The Opening Of Asylums Up until the 1700s, there was no set system in place to care for people with mental illness. Many were executed, put in prison, or left homeless. However, after the rapid population growth in the 1750s, the number of people with mental illnesses increased and more facilities to treat them were needed. In 1751, Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin founded Pennsylvania Hospital. In 1753, the hospital opened and 6 patients were admitted, making them the first to ever be treated for mental illness. While care facilities slowly began to open for more patients, people with me ..read more

The holidays are commonly known as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” For many, the holiday season means getting together with family, carrying out traditions, and a time to relax and enjoy the season of giving, but not everyone shares this same feeling of happiness. During this time of year, some people struggle with holiday depression and feel pressured to enjoy the holiday season regardless of their actual feelings. PSYCOM reports, “According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people report being affected by holiday depression, and it’s most often triggered by financial ..read more

What is Mental Health Awareness Month? Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every year during the month of May. It was originally established in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization in hopes of educating the public about mental health, decreasing mental illness stigma, increasing awareness around treatments and research, and to celebrate mental health as well as recovery from mental illnesses. Why Is This Month So Important? Whether someone is being personally impacted by mental illness or a mental health issue, Mental Health Awareness Month allows people to acknowledge the ways ..read more

For generations men have been taught that a strong man is independent, doesn’t ask for help and can keep his emotions to himself. This perception has stigmatized the very real and natural feelings men are bound to experience. Stigma often refers to societal standards that prevent people from speaking out. However, stigma can be further broken down into four parts: professional, social, self and cultural stigma. These stigmas collectively force men to suffer in silence. Professional Stigma Professional stigma is when mental health professionals transfer and reinforce stigmatization on their cli ..read more

Preparing for Mind Out Loud As Spring rolls around, Wellness Together is once again hosting its annual Mind Out Loud Event. In partnership with the California Department of Education and the San Diego County Office of Education, Wellness Together has put on this annual event to increase mental health awareness, education, and advocacy for youth. The virtual event will feature guest speakers and student-led breakouts to share stories and decrease stigma around mental health.  What is Wellness Together? Wellness Together is a national nonprofit organization that is focused on delivering eff ..read more

What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder, commonly referred to as Seasonal depression or SAD is a form of depression that is associated with changes in seasons. Seasonal depression usually comes and goes at about the same time every year. For most, symptoms such as mood changes and feeling generally “down”, can arise and begin to really affect the way a person functions. SAD tends to start in late fall or early winter and can last for four to five months. SAD affects about 5% of Americans and is known to start in young adults and is most common in women. Although it's u ..read more