Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeastern Michigan

June 18th is Autistic Pride Day!

This day is an annual celebration started by and for autistic people, to be proud living authentically as themselves.

Autism is a type of neurodivergence that exists on a spectrum. This just means every autistic person has their own strengths and challenges, and experience autism differently.

Today is a reminder to cast shame aside, and be proud of who you are. And for those who are allistic (not autistic), we remember to create space for autistic individuals to be themselves.

Check out this PBS video where people across the spectrum share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about autism: https://youtu.be/GoieHK2vR50?si=LGx1e9S6Md952QpL

Sources: Autism Alliance of MI

Today, we recognize and honor the diverse tapestry of fatherhood, embracing the strength and love of all dads - including those who have experienced loss, yearn for fatherhood, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, dads to pets, individuals who do not know their fathers, and those navigating complex relationships.

Wishing a blessed Eid Al-Adha to all those celebrating! May this special day be filled with love, happiness, and the warmth of family and friends. Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

Happy ! SCC continues to observe Men’s Health Month and not surprisingly, there are not many for men and their mental health!

“Men are less likely than women to seek help for depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events due to social norms, reluctance to talk, and downplaying symptoms”. This likely explains the lack of local resources for males, unfortunately.

Do you know and love any local resources geared towards men, their mental health, and overall wellness? In the meantime, check out a cool resource called HeadsUpGuys.org. This resource offers assistance to men in finding therapeutic support, resources about mental health and symptoms, tools to build a support team, and free self-guided courses for men!

Source: https://mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men

Happy !

Practicing gratitude and naming what you're thankful for involves slowing down, and tuning in. When you share that gratitude with others, you're connecting and strengthening your relationships.

How has gratitude served you in both good times and bad?

Thank you to our Cocktail Hour Sponsors for our annual Charity Golf Classic: The Spotlight Home Team of Ann Arbor, MI and TSS Accounting of Walled Lake, MI! SCC and the communities we serve thank you for your generosity and support.

We are in the middle of Multiracial Heritage Week! Running from June 7th until the 14th, this awareness week is all about celebrating people with biracial and multiracial backgrounds. Our future is multiracial!

According to the 2020 Census, 32.5% of individuals identifying with two or more races were under the age of 18. As a society, we have a lot of work ahead of us to develop more inclusive and equitable experiences for all. Join us in honoring our multiracial community members, friends, and family!



https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/06/nearly-a-third-reporting-two-or-more-races-under-18-in-2020.html

Thank you Apparel Resources Group of Plymouth, Michigan for your sponsorship supporting SCC's charity golf outing! Your support will make a meaningful impact in our community, and we are grateful for that. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Happy ! With in mind, today SCC shares with you The Trevor Project! Now a well-known organization originally created to address the su***de public health crisis affecting young people identifying as LGBTQ+ for the past 25 years, The Trevor Project continues to offer countless resources with mental health as the central focus. Check out their website where you’ll find support with crisis services, research, education for allyship, guides for coming out, and more!

www.thetrevorproject.org
Crisis Lines: Text ‘Start’ to 678-678, call 866-488-7386, or chat on the website

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, an important time to shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its profound impact on individuals and families.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It's characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, severe anxiety, and flashbacks related to the trauma (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While PTSD is often associated with military combat, it can result from any traumatic experience, such as sexual assault, natural disasters, or childhood abuse.

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022). It's a significant public health concern, but with proper support and treatment, recovery is possible.

At Samaritan Counseling Center, we understand the profound impact of trauma and the importance of a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing. We have several staff therapists with specialized training to address symptoms of PTSD. Please refer to our website to see staff specialties.

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, know that you are not alone. Our doors are open, and we are here to provide a safe, supportive space for your journey towards recovery and healing.

Join us this month in raising awareness about PTSD and the resources available. Together, we can destigmatize this condition and empower individuals to seek the help they need.



References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, April 18). How common is PTSD? National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

This year’s World Environment Day campaign focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are .”

Environmental decline can include desertification and deforestation along with climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. These changes can lead to eco-despair and climate anxiety, which can cause people to feel grief, fear, and helplessness.

Learn more about this year’s theme as well as obtain a practical guide that outlines solutions for ecosystem restoration at: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/practical-guide

Source: United Nations Environment Programme

June is !

