Because You Matter
A spotlight on anxiety, stress, unwanted behaviors - and tools that can help you feel better.
Get health news, tips and trends to fit your lifestyle.
The Newest Mental Health Blogs
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Election Stress Wearing You Out? 10 Tips to Help You Keep Calm and Carry On
Mental HealthElection-related stress is real and can lead to conflicts with friends and family, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like sleep loss and shortened tempers. Hear from an expert on how best to handle this stressful season.
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Understanding and Combating Bullying: What You Should Know
Mental HealthBullying can harm our mental health, and its consequences can be long-lasting. Research shows childhood bullying can lead to mental health issues. So, it’s important to talk to kids to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.
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Secondary Trauma: Understanding a Hurricane's Hidden Impact
Mental HealthHurricanes cause Southwest Florida to recover in more ways than one. The physical devastation wrought by storms include deadly flooding and widespread power outages. But the mental hangover and trauma often lingers, too.
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Overcoming Challenges: Understanding Depression and Suicide Prevention
Mental HealthSeptember is National Suicide Awareness Month. Learn more about what to look for and how to help yourself or someone else.
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From Addiction to Advocacy: A Journey of Recovery and Service
Mental HealthA descent into addiction can be tragic. But recovery is possible with the right tools and support. Read more about one local man who turned it around and found a desire to give back.
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Your Brain Matters: Brain Health for Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
Mental HealthWhile advancing age is the greatest known risk factor, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. Hear from our resident expert about brain health and how adopting healthier lifestyle habits can improve quality of life.
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Men's Health Awareness: Preventive Screenings You Need
Mental HealthMen: Don't be one of the statistics. Take charge of your health by getting the following recommended preventive screenings:
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Month Spotlights Mental Health, Women's Health and Much More
Mental HealthWe spotlight some of the main health observances for May in this easy roundup: Mental health, women's health, skin cancer, asthma, arthritis, stroke and more. Learn more and get resources you need.
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What to Know About College Students & Mental Health Struggles
Mental HealthMany students are struggling under the weight of numerous pressures and identify mental health challenges as their number one health concern.
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How to handle stress, eat healthy, and stay safe this holiday season
Mental HealthRemember to celebrate yourself this holiday season to avoid being overwhelmed. Some healthy recipes and safety tips can help, too.
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Hurricane Ian: How to Cope with ‘Anniversary Reaction’
Mental HealthFor many members of our communities, the anniversary of Hurricane Ian may lead to what mental health experts call “anniversary reactions,” which are memories of trauma about the danger of an event.
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Hurricane Anxiety: Strategies for Coping This Storm Season
Mental HealthA Lee Health expert shares some strategies for reducing your anxiety while also protecting your family during hurricane season.
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Stress, Trauma and PTSD: What You Need to Know
Mental HealthIn recognition of Mental Health Month, a Lee Health expert shares some insight about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how it may prevent you from living your best life without treatment.
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Mental Fitness: Just as Important as Exercise
Mental HealthHurricane Ian and other challenges made 2022 a stressful year. Here are some tips and reminders about your mental health fitness in the new year.
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Hurricane Ian: A Personal Story from Pine Island
Mental HealthDr. Karen Calkins, a Pine Islander, describes community spirit in wake of Hurricane Ian.
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Why You Should See an Acupuncturist if You're Stressed
Mental HealthAcupuncture is a safe, proven, and effective way to reduce stress.
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6 Ways (+ 2 Puzzles) to Boost Your Brain, Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer's
Mental HealthTrain your brain with these tips and puzzles.
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'A National Crisis': Tackling Adolescent Mental Health
Mental HealthLee Health experts weigh in on what is being called a mental health crisis for children. Here's what you should look for and what you can do.
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Conference Advances LGBTQIA+ Health and Wellness
Mental HealthHealthy Lee Behavioral Health Coalition conference trains healthcare professionals to care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Are We Our Brother’s Keeper, Or Not?
Mental HealthWhat do owe one another as Americans, as human beings, in these difficult times?
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It's NOT Just Normal Aging: What You Need to Know About Brain Health
Mental HealthHonor Brain Awareness Week by learning about dementia, Alzheimer's, and more -- and get some great tips on maintaining brain health.
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Suicide Prevention: 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain
Mental HealthSuicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 34. Here's what you need to know.
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Mental Health Conference Celebrates Our Frontline Workers
Mental Health“Mental Health on the Frontlines” recognizes and celebrates our frontline workers as well as explores ways our community can ease the mental and behavioral health challenges facing frontline workers.
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Pressures and Dangers of Social Media: A Personal Story
Mental HealthSocial media can connect us, but it also presents hazards that can harm your self-image. A social media coordinator has some tips for helping you manage expectations, log off and reconnect.
