Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, help is available. Dial or text or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.

CNN
 — 

Does it feel like your family is getting a failing grade on its mental health report card?

Yoga, journaling and monitoring water intake are all great, but pressure to “perform” wellness for friends, family and social media contacts may only intensify feelings of anxiety or depression. Therapeutic interventions are even better but are expensive and can be hard to find.

The fastest and most accessible tool to improve your family’s mental health is not only effective but free: Start talking. Learning how to talk about your own mental health with your child is one of the surefire ways to improve overall family comfort and mental health, according to a new report by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“While 18% of teens reported suffering anxiety, about 20% of mothers and 15% of fathers reported anxiety. While 15% of teens reported depression, about 16% of mothers and 10% of fathers did, too,” according to the report.

I spoke with psychologist Richard Weissbourd, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and one of the study’s coauthors, about the findings.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

CNN: What is the connection between a teen’s mental health and that of their parents? 

Richard Weissbourd: Depressed teens are about five times more likely to have depressed parents. Anxious teens are about three times more likely to have an anxious parent. Parents’ influence on teens is profound. It’s perhaps the most important influence on teens’ lives, and we are not going to get very far in solving the teen mental health crisis if we don’t pay attention to parents and to caring for the caregivers.

CNN: The data you collected shows that moms fare worst across families. Why is that the case?

Weissbourd: I think there are a couple things going on. I think moms are more likely to report depression and anxiety than dads because so many dads are disconnected from their feelings — and depression and anxiety often express themselves differently in men than in women. Part of this is reporting and part of this is the caregiving load that mothers are bearing more than fathers are. And it’s not just caregiving (for mothers). It’s being the secretary of the interior, being the person who is getting the laundry done, getting meals prepared and all the things you need to do to maintain a household. And mothers are often working (outside the home) now, too.

I think it’s also that parents can be depressed and anxious when their teens are depressed and anxious, and mothers tend to be much more tuned into their teens than fathers are.

CNN: Is it common for mothers to take on the role of managing other family members’ emotions?

Weissbourd: I think that’s right. Mothers are absorbing difficult emotional dynamics in the family in a way that fathers are not.

CNN: Could a study like this create more work for moms? Now they might think, “I have to mend my own anxiety and my kid’s anxiety and how we’re feeding off of each other?”

Weissbourd: There is a really positive aspect of this for me. And I say this as somebody (for whom) anxiety has traveled in my family. My mom was anxious. My dad was anxious. I have kids who are anxious, and I’m anxious. There’s a way in which, with both anxiety and depression, people can undermine or ignite each other, but they can also really help each other.

My kids and I share coping strategies with each other. My kids have a lot of instincts about how to dial down anxiety and what’s going to make them feel better. And when we talk about it, it’s very validating. It’s very helpful. Parents can model help-seeking behavior, too, with how they get treatment, whether an online resource or seeing a therapist or medication.

We live in an era where teens are often much more emotionally articulate and aware than their parents are, and feel less stigma about accessing mental health services, so I think teens have a lot to teach their parents, too, about these things. So, there are hard aspects of this, but there is also a very hopeful part of this, which is I do think people can support each other.

CNN: What kinds of things should we be opening up about?

Weissbourd: The depression and anxiety we’re picking up (in this study) is serious. We live in a really difficult, perilous time and there is a certain amount of anxiety and feeling down (that’s not clinical) that’s a very appropriate response to the world, and those are super important things for parents and teens to be talking about.

CNN: How can parents ensure that kids aren’t internalizing bad feelings about themselves, even if the parent feels anxious or depressed?

Weissbourd: It can matter if parents can say, “If I’m moody or unpredictable or withdrawn, it’s not your fault. It’s about me. It’s not about you.” And, always reassuring kids that you’re doing things to take care of them. It’s not going to spiral out of control.

CNN: The report also suggests that engaging in activities that give someone a sense of purpose is helpful, such as assisting a neighbor or visiting an isolated grandparent. Can finding a sense of purpose be something just for you, like learning how to play guitar? 

Weissbourd: This purpose and meaning issue is such a staggering problem right now. The reasons (teens feel lack of purpose) vary by community, but the example of playing guitar is a great one in the sense that, the qualifier here is meaningful purpose.

I resist the idea of a single purpose or calling, but I do believe in people having meaningful goals and those goals might be fluid and change over the course of a lifetime. It’s important for people to have goals in high school that can be meaningful. Getting good at an instrument that gives you pleasure and can give other people pleasure too can be very meaningful. It’s the achieving to achieve that can be so soul-squashing for people.

Michelle Icard is the author of “Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success: What to Do and What to Say to Turn Failures into Character Building Moments.”

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The stress of being a young person has never been easy. From classwork and relationships to peer pressure and bullying, the awkward years between elementary and high school have always taken a toll on student mental health.

Indeed, America’s mental health issues aren’t anything new. So, why are educators paying so much attention to them now?

The short answer is that mental illness has taken a turn for the worse in recent years. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems are all on the rise — sparking a renewed interest in mindfulness, stress relief, and suicide prevention.

Of course, every school district has a part to play in reversing this dangerous trend. Not sure about yours? Read on to learn how to improve student mental health and the various strategies at your disposal.

Is there a mental health crisis in America?

By all accounts, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Let’s dig a little deeper to learn more about how mental health issues in the United States have evolved over the years.

Youth mental wellness over time

According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, the mental wellness of today’s youth is reaching crisis levels. At the time of his 2021 advisory, Murthy reported that recent national surveys illustrated alarming increases in the prevalence of certain mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

Specifically, he cited the following data as evidence:

• A 2019 study found that 1 in 3 high school students and half of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness — an overall increase of 40% from 2009.
• Since 2009, the share of young people seriously considering suicide increased by 36% and the share that created a suicide plan increased by 44%.
• Between 2011 and 2015, youth psychiatric visits to emergency departments for depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges increased by 28%.
• Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates among youth ages 10-24 in the US increased by 57%.

As a combined group, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Hospital Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recently declared this mental health crisis a national emergency.

Why are mental health problems on the rise?

It’s impossible to pinpoint any one factor in particular as the root cause for the nation’s ongoing mental health challenge. However, there are certainly a few common culprits:

• COVID-19: Pandemic-related stress has had a detrimental effect on student mental health. With many adolescents experiencing loss, isolation, and other traumas during lockdown, 70% of educators reported an increase in the percentage of students seeking mental health services at school since the pandemic began. Even more school districts (76%) reported an increase in staff members voicing concerns about students exhibiting mental health symptoms.
• Bullying: Toxic behaviors like bullying or cyberbullying are known to cause feelings of rejection, exclusion, isolation, low self-esteem, and may lead to the development of a serious mental health condition. According to a 2019 study, as shared by McGovern Medical School, there was a 70% leap in online hate speech in the first few months of the pandemic — an increase that only further contributed to poor mental health.
• Violence: Over 1,000 incidents involving firearms have occurred on school grounds since 2018, raising concerns about student safety. These fears can also worsen a young person’s anxiety, making it difficult to focus on their daily activities.
• Environmental factors: Aside from school climate, a student’s home life can also shape their mental wellness. Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse or the loss of a loved one, may lead to the onset of a severe mental health condition.
• Social media: In a vacuum, it’s not accurate to say social media causes poor mental health. However, it can definitely pile onto an existing problem. Studies have shown that an overactive social media presence has a direct correlation to cyberbullying victimization.

How poor mental health impacts student well-being

Untreated mental health symptoms can grow more severe and prevalent over time, especially as stressors and other factors dynamically come and go. Whether you’re an elementary, middle, or high school student, this can ultimately impact well-being in multiple ways.

