Category: Mental Health

""

Caring for yourself through the stressful holiday season

BY ELLIE MCDONALD MSW, SUDPT Ellie McDonald is a Behavioral Health Therapist at Skamania County Community Health For many, the holiday season can lead to increased stress. Some people experience stress due to the financial burden of buying gifts, traveling, or hosting gatherings. Others may struggle with managing their time with preparations, traveling, or multiple parties. There are many who feel intensified loneliness and grief due to loss of loved ones. You are not alone if you are struggling. As we move into the holiday season, here are some suggestions. Set Realistic Expectations The depiction of the perfect holiday gathering […]

""

Substance Use: You are not alone

Confidential and effective substance use treatment is available in Skamania County by Ellie McDonald, MSW, SUDPT  There are many misconceptions around the risks associated with substance use. Substance use has been normalized within our society.  Smoking, drinking, and other drug use is often glamorized in movies, television shows, and music. In many cases, substance use is also commonplace among our friends and family. It is important to recognize that substance use does pose risk to your health, wellness, and safety. Experimenting with substances may be viewed as normal but puts you at much higher risk for addiction. Substances that are […]

""

Developing healthy coping skills

by Maraiah Wenn Esslinger, LMHC, SUDP Have you ever been upset, stressed, tired, or nervous? How did you manage or deal with those feelings? Did you take a break? Did you go for a walk? Did you pet your dog or cat? If you did one of those things, that is called a coping skill. A coping skill is a behavior to help us feel better. In fact, petting an animal, taking a walk, or laughing with friends are all considered healthy coping skills because the act of doing those activities helps your body and your brain release chemicals (neurotransmitters) […]