Briefly, it seemed like the coronavirus pandemic had turned a corner. “People were starting to feel a little bit optimistic this summer,” says Ariel Shumaker, an Asheville therapist in private practice, about COVID-19. “And now, it’s not feeling optimistic.” Fatigue, sadness, anxiety, rage, fear, exhaustion — these are the emotions area behavioral health professionals report […]
Whether it’s local issues such as gentrification and overdevelopment or, at the national level, things like health care, the Green New Deal and military spending, the conversations have gotten toxic. Local spiritual advisers, mental health professionals and activists share their tips for staying sane while working for a better world.
“I have a fantasy, sparked by a friend’s wistful Facebook comment, that everyone could come together to spread all of these many jolly activities (and their associated deadlines) throughout the year, perhaps loosely attached to an underperforming existing holiday.”
Mental Health Month, observed in the U.S. since 1949, brings awareness to the importance of maintaining mental health as much as physical health.
High levels of burnout occur in the nursing profession because of long hours coupled with physical and emotional distress. Workplace wellness programs help to prevent and diminish burnout.
Stress can lift you up or throw you down, according to local experts, who discuss ways to use stress as a tool for self-improvement.
Despite having no military base nearby, nearly 20,000 veterans call Buncombe County home — giving it the sixth-largest veteran population in the state. As local visits for PTSD, depression, substance abuse, homelessness and unemployment continues to climb at Charles George VA, three local veterans share their struggles and stories about mental health. (Cover design by Sarah Riddle)
UNCA instructor Connie Schrader (right) leads student Michele Pierce (left) through a series of tests at the school’s Biofeedback and Stress Lab, which is used to help treat a variety of conditions such as sleep problems, Attention Deficit Disorder and depression.
Julia Lehr, yoga instructor and yoga lead for wellness crew at Warren Wilson College, offers free yoga classes and inspiration for students. Here, she demonstrates low lunge. This is the seventh in the yoga series by freelance writer Kate Lundquist.
