a sudden, unexpected incident such as the loss of a loved one, to long-term exposure to abuse.
And while in some cases the origin of trauma may be obvious, in other instances it may stem from a concept called intergenerational trauma trauma that is passed down within family generations.
No matter the source, trauma can affect your ability to cope with stressful situations and increases the risk for behavioral health disorders such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.