Back by popular demand! How is your PIE? What do mental health and PIE have to do with each other in a post covid world, some may say?

May is Mental health awareness month and provides an opportunity to reflect on the mental wellbeing of ourselves and our loved ones. Some of you may recall the Wellness Pie shown here that was presented last May for mental health awareness. It provides a simple way of assessing and maintaining good mental health. It reminds us that good mental health is a balancing act among specific areas in our lives. Now is a good time to review where you are with your Wellness Pie. When one component is too demanding it takes away from the other areas. That imbalance can cause poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression.

This is important because we live in a post pandemic world where anxiety and depression have increased by 25% over the past three years, according to the World Health Organization. Researchers are suggesting that a specific Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Post Pandemic Stress Disorder (PPSD), exists as a symptom related to stress experiences related to the pandemic.

Make sure you do your best to keep your Wellness Pie balanced or seek help if needed.  Call the 988 Crisis line if you or a loved one needs help.

Gwen Newsome, Ph.D., LCMHC-S