Academic performance

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, and optimism, which in turn hinders academic performance. In fact, depression is often linked to lower grade point averages, and co-occurring anxiety can increase this association. Furthermore, mental illness may lead to frequent absenteeism and increases the likelihood of dropping out. By contrast, students with “good mental health” are more likely to go to class ready to learn, engage in activities, use problem-solving skills, and contribute to a positive school culture.

Physical health

Worse yet, depression and anxiety have a real, tangible impact on physical health. Depression can directly alter the body’s immune system by suppressing T Cell responses to viruses and bacteria, making it easier to get sick for extended periods of time. Educators must also be wary of behavioral changes that may occur as a result of a mental health condition.

When teens are upset, stressed, or depressed, they may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. According to the Child Mind Institute, almost half of kids with mental health disorders will also develop a substance abuse problem. This not only makes it more difficult to treat their emotional well-being, but also puts them at greater risk of suicidal ideation.

Long-term development

Many health behaviors and habits — both good and bad — carry over into adulthood. If a young person experiences mental illness at a young age, this may last well after high school. Indeed, during the 2020-21 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition.

What schools can do better

Educators are front, center, and in the trenches when it comes to student wellness. It’s no surprise then that schools are typically the first place students go to address their mental health needs.

As reported by the National Center for Education Statistics, a whopping 96% of public schools provided mental health services to their students during the 2021-22 academic year. However, just over half agreed they could effectively deliver services to all students in need. According to the survey, educators identified three limitations that hindered their ability to provide adequate mental health support:

1. Insufficient number of mental health professionals to manage their caseload
2. Inadequate access to licensed mental health professionals
3. Lack of funding

These challenges translate into less-than-ideal outcomes for K-12 youth. In fact, research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMA) sheds light on exactly how American students are feeling about the quality of their school-provided mental health services. Specifically, students identified a number of lingering issues, including:

1. Mental health resources are mostly performative. In other words, schools mainly offer temporary, “band-aid” solutions rather than resources that directly address academic stress. NAMA reports many students are frustrated that school initiatives aren’t discussing the underlying reasons behind their anxiety — schoolwork, bullying, homelife, and so on.
2. Schools prioritize college admission over student health. Many of the adolescents NAMA interviewed are concerned that their districts are more focused on producing college students than they are with promoting good mental health. When they go to counselors for support, they’re often told to focus on activities related to their college ambitions. As one respondent told researchers, “At times, it seems that schools’ systems push the idea of college and career so much that they forget to tend to students’ hearts and souls.”
3. There’s too much focus on crisis response — not prevention. In short, educators tend to implement reactive policies rather than strategies that emphasize proactive intervention.

7 ways educators can improve student mental health

What can your school district do to overcome its limitations and provide the mental health support your students deserve? Unfortunately, there’s no one-and-done solution when it comes to mental wellness.

However, there are several steps you can take to push your district in the right direction. Here are seven strategies you can implement to address your school’s mental health challenge:

1. Know the warning signs

As an administrator, staff member, or teacher, you have the advantage of witnessing a student’s normal behavior on a constant basis. That means you’re in the best position to identify sudden or noticeable differences that may indicate an underlying problem.

Knowing what to look for is the first step in effective intervention. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, signs of at-risk behavior include:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
• Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do so
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
• Involvement in many fights or desire to badly hurt others
• Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
• Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make oneself lose weight
• Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
• Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still that puts the student in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom
• Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
• Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Drastic changes in the student’s behavior or personality

If you or a colleague observe one or more of the above, consult a counselor, nurse, or mental health professional for next steps.

2. Improve access to mental health resources

Whether it be a lack of funding or an insufficient number of mental health professionals, it’s not always simple for school districts to connect at-risk youth with the human services they need to address their mental wellness. One way to enhance access to mental health care is to extend your school’s reach through community-based programs.

Partnering with members of the broader community — such as a local mental health organization — can help bypass budgetary constraints. More importantly, it makes it easier for children and families to receive the support they need from licensed professionals.

Focus on equitable initiatives that don’t exclude one demographic over another. This is especially important considering how some teens are more susceptible to poor mental health than others. For instance, 45% of LGBTQ students seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Moreover, 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to receive it. Ensuring your programs are welcoming to all types of people is key to keeping everyone safe and sound.

3. Foster a positive school climate

Kids spend most of their time on school grounds, which means it has a major role in shaping their emotional development. Strengthening school cultures can help create a positive, safe, and affirming environment where everyone feels comfortable. A few ways to accomplish this include anti-bullying policies, encouraging bystander intervention, and promoting inclusivity.

Another effective strategy for fostering positivity is to implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. In essence, SEL is a process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. Kids with strong emotional intelligence are able to cope with everyday challenges and thrive academically, professionally, and socially. SEL programs teach students mindfulness, problem-solving skills, and other valuable lessons for a lifetime of good mental health.

4. Develop anonymous reporting systems

Asking for help is hard. Reporting your friends is sometimes even harder. However, it’s absolutely critical that students feel comfortable coming forward when they experience and/or witness toxic or at-risk behavior.

Providing students with an anonymous reporting system empowers them to report incidents or concerns without fear of social retribution, ridicule, or judgment.

5. Promote mental health awareness

It’s not realistic for all school districts to hire a full-time social worker, let alone a whole team of mental health professionals. In this case, it’s often up to teachers and staff to discuss mental wellness with their students. But, if they lack proper training, they may end up saying something that only aggravates a student or makes their problem worse.

That’s why mental health education is essential — not only for kids, but staff members, too. When they’re trained to speak well about mental health problems, they’re able to more effectively mitigate an immediate issue and calm students down in a moment of crisis.

6. Filter out toxicity over the internet

It goes without saying that there’s some pretty dangerous content online. From graphic violence and sexual imagery to malicious websites and inappropriate material, students may be using school-provided resources to access a swarm of potentially harmful content.

Not only can exposure to these factors hinder a young person’s development, but they can also trigger pre-existing mental health conditions. Fortunately, with a cloud-based content filtering tool, you can easily block access to inappropriate websites at scale.

Take ManagedMethods, for example. Our Content Filter solution is built right into Google Admin portal, so you can rapidly launch it as a browser extension throughout the district. Customize your policies according to your needs and ensure students aren’t exposed to anything that may drum up negative emotions or distract them from their learning.

7. Implement a cloud monitoring solution

Remember those at-risk behaviors we discussed? Well, they also manifest themselves over the internet. Indeed, students often exhibit the very same mental health symptoms online as they do in real life — and they often do so using school-provided cloud applications.

For instance, a young person may journal their substance abuse in a Word document. They might discuss suicidal ideation with a classmate over Google Chat. However, without cloud visibility, these safety signals may go undetected.

The good news? That’s where Cloud Monitor comes into play. As a cloud monitoring tool, it keeps watch over Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to rapidly identify signs of bullying, harassment, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other toxic behaviors. As an early warning system, administrators can intervene at a moment’s notice, consult the appropriate stakeholders, and support the student however possible.

Take the next step with ManagedMethods

We’ve talked about the K-12 mental health crisis. We’ve outlined seven different strategies you can use to address it. Now, you can take your mental health education one step further.

How? By staying up to date with the latest news, advice, research, and more. Sign up for our Cybersecurity and Safety Insights newsletter to learn more about protecting your students from threats of all shapes and sizes.

The post How to Improve Student Mental Health: 7 Strategies for K-12 appeared first on ManagedMethods.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from ManagedMethods authored by Alexa Sander. Read the original post at: https://managedmethods.com/blog/student-mental-health/

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In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers investigated whether lifestyle interventions such as Mediterranean diet abidance and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) during pregnancy could effectively improve pediatric neurodevelopment at two years of age.

Study: Effect of a Mediterranean Diet or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction During Pregnancy on Child Neurodevelopment. Image Credit: ElizavetaGalitckaia/Shutterstock.com

Background

Maternal lifestyle and maternal stress are known modifiable risk factors for fetal neurodevelopment. Studies have reported that unhealthy dietary habits, including increased consumption of fats, and obesity among mothers, can negatively impact neurodevelopment in their children. At the same time, elevated maternal stress levels alter fetal brain structural growth and worsen postnatal neurodevelopment.

