Running for Daylight: Darren McFadden Opens Up About His Struggles With Addiction

Nov. 8, 2023, would have been the epitome of a slow news day locally, had it not been for the struggles of the Razorback football team. In print and over the airwaves, Arkansans from one end of the state appeared to have only one thing on their minds, the precipitous fall from relevance of their beloved Hogs. In public forums and private conversations, fans decried the mounting losses — most recently Ole Miss with Alabama up next — turning up the heat to blistering on players and coaches alike.

Few fans saw the more significant Razorback news that day, posted quietly on social media. The post bore a simple photograph of a laser-printed certificate of completion bearing the seal of some entity called ASPIRE Recovery Center of Frisco in one corner, surrounded by a thick blue border. In large script, just above center, read “Darren McFadden.” Below that, in block type was, “One Day At A Time.”

Read more here.

Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden, center, recently opened up about his struggles with addiction on social media.

 


AY’s Mental Health Guide includes valuable information, a resource directory and stories featuring individuals who’ve overcome mental health challenges.

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7 Tips on How to Stop Constant Worry in Your Life

Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you?   It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary.   As a result, here are 7 tips on […]

6 Tips on How to Discuss Your Mental Health With Others

It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family and friends to understand where you are coming from.    Although most people may be understanding, there are usually one or two people who will make things more challenging for you.   As a result, here are six suggestions on […]

6 Reasons Why You Should Get Help For Your Mental Health

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult to get the people you know to understand your situation without making any kind of judgment.    […]

The Mind as Medicine: Health Care Industry Paying Greater Attention to Link Between Patients’ Mental Health and Healing

Queah Habern may not have been given as many years of life as other people, but few put more life into the years they had. By the time the 34-year-old succumbed to colon cancer in 2011, she had earned a journalism degree and built a successful career in fashion with Nordstrom department stores and as […]

Running for Daylight: Darren McFadden Opens Up About His Struggles With Addiction

Nov. 8, 2023, would have been the epitome of a slow news day locally, had it not been for the struggles of the Razorback football team. In print and over the airwaves, Arkansans from one end of the state appeared to have only one thing on their minds, the precipitous fall from relevance of their […]

Rooted in Hope and Embracing Change: The Magnolia Recovery Community

As communities across the country continue to deal with the ongoing effects of the opioid epidemic and the need for addiction recovery services more broadly, the role of transitional housing has never been more crucial. As a valuable lifeline bridging those in recovery to a new life, there is a tremendous need for safe, stable […]

Natural State Recovery Centers: There at Every Step

Natural State Recovery Centers was founded in 2018 to help people gain freedom from drugs and alcohol, using an approach that is both comprehensive and holistic. It is comprehensive in that Natural State offers services through every step of the recovery journey, from medical detox through long-term sobriety. It is holistic because Natural State is […]

Shelter from the Storm: As Arkansas’ Mental Health Needs Skyrocket, Organizations Work to Improve Access to Resources

The good news is the issue of mental health in the United States is no longer relegated to the shadows. The bad news is the encroaching light of day has illuminated a problem far greater than anyone could have imagined, much less been prepared to address. As a result, government agencies, mental health professionals and […]

House of Payne: Recovering Addict Channels Life Experiences Into Helping Others

Pictured above: Monte Payne has worked in the substance-abuse field for 17 years and heads the peer and housing programs at Wolfe Street Foundation in Little Rock.   Monte Payne looked down disbelievingly at the crumpled money in his hand. He was in treatment, again, for what seemed like the thousandth time. Before him, a […]

Mental Health Resource Guide 2023

Mental Health Resource Guide   ARKANSAS COUNTY Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System 870-673-1633 121 Commercial Drive “B” Stuttgart sabhs.org   ASHLEY COUNTY Delta Counseling Associates 870-364-6471 1308 W. Fifth St. Crossett deltacounseling.org   Phoenix Youth and Family Services 870-364-1676 310 N. Alabama St. Crossett phoenixyouth.com   BAXTER COUNTY Chenal Family Therapy 870-340-2636 711 Bradley Drive […]

Governor’s Letter

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor   Mental health and well-being is critical to our communities, our workplaces, our families and our state.   “How are you doing?” It’s a simple question, but one we don’t ask nearly enough. And even when it’s answered, it’s rarely answered honestly.   Study after study has shown that Americans’ mental […]

Publisher’s Letter

As the publisher of this mental health guide, I feel compelled to reach out to each and every one of you with a message of understanding and encouragement.   In our journey through life, we all encounter struggles and battles. Each of us carries our own demons and faces challenges that can sometimes feel insurmountable. […]

Minding the Kids: Mental Health Service Providers Dealing with School District Demand

It no longer takes a crisis to get professional mental health counselors into schools.   As much as resources allow, mental health care providers are now there in force, helping to identify students’ needs and head off potential problems before they happen, but greater mental health awareness and recent national and world events have combined […]

TLC – Stable Connections

In 2008, Tiffany Corjay, a licensed clinical social worker, launched TLC to help children and families in the Hot Springs community. Opening day was the culmination of a lifelong passion: At just 13 years old, Corjay knew she wanted to help others, and she has never stopped following that calling.   TLC works with couples […]

Health in Every Corner: River Valley Medical Wellness

River Valley Medical Wellness opened in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already growing opioid and mental health crises facing the state and the country. In just three years, the business has grown from serving 30 patients to over 3,600, with coverage spanning 62 of the 75 counties in Arkansas.   “When we started, […]

Quality Products for Quality of Life: Dark Horse Medicinals

As the state’s budding medical cannabis industry continues to develop, Arkansans have a growing number of choices when it comes to how and why they use it — as well as where it comes from. Used medicinally, the importance of quality when it comes to cannabis cannot be overstated. That is where Dark Horse Medicinals, […]

Mind Over Matter: Mental Health Care A Priority for Many Seniors, Families

Pictured above: Family members attend a rally for Alzheimer’s awareness at the Arkansas State Capitol.   Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, and though there has been a decades-long initiative to remove stigma from seeking help, mental illness continues to impact the aging population. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), […]

Two Arkansas Women Triumph Over Addiction, Go Viral on TikTok

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become a breeding ground for creativity, entertainment and inspiration. Among the countless viral videos and trends that flood our feeds, two Arkansas women have touched the hearts of millions. Through a series of raw and authentic videos, they share their remarkable journeys of overcoming addiction […]

Here’s How Pets Can ‘Paws-itively’ Impact Your Mental Health

Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025, is sharing some of the many mental health benefits of adopting or fostering a dog or cat.    Dogs and Cats Aren’t Only Cute…They Help Our Moods: Pet parents already know their furry companions can […]

‘Giving Birth in America: Arkansas’ Premiere Sparks Discussion on Motherhood Mortality, Postpartum Support

‘Giving Birth in America: Arkansas” premiered at The Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock on Wednesday, April 26, followed by a short panel discussion mediated by Christy Turlington Burns, the founder and president of Every Mother Counts.    Every Mother Counts (EMC) is a nonprofit organization founded with the mission of making pregnancy and childbirth […]

Publisher’s Letter

I’ve had a really hard time this season, as it marks the first year since my fiancé, Ryan, and I faced a near-death experience — an attempted carjacking. For months, finding the right words for this letter has been a struggle. Truth be told, I’m still searching.    I’ve come to realize that we truly […]

Arkansas Mental Health Resource Guide 2022

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE   ARKANSAS COUNTY Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System, Inc 870-673-1633 121 Commercial Drive “B” Stuttgart, AR 72160 sabhs.org   ASHLEY COUNTY Phoenix Youth & Family Services 870-364-1676 310 North Alabama Street Crossett, AR 71635 phoenixyouth.com   BAXTER COUNTY Mountain Home Clinical Office 870-425-1041 700 South Main Street Mountain Home, AR 72653 familiesinc.net   BENTON COUNTY Chenal Family Therapy 479-595-0333 632 Lancashire Boulevard Bella Vista, AR 72715 chenaltherapy.com    FreshRoots Family Counseling 479-986-8655 411 West Poplar […]

Officer Tommy Norman Remembers Daughter Alyssa, Shares Wisdom for Mental and Physical Health

Keeping the Faith: Officer Tommy Norman Remembers Daughter Alyssa, Shares Wisdom for Mental and Physical Health   Everyone knows who Officer Tommy Norman is.   A big-hearted cop with a warm smile, Officer Norman has amassed a following of millions on social media for being the ideal role model of community policing.    But this […]

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Play Vital Role Meeting Provider Shortages

Arkansas is currently ranked 39th in the nation based on prevalence of mental illness and access to care for children and adults by Mental Health America. When you break it down by age groups, Arkansas ranks 48th in the nation for children and adolescents, said Crissy Allen-Doyle, DNP, APRN, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner […]

