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Talking About Suicide: Truth and Compassion

    Talking about suicide is incredibly difficult but important. The words we choose to use discussing this topic can either help or unintentionally cause harm. Using language filled with truth and compassion can help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, as well as help break the silence. Talking about suicide in appropriate way is important not only for health professionals but for anyone who wants to help.      A common theme I have seen across media surrounding suicide is intensely graphic details of the methods. This not only is invasive to the person who they are discussing but also can trigger individuals already struggling. Discussing the suicide in a neutral, and non dramatized way is a more appropriate attempt. Additionally, using language that is more accurate and compassionate phrasing can help reduce stigma. Avoiding phrases such as "committed suicide" and "successfully/failed suicide attempt. These phrases can suggest they criminality as we...
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How Personal Narratives Shape Health

   Why do personal stories matter? Personal narratives move people on a different level that facts can not. Whether it is managing stress, trying to quit a nasty habit, or getting vaccinated, people want a sense of community. Storytelling takes hard to absorb health information into relatable experiences, which can inspire change.      Storytelling isn't just a form of art, it is a science. Stories activate several different areas of the brain, including regions associated with emotions and memory. Additionally, our brains try and replicate the experiences we hear about. This allows for empathy, which is a key motivator for behavior change. The more we are pulled into a story, the more likely we are to take action or shift our current beliefs.      In recent years, there has been many examples of real life experiences. One of the most powerful storytelling campaign was #ThisIsMyShot, which was in reference to Covid-19 vaccine shots. This movement ...
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"Just get help" is not enough

  Messages surrounding mental health often oversimplify the journey mental health care takes. While the common phrase "get help" is well intentioned, it can unintentionally come across judgemental and tone deaf. In order to have effective mental health communication, we must acknowledge the diverse emotional, cultural, and financial barriers that individual's may face.  Why is saying "just get help" not enough? While on the surface this saying can seem like good advice. However, this saying can increase the oversimplification of mental health illnesses.     Additionally, this phrase assumes that everyone has access. In reality, access to mental health isn't always easy. Therapy and counseling services can be quite expensive, and not all those in need can afford it. In addition, many mental health providers have extensive wait times.      Even if therapy, is accessible to the patients, this phrase can ignore the emotional strain surrounding seeking...
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Health to Seniors; Language and Tone matters

      As we age, we are faced with a numerous of unique health challenges. From chronic illnesses to managing their Medicare, the elderly needs support. While information is often discussed to elderly patients, oftentimes the information can go over there head due to poor choice of words or inproper tone.      Why is language so important when discussing health with seniors? Seniors tend to respond better to clear and concise language. Limiting the usage of jargon can allow for clearly communication. A crucial idea to remember when talking to the elderly, is to explain the situation plainly, but avoid talking down to them. Additionally, breaking down complex instructions into step-by-step instructions is helpful. Using positive language is also beneficial, the idea is to focus on their independence not reduce it.      Tone is important to maintain trust as well as reassurance for patients. The key to tone when dealing with older patients is s...
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Empathy in Healthcare: Why we should care

                In today's society healthcare is a very fast-paced environment. Technology and efficiency often times take the front stage in this field. While efficiency is a prime concern in healthcare, empathy is still just as important. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel another's emotions. What does empathy mean in healthcare? Well in healthcare, empathy is necessary in recognizing a patient's emotions as well as responding in a compassionate and caring way.           Empathy goes beyond the clinical scope of the medical field. It is about making patients feel heard, understood, and cared about. Empathy can have several benefits healthcare, such as better treatment and improved patient outcomes. A small act such as keeping eye contact or using actively listening can make a huge impact on patient satisfaction. When patients feel understood, they are more likely to share all of their symptoms and pa...
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Social Media's Influence on Health

      Social media has revolutionized how people communicate with one another. This has provided a platform for sharing and accessing health information. With millions relying on social media platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok the influence social media has on health is undeniable. However with this great power comes positive and negative effects.        The first positive impact that I want to discuss that stems from social media is the increased health awareness it provides. Social media campaigns and viral trends help raise awareness about health topics such as chronic disease prevention and mental health. Additionally, social media provides a safe place for individuals dealing with health challenges to express their feelings and meet others dealing with the same. It can also provide direct access to experts such as doctors and dietitians. These professionals often use social media platforms to debunk myths.      On the other hand...
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Fitness Apps; Tracking Healthy and Effective

      Everywhere we turn technology is there. We are living in a world driven by computers, phones, and televisions. With that, major evolutions have occurred in health and fitness. Today I will be discussing health apps. Health and fitness apps are used to maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, and monitor activity level. Tracking physical health is a great way to stay motivated and reach your fitness goal.      While health and fitness applications can be a great tool to track nutrition and physical activity, an overemphasis on caloric consumption and sometimes lead to unhealthy habits. In this blog I want to discuss how to use these apps healthily and signs to looks for you may not be.      Why can calorie counting be harmful? Calorie counting used responsibly can help with both weight management and nutrition. However, for some, constant calorie monitoring can lead to under-eating, obsessive behaviors, and emotional distress. A sign you...
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