The goal for this year is to "Build the knowledge of men and boys to impact their lifestyle for actionable, healthier choices that influence decisions, lifelong" (menshealthmonth.org). These healthier choices can include healthy eating, regular movement, and making prevention a priority.

Here are a few important facts about men's health:

- Men are significantly less likely than women to visit their doctor or report symptoms to a healthcare provider.

- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the US.

- 31% of men struggle with depression in their lifetime but only 1/4 talk to a mental health professional.

Let's prioritize the overall well-being of all men!

Source: medicine.iu.edu

Happy ! Today is a great day to talk about gratitude.

To practice gratitude is to open yourself up to noticing more of the good things you receive, even if they seem very small. Research has shown that a regular practice of gratitude can improve both our mental and physical health, relieve stress and pain, and even alleviate depression symptoms.

We've offered 6 small tips you can incorporate into your daily practice but there are many others!

How do you practice gratitude?

As we close out , this SCC is spotlighting a -the DBT Institute of Michigan!

DBT is an evidence-based approach, commonly used by therapists to assist individuals with borderline personality disorder in reducing overall symptoms by encouraging the acceptance of opposing ideas through a specific protocol. It is a type of talk therapy that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is a modality proven to be effective for self-harm, suicidal behaviors, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Check out the DBT Institute of Michigan, with locations in Mason, Novi, and Wyoming offering outpatient, residential, and consultation services: https://www.dbtimi.com/

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22838-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt

Join us as we continue raising awareness for Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. Let's break the stigma, promote understanding, and support those affected by BPD.

Evidence-based treatment offers hope for those with BPD, leading to reduced symptoms, enhanced functioning, and improved quality of life. Seeking support from licensed mental health professionals is crucial. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized approach designed for individuals with BPD, incorporating mindfulness techniques to enhance emotional regulation, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and foster healthier relationships.

If you or someone you love is impacted by BPD, you can find additional information at: https://go.nih.gov/9uZDvqe

Thank you Verità Telecommunications Corporation of Plymouth, Michigan for your diamond sponsorship supporting SCC's charity golf outing! Your support is truly appreciated and will make a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

If you're ready to take the next step toward therapy, give us a call at 248-474-4701. We have a number of wonderful therapists on staff who are currently accepting new clients. You can find out who, and read more about them at: sccmich.org/staff

On this , let's take the opportunity to have a mindful 💐

Our first Memorial Day (previously known as Decoration Day) was observed back in 1868. This was to commemorate those who lost their lives in the American Civil War, and allow a day for collective grief. As we continue to observe this day, we mourn and memorialize all of our lost soldiers over the years.

Memorial Day should not be a day of mindless observance, rather a mindful day to acknowledge the meaning and importance. This could mean mourning those you have personally lost, a collective mourning for all the lives lost, or some moments to practice gratitude.

How will you move through this day mindfully?

Our Main office at Nardin Park will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Please be sure to refer to your Staff Therapist for scheduling needs. Normal business will resume on Tuesday, 5/28! Have a safe weekend!

It's World Schizophrenia Awareness Day today!

Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people, or 1 in 300 people worldwide. Despite efforts to cultivate awareness and acceptance, schizophrenia remains highly stigmatized. Because of this stigma, people with schizophrenia often experience human rights violations and discrimination both in mental health institutions and in the community.

Schizophrenia impacts the way reality is perceived and can include behavior changes. These are characterized as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and unpredictable behavior, limited speech, and the experience that one's feelings, thoughts, or actions are not generated by oneself. These are just some of the symptoms that can manifest, and because schizophrenia exists on a spectrum, everyone has their own experience. Commonly, schizophrenia may affect all areas of a person's life such as personal, family, social, educational, and occupational functioning.

Research supports many effective treatment options like medication, psycho education, family interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and life skills training. Assisted living, housing support, and employment support are also important factors to facilitating a recovery oriented approach.





Source: World Health Organization

As we're approaching the end of May, we'd like to bring the focus back to perinatal mental health and the importance of awareness, treatment, and prevention for those affected. In our graphics, you will find important statistics regarding maternal mental health including the impact on the entire family unit.

Below are some helpful resources specific to Michigan:

1. https://psichapters.com/mi/

2. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/mchepi/hear-her/resources-for-pregnant-and-postpartum-people

3. https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/women-infants-mental-health

Join us for SCC's Charity Golf Classic on June 24th, 2024! Swing into action for a great cause with 18 holes of championship golf, delicious meals, exciting games, amazing prizes, and a silent auction. Proceeds go towards our Client Assistance Fund (CAF) to support those in need and are tax deductible! Register and find additional information at sccmich.org/sccgolf
🏌️‍♂️⛳

On World Meditation Day, let's celebrate the numerous benefits of this ancient practice. Did you know that meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being?