Addressing Mental Health Care Shortages

The shortage of mental health care providers isn’t new to Arkansas, and it existed before the pandemic, but the situation has now become even more critical with 97% of counties in Arkansas classified as Behavioral Health Professional shortage areas.    “This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, social workers and nurse practitioners with special […]

Supporting Grieving Arkansans: Camp Healing Hearts

Losing a loved one can be a startling and difficult journey for many. Helping to meet the need for assistance is Camp Healing Hearts, a free day grief camp for all ages and families, coping with the loss of a loved one.    The camp began in May of 2007 at Camp Ferncliff with 15 […]

Fostering Life Skills: Supervised Independent Living, Resources for Almost Adulting

On any given day in the United States, there are about 424,000 children living in the foster care system, as reported by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness on children living within these terms. The Arkansas Child Welfare Outcomes State Date Review reported 4,280 children in foster […]

A Step Forward for Recovery: Next Step Recovery Housing

One of the most important aspects of addiction recovery – really, an important aspect of anyone’s life – is community. Access to stable, supportive housing and a network of others to walk alongside can make a world of difference for someone battling addiction. Next Step Recovery Housing (NSRH) exists to provide a safe, secure and […]

A Lifeline to Mental Health: New Suicide Prevention Number to Save Lives

  After years of development, on Saturday, July 16, states will release a new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 988, the shorthand number following the model emergency number 911. Also, all phone service providers must connect dialers to the lifeline if they use the 988. Maureen Iselin, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Spokesperson, says, […]

LR Air Force Base Hosts Victim Services Professional Development

The first annual Bringing Back H.O.P.E. (Healing Our People Everywhere) Summit will be conducted June 22-24 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at Herk Hall (Bldg. 980) at Little Rock Air Force Base. This professional development seminar is free and open to sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) victim advocates, sexual harassment/assault response and prevention […]

For Our Kids: Remedying the Youth Mental Health Crisis

For Our Kids: Remedying the Youth Mental Health Crisis   May is Mental Health Awareness month. What better time to highlight the mental health issues of our youth and adolescents?    On Jan. 3, 2001, the United States Surgeon General released a report detailing that 12 percent of American children 18 and under have a […]

Captain Lee Brings Personal Experience to Addiction Advocacy

Bravo’s Captain Lee Disembarking for Little Rock Recovery Gala   Captain Lee Rosbach, the star of the luxury superyacht reality TV show Below Deck, will be in Little Rock Thursday, headlining the Wolfe Street Foundation’s Red Carpet Gala at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.    The show, now filming its 10th season, follows the lives and […]

Grief Camp for Children, Families to Return After Two-Year Break

Methodist Family Health has announced that Camp Healing Hearts will return this May after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The free grief day camp, set for Saturday, May 21, will begin at 8 a.m. at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, and will be coordinated by Kaleidoscope Grief Center, a program of Methodist Family […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Communicate Your Feelings

  Wellness Wednesday: How to Communicate Your Feelings   Do you know how to communicate your feelings when you’re in an argument? For the most part, we usually get caught up in the moment and blurt out some things, and leave the argument feeling hurt or misunderstood.    Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and […]

Wellness Wednesday: ‘Everything Happens for a Reason,’ Toxic Positivity

  Wellness Wednesday: ‘Everything Happens for a Reason,’ Toxic Positivity   You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Everything happens for a reason.” This phrase is one of the best-known examples of toxic positivity and can be harmful when used around people who need our empathy and support.   Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business […]

Wellness Wednesday: Ways to Benefit Your Well-Being

  Wellness Wednesday: Ways to Benefit Your Well-Being   With the New Year, many of us are thinking about bettering ourselves, whether it’s through losing weight or getting in shape. Another way to better ourselves is by working on our mental health. Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe […]

Wellness Wednesday: Finding Encouragement Moving Into the New Year

  After celebrating the holidays, we may find ourselves feeling a little defeated. Maybe the holidays didn’t go as planned. Maybe we had high expectations, and those expectations weren’t met.    Or, maybe this holiday season, some of our family members had COVID-19, or couldn’t be with us at all.   Lauren English, a licensed […]

Wellness Wednesday: Accepting What’s Out of Our Control

  A lot of us find comfort in controlling as many things as possible. But the sooner we realize that accepting what’s out of our control can bring us peace, the happier we will live and the more carefree we will be.   Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe […]

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays   With the holidays around the corner, many people are already beginning to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, offers some tips and tricks for overcoming stress during the holidays.    1. Your mental health […]

Wellness Wednesday: Dealing with Holiday Stress

  Wellness Wednesday: Dealing with Holiday Stress   Many of us just celebrated Thanksgiving with family and friends. While this is a joyous time for many people, this can also be a hard time for others. Holidays can bring stress, anxiety and unresolved feelings, as well as worry in general.   Fortunately, Lauren English, a […]

The Fifth Season: Navigating the Return of Seasonal Depression

The Fifth Season: Navigating the Return of Seasonal Depression   As the temperature drops, songs become cheerier, the sun sets earlier, and the anticipation of the holidays begins to rise, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — known commonly as seasonal depression — also begins for about 5 percent of adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic.    […]

Wellness Wednesday: Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

  Wellness Wednesday: Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset   Some people are accepting of challenges, while others are pessimistic about them. These differences in attitude can help differentiate whether someone has a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.    For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Lauren English, a licensed professional […]

The Good Shepherd

Through His Own Experience, Kyle Brewer Leads   The meeting room at the recovery center is sparse and clean and, on this day, lit by morning sunlight blown into the room on a gentle autumnal breeze. It’s not hard to imagine people gathering here to discuss their demons and share their hopes for a new […]

Arkansas Mental Health Resource Guide 2021

Arkansas Mental Health Resource Guide 2021   ASHLEY COUNTY Phoenix Youth & Family Services 870-364-1676 310 North Alabama Street Crossett, AR 71635 phoenixyouth.com   BAXTER COUNTY Burrell Behavioral Health 870-425-5644 707 North Cardinal, Suite 7 Mountain Home, AR 72653 burrellcenter.com/arkansas    Mountain Home Clinical Office 870-425-1041 700 South Main Street Mountain Home, AR 72653 familiesinc.net   BENTON COUNTY FreshRoots Family Counseling 479-986-8655 411 West Poplar Rogers, AR 72756 freshrootsfamilycounseling.com    Oasis of Northwest Arkansas 479-268-4340 Bella Vista, Rogers oasisforwomennwa.org  […]

Lessons From a Cape

Lessons From a Cape   Martin Scorsese caused quite a riff in the film world when he said that superhero movies were not “cinema” and that in them, “Nothing is at risk.”   He’s wrong; let’s just get that out of the way. But it’s not easy to just say that of one of the […]

Memory and Aging: Signs and Prevention

Memory and Aging: Signs and Prevention   Every now and then, we forget where we put our keys or phone, and we shrug it off until we find our missing items. But as we grow older, these displacements may grow more frequent and more concerning.   Dr. Jeanne Wei, director of the Institute of Aging […]

The Effects of Being ‘Essential’

Being an Essential Worker Amid the Pandemic   “Flattening the curve,” “unprecedented times” and “the new normal” are all phrases that have been coined by the COVID-19 pandemic and heard in every other news article. Joining the ranks of terms and phrases made popular by the pandemic are “health care heroes” and “essential workers.” With […]

Renewal Ranch: A Legacy of Healing and Service

Renewal Ranch: A Legacy of Healing and Service   Ten years ago, in August 2009, an extensive cow pasture just outside Conway was leased by a group of God-fearing men who had big plans for the land. Today, those 116 acres and the buildings across it make up the faith-based residential addiction recovery facility Renewal […]

An Oasis of Hope

Courtney Starnes’ journey to recovery began in August 2020 when she arrived at Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. Her drug addiction had landed her in drug court, and she had lost custody of her children. Starnes was certainly at a low point.    “I found myself homeless. I didn’t have anywhere to go, no job, no […]

Within Their Hearts, She Lives Forever

I. “I love you.”    It’s only been a few months, but Sarah Nida Inman remembers March 19 like it was yesterday. Then again, it also feels like a lifetime has passed since then; time operates differently after a loss, especially in the case of losing a child.    It was on this day that […]

The Sentinel: Jordon Babcock of Springwoods

Springwoods Behavioral Health sits just off a busy Fayetteville thoroughfare. Like almost everything in Northwest Arkansas, the place feels new, even though it’s been here for more than a decade. Around it, residents go about their daily lives, shopping for groceries at the local Sam’s Club or walking their dogs from a nearby residential neighborhood.  […]

Mental Health Guide 2021: Letter from Springwoods Behavioral Health CEO Jordon Babcock