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these relationships are unclear; however, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is reportedly involved. Interventions promoting healthy dietary patterns and stress reduction may restore HPA functions and improve fetal neurodevelopment.

About the study

In the present study, researchers evaluated the impacts of stress reduction and dietary interventions among pregnant females on neurodevelopment in their children aged two years.

The study included the Improving Mothers for a Better Prenatal Care Trial Barcelona (IMPACT BCN) parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) participants, who were enrolled between February 2017 and October 2019 and followed up until childbirth (until 1 March 2020).

The trial was carried out at an educational facility in Barcelona. In total, 1,221 singleton pregnancies (between gestational weeks 19 and 23) with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborn delivery were randomly divided into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the dietary intervention group, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program group, and the regular care group.

The dietary intervention group participants were provided group- and individual-level educational classes and walnuts and extra virgin-type olive oil complimentary every month.

The MBSR group participants underwent an eight-week stress-lowering program tailored to pregnant individuals, and the regular care group received pregnancy care as per standard protocols.

The MBSR program comprised eight weeks of weekly group classes (20 to 25 females per group) of 2.5 hours, one full-day session, and everyday practice at home. The sessions comprised didactic presentations, 45.0-minute mindfulness meditation practices, body awareness, group discussions, and mindful yoga. 

The IMPACT study’s primary endpoint was the proportion of SGA newborns, and the secondary endpoint was adverse perinatal outcomes. The third edition of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Scale (Bayley-III) was used for postnatal evaluation.

All individuals visited the university hospital after completing the intervention (between gestational weeks 34 and 36), to fill out perinatal data-related questionnaires and provide urinary samples for analysis.

The present study outcomes were scores for the motor, language, cognitive, motor, adaptive behavior, and social-emotional Bayley-III domains, evaluated by two trained physiologists. The outcome measure was neurodevelopment at 2.0 years, based on Bayley-III scores.

The relationships between Bayley-III scores, biomarkers, and questionnaire information were also assessed. Linear regression models were used for data analysis between July and November 2022.

Mediterranean dietary evaluations were performed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Stress reduction was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires, the World Health Organization’s Five Well-being Index (WHO-5), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.

Maternal mindfulness was assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). In addition, maternal 24.0-hour urinary cortisol and cortisone levels were monitored among participants who did not consume corticosteroids.

Results

In total, 626 pediatric individuals [333 (53%) males and 293 (47%) females] participated in the study, among whom the mean age was 25 months. Baseline characteristics were identical among the intervention groups. High adherence was observed among 177 individuals (72%) in the dietary intervention group and 137 (66%) in the MBSR group.

In comparison to regular care group children, those from the dietary intervention group showed higher Bayley-III scores for the socioemotional (mean 109 versus 103) and cognitive (mean 124 versus 119) domains, whereas the MBSR group children showed higher socio-emotional domain scores (mean 108 versus 103), than regular care group children. Similar differences were observed after data adjustments for the mothers’ socioeconomic status and the fetuses’ genders.

Adaptive, motor, and language scores were comparable in the study groups. The IMPACT BCN trial showed a significant decrease in SGA rates (14% with SGA in the dietary intervention group and 16% in the MBSR group compared to 22% in the non-intervention group).

However, non-significant differences were observed in Bayley-III scorings between SGA and non-SGA newborns. The dietary intervention scores showed significantly positive relationships with the language and cognitive domains.

Increased docosahexaenoic acid intake significantly improved language scores, whereas higher trans-fat intake was inversely correlated with language and social-emotional domain scores.

Maternal stress and anxiety levels in the pregnancy period showed significantly negative relationships with domains of Bayley-III. Higher WHO-5 scores were related to higher Bayley-III scores for the language, social-emotional, and adaptive behaviour domains. The 24.0-hour urinary cortisol and cortisone levels were significantly and positively related to the language Bayley-III domain.

Based on the study findings, maternal lifestyle interventions such as MBSR and Mediterranean diets during pregnancy can significantly improve child neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age.

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Various Washington communities will receive parts of a $23 million grant from the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) as announced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell on Friday.

Fentanyl overdoses kill more Washingtonians than firearms or car accidents. Recent data released by the Center for Disease Control shows that Washington had the highest drug use increase among U.S. states between 2022 and 2023. This was an increase of 25.39%.

A total of 13 grants were awarded to various Washington state entities. The money went to support programs in the State of Washington in the form of 12 separate grants. The final grant was awarded to Washington State University for an international public health program.

According to the DHHS, the money will provide more resources to help combat the surging rates of drug overdoses while improving mental health treatment options. These resources include new ways to monitor overdose data, improve health disparities between communities, and increase harm reduction services.

Sen. Cantwell has been hosting roundtable discussions about the fentanyl crisis across Washington. On Wednesday, Cantwell spoke in Tulalip at the National Tribal Opioid Summit. Throughout August, Cantwell has hosted roundtables in Walla Walla, Port Angeles and Vancouver, WA.

“As I travel the state listening to Washingtonians on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis, one thing has been loud and clear — our communities need more resources to tackle substance abuse and drug overdose,” said Cantwell. “The grants announced today will support direct action in King and Snohomish Counties to address the overdose crisis, and aim to improve mental health care provided by the Yakama Tribe and the Seattle Indian Health Board.”

Both the Seattle Indian Health Board and Yakama Nation are also receiving grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support mental health in their communities.

All grants are listed below:

GRANTS TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT / NON-PROFIT AGENCIES

King County – $3,075,000

Addressing the Overdose Crisis in King County with a Commitment to Health Equity, Partnership, and a Data-to-action Framework

Yakama Nation – $970,000

Yakama Nation School-based Trauma-Informed Support Services and Mental Health

Snohomish County – $889,476

Snohomish County Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Community Response

Seattle Indian Health Board – $400,000

Suicide Prevention Infrastructure for Seattle’s Urban American Indians & Alaska Natives

Washington State Department of Health – $4,193,955

Washington Overdose Data to Action States

Washington State Health Care Authority – $1,361,811

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Center for Mental Health Block Grants

GRANTS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH

Allen Institute – $6,132,469

BRAIN CONNECTS: Center for a Pipeline of High Throughput Integrated Volumetric Electron Microscopy for Whole Mouse Brain Connectomics

Seattle Children’s Hospital – $4,259,296

• Enhanced Surveillance to Assess Vaccine-Preventable Enteric and Respiratory Virus Illnesses – $2,749,994

• Mediators and Modifiers of Prenatal Environmental Exposures and Child Neurodevelopment: DNA Methylation, Prenatal Diet, and Cognitive Stimulation (MEND) – $1,509,302

University of Washington – $1,820,573

• Understanding Health Inequities at the Intersection of the HIV and Substance Use Epidemics Across Racial/Ethnic and Other Underserved Populations – $738,902

• Development Of A Behavioral Economic Intervention With Personalized Resource Allocation Feedback to Reduce Young Adult Alcohol Misuse – $670,597

• Engineered Tissue Arrays to Streamline Deimmunized DMD Gene Therapy Vectors – $411,074

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First of all, you can pat yourself on the back for taking the first step in dealing with ADHD. We know how hard it is for you to cope with these overwhelming feelings. And believe us, after all the hurdles you’ve had to overcome because of your ADHD brain, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. And now you’ve got help with some of the best ADHD apps you can download on your phone.

Author’s Note:

We did thorough research before compiling this list of 30+ apps that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms. After reviewing over 100 different apps and reading their ratings and testimonials, I put together this blog.

The apps are divided into different categories, including time management and productivity, organization and planning, mindfulness and relaxation, money management, mind mapping, symptom management, and the Pomodoro Technique.

