Azure Acres Recovery Center

Some people have difficulties getting through the winter because seasonal depression makes them feel hopeless. But there's no need to suffer during this season. By making a few small changes, it's possible to start healing from seasonal affective disorder.

Did you get your flu shot yet? Flu season is already underway, but it’s not too late to get this year’s vaccine. The CDC recommends the flu shot for everyone age 6 months or older. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting communities across the nation, it’s especially important to do all we can to keep ourselves healthy. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of increased safety and greater peace of mind get your flu shot today!

On behalf of the entire Azure Acres Recovery Center team, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The holidays are a time when many of us remind ourselves to take a moment to think about all the things we're thankful for. While giving thanks is integrated into many people's holidays, did you know that showing gratitude can also have a positive impact on your mental health? http://ow.ly/JteC102sT35

Gratitude can make us smile about the simplest things or turn a regular day into one we'll never forget. What are you feeling grateful for today? Share with us by leaving a comment!

The continuing impact of the global coronavirus crisis has forced us all to make many changes in our lives. We've even needed to reassess how, where, and when we vote. For example, many states have reported record numbers of early voting, including citizens who voted by mail. But millions of Americans will still be heading to the polls to cast their ballots in person on Election Day. If you intend to vote in person on November 3, please take a moment to review a few simple yet important safety tips. This article includes valuable guidance to ensure that you stay safe when you vote: http://ow.ly/4f9T102r1Nf

These days, you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of bad news you hear each day. Finding reasons for gratitude can combat this negative emotion. But this habit isn't limited to being thankful. When you embrace the concept of gratitude, you'll start to become more aware of where you are spending your emotional energy. Practicing gratitude doesn't require you to look away from the more troubling aspects of life, but it does remind you of the importance of taking the time to find moments of beauty in every day.

The term "self-talk" refers to the thoughts, beliefs, and opinions that you have about yourself. Yesterday, we encouraged you to take a moment to engage in positive self-talk. You may already know that positive self-talk can improve your mindset, but you might not have realized that this practice can also have a beneficial effect on your physical health and your ability to manage stress. Learn what the experts have discovered about positive self-talk here: http://ow.ly/XEIJ50CoQWx

May you have a safe and spectacular Halloween!

In films, TV shows, and other media productions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often shown as a funny characteristic or a quirky personality trait. Such portrayals contribute to a culture of misunderstanding about this disorder. People who struggle with OCD may experience considerable distress. We firmly believe that education leads to understanding and better support. Please join us as we work diligently to promote the facts about OCD. To get started, check out this extremely informative page:http://ow.ly/TPGX50C6yFr

Halloween is an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate together. But if you've been working on your recovery, ghosts and goblins aren't the most frightening part of Halloween. You know that parties and other forms of celebratory gatherings can be triggers, but you want to avoid becoming isolated. Thankfully, you don't have to destroy your recovery to enjoy Halloween. When you plan ahead, you can have a great time without using substances. http://ow.ly/4gBP102qEUd

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that can cause significant distress. Regrettably, even though the National Institutes of Health and other reputable organizations have definitively established the legitimacy of ADHD, myths and misinformation continue to have a negative impact on the millions of people who struggle with this disorder. We all must join the effort to create a more welcoming and accepting environment for those who have ADHD. Discover what everyone needs to know about ADHD here: http://ow.ly/83dd50C4uoS

October typically ends with a celebration of candy, costumes, and creativity. This year, though, the coronavirus pandemic has complicated matters. With Halloween less than a week away, families and communities throughout the U.S. are still struggling to find the ideal way to celebrate safely. It's still possible to have an enjoyable holiday. However, as we've all needed to do so often in the past few months, we have to alter our expectations a bit. Get some fun tips for a safe and happy Halloween here: http://ow.ly/MXUu102qr38

As National Addiction Treatment Week comes to an end, we want to thank our employees, colleagues, and all the healthcare professionals that work tirelessly to treat addiction and save lives. http://ow.ly/dfsS50C1Z5X

Please join us in welcoming our new CEO, George Gatski, to Azure Acres. George is a respected leader who brings more than 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience to his new role with our team. We’re confident that each person who chooses Azure Acres will benefit from George’s inspired leadership and unwavering commitment to superior service.

We typically attempt to feature a hopeful or motivational message in the posts we share on Mondays. We do this because we recognize what a challenge it can sometimes be to feel inspired and energized at the beginning of the week. For those who have ADHD, though, the fight to remain focused and driven can be an ongoing struggle. In a recent Psych Central article, two ADHD experts highlighted a series of strategies that can make a world of difference: http://ow.ly/5BUF102pNyI

Welcome to the 2020 edition of OCD Awareness Week, which started yesterday. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 2 million adults in the U.S. are currently struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Signs and symptoms of OCD are most common among older teenagers and adults, but children can also be affected. Although OCD is far from uncommon, many people continue to believe myths and false information. You can play a key role in the effort to promote OCD awareness. To learn some important basic facts about OCD, click here: http://ow.ly/llNT102p8aW

Saturday, October 10, marks the end of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Today is also World Mental Health Day. WMHD 2020 is dedicated to promoting increased investment in mental health. The most beneficial investment anyone can make for themselves and their loved ones is to ensure that mental health gets the attention it deserves. Take the time to learn how to identify potential warning signs, and never be afraid to seek help. Today and every day, remember to remain vigilant, practice self-care, and support others who are struggling. For additional information, click here: http://ow.ly/1GfF102oYPB

Self-care is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. But your efforts to maintain your quality of life must also involve monitoring your mental health. Education and understanding are integral tools in this endeavor. Today is National Depression Screening Day. If you think you could possibly have depression, or if you're concerned about a friend or family member, completing a screening may be the ideal next step. Follow this link to learn more: http://ow.ly/UpjU50BNJZz