Janet Melvin's Wellness Resources

This book is a painfully honest, deeply compassionate guide written by Susan Rose Blauner — someone who endured years of suicidal thoughts, multiple suicide attempts, and psychiatric hospitalizations. Rather than just offering a memoir, Blauner presents this work as a practical “manual” for surviving suicidal crises. Through her story and a set of concrete coping strategies (what she calls “25 Tricks of the Trade,” including a detailed “crisis plan”), the book aims to help pe

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of flawless faces, perfect lifestyles, and seemingly endless success stories, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking perfection is something we must attain. We look at others and think, “I want that,” not realizing that behind the glossy photos and curated moments, there's a deeper truth. Perfection. It's a word we’ve all heard countless times. It’s often used to describe an ideal state, an unattainable goal, someth

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. Between work, family, and social obligations, finding time for yourself often seems impossible. However, making time for self-care and personal relaxation is not just a luxury—it’s crucial for maintaining your well-being and staying productive. The key is to create a balance where you can meet your commitments while also nurturing your own needs. Here are some simple and effective strat

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and perfectionism are often intertwined, creating a challenging cycle that affects many. OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, while perfectionism involves setting unrealistically high standards and being overly critical when those standards aren't met. Individuals with OCD may obsess about making things "just right," leading to compulsive actions to alleviate anxiety. This fear of making mistakes can exacerbate

Supporting a loved one who is struggling with suicidal ideation can feel overwhelming, but your compassion and presence can make a significant difference. The goal is to create a safe space where they feel heard and understood, allowing them to open up and feel supported. It’s important to remember that saving a life is possible, and there are many ways to help. Here are some key approaches: Listen Without Judgment When someone shares thoughts of suicide, they may feel vulner

Body shaming, the act of criticizing or making negative comments about someone's body, can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem and mental health. It’s a pervasive issue that transcends age, gender, and background, often manifesting in subtle, everyday interactions as well as overt remarks. Addressing body shaming requires a multi-faceted approach, where individuals play a crucial role in fostering a more accepting and supportive environment. FORMS OF BODY SH

Mental health disparities among minority communities are a significant concern, often exacerbated by barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, and cultural insensitivity. Community and faith-based organizations play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, providing culturally competent care, building trust, and advocating for policy changes.  The partnership provides an opportunity for psychiatrists and the mental health community to learn from spiritual leaders to whom

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can have profound effects on individuals who have experienced trauma. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, there are proactive steps individuals can take to build resilience and mitigate its potential impact. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for preventing PTSD through building resilience and coping skills. What is Resilience? Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma, or st

Mental illness is often shrouded in stigma, leading many to suffer in silence rather than seek the support they need. However, as society becomes more aware and accepting, there is a growing movement to break down these barriers and embrace adaptability in the face of mental health challenges. It is important to explore the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and how embracing adaptability can lead to greater understanding and support for those who ar

“Autism is not a catastrophe” Robert J. Kennedy. Autism is not a catastrophe to be terrified about or a riddle to be worked out. Rather, it is a singular manifestation of human variation, providing a window into the depths of the human condition. It is often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurological condition that affects individuals in various ways, shaping their perceptions, interactions, and experiences.  Despite increased awareness in recent ye

Unbelievably, more people than you might expect to suffer from self-harm. The temptation to self-harm is not uncommon, although people usually keep it a secret, especially teenagers or young adults. Regardless of the duration of self-harming activity, mental health best outcomes and supportive care are paramount.   What Is Self-Harm? When you intentionally hurt yourself, it's called self-harm. Self-harming behavior refers to any deliberate, non-suicidal action that inflicts p

Self-esteem and mental health are closely related to one another. People with high self-esteem typically have better mental health and are more satisfied with their lives in general. Having a healthy sense of self-worth allows people to accept their flaws, focus on their strengths, and keep a realistic outlook on both the outside world and themselves. On the other hand, those who lack self-worth are more likely to struggle with mental health problems. A low sense of self-wort

Self-love is a concept that encompasses a positive regard for oneself, including acceptance, appreciation, and nurturing of one's own well-being and happiness. It involves recognizing and valuing your own worth, taking care of your physical and mental health, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Practicing self-love can involve various activities and attitudes, such as: 1. Positive affirmations: Encouraging and positive statements about oneself to promote a hea

Most people who suffer from depression generally experience persistent sorrow and may also experience irritability, helplessness, and hopelessness. However, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. It is sometimes referred to as "winter depression." SAD is believed to be related to the changes in light exposure that occur with the changing season

Most frequently adoption is a joyful experience for the adoptive couple/families and the children involved. However, this process is not without its difficulties or challenges. The decision-making process to adopt a child must take into consideration all areas of the couple’s life that will be impacted as well as the mental and emotional well-being and the unnoticed psychological implications on the child being adopted. For example, the couple adopting may have experienced th