  Springwoods Behavioral Health has been providing high-quality behavioral healthcare services that patients recommend to families and friends, physicians prefer for their patients, and employees are proud to provide for 12 years. Located at 1955 West Truckers Drive in Fayetteville, Springwoods is an 80-bed behavioral health facility providing comprehensive care for adolescents, adults and a […]

Mental Health Guide 2021: Letter from Rivendell CEO Fred Knox

COMPASSIONATE HEALING   At Rivendell, we offer hope and healing to those suffering from psychiatric conditions. We provide these services in both an inpatient setting that serves adults, adolescents and children, and we’re  also proud to offer outpatient programs for adults in recovery. Our ultimate goal is to provide each guest in our care exceptional […]

Mental Health Guide 2021: Letter from Pinnacle Pointe CEO Shane Frazier

TO HOPE / TO HEAL / TO LAUGH / TO LIVE   At Pinnacle Pointe, we strive to meet families no matter where they are or what they are facing with a promise to provide a compassionate, hope-filled environment and tools to equip them to handle the problems they are facing.      Thank you […]

Mental Health Guide 2021: Letter from The BridgeWay CEO Megan Miller

  EMPATHY MATTERS   The BridgeWay has been serving the mental health needs of Arkansans for 38 years. Our secret to longevity is our outstanding team of professionals — physicians, nurses, clinical staff, and support staff — whose commitment is to provide high-quality, safe patient care and the most compassionate service possible. As a fundamental […]

Perils of the Past: Cycles, Systems and Surmounting Adversity

By Ashley Daffron // Photos by Tony Milligan   When writing this article, I struggled between telling the stories of my past and presenting my hopes for the future. Which was more important than the other? I’d love to say that I live by the saying, “My past doesn’t define me,” but there’s absolutely no […]

Mental Health Guide 2021 Editor’s Letter

I’ve had a really hard time finding the right words for this column for months. Truth be told, I’m still searching. If you’re reading this, you’ve also been living the experience that has been the past almost two years. A time plagued by one of the worst viral pandemics in modern history. A period of […]

Mental Health Guide 2021 Governor’s Letter

Mental health and well-being is critical to our communities, our workplaces, our families and our state.   Something many people often forget about is mental health. Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. The effects it has can change how we feel, think and act, and can determine how we handle stress […]

Wellness Wednesday: What Morning Anxiety Looks Like

  Many Americans wake up in the morning with their minds racing a mile a minute. Waking up and playing through what all has to be done during the day and what is causing you stress is called morning anxiety.   For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development […]

Wellness Wednesday: Signs That You Are Emotionally Drained

Wellness Wednesday: Signs That You Are Emotionally Drained   It’s been a tumultuous year, and with the rush of the holiday season approaching, many are feeling emotionally drained.   For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, helps readers identify some signs that they […]

Faces of Arkansas: The Face of Mental Health, The BridgeWay

Faces of Arkansas, The Face of Mental Health, The BridgeWay   The BridgeWay Hospital has been serving the community’s mental health needs for almost 40 years.   “The BridgeWay Hospital provides inpatient behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors who need hope and recovery requiring intensive services,” CEO Megan Miller says. “Our continuum […]

Wellness Wednesday: Signs That Someone is Good for Your Mental Health

  Wellness Wednesday: Signs That Someone is Good for Your Mental Health   Have you ever been around someone and thought that they were medicine to your soul? We all have someone in our life that makes us feel better after we’ve been with them.   For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed […]

Wellness Wednesday: What To Do When Your Child Has a Meltdown

  Wellness Wednesday: What To Do When Your Child Has a Meltdown   This is an incredibly busy time of year for both parents and children. Between work and school and extracurricular activities and establishing routines, everyone in the household might be feeling stressed or on edge.   So what do we do when our […]

Wellness Wednesday: Bullying Prevention Month

  October is world bullying prevention month. In 2019, 20 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 reported being bullied at school. We see it all the time, both in-person and online. As technology and socialization progress and develop, there are more ways than ever to bully and be bullied.   The more we talk […]

Wellness Wednesday: World Mental Health Day

  Sunday, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. In recent years, mental health professionals and those affected by mental illnesses have worked hard to break the stigma in relation to mental health. Misconceptions about mental health have played a prevalent role in making people affected by mental illnesses feel as though they should not […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Manage Perfectionism

Wellness Wednesday: How to Manage Perfectionism   Perfectionism can find its way into people’s lives at any given point. Whether that means the person is a perfectionist or maybe they know a perfectionist, the effects of perfectionism can often take over and have negative outcomes. Having order, consistency and organization is not always feasible, and […]

Shadow and Light

Susan Adamson-Ray has made a life and livelihood out of breathing life into the inanimate. As an artist, she combines brush, pigment and canvas to create commissioned portraits people pass by in the hallway every day with a smile. As a creator, she takes a handful of metal and assorted bits and shapes them into […]

Wellness Wednesday: Ways to Support Your Mental Health at Work

Wellness Wednesday: Ways to Support Your Mental Health at Work   People spend almost a third of their life working. Any activity pertaining to work outside of the office or location simply adds on to how much time is dedicated to working. This could mean working from home, catching up on the weekends or just […]

Wellness Wednesday: Talking to Teens About Social Media

  Wellness Wednesday: Talking to Teens About Social Media   Social media has become the central focus of our everyday lives. Sharing announcements, checking up on distant family and scrolling online through the boredom are almost second nature. Younger people and adolescents are some of the most reliant on social media, and while online sites […]

Wellness Wednesday: National Suicide Prevention Week

  Wellness Wednesday: National Suicide Prevention Week   Over the past couple of years, people have become more comfortable talking about their mental health. Suicide, however, remains a difficult and painful topic for some to talk about and ask for help. For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Validate Children’s Feelings

  Some of the most important emotional and mental health development that a person will experience happens during childhood. For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital shares some tips to make sure that children feel connected, understood and safe.   By emphasizing nurturing […]

AY Media Group’s Mental Health Guide Magazine is a Mental Health Staple

Mental Health Guide is the Natural State’s premier magazine to mental health and wellness, with features and exclusive interviews on how to live a happier and healthier life. Complete with a resource directory and stories highlighting the mental health of Arkansans, Mental Health Guide is read by tens of thousands of readers hoping to live life to the […]

Wellness Wednesday: The Impact of Dogs on Mental Health

Wellness Wednesday: The Impact of Dogs on Mental Health   Dogs offer great benefits to our mental health and can improve the world around us. Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, tells us more about the benefits of having a furry friend.   Dogs decrease loneliness and […]

Wellness Wednesday: Strategies to Increase Self-Esteem in Your Children

    Wellness Wednesday: Strategies to Increase Self-Esteem in Your Children   All parents have different parenting styles, but all parents have the same goal to raise happy, healthy and confident kids.   For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with […]

Wellness Wednesday: Parent Phone Usage

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Parent Phone Usage   We’re on our phones all of the time, and some of us are more connected than ever before. Many of us are on our phones subconsciously. It’s the first thing we do in the morning, and the last thing we do before we […]

Wellness Wednesday: Managing Cognitive Distortions and Catastrophic Thinking

  Life is always changing, and change can be difficult for many. Whenever something happens in our lives, whether it’s a job change or a family illness, our brains can accidentally jump to worst-case scenarios, or catastrophic thinking.    Catastrophic thinking is problematic because it triggers a worst-case scenario outcome, says Lauren English, a licensed […]

Born Genius: “I Have a Son. His Name is Kasen.”

Born Genius “I Have a Son. His Name is Kasen.” By Dwain Hebda // Photos by Ian Lyle   In 2017, Raven Henry watched her Russellville home burn to the ground.    It was a conflagration rife with symbolism: The loss of so much inside, the uncertain process of picking up the pieces, and the […]

Wellness Wednesday: How To Stop Stressing

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   How To Stop Stressing   In many ways, we can become so stressed out in our lives that we lose sight of our authentic selves.   According to Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare, stresses in our lives […]

Wellness Wednesday: Teen Suicide Signs and Prevention

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   One of the most important topics in mental health and wellness is recognizing and preventing teen suicide.   Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24, and there is one death by suicide every 12 minutes.   According to Lauren English, a […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Cope with Change

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Few things in life are guaranteed, but one of those things is change.   While change is inevitable, we do not always react well to changes in our life. Change can cause anxiety, sadness and other strong emotions that impact our mental health, especially if these changes alter the dynamic of […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Deal with Negative Thoughts

  Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Have you ever had thoughts that just buzzed around inside your head, refusing to let you be? Usually negative and always grating, these thoughts bounce around and weigh you down all day, sapping your mental energy.   These negative thoughts can become particularly overwhelming when you’re experiencing powerful emotions, like […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Encourage Your Teen to See a Therapist

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Being a teenager is one of the toughest times in anyone’s life.   It’s a fraught time when teenagers are figuring out who they are, defining themselves and struggling with bodily and societal changes. Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended many teens’ lives, making this time period extra […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Recognize When You Need to See a Therapist

