When HIAS Immigration & Citizenship Director Shannon Ericson wanted to provide her staff with specific training, she turned to her JCFS Chicago colleagues in the Jewish Community Services program.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we reflect on the impact that open, honest conversations can have on breaking down barriers and bridging the gap of understanding mental health for those in our community.

Whatever issue matters to you—immigration, LGBTQ rights, disability inclusion, mental health care, the economy, infrastructure, public safety, or the environment—it has been dealt a serious blow by the executive orders issued this past week.

Sadness, stress and anxiety are natural parts of the broad spectrum of human emotions. However, when someone you care about is struggling with these feelings, it’s natural to be concerned and want to help. Here’s what you need to know to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

In grief work, we often devote considerable time to discussing death, the loss of a beloved family member or a dear friend. But what about non-death losses? How does one grieve something that is undefined and intangible?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we checked in with one of our Response for Teens clinicians, Zatio Kone, to learn more about the subject.

“I really think that mental health is about learning how to live with the range of human emotions and learning how to tolerate everything that comes our way,” Zatio said. “It’s ok to struggle sometimes, it’s ok to feel less than great.

Sixteen-year-old Maya was not attending high school on a regular basis. With her parents separated, the oldest of four became quite isolated and spent many hours online. She had very little contact with people outside of social media.  Maya’s mother contacted JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens to get help for her daughter. 

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to call attention to the recently published Surgeon General Advisory report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

Your diet affects everything in your body, including energy, serotonin production, and a slew of non-depression related things which might exacerbate your moods.

For some, shortened days and fewer hours of sunshine mean less energy, loss of appetite, and feelings of despair or hopelessness. “Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that’s related to a change in seasons.