Mental health matters. Wellness matters. Wellness first. Karen Gallagher is a licensed Master of Social Work and has been in practice for over 35 years. Karen owns a group mental health private practice, called the Wellness Institute of MI with two locations, one in Okemos and one in Jackson. Karen’s clinical group has 33 clinicians and a team of professional employees who operate the practice with her. Karen is also a member of the WLNS crew and represents the “Peace of Mind”. Karen believes that stress and personal challenges affect everyone at some point in their lives. The mission of the W ..read more

For decades, Karen Gallagher has worked to provide support and counseling to people struggling with their mental health here in mid-Michigan. It’s work that she says is needed now more than ever. “We have seen a definite increase in the numbers,” said President of the Wellness Institute of Michigan, Karen Gallagher. But as the number of people asking for help is rising, she says the stigma around mental health is fading. “More folks are reaching out with less strife about that and less concerns about what other people might think about it,” said Gallagher. Whether it’s help after a divorce or ..read more

source link: https://www.wnem.com/2023/05/02/loneliness-described-latest-public-health-epidemic/ MID-MICHIGAN (WNEM) – Loneliness is the latest public health epidemic, and one local expert spoke about potential causes. About half of adults in the U.S. say they’ve experienced loneliness according to a report by the Surgeon General. “I think May is sort of a reset with our mental health, to take care of our mental health just like we do for our physical health,” said Barb Smith, the Executive Director of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network. May is Mental Health Awareness Mo ..read more

Let’s talk about mental health. The phenomenon of traditional mental health is very common.  Approximately, 40 million people experience anxiety and depression affects 1 in 5 adults in the United States. There are many other mental health concerns as well, such as OCD, addictions, and trauma. These mental health problems do not cause violence specifically. Those with mental health concerns do not need to feel ashamed as they are not alone.  A person who commits an act of violence such as mass shootings, bombings or arson may not necessarily have a severe mental health condition such ..read more

Hello everyone, I am writing to share my grief with you about our beautiful and wonderful MSU and East Lansing community. I am so sad about this situation.  The active shooting has frightened us all to the core.  At the Wellness Institute of MI we mourn with you.  We mourn for those that were directly involved,  for those that were physically injured and my deepest empathy and grief for the lives that were lost yesterday. My heart goes out to all of you…  How do we come back from this? How do I handle my feelings today?  First, there are no rules on how ..read more

Grief is a very personal thing. Some people may cry while others express anger at the situation. It’s important to accept grief as a natural part of the healing process, and to progress through the steps at your own pace. Many people experience the following stages during the grieving process; however, not everyone will go through every stage. Remember, if you need help you can always contact a Licensed Professional Counselor through your confidential Health Advocate EAP+Work/Life Program. Denial and Shock When impacted by a loss, the initial reaction might be denial. As the grieving person be ..read more

Disasters are often unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. In some cases, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there is nonetheless a serious emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery. What happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event? Shock and denial are typical responses to traumatic events and disast ..read more

Source of Article: National Association of School Psychologists High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a t ..read more

Holidays, a time when everyone around you is singing about how this is “the most wonderful time of the year” and when everything is supposed to be “merry and bright.” But what about those people who aren’t feeling merry and bright. What if you are struggling regarding how to keep your children entertained for vacation, or stressed about family getting together, or sad that traditions are changing because of a recent loss. Everyone has their own personal history with holidays. We fantasize about what the holidays should look like, maybe even creating unrealistic expectations. Sixty four percent ..read more

Every 40 seconds, someone dies from suicide. As we near the end of September, let’s make these last few days count and check in on our friends and family affected by suicide. As the colder days and the darker months set in, individuals may be struggling a bit more, and that is where each of you come in. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is an event that helps draw our Lansing community together. It represents a safe space for people with lived experience to gather and find comfort with one another, as well as enjoy activities, food ..read more