These apps can help you manage your symptoms and improve your daily life. Be sure to try these apps and find the best one for your needs. Good luck on your journey!

The Best Apps for ADHD Brains to Improve Your Focus, Productivity, and Emotional State

If you have ADHD, there are challenges in everything you do. Whether it’s completing a task, reaching goals, meeting expectations, or staying productive, everything seems complicated because of ADHD.

For the uninitiated, ADHD is a condition in which a person has difficulty concentrating, controlling impulses, and managing emotions. It’s not a disease but a set of symptoms that include chronic stress, sleep problems, low self-esteem, financial problems, anxiety, employment problems, sometimes compulsive eating and substance abuse, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

How Do These Apps Help?

People with ADHD often suffer from the following symptoms:

• Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
• Inattention with a short attention span
• Easy distractibility
• Making careless mistakes
• Inability to stick to tasks
• Lack of attention to detail
• Constantly changing tasks
• Difficulty organizing things and tasks, etc.

These all cause a lot of trouble for people with ADHD and can be managed with a little help and the right tools. The best ADHD apps work in different ways and help you improve your productivity on a daily basis.

Some of the most common areas that these apps help with are:

• Time management and productivity
• Organization and planning
• Mindfulness and relaxation
• Money management
• Dealing with symptoms

To help you navigate this blog and find the right app you need, we’re dividing this blog into the following subsections:

• Best ADHD Apps for Time Management and Productivity
• Best ADHD Apps for Organization and Planning
• Best ADHD Apps for Mindfulness and Relaxation
• Best ADHD Apps for Money Management
• Best ADHD Apps for Mind Mapping
• Best ADHD Apps for Symptoms Management
• Best ADHD Apps for Pomodoro Technique
• Best FDA-Approved ADHD App for Kids
• Best ADHD App for Adults

So, let’s start with the first section!

Best ADHD Apps for Time Management and Productivity

Focus@Will

Provides background music specifically designed to improve focus and productivity.

Focus@Will is a subscription-based application available for iOS and Android, macOS, and Windows. It uses scientifically composed music to help you increase your focus and concentration. The music helps you reduce distractions and maintain your productivity.

The app is ideal for increasing your concentration and productivity while working, studying, writing, or reading. However, it’s not free and costs $7.49 monthly or $52.49 annually.

Rescue Time

Tracks how you spend your time on your devices and provides reports and insights to help you be more productive.

Rescue Time is a time-tracking app that helps you understand how you spend your time on your mobile and computer. It collects data about how much time you spend on which tasks and categorizes them. It also classifies them as productive or distracting on a scale of five, depending on the tasks you set for yourself.

With this app, you can’t only track your overall activity but also limit unproductive activities. The app is free, and there is also a premium version with some additional features for $6.50 per month.

Asana

Helps you organize and track tasks and projects.

Asana is a project planning and organization app that helps you prioritize your tasks to increase your productivity. It has a unique and intuitive user interface and offers numerous customization options such as label colors, subtasks, recurring tasks, and more. The app also enables collaboration, which is especially important for you as a team player.

It is suitable for both students and professionals. It is aimed at both individuals and enterprises and is available in both free and premium versions for individuals and businesses. The premium version for individuals costs $13.49 per month, and there are different plans for businesses and companies.

Todoist

To-do list app that helps you keep track of tasks and deadlines.

Todoist is an excellent app that helps you keep track of all the events in your life (if you list them), organize your tasks, and not feel overwhelmed. Not only can you manage your tasks with this app, but you can also achieve your timely goals. Since it’s completely free, it’s also suitable for a small budget.

The “due date” feature is really great. You can just write “tomorrow” or “Monday” in the field and still stay on track.

Trello

Project management app that uses a visual, card-based system to organize tasks and projects.

Trello is like a to-do list but has a great user interface with colorful cards, visual board layouts, lists, and much more. It helps you organize your tasks, prioritize them, and customize your workflow. The simple interface is customizable and makes it easy for you to track progress.

It’s a free tool that lets you collaborate and communicate with others by simply adding them to your board. There are also premium plans with more features for individuals and enterprises.

Evernote

A note-taking app that can help you keep track of ideas, notes, and tasks.

Evernote is a note-taking app and is great for people with ADHD, both in school and work settings. You can use it to organize notes and slides and develop strategies for your studies. Plus, the app is completely searchable, meaning you can find anything in your notes that will make you productive, especially if your ADHD brain forgets where you filed the note.

Evernote also offers to-do lists to help you organize and better prioritize your tasks. It’s free and works via the cloud so you can access it from any device.

Focus Bear

Productivity app specifically designed for people with ADHD to help them stay focused and get more done.

Focus Bear is specially designed for people who need help with focusing and ADHD. It’s a premium tool that costs $5 per month and offers useful features such as distraction blockers, tools for strengthening habits, yoga, and exercises, and it uses the Pomodoro technique.

The yoga videos and daily journaling are the standout features of this app. Overall, it helps you increase your productivity by keeping distractions at bay and promoting routine in your daily activities.

Amazing Marvin

Customizable productivity app that allows you to create workflows that work for you.

Amazing Marvin is another top-notch, feature-rich to-do app designed specifically for people who lack focus and organizational skills. This app works on the principle of daily planning and is highly customizable and user-friendly. It also offers features like time tracking, GTD (Getting Things Done), notifications, and soft deadlines that help you organize your tasks, prioritize and manage your time better.

The app costs $8 per month, but there’s also a lifetime deal for $300 that gives you access to all the features, updates, and lifetime support.

Tick Tick

To-do list app that also includes features like a calendar, reminders, and a Pomodoro timer.

Tick Tick is another to-do list platform that uses the Pomodoro technique to improve your time management and productivity. It offers a GTD overview, cross-platform support, custom task views, and many other features to boost your productivity.

It is a premium tool, of which there is also a free version. However, the free version lacks many features, so it won’t have a significant impact on your time management and productivity. With an annual purchase, it costs $27.99, which is really affordable compared to other programs.

Best ADHD Apps for Organization and Planning

Clear Todos

Helps you organize your day and manage distractions.

Clear ToDos is a great task management and scheduling app that offers a fast, simple, and intuitive interface. It is ideal for ADHD brains as it offers a clear interface. It mainly focuses on your organization and time management needs and excludes unnecessary features that cause distractions.

If you’re an iPhone user, it takes full advantage of the multitouch features built into iOS and provides a great user experience. It costs only $4.99, and its simplicity makes it ideal for ADHD brains.

OmniFocus

Task management app that can help you keep track of tasks and deadlines.

OmniFocus, as the name suggests, is an exceptional app that helps you focus on the right tasks and improve your organizational skills. It has a GTD reviewer, which is a must for ADHD sufferers to track their progress. Also, you can break things down by both projects and contexts, which makes planning easier.

The downside is that it’s only available for Apple devices and is a bit pricey at $50 in the Apple Store.

CalenGoo

Calendar app that helps you keep track of your schedule and appointments.

CalenGoo is a great calendar app and task manager. It helps you organize your tasks and schedule activities around a calendar interface. It integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, Exchange, CalDAV, and iCloud systems and puts everything in one place. Color-coded labels let you prioritize your tasks more efficiently.

Full syncing with Google Calendar and its user interface set it apart from its competitors. Plus, at $5.99, the price is very fair.

Opus Domini

Virtual day planner app that can help you organize your schedule and tasks.

Opus Domini is a powerful planning app with an interface reminiscent of a daybook. It is popular among people with ADHD because of its clear daily planning and organization features. It also helps you organize your daily tasks, repeat tasks, master tasks (important tasks), and even lets you prioritize easily. The Weekly Milestone – Compass feature is unique and allows you to measure our progress over time.