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Working through difficulties is not something that should be handled alone. While we often want to handle things ourselves or keep from burdening others, it can be helpful to talk to someone else who can guide us through these problems or issues.   Talking to a therapist can yield greater insights […]

Wellness Wednesday: The Benefits of Meditation

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Going about daily life can be stressful, whether you’re an adult or a kid.   Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate that stress and anxiety that you may be feeling. One of those ways is meditation and mindfulness.   According to Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development […]

Wellness Wednesday: Coping with Grief and Loss

  Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Losing a loved one is a painful experience, and this pain does not go away quickly. Sometimes, the pain can linger, and the anniversary of this loss can prompt painful feelings.   While these feelings of grief can be painful, they are normal, according to Lauren English, a licensed professional […]

Wellness Wednesday: How Body Image Affects Mental Health

  Body image is never an easy topic to discuss, nor is it simple. Throughout history, the image of the body has been interpreted in thousands of ways, proving that there is not one type of body that is more correct over another. The body is influenced by environment, health, genetics, build and countless other […]

Wellness Wednesday: How Kindness Affects Your Mental Health

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you,” Princess Diana once said.   These are truly words to live by, in order to improve your life and the lives of those around you. For Lauren English, a […]

Wellness Wednesday: Helping Your Teenagers Filter Their Social Media Posts

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Social media is everywhere, and it’s not going anywhere.   Virtually everyone – no matter their age or status – engages with social media in some form. It is a tool that has the potential to bring people together and cause substantial harm. It can also have a significant impact on […]

Bravo Star to Headline 2021 Wolfe Street Foundation Gala

Captain Sandy Yawn of Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean is set to be the keynote speaker for Wolfe Street Foundation’s Red Carpet Gala this year, of which AY Media Group properties AY About You and Arkansas Mental Health Guide are the presenting sponsors.   Wolfe Street Foundation is an Arkansas nonprofit dedicated to alcoholism and drug […]

Wellness Wednesday: Sleep and Its Impact on Mental Health

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Have you ever been told to get enough sleep?   It’s a rite of childhood to be told to go to bed and get eight hours of sleep. But getting adequate sleep is not just for kids. Sleep is a crucial component of maintaining your mental health.   […]

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Dealing with Loneliness During the Pandemic

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed virtually everyone’s lives. The pandemic has forced many to remain in their homes for weeks and months at a time with few opportunities for escape.   While restrictions are lifting across the United States, the pandemic continues, and it […]

Wellness Wednesday: The Perks of Yoga

  Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Physical health and mental health often go hand-in-hand. Yoga has been practiced since likely around 5,000 years ago as a study of the soul and enlightenment in northern regions of India. Ancient sacred texts mention the older form of yoga and its spiritual purposes, however, the […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Spot Postpartum Depression and What to Do

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Having a baby is a momentous occasion that is surrounded by excitement and happiness but also fear and anxiety. The journey can be a difficult change to process, and the tumultuous hormones don’t make things any easier.   Most people have heard of postpartum depression but may not […]

Wellness Wednesday: Social Media and Its Impact on Your Mental Health

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   Over the past decade, social media has grown to have an outsized impact on virtually everyone’s life. Even for those who are unplugged from social networking sites, social media companies wield a tremendous influence over daily life across the globe.   Social media serves a worthy purpose – […]

Teens and the Pandemic ‘Affect’

As we complete one year since first being asked to quarantine, it’s clear the year has taken a toll on all of us. As the physical risks become better managed and we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel, the emotional toll has become more apparent. For one year, we have been […]

Wellness Wednesday: Getting Your Heart Pumping: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   When it comes to mental health, there are tons of factors to take into account, other than what’s going on inside your head. It’s easy to neglect this, but ensuring that you’re taking a holistic approach to mental health is vital. One of the most critical elements in […]

Wellness Wednesday: How Hobbies Can Help Improve Your Mental Health

Sponsored by Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System   “Everybody needs a hobby.” Have you heard that before? It’s a common refrain, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not true.   Having something that you’re passionate about outside of your regular work or activities is important for a number of reasons. It diversifies your interests, exposes you […]

Advocating for What’s Right: Mischa Martin Leads State’s Division of Children and Family Services

For this week’s Woman Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Mischa Martin.    Martin is the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services within the Department of Human Services. She says that she is, in essence, the child welfare director.   Martin, from Sherwood, has been married for 16 years to her […]

Ask An Expert: Mental Health, Argenta Counseling

What specific aspects of mental health does your facility revolve around? Argenta Counseling is a client-focused private practice providing affordable, compassionate and specialized counseling to children, teenagers, adults, couples and families in Central Arkansas. We currently offer phone and video telehealth sessions as well as socially distanced, in-person sessions at our three convenient locations in […]

Rising Above Peer Pressure: How to Remove Toxic Relationships and Accept Yourself

toxic person (n.) – someone who brings you down more than up; prevents you from moving forward; does not belong in your life   In this day and age, the need to be accepted by every single person is a driving force in young people’s lives. There is a misconception that you have to fit […]

Laura Abbott Leads the Fight for Victims’ Rights

For this week’s Woman Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Laura Abbott.   Abbott is a health educator and grassroots victim rights ambassador.  “Life allowed me to be born on a military installation camp at Camp Robinson and later to be raised on a farm in North Pulaski County,” Abbott says. “I grew up […]

Who Helps the Helpers?

Who Helps the Helpers? 2020 Stretches the Limits of Frontline Workers, Most of All   by Madeline Burke   As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread into the next year, many conversations have been focused on the return to normal and the new normal. The pandemic has significantly changed our daily lives at work, school […]

Unmasking Anxiety: Facing the Culprit to Find Control

Unmasking Anxiety: Facing the Culprit to Find Control   by Heather Allmendinger   Is it an inner voice, lightning through the chest, an uneasy stomach or a little green monster? In disguise and unexpectedly, anxiety can creep into daily life and set up shop ready to disassemble stability, piece by piece. According to a 2017 National […]

Allies of Mental Health: Youth Home

Allies of Mental Health: Youth Home Arkansas’ deaf community in Arkansas is one of the most underserved and overlooked demographics in the mental health field. This unfortunate reality is one that Kerry Ingram, LPC-S, knows all too well, working with hearing-challenged individuals at Youth Home.    And Ingram hasn’t just worked for these people on […]

Out of the Flames: Glen Johnson Found Life in Arkansas

Out of the Flames: Glen Johnson Found Life in Arkansas   by Dustin Jayroe   It would be easy to say that Glen Johnson has “made it.” His version of the American Dream plays out every day before his contented eyes. He’s a business leader of what those without his air of humility would call […]

Allies of Mental Health

Allies of Mental Health   AY About You is proud to present its 2020 Allies of Mental Health, an inaugural special section to provide resources and further the discussion around the subject. Each of these talented individuals and esteemed organizations has left a lasting imprint on Arkansas, and we are grateful for their selfless service. […]

Heaven from Hell: Meth to Mayor – Augusta’s Jeff Collins Lives to Tell Tale of Addiction, Survival

Jeff Collins walks into a large room. He carries a plate of cookies that he sets down on a table before 15 sets of eyes slouched into folding chairs.   Collins, 57, the founder and CEO of Second Chance Ministry of Northeast Arkansas, isn’t fazed by the lukewarm reception. He’s spoken in front of 80-something […]

When Oceans Rise

“When Oceans Rise, I will stand in your embrace.”   That song has long been a soundtrack to my life, introduced to me by my husband. When oceans rise in my life, I have found great relief in standing in the embrace of my God. But some days, it has been so much more difficult […]

Mental Health Guide 2020 Editor’s Letter

Few pieces of literature have stuck with me in the way that Stevie Smith’s “Not Waving but Drowning” has. It’s a lingering presence that’s always there to remind, whether consciously or otherwise — which is not dissimilar to the very subject of mental health in general. Every time I learn of another tragedy that seems […]

Pandemic Plight: As A Novel Virus Took Root in the Foreground, the Usual Suspects of Mental Health Arose From Behind the Veil

by Dustin Jayroe   John Doe has battled addiction for nearly a decade. His substance use began as a social pastime during his college years; a little drinking turned into a little smoking and a little snorting, as his cohort of fellow young adults stumbled upon plethoric access to party-time potions. But what remained occasional […]

Mental Health Guide 2020 – Letter From A Student

As a high school teenager, I witnessed a lot of depression and had experienced suicide.    Growing up in a small city that was growing into a bigger one, I became friends with a lot of people  from school. So, experiencing depression was something I would see every day at school. I also battled with […]

Compassionate Minds Bring Meaningful Change

Whether it be undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions or neglected substance abuse concerns, the state of Arkansas has more than its share of clinical mental health issues, a burden almost too large to shoulder for state behavioral health officials.   According to Resources to Recover, a digital database by Laurel House, Inc., approximately 5 […]