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Are You Addicted to Social Media?
Mental HealthSocial media is a part of our lives nowadays, but is there a chance of going too far? Our resident expert explains the perils of social media addiction.
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The (Mental) Health Benefits of Traveling
Mental HealthThere’s ample research to support that positive travel experiences can make you healthier, can strengthen relationships, and benefit your overall wellness.
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Should You Get Screened for Depression?
Mental HealthDepression drains us of our energy, optimism, and motivation to cope with life. Depression screenings are often the first step for individuals with depression in getting help.
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How Can You Stay Resilient in These Tough Times?
Mental HealthWe all have the potential for new growth in our lives. Staying resilient is the key, even in periods of never-ending stress.
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Simone Biles and Pressure: Talking About Mental Health
Mental HealthA Lee Health psychiatrist shares his insights into mental health and pressure in the wake of gymnast Simone Biles' Olympic journey.
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Feeling the Loss of Your Father? How to Cope on Father’s Day
Mental HealthAre you struggling or coping with loss on Father's Day? Here are some tips from a mental health expert.
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Taking Some Time: Naomi Osaka, Mental Health, and You
Mental HealthNaomi Osaka's public admission of mental health issues has helped spark conversation around the issue -- and helped to further break the stigma.
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6 Tips to Handle Stress If You’re Part of the ‘Sandwich Generation’
Mental HealthAre you caught in the middle of caring for children as well as aging parents? A Behavioral Health expert has some tips to help.
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Invisible Wounds: Helping Veterans Regain Their Lives
Mental HealthLee Heath and Home Base join forces to help veterans and military families.
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Take Care of Yourself: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental HealthThe COVID crisis has shined a light on many things including our mental health. Here are a few things to remember as our community battles mental health together.
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Coping with COVID-19: Alcohol Isn't the Answer
Mental HealthWe're all coping with COVID-19 in our own ways. One Lee Health experts warns to avoid excessive use of alcohol during these tough times and provides alternatives to help you feel better.
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CES Technology for Depression and Anxiety: Is it Right For You?
Mental HealthBreakthrough technology now available at Lee Health can help patients battle depression and anxiety.
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Holiday Tips: Manage Your Stress and Feel More Joy
Mental HealthThis holiday season will challenge our emotional well-being. Do what's best for you and your loved ones -- and don't feel bad about having to stay home.
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How to Help Seniors Handle the Holiday Blues
Mental HealthHolidays are for making new memories and fondly remembering others. But some seniors feel intense feelings of loneliness and isolation this time of year. One of our experts discusses how seniors vulnerable to depression can cope during the holidays.
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How Does a Depression Screening Work?
Mental HealthDepression screenings are just like other types of screenings. Once you identify certain kinds of symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for a mental health exam.
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Maintaining Mental Health After a Crisis: Part 2 of Our Expert Q&A
Mental HealthStress is a daily part of our lives, but ongoing, chronic stress can severely affect your quality of life. Two psychologists with Lee Physician Group offer some expert advice.
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How Do You Maintain Mental Health During a Crisis? An Expert Q & A
Mental HealthThe stress of a pandemic is real. So Lee Health psychologists answer some questions about how you and your family can cope with the fear of the unknown—now, and in the future.
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Be My Valentine? How to Keep Love Alive
Mental HealthWhat is the science of love? And how can couples make that feeling last? A Behavioral Health expert weighs in.
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How to Help an Alcoholic
Mental HealthLearn more about steps you can take to help someone with a drinking problem
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5 Brain Boosters to Flex Your Mental Muscle
Mental HealthYou can train your brain to remember just as well as you can train for body for a marathon. Steady stimulation will keep you sharp - both mentally and physically.
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Food, families, and stress: How to Handle Holiday Anxiety
Mental HealthYou're going to get stressed during the holidays, and that's OK. Find our some quick ways to tamp down the anxiety.
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Living With Anxiety? Learn to Step out and Lean In
Mental HealthTry these two simple steps to deal with anxiety
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Mental Health Disorders are All Around Us. So How Do We Start Talking about Them?
Mental HealthAnxiety, depression, panic, and other disorders affect 70 percent of Americans. But why are we so afraid of talking about mental health? And how do you even begin the conversation?
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Why Do We Feel Bad About Feeling Bad?
Mental HealthFear and shame are powerful, but compassion can light the way to better mental health. Learn more from our medical director of Behavioral Health.
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Five Important Things to Know About Drug Addiction
Mental HealthThe opioid scourge continues on a national level. But we can all join the fight by learning these basics about addiction and available treatment.