The app is free and available for both iOS and Android. However, it offers iPad users some additional features like multiple planner views, sub-tasks in the main tasks, inspirational quotes, etc.

Best ADHD Apps for Mindfulness and Relaxation

Headspace

Provides guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and improve focus.

Headspace is a highly successful app with over 70 million downloads and a 4.9-star rating. It offers various guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help your ADHD mind relax and rejuvenate. There are hundreds of videos ranging from meditation to breathing exercises – everything you need to get calm.

It also offers an optional routine and schedule feature that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms on a daily basis. It’s suitable for both children and adults and has a very simple user interface. The app costs about $70 annually and is really worth trying out!

Calm

Offers meditations, sleep sounds, stories read by celebrities, and more to help you relax and focus.

Calm is similar to Headspace in many ways. It has over 100 million downloads and a 5-star rating and is popular among people with sleep problems. It features meditation sounds and videos, as well as sleep stories from celebrities like Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey, and Bob Ross. With this app and its range of meditation and mindfulness content, you can calm your mind.

The app costs $70 per year and offers several custom features in premium mode. The app has won several awards, including iPhone App of the Year from Apple in 2017 and Editor’s Choice from Google Play in 2018. While Headspace is best for meditation, the Calm app is best for sleep issues in ADHD individuals.

MoodKit

Based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and includes various tools to improve mood and help you relax.

MoodKit is a unique app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help you relax and lift your mood. It was developed by clinical psychologists and serves as a professional treatment app. The app offers various activities designed to lift your mood and put you in mindfulness. It has some unique features, like a thought checker that helps you control negative thoughts, a mood tracker that keeps track of your progress, and a MoodKit journal – your personal journal with templates.

This app costs only $4.99 and is really a great app for relaxation and awareness. The user interface is a bit clunky, but the app is very functional and can certainly help you with ADHD.

Happify

Uses science-backed activities to help you improve their happiness and well-being.

Happify is another science-based app that uses CBT skills and positive psychology to help you with your thoughts and feelings. It has good content and a very engaging interface. It includes in-app games and activities and doesn’t feel like other therapy apps. Instead, Happify is a fun app that helps you with your mental health.

The app has a free version, but most features are limited to the premium version. The premium version costs $15 a month and is worth a try.

Pacifica (Now Sanvello)

Uses CBT principles to help you manage stress and anxiety and includes guided meditation techniques and goal-setting tools.

Pacifica is one of the most affordable mindfulness apps for people with challenges, costing just $4 per month or $30 per year. It uses traditional CBT techniques and also provides tools to manage depressed mood, anxiety, and stress, and promotes mindfulness, relaxation, and health in the user.

Every time you open this app, it asks you about your mood and suggests different activities, including self-help guides, relaxation techniques, and even group chats. With this app, you can put your ADHD mind in a relaxed state.

Best ADHD Apps for Money Management

Mint

A free money-managing app that helps you keep track of your finances and budget your money.

Mint is a great app for you if you have a hard time managing your money. It was named the best budgeting app by Forbes and is also very useful for ADHD brains. The app easily consolidates all your expenses and income in one place and helps you manage your bills and savings goals from one platform. It also helps you track your spending and savings, which is often a problem for people with ADHD.

The app is free, but there is also a premium version that costs $5 per month. However, for most ADHD users, the free app is a sufficient help. For more features, you can try the paid app.

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Uses a proven method to help you get a handle on your personal finances and also teaches you the subtle art of budgeting.

You Need A Budget, also called YNAB, is a great app for managing budgets. This app not only tracks your spending but also teaches you how to effectively create budgets and stick to them. The app encourages you to take financial responsibility.

The app offers live workshops and has hundreds of helpful guides and articles to help you learn the art of budgeting. If you’re stuck with your ADHD mindset or can’t control your spending, YNAB can be a great financial companion. It’s a paid tool with a monthly plan for $15, while the annual plan costs just $100.

Rooster Money

Designed to teach children and young people how to manage money.

Rooster Money is a great tool for kids with ADHD to help their parents monitor their spending. It not only helps you track how your child spends their money but also teaches your child how to manage money, which is very important for a growing mind.

And the unique debit card feature (with a limit and linked to the parent’s account) teaches your child discipline and good spending habits. However, this app is limited to the UK only.

PocketGuard

Budgeting app that helps you keep track of your spending and find ways to save money.

PocketGuard is a money management app that helps you keep track of your spending and know how much money you have in your pocket. The unique “In My Pocket” feature helps you know how much money you can spend. It synchronizes your accounts and summarizes all data at a glance. You also get customized reports about your spending and savings.

The app costs $8 per month, and there are other plans, including a lifetime plan for $80, which makes it very affordable. The “In My Pocket” feature is noted in user reviews as being very helpful for ADHD brains.

Goodbudget

Budgeting app that uses the envelope system to help you manage your money.

Goodbudget uses a unique envelope budgeting system and categorizes your expenses. These envelopes contain a specific amount you set when budgeting (e.g., $100 for groceries, $200 for gas, and so on) and help you keep track of your spending. Although there is a paid app, the free app is similar to the premium app but has fewer features (the free version has 10+10 envelopes). It also lets you analyze your income and spending trends.

It also offers many free resources, such as small courses and podcasts, to help you become financially responsible. The premium version costs $8 per month and gives you unlimited envelopes.

Acorns

Investment app that helps you save and invest your money.

Acorns is a great app for passive investing. So if you are having a hard time saving and investing money, Acorns can help you with that. It has an automatic savings feature that lets you save money and invest in low-cost investment portfolios. Another feature that this app shines with is the Roundups feature. This feature rounds up your card purchases and pushes the excess change into your investment portfolio. This way, you invest without even realizing it (technically, you do, but not to any significant extent).

The downside is that the app is very expensive due to its flat fee structure and has no tax strategy. But overall, it’s a unique app!

Best ADHD Apps for Mind Mapping

SimpleMindPro

The app helps you develop a healthy routine and manage your ADHD symptoms with mind mapping.

SimpleMindPro offers a unique solution to organize your disorganized thoughts and ideas. It uses excellent visualization capabilities with structured frameworks and helps you sort things that block your ADHD brain. Moreover, it’s highly customizable and allows you to restructure your mind maps, add checkboxes, to-do lists, progress bars, connect topics, and much more.

The app also lets you share and even print your mind maps. The app is available for $9.22 on Google Play, and the price varies depending on the platform.

MindNode

Mind mapping app with color coding, font customization, and additional features to help you connect and visualize your ideas.

MindNode is a leading mind-mapping app that helps you organize your cluttered thoughts and ideas. It also uses visual branching tools to create excellent and descriptive mind maps. Besides, you can use it to organize storyboards and even write down your creative ideas.

The app helps you visualize complex ideas and lets you navigate through them easily. Furthermore, the fold and unfold branch feature also helps you keep your mind maps organized. It’s a great mind-mapping app that’s quite affordable at $2.5 per month or $20 per year.

Best ADHD Apps for Symptoms Management

CogniFit

Fun gaming app that improves your cognitive functions with interactive games and helps you improve your focus, memory, and attention

Cognifit is an amazing gaming app that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms. The main areas that the ADHD brain struggles with are focus, memory, and attention. And that’s exactly what CogniFit works on with interactive games. The app primarily helps you improve your cognitive skills by asking you to play lots of games and recording your progress over time. Many users have indicated that their ADHD symptoms have improved.

It’s a paid platform, and prices depend on the number of cognitive games offered. The basic 20-game package costs $20 per month, while the 60+-game package costs $30 per month. This app is a great way to find help with ADHD through fun games.

MentalUp

The app is designed for kids to improve their intelligence and cognitive functions by playing brain training games

MentalUp is one of the best apps for kids with ADHD. If you are a parent who is worried about your child, you should definitely try this app for your kids. It contains over 120 educational games for kids aged 4 to 13. It has a bright and colorful interface, so your kids will love using the platform. The 20-minute games are designed to improve your child’s memory, analytical thinking, logic, attention and concentration, and problem-solving skills.

