Office on Women's Health Blog
Mental Health
Last summer, before my first year of college, I tried my best to prepare for a healthy daily lifestyle. I researched nutritious meals and snacks, created an exercise routine, and committed myself to avoiding all-nighters. However, it wasn't until I arrived that I realized that I may have been physically ready to take on the college life, but I was caught off-guard by the mental and emotional challenges.
One Woman's Story: Being With Someone Through Depression
Being with someone who is struggling with depression is never easy. Anne Wheaton watched her husband, Wil Wheaton, experience anger, self-doubt, sadness, and hopelessness for three years. He didn't know the cause of these feelings, but they inevitably affected his relationship with Anne.
Let's Talk About Mental Health
There's no guarantee against mental illness. While exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and taking time for themselves may be enough for some women to maintain good mental health, this may not be enough for everyone
Sexual Assault: A Crime Against Women's Health
In 1974, the women's liberation movement was in full swing. My class at Baylor College of Medicine had over 30 female students, more than in previous years. We felt powerful — like trailblazers doing our share for women and society. But I still wondered: Would it happen to me?
One in Three: Sexual Assault Affects Too Many Women
It might feel scary to ask for help or support, but help is available. Whether you were assaulted recently or many years ago, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or use the Online Hotline. Both are free, confidential, and open 24/7.
Creating Trauma-Informed Congregations
Andrea Blanch, Kimberly Konkel
According to national experts convened by SAMHSA, trauma results from events or circumstances that are experienced by an individual as harmful or life threatening and that have lasting adverse effects on mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being.
Supporting Youth This February and Throughout the Year
Evelyn M. Kappeler, Marylouise Kelley, Resa Matthew
One in 10 American teenagers suffers physical violence at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend each year and many others are sexually or emotionally abused. This abuse, also known as dating violence, can have long-term health impacts, such as emotional trauma, lasting physical impairment, chronic health problems, and even death.
New Year's Resolution: Appreciating Last Year's Achievements!
It can be difficult to incorporate new habits into an already overextended life, with work demands, harrowing commutes, busy families, hobbies (hopefully!), volunteer activities, and the curse of constant connectivity. So I like to think of January as a time to review my accomplishments from the previous year, focusing on what I achieved instead of what I did not.
November Is Family Caregivers Month
My mother called me last Thursday night to let me know she was in the hospital and would be having surgery the next day. As I drove to North Carolina to be with her, I was thinking about how many people are in a similar situation, providing care for a family member from a distance.