Overcoming Adversity

By Dustin Jayroe Comparing the health of Arkansas to other states is a woeful endeavor. It’s with a grimace of penitence one conducts such research, only to find so often the same result, regardless of measuring metric: last, or close. From heart disease to cancer rates to diabetes, a smeared stain continuously condemns our reputation. […]

How Do I Stop Anxiety? 10 Things You Can Do in the Moment to Keep Calm

By Braden Duncan, LCSW   Do you often feel nervous, fearful or on edge? With a global pandemic constantly threatening our health and disrupting our comfortable routines, it’s no wonder that many of us are afflicted with anxiety. Like a fish out of water, this feeling leaves us uncomfortable and prone to panic. That’s why […]

Mental Health Guide 2020 – Letter from Springwoods Behavioral Health CEO

Springwoods Behavioral Health, of Fayetteville, provides quality behavioral health care services that patients recommend to families and friends, physicians prefer for their patients, and employees are proud to provide. Springwoods Behavioral Health, located at 1955 W. Truckers Drive, is an 80-bed behavioral health facility providing comprehensive care for adolescents, adults, geriatrics and a unit designed […]

A Mama’s Heart

By Dwain Hebda | Photos by Jordan Knight “Is he dead?”    The words came out of Emma DonnAnn Crumbly’s mouth thick and heavy, muscling their way past the heart beating in her throat. A moment ago, the 39-year-old nurse had been on the phone with her mother who’d handed it over to the sheriff […]

Compassionate Healing

At Rivendell, we offer hope and healing to those suffering from psychiatric conditions. We provide these services in both an inpatient setting that serves adults, adolescents and children, and we’re  also proud to offer outpatient programs for adults in recovery. Our ultimate goal is to provide each guest in our care exceptional treatment through a […]

To Hope / To Heal / To Laugh / To Live

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System (PPBHS) and our heart for children, adolescents and families.   At Pinnacle Pointe: • We hold great expectations for bringing hope and healing to children, adolescents, and families by positively impacting their emotional and behavioral health through the compassionate care […]

Quality Care Rooted in Arkansas

It is my pleasure to share information about The BridgeWay with all of you. The past six months have presented unprecedented challenges for all of us and have been daunting at times; however, I believe they have made us stronger, both individually and as a team. We are hopeful that our enhanced growth and strength […]

Mental Health Guide 2020 Governor Letter

Mental health and well-being is critical to our communities, our workplaces, our families and our state. As health care leaders advised us to change many aspects of our daily life to avoid spreading COVID-19, they also cautioned us to pay attention to the state of our mental health.   The limits on our work, play, […]

Mental Health Resource Guide 2020

ASHLEY COUNTY Phoenix Youth & Family Services 870-364-1676 310 North Alabama St. Crossett, AR 71635 phoenixyouth.com   BAXTER COUNTY Families, Inc. Counseling Services 870-425-1041 700 S. Main St. Mountain Home, AR 72653 familiesinc.net   Burrell Behavioral Health 870-425-5644 707 N Cardinal, Suite 7 Mountain Home, AR 72653 burrellcenter.com/arkansas   BENTON COUNTY Woodland Research Northwest 479-927-3000 […]

Trump Signs Bill Establishing 988 as National Suicide Hotline Number

A new bipartisan bill signed into law on Saturday, Oct. 17 will make 9-8-8 the universal telephone number to contact the national suicide prevention hotline.   President Donald Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act into law, which will put the 9-8-8 number into effect in 2022. The current number to contact the national […]

Wellness Wednesday: How Gratitude Affects Your Mental Health

Every Wellness Wednesday, AY About You is determined to bring you tips to promote your mental health and wellbeing and quality of life.   Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at how gratitude affects your mental health.   Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, discusses the importance of being thankful.  […]

Tips for Dealing with Conflict

Every Wednesday, AY About You is committed to bringing you tips and tricks to improve your mental health, and to help instill peace in your life.   This week, we are bringing you tips for managing conflict in your life.   Conflict is unavoidable.    Whether it’s in the workplace, at school, in your close […]

Wellness Wednesday: The Role of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!   While social media can help people stay connected […]

Wellness Wednesday: Suicide Warning Signs and Prevention

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves and manage stress with our weekly feature, Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally.   Today’s Wellness Wednesday covers a topic that is often considered taboo […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Stay Motivated While Learning Remotely

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!   While most schools reopened for onsite learning in […]

Working Your Way Through Grief and Loss

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!   The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic recession have […]

Five Easy Tips for Increasing Mindfulness

A frequently tossed around word for trying to maintain mental health in these hard times is “mindfulness.” However, the broadness of this term can overwhelm people who are trying to find calm in the challenges of everyday life.   What is mindfulness?   Mindfulness is being fully present, and becoming more aware of who we […]

The Bridgeway Establishes Acute Rehabilitation Program for Substance Use Disorders

The Bridgeway is establishing a new acute rehabilitation program for adults in an effort to expand its care for substance use disorders.   Through this program, adults at risk of relapse will be able to receive treatment. According the Bridgeway CEO Sherrie James, the program provides patients with daily interaction with physicians as well as […]

Wellness Wednesday: Animals Can Help People Recover or Cope with Health Problems

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!   Whether you are an animal-lover or not, research […]

How to Help Manage Your Child’s Back-to-School Anxiety

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!     Returning to school this fall has never […]

Wellness Wednesday: Dealing with Anxiety During Difficult Times

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!     It’s needless to say that the changes […]

Making Time for Yourself: Tips for Self-Care and Wellness

AY About You wants to help our readers take care of themselves, stay refreshed and less stressed with our new weekly feature Wellness Wednesday. Each Wednesday, we will have an article about health and wellness to promote all around well-being. That means physically, mentally and emotionally!     Have you made time for yourself today? […]

Wellness Wednesday: How to Stay Mentally Healthy During a Quarantine Summer

As the quarantined spring turns into summer, the health of our minds – cooped up and buried in thoughts – should be of most importance. For many, mental health represents the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.   However, the World Health Organization defines it as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes […]

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System Provides Safe Environment for Kids and Teens

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System offers care in a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens between the ages of five and 17.    Licensed therapists, psychiatrists and qualified behavioral health providers are dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Outpatient therapy is also available across the state with options […]

The BridgeWay Hospital Offering Tele-Assessment Service

The BridgeWay Hospital is increasing its virtual healthcare options with the addition of its Tele-assessment service.   With the Tele-assessment service, the BridgeWay will be able to virtually evaluate patients to determine the appropriate level of care. This service enables intake clinicians to remotely interview patients and interact with them in a secure manner.   […]

UAMS Study Shows Cell App Users Have Reduced Depression

A research team at Northwestern University has developed a free cell phone app, IntelliCare, designed to treat depression. Studies by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) show a dramatic reduction in symptoms of IntelliCare app users as compared to those who take part in other methods or receive no treatment at all.   […]

‘AY Stands for Mental Health’ – AY Magazine Provides Comprehensive Coverage of Mental Health Issues

At AY Magazine, we cover a wide variety of important topics that impact that lives of people across the state of Arkansas, from food to arts to health to the outdoors and more. But one of the most critical topics we cover is mental health.   That’s why we dedicate a full magazine to the […]

Shine a Light on the Gaines House and Mental Health in February

We love a party here at AY Media Group, and there’s one we want you to put on your calendars because we are all going. It’s February 13 at Cache Restaurant, and two things will happen that night.    Our own Lisa Fischer, editor-at-large for AY About You will be honored, but also a light […]

How to Help Your Child Cope with Grief This Holiday Season

By Kami Tran, LPC, RPT, NCC Pediatrics Plus Counseling & Diagnostics Grief is personal and affects everyone differently. For the child and adolescent population, grief is often complex to identify. Common symptoms include sadness, anger, numbness, irritability, defiance, mood irregularity, depression and anxiety. For parents, the first step in helping your child overcome grief is […]

Nurturing Change

by Dustin Jayroe   It is an age-old psychological dilemma — nature vs. nurture — which debates the extent to which behavior is shaped. In the context, nature stands for inherited traits and genetics, whereas nurture applies to acquired traits, learned or conditioned over time. For too long, many of the stigmas attached to mental […]

Divorce And The Holidays

By Jane Dennis   Even a holiday bursting with shiny ribbons, twinkling Christmas lights and stacks of gifts can arrive with its share of challenging, sad or anxiety-riddled moments.    Not everything associated with holidays brings happiness and joy. An extra measure of stress can be piled on, whether yours is a one-parent, two-parent, extended, […]

Finding A Way Out

by Dwain Hebda   When the subject is addiction, it doesn’t take a whole lot to get Dori Haddock rolling. As regional director for Bradford Health Services, a multi-phase substance abuse treatment company that also works in mental health, she sees daily the impact that addiction has on families from every sector of society. She’s […]