The app is available in both freemium and premium versions. The free version is good to try out. Upgrading to the premium version costs $70 per year. There are also 3- and 6-month plans available for $35 and $50, respectively.

Best ADHD Apps for Pomodoro Technique

What’s Pomodoro Technique?

Pomodoro technique is a time interval technique developed by Francesco Cirillo. In the Pomodoro technique, you divide your work into time intervals – focus time and pause time. During the focus time, you concentrate only on the work, and during the break time, you rest. For example, if you set your focus time at 25 minutes, you should only work or study during those 25 minutes without getting distracted. Then you can take a 5-minute break to do what you want to do. The fourth break is usually a little longer, for example, 15 minutes. This work reward system can help you improve your concentration and productivity.

Brain Focus

Based on the Pomodoro technique and can help you improve focus and productivity.

Brain Focus is one of the best Pomodoro apps for smartphones. The app helps ADHD and focus-deficient brains to manage their time and productivity effectively. It has a very easy-to-use interface and menus and many options to customize timers. It also has a dark design that saves your device’s battery.

The app allows you to choose your own focus and break time. This way, you can stay focused on a particular task for longer. The app is free and a must-have if you want to focus better using the Pomodoro technique.

Focus To-Do

Combine a Pomodoro timer with a to-do list to help you stay focused and productive.

Focus To-Do is, as the name suggests, a to-do list manager with an integrated Pomodoro function. It gives you the advantages of both worlds. The to-do manager offers to-do lists, due dates, customizable folders, data entry, and more. Also, the app lets you set the total number of pomodoros (time span) that you need to complete a task. This way, you can also manage your time. Besides, the app has features like notifications, reminders, priority levels, etc., so your ADHD brain won’t miss any deadline and can focus on the work.

This app costs only $3 for 3 months, and you can also get it for life for $9. It is a low-cost Pomodoro app with built-in task manager features.

PomoDone

Integrates with popular task management apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist to help you stay focused and productive.

PomoDone is a unique workflow management app that uses Pomodoro technology and integrates well with third-party apps like Slack, Girhub, Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Teams, to name a few. The app can help you improve your productivity and focus by dividing long tasks into 25-minute time slots followed by breaks. It also lets you track how much time a task takes and measure your productivity.

The app is paid, costs $4.96 per month, and integrates seamlessly with other workflow platforms.

Best FDA-Approved ADHD App for Kids – EndeavorRx

EndeavorRx is the only FDA-approved ADHD help platform to date that is therapeutically approved to improve attention function in children with ADHD. This game-based app is specifically designed to help ADHD children by addressing their sensory stimuli and mortar challenges and targeting the specific neuron systems in the brain related to attention control. The app has reputable data from clinical studies that prove its effectiveness.

It is a prescription app that your child typically uses for only 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The studies claim that the behavior of users with ADHD improved after two months. It is a unique app with proven results. The platform costs $99 per month, but this cost can also be covered by insurance (you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor).

Best ADHD App for Adults – Shimmer ADHD Coaching App

The Shimmer ADHD Coaching App is designed specifically for adults struggling with ADHD. The app provides you with a personal coach to guide you and help you with your specific needs and requirements. The coach also helps you identify your specific challenges and develops targeted strategies to overcome them.

Unlike other ADHD apps, Shimmer also provides you with the emotional support you need later in life. The coach gives you the reassurance and validation you need to understand that what you’re going through is normal and everything will be okay. The app provides crucial support for adults with ADHD to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence.

The only downside to this app is its price. It costs $100 per month, which is affordable compared to professional counseling, but may not be feasible for college students. But overall, it’s just the ADHD management app an adult needs!

Wrapping Up: Leverage These Apps To Make Your ADHD Life Easy

Living with ADHD is hard, but it can be greatly improved if precautions and measures are taken. Nowadays, there are hundreds of apps on the Internet that can help you organize your tasks and work, prioritize them, and get them done on time. They also help you feel less overwhelmed and manage your thoughts and emotions effectively.

With the right apps and tools, you can streamline your personal and work life. If you make these ADHD apps a part of your everyday life, they can help you significantly with your mental, emotional, and physical health.

FAQs about the Best ADHD Apps

1. Do ADHD apps really work?

ADHD apps can really help people manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. These apps especially help you with:

• Organize your tasks, projects, notes, and reminders in one place.
• Track your time, productivity, and habits.
• Cope with stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.

2. What are the best ADHD apps for improving productivity?

There are many ADHD apps that can help you increase your productivity if you use them properly. Some of these apps are:

• Focus@Will
• RescueTime
• Asana
• Todoist
• Trello
• Evernote
• PomoDone
• Focus Bear

3. What are the drawbacks of using ADHD apps?

While there are no serious or significant downsides to using ADHD apps, as they mainly help you cope, they should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. This is mainly because they may not treat the underlying causes or factors of your ADHD symptoms. Also, some apps may not be compatible with your individual needs and preferences.

4. What app makes you a routine for ADHD?

Routinery is an excellent app designed specifically to help people with ADHD create and stick to a routine. It allows you to create detailed routines, set timers, and track your progress. It helps you build a daily schedule to make you more productive.

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August 10, 2023

2 min read

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Calabrese L. Psychoneuroimmunology: A boot camp for the rheumatologist. Presented at: Association of Women in Rheumatology annual conference; Aug. 10-13, 2022; Orlando, Florida (hybrid meeting).

Disclosures:
Calabrese reports financial disclosures with AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, BMS, Galvani, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Sanofi-Regeneron and UCB.

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Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases may be able to harness mindfulness practices to improve their symptoms, but there is still much to be studied about this connection, noted a presenter at the 2023 AWIR annual conference.

“People can understand, if you tell them that their brain and immune system are connected, that this is bidirectional, this is a two-lane highway,” Leonard Calabrese, DO, RJ Fasenmyer chair of clinical immunology at the Cleveland Clinic, and chief medical editor of Healio Rheumatology, told attendees at the hybrid meeting. “When we have inflammation, the clearest evidence of this neuropsychoimmunological access is our behavior.”

“Is this all definitive? Do we know that we can change the world, cure cancer and lower viral loads? No,” Leonard Calabrese, DO, told attendees. “However, there is enough data for me that I talk to my patients every single day about this.” Image: Adobe Stock

Leonard Calabrese

Calabrese pointed to “sick behavior” in humans and animals, such as striving to achieve as much rest as possible during times of illness. However, as work in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and other therapies continues to advance, patients might have the power to improve their symptoms through mindfulness.

As an example, Calabrese discussed the rose experiment, a study published more than 100 years ago that demonstrated patients with asthma can have a reaction to plastic flowers.

“There is no mind and there is no body,” he said. “We are one thing, and patients can understand this.”

Work is still being done to further establish the connection between mindfulness and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, but there are steps that rheumatologists can take right now to have a positive impact on the health of their patients, according to Calabrese.

“We have a lot of things to offer right now,” he said. “Our studies show — and there are copious studies that show this — that people who have mindfulness practices have lower degrees of inflammation and tamping down of these pathways.”

However, Calabrese added that the mind-body connection is not as simple as opening an app and practicing a daily meditation exercise.

“These are mind-body techniques, and they include everything from yoga to tai chi,” he said. “Tai chi has been shown in randomized controlled clinical trials, in the New England Journal of Medicine, to be a highly effective treatment for central sensitization pain.”

In addition to yoga and tai chi, Calabrese discussed qigong — a practice involving posture, movement and meditation — as having potential in an adjunct capacity to aid patients dealing with this type of pain.

“We are studying qigong in all of these diseases as an adjunct,” he said.

