Press

In the Information Age, our computers, smartphones, and other devices keep us constantly connected to the internet, making our lives easier and more efficient. Yet, this access can be overwhelming, especially with the nonstop flow of news and social media. The news is rarely positive, and with increasing coverage of global events, it can sometimes feel like the world is falling apart. Whether you’re grappling with the lingering impact of the pandemic, disturbed by reports of gun violence in schools, or feeling pressured by election-year coverage, the nonstop stream of information can take a toll on mental health. It may feel like you have to choose between staying informed and maintaining your well-being.

So, how can you manage when it all feels like too much?

Many of us remember our school days fondly as a time before the pressures of adult responsibilities and obligations. We may even think of them as some of our happiest times and most formative memories. Because of that, it may be frustrating to see your child struggling with the return to school. Whether they’re overwhelmed by the rigors of the classroom and hours of homework, navigating the perils of adolescent friendships and social media, generally frustrated with “stupid” classes and “boring” teachers, or genuinely worried about the seemingly endless school shootings and threats of violence against schools, it’s clear many kids aren’t living the carefree life we may recall.

Our disconnection from our bodies can be traced back for generations in our families to now, as we are in a society filled with body shaming. Many of us have experienced a friend or family member innocently say: “Wow! You look great, you lost weight!” Comments like this linger in our heads and can add to our anxiety around the subject. Our daily routines and the stress that comes with them can disconnect us from our bodies as well. Unfortunately, we have learned not to trust our bodies and even treat them with hurtful and shameful energy. Your body is you, as your mind is, and it is the vehicle that does so many things for you. It is reading this article, for example, and it has carried you throughout your life.

Retirement is supposed to be fun. We look forward to these “golden years” for much of our adult lives: planning the hobbies we’ll take up, the traveling we’ll do, the company we’ll keep. And yet for some of us, this isn’t what we pictured. Our bodies hurt, our minds are scattered, and our plates are still full, but not with the soul-nourishing things we’d hoped. Our reality just isn’t living up to our expectations and we’re feeling low.

The standard greeting, “How are you today?” is mostly answered with “fine, thank you.” Are we really fine? Many of us smile through our day, pretending to be “fine”. What is the cost of doing that, day after day? Too often, the price we pay for pushing through our busy life is lack of sleep, poor eating habits, sedentary behaviors, overuse of substances and technology to escape, and all too often, symptoms of anxiety and depression. Walking through our lives feeling stressed, tired, and in survival mode is not the best way to enjoy our lives and can result in persistent sense of not feeling well.

Thousands of visitors filled the grounds of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority on Sunday morning and afternoon to have some fun, learn about the enviorment and celebrate Earth Day.

Dr Deborah Brown, a founder of Brownstone Wellness, is working hard to break the stigma around mental illness. Her new wellness center is located at 331 Tilton Road in Northfield. A grand opening was held Friday

Mental health counselors are on the front lines, as we are seeing the stress and challenges that many are facing today. With the changes in our world post-pandemic, escalating rates of addiction, increasing financial concerns, the influence of social media and technology in our family relationships, and workplace stressors; there is certainly much to be overwhelmed by in 2023. 

“Happy Holidays!” We hear this throughout December, yet some of us are decidedly not happy and downright more stressed than ever. Some of us are just getting by all year long. Add in the demands of the holidays, and our mental health can be at risk more than ever. The month of December can be fraught with pitfalls and stressors that can have a significant impact on our mental health well into the new year.