Studies have shown that regular meditation can also lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and promote emotional health.

Meditation is an umbrella term that can include many practices that shift us into a relaxed state. These include guided meditation, mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, and prayer.

Join in embracing the power of meditation for a healthier mind and body with these free meditation apps found commonly on major app stores:

Mindfulness Coach
Smiling Mind
UCLA Mindful



source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

Mindful Monday💫 Let's start the week with a mindful and grateful perspective. Today's affirmations remind us to:

✨Be fully present in the here and now
✨Focus on what we can control ✨Feel content and find happiness within
✨Change what doesn't serve us ✨Attract positivity and kindness

Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. When we stay grounded in the present moment, we reduce anxiety about the future and regrets of the past. Appreciating what we have cultivates a positive mindset, even amid challenges.

Let these affirmations be a gentle nudge to slow down, breathe deeply, and approach this week with intention and self-compassion. Mental health begins with nurturing our mind, body, and spirit.

For Today’s SCC proudly advocates for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This awareness day has been going strong since 2005. A collection of LGBT organizations around the world collaborated to commemorate how ‘homosexuality’ was removed from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Our weekly spotlight includes Affirmations in Ferndale! This incredible organization is a staple in the Southeastern MI community, with a vast array of offerings for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. Some programming at Affirmations includes mental health support, LGBTQ parent resources, domestic violence care, and more. Visit goaffirmations.org for more info and follow on Insta

Do you know of other sexuality and gender-affirming places in the community? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_Against_Homophobia,_Biphobia_and_Transphobia

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. At Samaritan Counseling Center, we recognize the importance of making mental health services accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or limitations.

Our goal is to provide inclusive and accessible therapy options, ensuring that anyone seeking mental health support can access our services. We strive to create a welcoming and accommodating environment, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Whether it's offering alternative communication methods, providing telehealth options, or making physical spaces barrier-free, we are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that mental health care is within reach for everyone who needs it.

Join us in celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day and advocating for a more inclusive world, where mental health support is accessible to all.

During this week, from May 12-18th, we are promoting National Prevention Week! This is an intentional time to consider the many different ways to prevent substance use and celebrate the possibilities that exist from prevention efforts.

From SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): “Over 1 in 4 adults with a serious problem also have a substance use issue. is highlighting the nationwide efforts & initiatives to prevent and promote mental health.”

Learn how you can get involved: samhsa.gov/prevention-week

As we continue to celebrate we want to take the time to highlight the Michigan Conference’s advocacy and support of mental health.

Advocacy Day 2024, sponsored by the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church, centered on improving mental health care access. To visually advocate for this cause, the Michigan Conference curated an art display featuring semicolon butterflies and established a mental health resource table on the Capitol lawn. Semicolons have evolved into a poignant symbol for individuals grappling with mental health challenges, while butterflies represent transformation and renewal. The fusion of these symbols creates a compelling image embodying resilience, persistence, and optimism for those facing mental illness. During Advocacy Day, attendees and fellow United Methodists generously donated to Samaritan’s Client Assistance Fund (CAF). This fund enables uninsured and underinsured individuals to access high-quality mental health counseling. Samaritan Counseling Center expresses gratitude for the Michigan Conference's support and contributions to this significant event.

sources: https://michiganumc.org/ums-spread-their-healing-wings/

Photo Credit: Michigan Conference

Happy !

What are PQ Reps? They're brain exercises that come from the theory of Positive Intelligence! Just like we do "reps" when working out our physical bodies, we can do brain reps by engaging in small, 10 second, focus-based moments throughout the day.

The main idea is to shift your focus to something involving one of your 5 senses, for 10 seconds at a time. We've provided 5 examples of some PQ reps you can do, but you can also come up with your own!

The hope is that these small moments will help to increase mindfulness, and your attention on the present moment, rather than unhelpful past or future thinking that we can get stuck in.

Source: hbr.org, Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

Today is National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all mental health providers, especially our hard-working, amazing therapists here at Samaritan Counseling Center! We are so grateful for the dedication and care you offer to your clients ✨