And although there is still research to be done regarding these methods, Calabrese has seen enough data to feel confident incorporating them into his regular practice.

“Is this all definitive? Do we know that we can change the world, cure cancer and lower viral loads? No,” he said. “However, there is enough data for me that I talk to my patients every single day about this.”

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Park’s Pearl, a quaint brick home built in 1911 in Sturgeon Bay, is part of this year’s Door County Medical Center House & Garden Walk on July 25.

DOOR COUNTY – Many people passing those homes on the Peninsula that look so spectacular, interesting, perhaps historic from the outside, likely often say to themselves, “I wonder what it looks like inside.”

Now, you can check out five of those spectacular and interesting places and help improve mental health care in Door County at the same time.

Those come together when the Door County Medical Center Auxiliary, the health care organization’s volunteer group, sponsors its 62nd annual House & Garden Walk on July 25. Throughout the day, volunteers lead tours of five selected homes and gardens − they’re different every year − in what is the biggest fundraiser the auxiliary conducts for the medical center.

What homes can we see?

Opening their doors for the walk this year are:

Park’s Pearl, 119 S. Eighth Ave., Sturgeon Bay: Likely one of the cozier structures featured on the walk, this quaint white brick home was built in 1911 and had additions in the 1930s, ’40s and ’90, including a three-season porch. It features steep intersecting gables, corner quoins and arched windows, and a major renovation by the new owners who bought it in 2018 reuses the existing woodwork to mimic details found in the original house.

Sawyer Harbor Lookout, 4441 Bay Shore Drive, Sturgeon Bay: This contemporary-style home built in 2019 overlooks the waters of Sawyer Harbor and offers views of the cliffs of Potawatomi State Park, Sherwood Point Lighthouse and the bay of Green Bay. Designed with the theme of “bringing the outside in,” it includes floor-to-ceiling windows, an open concept, an open fireplace including stonework and metalwork, and a three-story floating staircase intended as the focal point of the home.

Woodlands, 6587 Bay Shore Drive, Sturgeon Bay: Woods and the bay waterfront are the setting for this 20-year-old Italian Provincial home that includes art collected on trips around the world, a custom needlepoint rug featuring local flowers, a large armoire that serves as a bar, a patio with a spa, a 1920s Italian water fountain and a lower-level pavilion on the water’s edge. The surrounding gardens were designed using local plants in a European country plan.

Story continues

Woodwalk Gallery and Home, 6746 County G, Egg Harbor: Many original features (such as beams, trim and kitchen siding) remain in the 2.5-story, 2,200-square-foot Cream City brick house and dairy barn that were both built around 1908 on the 10-acre property. The barn was converted into an art gallery that exhibits the work of about 95 artists and hosts intimate concerts and gatherings, while the gardens are home to many perennials and the meadows showcase a variety of wildflowers.

A 2.5-story, Cream City brick home and a dairy barn now converted to an art gallery, both originally built around 1908, are featured at Woodwalk Gallery and Home, part of this year’s Door County Medical Center House & Garden Walk on July 25.

Lake Michigan Contemporary, 3884 Glidden Drive, Sturgeon Bay: This 3,400-square-foot home is a contemporary reinterpretation of the home that previously stood on the site. Described as a home “where nature is invited indoors,” it features 10-foot-tall glass walls allowing views of Lake Michigan and an exterior of masonry stucco, ebony-stained horizontal cedar and Lannon stone salvaged from the original home. The landscape combines native plants with a structured hardscape of linear design.

The funds go to …

Funds raised by the House & Garden Walk in its past 61 years have gone to DCMC for an educational conference center, dental clinic, inpatient services, the purchase of medical equipment and an emergency room addition. Proceeds from the 2022 event allowed the auxiliary to complete a $250,000 commitment to the Pete & Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Facility at DCMC.

For this year, proceeds will go toward the medical center’s plan to strengthen and expand its Behavioral Health Program. The number of cases of issues like depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol abuse have risen dramatically for all ages in recent years, and health care systems across the state and country struggle to find and retain qualified mental health professionals.

The situation is especially notable in Door County, DCMC Behavioral Health Coordinator Barb Johnson-Giese said.

“Access to behavioral health services in our community is a significant issue,” Johnson-Giese said in a news release. “In Door County, the ratio of population to mental health providers is 715 to 1. The ratio in the state of Wisconsin is currently 440 to 1, which ranks 34th in the nation.”

An art collection from around the world and a pavilion on the water’s edge are among the highlights of Woodlands, an Italian Provincial home in Sturgeon Bay that’s part of this year’s Door County Medical Center House & Garden Walk on July 25.

The center said in the news release it put together a comprehensive strategy to strengthen and expand the program, with the DCMC Foundation setting a goal of raising $3 million to make it come to fruition. The plan includes:

• Expanding behavioral health services to all school districts in Door County and Algoma;

• Providing at least one full-time behavioral health provider in each clinic location with dedicated space;

• Expanding its Senior Life Solutions and Substance Use Disorder services;

• Increasing the availability of services by hiring full-time psychologists and psychiatrists and establishing a telepsychiatry program in the emergency department;

• And increasing the acceptance of behavioral health treatment with an extensive public relations campaign.

Those who aren’t able to participate in House & Garden Walk but want to contribute to the effort can visit dcmedical.org/foundation/behavioral-health-program to make a donation and find more information.

Know before you go

The House & Garden Walk takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25. Tickets are $40 through July 24, $45 the day of the walk. The homes are not accessible to those with accessibility challenges.

Tickets can be purchased online, at each of the homes the day of the event, in the gift shop at DCMC in Sturgeon Bay, and at Nicolet Bank branches in Sturgeon Bay (main branch), Luxemburg and Kewaunee; Door County Coffee & Tea in Carlsville; Destination Door County or Bliss at the Marketplace, both in Sturgeon Bay; Island Fever in Jacksonport; Main Street Market in Egg Harbor; or Jerry’s Flowers in Sister Bay. All purchases must be by cash or check unless buying online.

The auxiliary recommends that guests can begin at any of the featured homes but move to another if the first choice is too busy. Guests will be asked to wear booties over their shoes to protect the homes, keep the booties and use them throughout the day. Questions while touring the homes are welcome, but photos cannot be taken inside them.

For online ticket purchases or more information, visit doorcountyhouseandgardenwalk.com.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

MORE: 25 years of Leinies, laughs, ice fishing and real life: Northern Sky holds anniversary run of ‘Guys on Ice’

MORE: Door County Land Trust acquires property to add to protected wetland near Sturgeon Bay

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Tour Door County homes and gardens, help improve mental health care

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Most health care professionals know they can’t fully assess patients’ health without looking at social determinants, the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes.

Income, housing, quality of schools, access to fresh produce and other factors play an important role in wellness. But there’s one we don’t fully acknowledge: the role of faith.

Faith, spirituality and a sense of purpose all have a beneficial effect on one’s emotional, physical and mental health.

This connection is well-established by researchers. Belief in a divine plan for one’s life can foster optimism and hope − attitudes that can boost mental and physical health, according to an analysis of more than 40 studies. Spiritual practices, such as prayer, can reduce stress and anxiety.

Spirituality and faith can even affect our physical health. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, religiosity, spirituality and frequency of prayer have been tied to lower cortisol levels.

People gather and sing songs of worship during this year’s “Easter Sunrise Service” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.,C., hosted by the National Community Church.

Religious observance can boost immune system

In a study of more than 1,700 older adults, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that those who practice religion had better immune function than those who didn’t.

The findings persisted even when researchers adjusted for other factors that could impact immune system function, such as depression or chronic illness. The researchers suggest that the shared promotion of positive thoughts or experience of worship and adoration may help explain the physical health benefits.

Here’s how physicians at the Mayo Clinic sum up research on the topic: “Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide.”

