This is where our team will share some of the interesting and helpful things we're seeing in the world of behavioral health. Check back often for updates and reach out to our crisis line at 866.728.7983 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 if you need immediate assistance. You can also reach the National Crisis Text line by texting HOME to 741741. Click here to learn more.

Better Stop Suicide is a free smartphone application that provides assistance with safety planning and staying connected to loved ones and mental health supports when you’re having thoguhts of suicide. Access to the app can help you feel more prepared for times of emotional distress and makes it easy to reach out to others.

Downloads here: For Apple Users or For Android Users

Wise Mind is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill that creates a balance between the emotional and reasonable mind. The world often tells us to silence emotion and depend only on reason. Ignoring our emotions can lead us to make decisions that don’t reflect who we really are. Relying solely on our emotions, however, can also lead to problematic actions. We might make a choice based on how it feels in the moment, without considering the long term consequences.

When the reasonable and emotional mind come together, we can build a sense of intuition, or “knowing” what’s right. This feeling helps us to live more confident and decisive lives that reflect our truest self.

Explore this article to learn more about wise mind:  Training the Wise Mind for greater self-confidence

Mindfulness is a great tool to use when we’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, or anxious. Practicing mindfulness often involves focusing on our surroundings and sensations without judgement. Rather than tuning out our feelings, mindfulness allows us to fully engage with the world around us.

Here are some great ways to practice mindfulness in your daily life: 1-Minute Mindfulness Exercises

Coping skills are defined as, “the methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations." Sometimes it’s difficult to remember our coping skills in moments of distress. Using coping skills can help us reconnect with ourselves and restore a sense of empowerment and control

This article has several great suggestions for effective ways to cope with stress and overwhelming emotions:  40 Healthy Coping Skills for Dealing With Uncomfortable Emotions

Social media can be a great tool for spreading awareness about mental health, with Instagram our favorite platform for positive vibes.

Check out this list of recommended Instagram accounts from Very Well Mind.