Arkansans at Risk

by Bruce Trimble, MA, APR   I began my career working for a residential treatment facility for adolescents, and it was on a fall day that I experienced the worst day of my fledgling career. A young man, who I’ll call Dave, was on the brink of adulthood but had some difficulties at home, resulting […]

Faces of Arkansas: The BridgeWay

The Face Of Mental Health The BridgeWay Sherrie James   Mental health care may not be the most exhilarating topic, but its practitioners are critical for caring for those experiencing serious, life-changing illnesses. In Arkansas, the field’s top facility is The BridgeWay, a 127-bed, freestanding behavioral acute care hospital offering specialized, tailored programming to all […]

UAMS Offering Free Depression Screenings on Oct. 10

Next week, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will be offering free depression screenings. The screenings will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9 am to 1 pm in the UAMS Medical Center lobby gallery.   The week of Oct. 6 to Oct. 12 has been designated National Mental Illness Awareness Week for […]

Arkansas Arts Collective Tackles Mental Health Stigma

The Secret Postcard Society, a collective of creatives that includes musicians, a poet and a photographer, is opening up a conversation about mental health in their community.   After realizing how many people he knew who personally struggled with addiction, trauma and mental illness, Drew Foote decided he wanted to create more than just a […]

When Mental Health is Passed Down

by Curtis Lanning If someone breaks an arm or gets a nasty cut on his or her leg, it’s off to the doctor so the problem can be fixed. But when it comes to mental health, people are unfortunately more likely to respond slower, if at all. While some mental health problems affect individuals, others […]

Shepherd to the The Lambs

by Dwain Hebda | Photography by Jamison Mosley Rev. Jay Clark stood in the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church pulpit and scanned a sea of grief-stricken faces gathered to mourn a young member of the congregation who took his own life. It was a human landscape he’d surveyed before, made up of the people left behind struggling […]

Open Your Eyes: Too Often, We Are Overly Tolerant of Behaviors

by Howard M. Turney Our children misbehave, friendships become conflicted, family members act up during holiday celebrations. These are all experiences that may manifest in our lives. Because of our affection for the person behind these incidents, we may take for granted behaviors that could be defined as pathological. We do not see these behaviors […]

Ending Stigma: Helping People with Suicidal Thoughts, Depression

by Sydne Tursky Every 16 hours, one Arkansan dies by suicide. That means a total 11,000 years of potential life lost annually. Among 15- to 34-year-olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death in the state, and the 10th leading cause over all age groups, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Five […]

Out of Darkness

by Matthew King The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has held Out of the Darkness Walks in Arkansas since September 2008. The first local walk in Little Rock had approximately 400 participants and raised $40,000.  “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide – we save lives and bring hope to those […]

Being Mindful

by Chris Price The numbers are staggering, but, so too is the stigma. One in five adults in America experiences a mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Yet many don’t know that they have it or are at risk. Even those who are diagnosed often have trouble finding resources to help […]

Arkansas Ranks Low In Mental Health Care Access

by Jeanni Brosius Many Arkansans live with untreated mental illness. There are a couple of reasons these folks go untreated: stigma and cost. There is a wide gap for insurance coverage for mental illness compared to physical illness. “One in four Arkansans lives with mental illness,” says Luke Kramer, executive director of The STARR Coalition. […]

Jordon Babcock – Springwoods Behavioral Health of Fayetteville

Springwoods Behavioral Health, of Fayetteville, provides quality behavioral healthcare services that patients recommend to families and friends, physicians prefer for their patients, and employees are proud to provide. Springwoods Behavioral Health, located at 1955 W. Truckers Drive, is an 80 bed behavioral health facility providing comprehensive care for adolescents, adults, geriatrics and a unit designed […]

Compassionate Healing

At Rivendell, we offer hope and healing to those suffering from psychiatric conditions. We provide these services in both an inpatient setting that serves adults, adolescents and children, and we’re  also proud to offer outpatient programs for adults in recovery. Our ultimate goal is to provide each guest in our care exceptional treatment through a […]

To Hope / To Heal / To Laugh / To Live

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System (PPBHS) and our heart for children, adolescents and families. At Pinnacle Pointe: • We hold great expectations for bringing hope and healing to children, adolescents, and families by positively impacting their emotional and behavioral health through the compassionate care we […]

Quality Care Rooted in Arkansas

I am honored to have the opportunity to share information with all of you about the services provided at The BridgeWay. Having served our community for more than 35 years, we are very proud to provide quality care to patients of all ages. We offer inpatient acute psychiatric care for adults, seniors, adolescents and children, as […]

Improving Quality of Life In Our State

Mental health and well-being is critical to our communities, our workplaces, our families and our state. As Governor of Arkansas, I do all I can to improve the quality of life of those in our state. One important gauge of success is our health and access to care and treatment. We are pretty good at […]

No More Whispers: Hollywood Helps Americans Deal with Mental Illness

By Rebecca Ward, Licensed Clinical Social Worker When did “mental illness” come out of the attic? When did we stop whispering that someone had had a “nervous breakdown?” Wait. Maybe I need to ask, “Have we, as a society of human beings, accepted that we are susceptible to have an illness of our minds and […]

Advocating Through Loss: William McCastlain and 3People4Life

by Dustin Jayroe // Photography by Jamison Mosley Cal McCastlain, Jr., took his life in 2014, as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi. Now, his brother, William, having faced his own mental health adversities, is determined to raise awareness and assist with suicide prevention. William was 17-years-old when his family got the call […]

Opioid Onslaught

by Chris Price The numbers are daunting. So much so that they are causing anxious, sleepless nights for the man who leads all planning, budgeting, and implementation of expenditures of state and federal funds allocated for alcohol and drug education, prevention, treatment and law enforcement in the Natural State. Arkansas is in the midst of […]

Lisa Fischer: In Her Own Words

by Lisa Fischer // Photography by Jamison Mosley For me to explain my story of living with addiction, it starts on day one of my life. I was born in Newark, New Jersey, to a beautiful red-haired mother, Jean, and a witty Jewish siding-salesman father, Frank. In the 1960s, Frank was a peer of comedian […]

The New Face Of Addiction

by Laura Monteverdi // Photo by Jamison Mosley Throughout my career as a reporter and news anchor, I have covered many different types of stories. Some of my favorites are from my time spent in Sioux Falls, S.D. I had my own series called “Life with Laura,” where I had the opportunity to do everything […]

Pharmacologic Therapies to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Americans utilize modern medicine every day for problems ranging from allergies to acne. However, treatment for a leading cause of death among Americans, opioid overdose, remains acutely controversial. Deep-seated beliefs about drugs and drug users have prevented this group of individuals from receiving adequate treatment. People with substance use disorders are long overdue for consideration […]

Solving the Opioid Crisis Will Require Peer Support

Much debate is happening around the country regarding the addiction crisis. A recent article published by the New York Times has a report from the CDC noting over 70,000 deaths in 2017 occurred from drug overdoses. The majority is in large part due to the synthetic opioid, Fentanyl. Literally, every three weeks, we lose more […]

Mindfulness Through the Holidays

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”             -Jon Kabat Zinn Rivendell Behavioral Health hosted a luncheon on Friday, December 14, on being mindful during the holiday season. The program was led by Laura Huff, an LMSW at Rivendell Behavioral Health, who presented a few different […]

Laura Monteverdi: Seeing the Face of Drug Addiction

If you watch local television or follow local stations on social media, you’ve probably heard anchor Laura Monteverdi’s name. She spends her mornings on THV11 sharing news and stories with us. But there was one story she kept quiet for a long time. Earlier this year, Laura decided it was time to share her story […]

Park Hill Baptist Church Wants You to Breathe this December

The holidays are a time for people to come together as one, united by love and compassion. This happy time, though, can be difficult for those who have suffered a loss. As emotions run high around the holidays, grief and pain can be especially strong for some. People can grieve due to the loss of […]

Park Hill Baptist Church Hosting “Opioid Crisis: The Ripple Effect”

Opioids are creating a public health crisis throughout America, and law enforcement and health care professionals are rushing to address the problems caused by these substances. Learn more about the opioid crisis in Arkansas at a community forum entitled “Opioid Crisis: The Ripple Effect,” which will be held at the Park Hill Baptist Church in […]

Fox16 Features Stories from AY’s Mental Health Guide

  Fox16 helped spread the word about AY Magazine’s 2018 Mental Health Guide by sharing stories from the guide and stories about mental health. Click here to see Fox16’s special section on mental health news. Fox 16 & AY Magazine Team Up for Mental Health Week State of Mental Health: Youth Suicide State of Mental Health […]