Hundreds of Muslims gathered for the Eid al-Adha prayer service in Ridgefield Park, N.J., on June 28. Eid al-Adha is the Feast of Sacrifice for when Ibrahim/Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his son.

We also know that some health benefits can be more pronounced in organized religion than in belief itself. For example, if you’re a member of a house of worship, you’ve likely noticed that few people attend services alone. Just as important as the internal attitudes religion can foster are the social connections it can bring.

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An epidemic of loneliness and a lack of community have contributed to a rapid rise in “deaths of despair” from suicide and substance abuse. Belonging to a faith organization can foster the sense of community that’s missing in so many people’s lives.

Friendships and social support can lead to better health

People who attend services regularly tend to have more close friendships, which can in turn lead to better health outcomes. One study found that cancer patients who belonged to a church choir reported better vitality and mental health despite no changes in their physical condition. Simply having social support and coming together to sing was enough to improve their sense of well-being.

Harvard researchers have also found that men and women who attend services weekly reduce their risk of dying a death of despair by 33% and 68%, respectively.

This social aspect can apply some positive peer pressure as well. Many healthy behaviors are what psychologists call “socially contagious.”

A recent study found that Black Americans who were more involved with their house of worship had better cardiovascular health partly because their community helped them make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or eating healthier. It’s easier to reach your health goals when someone else encourages you and holds you accountable.

Despite the proven health benefits, religiosity is on the decline in America. The fastest-growing religious segment of the U.S. population is now “nones” − those who profess no religion.

Phil McGraw is the host of “Dr. Phil.”

We’re not here to evangelize, but as a doctor and a mental health professional, it’s important to note that a decline of religion and spirituality seems to be associated with potentially negative health effects.

You don’t have to join your nearest house of worship to enjoy good health. Your faith or sense of purpose, if any, is on you. But health is as much a matter of the soul as of the body. If you have a sense of faith, cultivate it. If you don’t, seek out places or situations that bring you a sense of connection and hope through meaningful relationships.

Dr. John Whyte is chief medical officer of WebMD.

Dr. Phil McGraw, Ph.D., is one of the most well-known mental health professionals in the world and the host of one of daytime TV’s top-rated programs, “Dr. Phil.” Dr. John Whyte is chief medical officer of WebMD.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does religion benefit health? Faith may be the medicine you need

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Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment. By focusing on the here and now, we can reduce anxiety and increase our ability to handle stress. Here are 20 simple mindfulness exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help manage stress and improve your health:

1. Deep Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus solely on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This exercise helps calm the mind and relax the body.

2. Body Scan: Lie down in a comfortable position and mentally scan your body from head to toe, noticing any sensations or areas of tension. This exercise helps increase body awareness and release physical stress.

3. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to the taste, texture, and smell of each bite you take during meals. Slow down and savor every mouthful. This practice helps cultivate gratitude and healthier eating habits.

4. Walking Meditation: Instead of rushing from one place to another, take a mindful walk. Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground and the rhythm of your steps. This exercise helps bring your attention to the present moment.

5. Nature Appreciation: Spend time in nature and observe the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Connect with the beauty of the natural world and let go of daily worries.

6. Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This practice shifts your focus from negativity to positivity, promoting a sense of well-being.

7. Mindful Listening: When engaging in conversations, give your full attention to the person speaking. Avoid interrupting or thinking about what to say next. Truly listen and be present in the moment.

8. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This exercise helps release physical tension and promotes relaxation.

9. Guided Imagery: Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful and calming place. Use all your senses to create a vivid mental image. This exercise helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calm.

10. Mindful Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretches into your daily routine and pay attention to the sensations in your body. This practice helps release muscle tension and improves flexibility.

11. Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from screens, including phones, computers, and televisions. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy or relaxation.

12. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Sit quietly and repeat positive phrases to yourself and others, such as “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe.” This practice cultivates compassion and empathy.

13. Mindful Cleaning: Approach household chores with a mindful attitude. Focus on the sensations and movements involved in cleaning, bringing your attention to the present moment.

14. Mindful Shower: Pay attention to the sensations of the water on your skin, the smell of the soap, and the feeling of relaxation as you shower. This exercise helps you start your day with a sense of calm.

15. Mindful Driving: Instead of letting your mind wander or getting frustrated in traffic, use driving as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Focus on the sensations of steering, accelerating, and braking.

16. Mindful Breathing Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to focus on your breath. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, bringing your attention back to the present moment.

17. Mindful Hobbies: Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. Immerse yourself fully in the experience, paying attention to the details.

18. Mindful Noticing: Throughout the day, pause and notice your surroundings. Observe the colors, shapes, and sounds around you, bringing your attention to the present moment.

19. Mindful Sleep Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine by dimming the lights, avoiding screens, and practicing relaxation techniques before sleep. This practice promotes restful sleep and reduces anxiety.

20. Mindful Reflection: Take a few minutes each evening to reflect on your day. Acknowledge your accomplishments, challenges, and emotions without judgment. This exercise promotes self-awareness and emotional well-being.

Incorporating these simple mindfulness exercises into your daily routine can make a significant difference in managing stress and improving your health. Remember, mindfulness is a skill that requires practice and patience. Start with a few exercises that resonate with you and gradually expand your practice. With time, you’ll experience the transformative power of mindfulness in your life.

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1. Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Observe the sensation of each inhale and exhale, letting go of any thoughts or distractions.

2. Body Scan: Lie down and bring your attention to different parts of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head. Notice any physical sensations or tensions and let them go.

3. Mindful Eating: Pay close attention to the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Chew slowly and savor each bite. Notice how your body responds to the nourishment.

4. Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you are grateful for each day. This exercise helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.

5. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Repeat phrases of kindness and compassion for yourself and others. This practice cultivates empathy and a sense of connection.

6. Mindful Walking: Take a walk and pay attention to the physical sensations of each step. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

7. Mindful Listening: Engage in conversations with full presence. Focus on the speaker’s words, tone, and non-verbal cues, rather than planning your response.

8. Body Awareness: Notice physical sensations in your body throughout the day. This practice helps you recognize signs of stress or tension and take proactive steps to alleviate them.

9. Mindful Technology Use: Set boundaries and be intentional about how you use technology. Take breaks from screens and be present in the moment.

10. Mindful Observation: Choose an object and study it closely. Notice its shape, color, texture, and any other details. This exercise helps cultivate a sense of curiosity and focus.

11. Mindful Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises while paying attention to the sensations in your body. This practice promotes relaxation and body awareness.

12. Mindful Silence: Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in silence. Notice any thoughts or emotions that arise without judgment, and let them pass.

13. Mindful Showering: Pay close attention to the sensation of water on your skin, the scent of soap, and the sound of running water. This exercise turns a mundane task into a mindful experience.

14. Mindful Media Consumption: Be aware of the media you consume and its impact on your well-being. Choose content that aligns with your values and brings you joy.

15. Mindful Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on your experiences. Notice any patterns or triggers that arise and consider how you can respond mindfully.

16. Mindful Driving: Pay attention to the physical sensations of driving, such as the feel of the steering wheel and the sound of the engine. Practice safe driving habits and avoid distractions.

17. Mindful Music Listening: Listen to your favorite music with full presence. Pay attention to the lyrics, melodies, and emotions evoked by the music.

18. Mindful Self-Compassion: Offer yourself kindness and understanding in moments of difficulty or self-criticism. Treat yourself as you would treat a loved one.

19. Mindful Body Language: Pay attention to your body language and how it affects your interactions with others. Notice any tension or closed-off postures, and consciously relax and open up.

20. Mindful Sleep: Practice a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and mindfulness. Engage in activities like reading, stretching, or meditation to prepare your mind and body for restful sleep.

By incorporating these mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, you can enhance your self-awareness and improve your overall well-being. Remember, mindfulness is a skill that requires practice, so be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey of self-discovery.

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