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Not “Just Another Pride Month Blog”

Not “Just Another Pride Month Blog”

Pride month is a time for communities worldwide to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! For us, this isn’t just something we’re checking a box off to keep the status quo. Even though Pride is something we’re passionate about acknowledging year-round, we can’t pass up the opportunity to speak about a topic so important to us as a practice. One of the crucial aspects of celebrating Pride is ensuring effectiveness as allies. 

Today, let’s talk a little bit about the reasons why allyship is important and how to do it well! Allyship is essential because it acknowledges and actively addresses the systemic inequalities and injustices faced by marginalized communities. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Before diving into this article, I would like to provide a sensitivity and trigger warning. This article talks about suicide. Please proceed with caution and STOP reading at any point that you may need to.

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Within the month itself, there is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4 - September 10) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The purpose of these events is to raise awareness for the treatment and prevention of suicide, educate those on the warning sides of suicide, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. This month fosters collaboration for those impacted by suicide, as well as the mental health community in providing educational resources.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed each March. The purpose of this is to bring awareness to brain injuries, often referred to as TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), concussions, or ABIs (acquired brain injuries). TBIs are often caused by external factors. These could include car accidents, sports, and falls. They are often categorized by severity, ranging from mild to severe. Concussions are a form of mild TBIs. ABIs are injuries to the brain that are not caused by genetics or birth trauma. These could include stroke, seizures, meningitis, or other infectious diseases. You may have also heard of or seen chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a progressive and fatal brain disease after repeated TBIs.

Fireworks: Beautiful Displays of Color or Recipe for Disaster?

Fireworks: Beautiful Displays of Color or Recipe for Disaster?

When people think of fireworks, they might remember an event they went to for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or really any summer event. Some might think of beautiful, bright colors popping up in the sky. For others, especially individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism-Spectrum Disorder, other medical and mental health disorders, or veterans, fireworks might not be associated with positive memories or feelings.