What To Do When You’re Ready to Get Help

by Dwain Hebda The first step in taking control of mental health issues – resolving to take action – is the hardest one. But what happens once you or a loved one is ready to get help? “The therapy relationship is very personal, it’s really a ‘right fit’ thing,” says Ken Clark, practice director with […]

Inside Arkansas’ Maddening Mental Health System

By Alex Gladden Photography by Meredith Mashburn Arkansas, a state with a consistently poor reputation for its handling of mental health issues, is undergoing major changes at almost every level of its mental health care system. Mental Health America ranks Arkansas the 35th-worst state in terms of its mental health care for 2017, worse than its position of 41st in 2016 and 47th the year […]

Caring for the Caregiver: The Mental Health of Therapists

By Howard M. Turney, Ph.D. Therapists, like the general population, come in all shapes and sizes. They are represented in the fields of psychiatry, social work, psychology, counseling and marriage and family therapy. Therapists operate in a variety of work environments that include agencies, hospitals, clinics and private practice. Just like the general population, therapists suffer from depression, anxiety, grief or any of the other diagnoses enumerated in the Diagnostic and […]

Broken Families, Broken Lives

By Sydne Tursky In Anna Karenina, writer Leo Tolstoy posits that “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” But perhaps the quote’s popularity masks its truth; as family estrangement becomes more prevalent in society, the myriad ways that families are unhappy seem to increase unceasingly, according to Little Rock-based family counselor Rebecca Ward. Families […]

The Human Cost of Addiction

By Steve Straessle, Principal of Catholic High Photography by Jamison Mosley The tapping of ink pens provides a drumbeat for the lesson. If the pens are in motion, I know they’re paying attention. They twirl the blue or black instruments, chew on them or continue that incessant tapping that used to infuriate me, but now is […]

Narcissists: It’s All About Me. Really.

By Rebecca Ward, MSW, LCSW If you can imagine, I really enjoy working with some of the narcissists who come into my office. They are mostly charming and  engaging at the start, and many do not last long in therapy past the “beginning to see the light” phase. It is then that the dark side of this particular personality will emerge. And it is […]

Opioid Abuse

“Every 12.5 seconds another American life is claimed by opioid abuse.” by Kristy Alpert The statistics surrounding this epidemic may be sobering, but the unfortunate reality is that opioid abuse is still growing in prevalence across the United States, with  more  than  115 deaths occurring each day, according to a recent statement from Jerome Adams, […]

Social Media and Its Impact On Mental Health

by Jeanni Brosius Jocelyn Spencer has had an electronic device in her hands every day since she was 2. The now 10-year-old fifth grader has multiple social media accounts and interacts with “friends” that she’s never met. Social media allows us to connect with friends and family, network with colleagues, stay up on world events […]

Special Camps Help Young People Cope, Help Others

Two camps in Central Arkansas zero in on the issue of suicide — one to help young people cope with a loss and another to help teens learn how to intervene with a struggling peer. This fall, Camp Aldersgate will sponsor Camp Conquer, a suicide prevention camp designed to equip high schoolers with the skills […]

Pinnacle Pointe: Suicide Prevention Starts by Knowing the Warning Signs

Suicide is a complex phenomenon that affects every neighborhood, race, gender and age group. Prevention is equally complicated, as no two people are the same insofar as what plants the idea in their mind or ultimately forces their hand. Parents should develop a comfort level talking to their children about issues such as mental health, […]

Left Behind: Families and Communities Deal with Life After Suicide

The numbers surrounding suicide are shocking — and the most shocking part may be that no one knows precisely how prevalent the problem is. Last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that slightly fewer than 43,000 Americans died by their own hand in 2014 — the highest number in 30 years. […]

A Legacy of Grace

By Kristy Alpert • Photography by Jamison Mosley For Dr. Caroline Morgan Ford, the line between casual drinking and substance abuse was one she encountered early on in life. She grew up in a healthy and happy home, filled with Christian summer camps, trips to the beach and report cards from her prestigious boarding school […]

Complementary and Alternative Care

Mental health professionals are changing the way we look at treatment for the mind and body By Caleb Talley As our perception of mental health has changed over time, so too has the way we view mental health treatment. Talk therapy is still the most common form of psychological treatment. But new – and sometimes old […]

Fighting: A Vietnam Vet and His Battle with PTSD

by Alex Gladden He wore a black baseball cap with the words “Vietnam veteran” embroidered across the top. His hair was mostly gray, and he stood staring out at the crowd. Large groups of people have made Ken Gheen nervous ever since he served in the military during the 1960s. “But I do it for […]

Dealing With Grief

By Marla Cantrell Being human is the only prerequisite needed to be vulnerable to grief. It’s so universal that you’d think we’d know how to fix it by now. But grief doesn’t work that way, and you can’t prepare for the loss you feel when a loved one dies. Rebecca Ward, MSW, LCSW, who offers […]

Couples Therapy Can Help Partners Communicate

By Howard M. Turney, Ph.D., MSW and Rebecca F. Ward, MSW, LCSW Photography by David Yerby Couples really benefit from therapy. Self-help books, TV, movies and commercials are all about relationships. We are a species that needs relationships; most of the happiest folks are those who have found good friendships as well as a close […]

Taking Care of Yourself

By Rebecca Ward, MSW, LCSW About a month ago, I left to run some of those maintenance-type errands that aren’t all that much fun. When I was about a mile from home, I realized I had left my phone behind. I felt a little anxious before I became aware I would be able to have […]

Bravery Isn’t Staying Quiet: The Mental Health of First Responders

By Marla Cantrell • Photography by Jamison Mosley Eight years ago, while on duty at a Little Rock fire station, then-captain Britton Turner listened as a call came in. There was an unknown medical emergency at a home in the Otter Creek community, and he rushed to the scene to help. When he arrived, he […]

What is Psychotherapy?

By Howard M. Turney, Ph.D. • Photography by David Yerby Psychotherapy has become important to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders only in the recent past. The journey of psychotherapy no longer brings to mind thoughts of “voodoo” or similar unsympathetic descriptors. In reality, psychotherapy is an important way to address life’s challenges […]

A Letter from the Governor

As Governor of Arkansas, I do all I can to improve the quality of life of those in our state. One important gauge of success is our health and access to care and treatment. We’re pretty good at recognizing and treating physical concerns, but we often miss the signs of mental illness, even in those […]

Rivendell – CEO’s Letter

Rivendell 100 Rivendell Drive, Benton, AR 72015 (501) 316-1255 At Rivendell, we offer hope and healing to those suffering from psychiatric conditions and addictions. We provide these services in both an inpatient setting-serving adults, adolescents and children and we also are proud to offer outpatient programs for adults in recovery. Our ultimate goal is to provide […]

Pinnacle Pointe – CEO’s Letter

Pinnacle Pointe 11501 Financial Centre Pkwy, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 223-3322 Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System (PPBHS) and our heart for children, adolescents and families. At Pinnacle Pointe: • We hold great expectations for bringing hope and healing to children, adolescents and families […]

The BridgeWay – CEO’s Letter

The BridgeWay 21 Bridgeway Road, North Little Rock, AR 72113 (800) 245-0011 This is a banner year for Arkansans in that AY is publishing the third annual Mental Health Guide and 2018 is the thirty-fifth anniversary of The BridgeWay Hospital. While I recently joined The BridgeWay, I can attest that we are proud of our […]

Mental Health Guide – Editor’s Letter

It’s hard to imagine how, in a world so connected, so many can feel so alone. But that’s the case for millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Arkansans who are suffering in silence with a mental health condition. Upwards of 150,000 Arkansans live with a serious mental condition, and only about 50 percent […]

Hutchinson Launches Portal to Fight Opioid Abuse

In the ongoing fight against the abuse of opioids, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has launched a free weekly education and consultation service for Arkansas health-care providers, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced at a press conference Monday.   The AR-IMPACT (Arkansas Improving Multidisciplinary Pain Care Treatment) partnership includes the UAMS, the Office of the […]

Walk a Mile in My Shoes Sale Benefits Ozark Guidance Foundation

It’s often difficult to truly understand someone until you’ve seen the world through his or her eyes. The stigma of mental illness still exists today, and psychological health is often overshadowed by other common medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The 8th annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes sale event will take […]

Youth Home’s Eggshibition: The Big Fundraiser With the Funny Name

For more than two decades Youth Home, Inc. has put on one of the more distinctive fundraisers in Little Rock: Eggshibition. Now in it’s 27th year, Eggshibition features egg-inspired artwork from local artists sold at silent auction. In recent years Eggshibition has extended it’s artistic reach and now includes all kinds of art from nationally […]

Clinical Trials

If you are taking medication for a mental health or addiction issue, your physician will prescribe medicine based on his knowledge and training as a medical professional. If you are interested in being part of a clinical trial, you may indicate this idea to him. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, fda.gov, […]

