When was the last time you did something just for fun—no goal, no productivity, no judgment? For many of us, childhood was filled with activities that made us light up: running barefoot in the grass, building pillow forts, riding bikes until the streetlights came on. But as we grow up, those playful habits tend to…
In today’s fast-paced work environment, taking time for yourself during the day is more important than ever. While many of us associate self-care with long baths or weekend getaways, true self-care is often found in the small, intentional moments we create during everyday life—including right at our desks. Here are a few ways you can…
Every September, Suicide Prevention Month gives us a powerful opportunity to bring mental health into focus and remind our communities that no one has to face their pain alone. Suicide is a complex issue but with awareness, compassion and connection, we can all be part of the solution. Why Suicide Prevention Matters Suicide is one…
When we think about healthy relationships, we often focus on communication, trust, or compatibility. But there’s another crucial factor that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: emotional safety. Emotional safety is the foundation that allows us to show up fully and authentically in our relationships. Without it, even the strongest connection can feel uncertain, tense,…
Helping Kids Build Healthy Tech Boundaries at Home In today’s world, screens are everywhere—from tablets and phones to streaming and gaming. While technology can be fun and educational, many families struggle when screen time starts to affect mood, behavior, or connection at home. If setting limits often leads to arguments or emotional meltdowns, you’re not…
Establishing a daily routine is one of the most effective ways to promote mental health. Routines provide structure, reduce uncertainty and support both children and adults in managing emotions, improving behavior and creating stability during times of change. Why Routine Matters For Children and Teens: For Adults: Tips for Establishing a Routine Conclusion Daily routines…
Summer can be full of sunshine, adventure, and connection—but it can also bring sensory overload, social pressure, and disruptions to routine. Whether it’s a crowded event, a change in structure or simply feeling overstimulated by too much happening at once, overwhelming moments can sneak up on anyone—kids, teens and adults alike. Grounding techniques are simple,…
Summer often brings a break from school—but not from stress. For many teens, the summer months can be filled with intense social pressure. With more free time, frequent social events and constant exposure to social media, teens may feel overwhelmed by expectations, comparisons and unspoken social rules. Whether it’s about fitting in, looking a certain…
Summer is often painted as a season of fun, travel, and togetherness. Social media fills our screens with vacations, family barbecues and poolside smiles. But for many people, summer can feel unexpectedly lonely. When friends are out of town, routines shift and calendars get packed with events you’re not part of, it’s easy to feel…
Every child is unique, with their own set of strengths, abilities and talents. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize these individual qualities and help children embrace them to build their confidence and sense of self-worth. Summer is a wonderful time to focus on strength finding, as there’s more time to explore activities, spend…
For many men, the expectation to be “tough,” “stoic” or “strong” can feel like a badge of honor. But the truth is—real strength includes vulnerability. As we observe Men’s Health Week, it’s time to rewrite the narrative around masculinity and mental wellness. Men are less likely to reach out for help when they’re struggling with stress,…
Summer is often a time of joy—vacations, barbecues, and plenty of opportunities for family bonding. But more family time can sometimes lead to more stress, especially when everyone’s needs and expectations aren’t clearly defined. Setting healthy boundaries during the summer can help families enjoy their time together while also ensuring that everyone’s well-being is respected.…
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life, leaving little time for ourselves. However, wellness is the foundation of living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life. A wellness routine, which includes activities that support physical, emotional, and mental health, is crucial for maintaining that balance. Let’s dive…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of mental well-being and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health struggles. While it’s always essential to prioritize our mental health, this month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tools and resources available to us and share our stories.…
Life is full of transitions, and no matter how big or small, these shifts can bring about a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes stress. Whether you’re moving from one season to the next, transitioning into a new job, or preparing for a new stage in life like starting college or the arrival of summer…
Therapy is a valuable resource for mental health and personal growth, yet many misconceptions can prevent people from seeking the support they need. Let’s debunk some of the most common therapy myths and set the record straight. Myth #1: Therapy Is Only for People with Severe Mental Health Issues Reality: Therapy is beneficial for anyone, regardless…
