Pieces of Prevention

More Than Just the Winter Blues As winter descends upon Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, many of us eagerly anticipate the holiday season, with its festive gatherings, cozy evenings, and cherished traditions. However, beneath the twinkling lights and seasonal cheer, a significant number of individuals struggle with a more challenging reality: seasonal depression, also known… Read more: Spotlight On: Seasonal Depression in the Pacific Northwest

Highlighting The Goals of Prevention As we enter October, we recognize Substance Use Prevention Month—a time to reflect on the importance of preventing substance misuse in our community. Prevention efforts are crucial in addressing substance use issues before they begin and mitigating their impact on individuals, families, and society. This article explores the three main… Read more: Spotlight On: Substance Use Prevention Month

Recognizing Risks, Signs, and the QPR Approach September marks a vital period for focusing on suicide prevention, particularly given the alarming statistics from Oregon. According to the Oregon Health Authority, nearly 1,000 Oregonians lost their lives to suicide in 2022, reflecting a rate significantly higher than the national average (Oregon Health Authority, 2023). This statistic… Read more: Spotlight On: Suicide Prevention Month

Nurturing Social Connections: The Foundation of Children’s Well-Being. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that social connections have on our children’s development. From the playground to the classroom, these connections form the foundation of a child’s emotional, social, and academic growth. As we observe Social Wellness Month, it’s crucial to… Read more: Spotlight On: Social Wellness Month

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness around the unique challenges and mental health needs this population faces. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The minority stress… Read more: Spotlight On: Pride and Mental Health for the LGBTQ+ Community

Empowering Communities Through Strategic Prevention: Observing National Prevention Week, May 12-18, 2024. As we celebrate National Prevention Week, it’s important to recognize the crucial role that comprehensive, data-driven prevention efforts play in promoting the health and wellbeing of our communities. Substance misuse and related behavioral health issues can have devastating impacts, but by employing effective… Read more: Spotlight On: National Prevention Week

The challenges that children and teens face today can feel overwhelming at times. From academic pressures and social dynamics to family stresses and anxieties about the future, young people are navigating a complex world. Providing them with tools to effectively cope with life’s challenges is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next… Read more: Spotlight On: Empowering Youth for Mental Wellness

April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol use and promoting strategies for prevention. As we embark on this important initiative, it’s crucial to understand the significance of responsible alcohol consumption and the steps we can take to prevent alcohol-related harms. Here are some key tips… Read more: Spotlight On: Alcohol Awareness Month

Whether it be poker nights at a friend’s house or participating in a local bingo fundraiser, gambling is often considered a fun social activity. Sometimes, however, gambling can become more of a problem. Individuals may find themselves preoccupied with gambling or continuously chasing losses. They may lie about their gambling habits or feel irritable when… Read more: Spotlight On: Problem Gambling

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), commonly referred to as ‘vapes’, first came on the U.S market in 2007, but data on their mental and physical health effects is just starting to take shape. Vaping uses a battery-powered device to heat, aerate and inhale a liquid (e-juice), which usually contains flavoring and nicotine. Initially promoted as a way… Read more: Spotlight On: Vaping

When you think of your favorite senior citizen, what comes to mind? Often, it’s how kind and supportive they can be in times of trouble. Ironically, older adults may hesitate to talk about their own struggles, feelings of sadness, or depression. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports… Read more: Spotlight On: Older Adult Suicide Awareness

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day was founded on 9/9/99, to remind us that the 9 months of pregnancy have the potential to shape the course of a lifetime, for both a developing child and their family. It’s encouraging to know that 9 out of 10 women report they abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. … Read more: Spotlight On: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)