Suicide Prevention Specialist Draws From Personal Experience

usie Reynolds Reece isn’t short on job responsibilities, but as of this year things in her professional life streamlined with the reorganization of Hot Springs-based Garland County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The new organization, Suicide Prevention Allies, was established in January, and as she noted, the move did more than provide a name change. “We voted […]

Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia

s we get older, our bodies change: our eyesight becomes poorer, hearing may become more difficult and we have less physical stamina each day. Mentally, we may struggle to remember things or we might forget appointments. But how do we know when an aging spouse or parent’s forgetfulness is a sign of something worse, like […]

There’s Always Hope

The term addiction is often used casually: “I’m addicted to Instagram …” “I’m addicted to tattoos,” or “I’m totally addicted to that TV show,” but a true addiction is chronic, progressive and can result in devastation. “An addiction is a maladaptive overindulgence in behavior — in process or in substance — that has become self […]

Little Rock City Director Candidate Shares Mental Health Struggle

t was an important race – the biggest of her life so far. Ousting veteran Little Rock City Director Joan Adcock from her position would have been a big win for Molly Miller. At just 28 years old, Miller saw the need for a progressive candidate in the city and she didn’t hesitate to jump […]

Mental Health in Public Schools: Counselors Share Common Concerns and Tips

ow more than ever, today’s youth are bombarded with digital stimulation, activities, school work and family issues. Juggling all of these things can hinder their academic success and induce mental health concerns. School counselors say an open-door policy with students, parents, teachers and the community is key to helping to shape children into healthy adults. […]

Responding to Self-Injurious Behaviors in Youth

ntentional self-injurious behaviors by young people naturally create panic and dismay among parents and professionals wanting to help stop these behaviors and find solutions. As a clinical therapist in a residential treatment facility working almost exclusively with adolescents for the past eight years, I have noticed an alarming rise in the number of youth who […]

Youth, Suicide and How You Can Help

early everyone has been affected by suicide, and while it is a tragedy that certainly needs to be addressed, Greg Adams, licensed clinical social worker and program coordinator for the Center for Good Mourning and Bereavement at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, wants to be certain the topic is addressed properly. “Certainly and unfortunately the rate of […]

Out of the Darkness

uicide prevention became a topic of discussion when Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council. Since then, local media have addressed the topic and a number of rallies have been held, and our company has chosen to address the topic as well. While suicide is difficult to discuss, it’s a subject that must […]

Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness

ental illness affects 1 in 5 Americans, a fact that may surprise you. You may hear that a friend, neighbor or family member is ill, but it likely will be discussed in hushed tones as if this kind of illness could have been avoided or perhaps indicates a serious aberration in a person’s constitutional or […]

Gov. Hutchinson Signs Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Centers Bill Into Law

  LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today signed SB136 into law to establish three regional Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Centers to reduce the incarceration rate of those with mental illness and to increase public safety. The governor has committed $5 million to support these facilities, which will provide evaluation and treatment of those suspected […]

Walking the Talk-One Man’s Journey to Bring Awareness to Victims of PTSD

uring his 15 years with the United States Army Airborne Infantry Unit 82nd, 101st and 173rd, Ernesto Rodriguez deployed on 4 tours of duty-2 to Iraq and 2 to Afghanistan. His unit was one of the first to walk on Iraqi soil during the March 2003 invasion. In experiencing PTSD himself, as well as difficulty […]

Happy Holidays!?!

HONESTY CAN BE YOUR FRIEND AS YOU JOURNEY THROUGH THE MERRIMENT OR NOT By Rebecca Ward   hristmas stopped being magical for me the year I found my doll and my Mickey Mouse watch in the linen closet. I was stunned, even though I had heard some disturbing talk that Santa Claus might not actually […]

Turning Tragedy Into Purpose

Meeting with Jajuan Archer, the founder of Women’s Own Worth-a multi-faceted service program for victims of domestic abuse, was a warming, humbling, and moving experience. You know those people that seem to have fallen gracefully from heaven? Jajuan is one of those. Her remarkable story and outstanding efforts to bring refuge, support, and healing to victims […]

Arkansas’ Wellbeing: Statistically

A Topic Well Worth Discussion  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines mental illness as “disorders generally characterized by dysregulation of mood, thought and/or behavior.” According to the agency, mood disorders, such as major depression, are the most pervasive of all mental disorders. Other examples of mental illness include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and […]

Defining Mental Illness

What is a Mental Illness?  National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines mental illness as “a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling or mood and may affect his ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis.” One’s mental wellbeing may be influenced by a number of factors: genetics, environment and lifestyle […]

Suicide: Out of the Darkness

Shedding Light on Suicide Photography Courtesy of The Arkansas Secretary of State    prevention became a topic of discussion last year when Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council. Since then, local media have addressed the topic and a number of rallies have been held, and our company has chosen to address the […]

Youth & Suicide

Youth, Suicide and How You Can Help    everyone has been affected by suicide, and while it is a tragedy that certainly needs to be addressed, Greg Adams, licensed clinical social worker and program coordinator for the Center for Good Mourning and Bereavement at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, wants to be certain the topic is addressed […]

LGBTQ Community

Supporting the LGBTQ Community  with mental health conditions often face stigma. This negativity can be compounded for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) community. Fear of “coming out” and being discriminated against due to sexual orientation and gender identities can impair mental health. Angie Bowen, a counselor with the Bowen […]

Bullying: Harmful ‘Rite of Passage’

 every person has experienced bullying, whether you’ve been bullied or were the bully. While many consider bullying “one of those things that every kid goes through,” the effects of bullying are certainly not to be minimized. Bullying is defined by stopbullying.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, as “unwanted, […]

Depression & Grief

Depression Is Not a Weakness in Character    of Americans — almost 19 million, or 10 percent of our population, according to 2012 statistics — suffer from depression. An estimated 11 percent of adolescents, 30 percent of college students, 14 percent of new moms and 10 percent of adults 65 and older have been affected […]

Veterans’ Issues

Service Comes with High Cost    nation’s veterans make great sacrifices to ensure our freedoms, often serving in combat and doing so diligently and bravely. Military service is not without its consequences, among them are issues with mental wellbeing. According to a 2014 study*, nearly 1 in 4 active duty members showed signs of a […]

Eating Disorders

Recognizing an Eating Disorder By Rebecca F. Ward, LCSW, MSW & Angela E. Thomas    my profession, there are few diagnoses that have a mortality risk. Eating disorders are one of them. Eating disorders affect up to 30 million people of all ages and genders in the United States. Theses disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and […]

Addiction: There’s Always Hope

Recovery is possible. “An addiction is a maladaptive overindulgence in behavior — in process or in substance — that has become self destructive.” This definition was supplied by Kristin Agar, a licensed clinical social worker as well as a certified intervention professional and certified Arise Interventionist. She has practiced since 1978 and is one of […]

Resource Listing

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Mental Illness Stigma

The stigma of having a mental illness has improved over the years.   illness affects 1 in 5 Americans, a fact that may surprise you. You may hear that a friend, neighbor or family member is ill, but it likely will be discussed in hushed tones as if this kind of illness could have been […]

Markey Ford: Twelve Steps to One Great Comeback

Life Anew Photography by Brandon Markin / shot on location at Little Rock Violin Shop   Ford’s toolbox is a big, three-tiered red metal box from Sears, and one of her tools is a wooden-handled hammer inscribed with the words “This too shall pass.” It’s not a real toolbox — it’s more of a visual […]

Steve Blackwood: Sounding the Alarm

Preventing the unthinkable. Photography by Brandon Markin   Blackwood and Bruce Trimble serve as co-chairs of the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council, formed last year by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to provide “a comprehensive and coordinated approach to prevent suicide across all age and demographic groups” in Arkansas and “to ensure that suicide prevention becomes a shared […]

Tommy Smith: Life in Sobriety

Tommy Smith is celebrating five years of sobriety. Photography by Brandon Markin   day after completing his morning radio co-host duties, Tommy Smith would swing through his preferred liquor store and spend the rest of the day escaping with his “friend” Jack Daniels. His routine changed in May 2011 when he was arrested for DWI. […]

Nicole Hart: Providing Holistic Help at ARVets

Help for the healing. Photography by Brandon Markin   clinical research on PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, focuses on select gene processes and high-tech brain imaging, veterans throughout Central Arkansas are finding holistic solutions at ARVets, a “one-stop shop” for mental health resources for Arkansas veterans and their families. ARVets’ successful model is measured in the […]

Marie’s Story: Breaking the Cycle

The following story, unfortunately, echoes the experience of too many Americans. Although Arkansas was not Marie’s intended destination, this story has a happy ending: she and her children have fallen in love with their adopted home. Photography by Brandon Markin   and/or because of what she overcame, Marie* never lost her faith in life. The […]