Journaling is a powerful tool for processing emotions, gaining self-awareness, and managing stress. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming feelings or simply want to better understand yourself, writing can serve as an outlet for expression and reflection. Here’s how journaling can benefit your emotional well-being and some techniques to help you get started. Benefits of Journaling…
Spring is often associated with renewal, warmth and growth. However, for many, the shift in seasons can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Changes in daylight, temperature and routine can impact mental health, making it important to recognize these effects and implement strategies to stay balanced. How Seasonal Changes Affect Mental Health While spring brings longer days…
Self-harm is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects people of all ages andbackgrounds. Despite increasing awareness, many misconceptions still surround self-harmingbehaviors, making it difficult for individuals to seek help and for loved ones to providemeaningful support. In this blog, we’ll debunk some common myths about self-harm and explorethe facts.Common Myths About Self-HarmMyth #1:…
From Burnout to Balance: How to Recharge Your Energy This SpringAs the seasons change, so do our energy levels. Spring is a great time to assess whether burnouthas crept into our lives and take steps to restore balance. Burnout can manifest as exhaustion,irritability, and a lack of motivation. Recognizing these signs early allows us to…
Sleep is essential for overall well-being, yet it is often one of the first things sacrificed in ourbusy lives. As we recognize National Sleep Awareness Week, it’s important to highlight theconnection between sleep and mental health. Poor sleep can contribute to increased stress,anxiety, and depression, while quality rest supports emotional resilience, cognitive function, andoverall mood.…
Embracing Open Conversations About Mental Health in 2025Mental health conversations have come a long way, but stigma still prevents many individualsfrom seeking the support they need. In 2025, we have a unique opportunity to push for evengreater acceptance and understanding. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, we can foster aculture that prioritizes mental health as…
6 Tips for Mental WellnessHealthy relationships and self-love are essential pillars of mental wellness. They provide afoundation of support, understanding, and positivity that helps us navigate life’s challenges.Fostering strong, healthy connections can significantly impact emotional well-being, whetherit’s with a partner, family member, friend or yourself. Here are six tips to celebrate love andstrengthen connections this…
Black History Month: Mental Health Advocates February is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. This Black History Month, we recognize the significant impact Black mental health pioneers have had on the field, advocating for better care, representation and support within the mental health system. Honoring Black Mental Health…
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many people, it can actually be a time of increased stress, loneliness, and even depression.
Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects people all over the world. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be triggered by various factors such as stress, trauma, or even genetics. While it is a normal human emotion, anxiety can become a problem when it starts to interfere with…
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicatedto raising awareness and understanding about mental health and well-being. As we look ahead to May 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on thesignificance of this month and how we can continue to support mentalhealth awareness.Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as Mental Health…
Spring is a time for new beginnings, fresh starts and rejuvenation. The flowers are blooming, thebirds are chirping, and the sun is shining. It’s a season of change, and with that comes theperfect opportunity for self-care. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it’simportant to take care of yourself both mentally and…
Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) refer to a range of skills designed to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals. This service is available to children who are Iowa Medicaid eligible and have a diagnosed mental health condition. BHIS provides families with tools and assistance to establish a nurturing home environment while navigating emotional…
Medication management is the process of monitoring and optimizing an individual’s medications to ensure safe and effective use. It involves medication assessment, personalized therapy, ongoing medication review, and can lead to reduced costs and improved outcomes. Below, we will explore the benefits of medication management and why it is an essential part of healthcare. 1.…
At Family Connections, Inc., we are committed to combating bullying by offering valuable information and training. Let’s work together to create a safer and more compassionate environment for everyone.
What Are the Biggest Challenges in Life? Despite all the positives in life, there are also plenty of drawbacks. Most of these challenges are inescapable, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be successfully overcome.
What Defines a Healthy Family? Family is one of the strongest terms we have. From books and movies to political campaigns and everything in between, family is a concept that transcends other labels as being of paramount importance to our social fabric.
It’s easy to say we should live in the present moment. But is it possible to actually do it? It’s become something of a cliché to say we just need to clear our minds, think clearly, and try to sort out of our interior lives with honesty and conviction.