Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving History Thanksgiving is a holiday with a lot of symbolism and history. It began in 1621 when English colonists (Pilgrims) who came to Plymouth shared dinner with the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag surprised the colonists and the two groups shared and contributed to
Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
The holiday season is here and is typically full of fun activities, family and great food. However, holiday stress can overwhelm; especially during a pandemic. Small amounts of stress can help accomplish goals, increase motivation and help with a person’s memory. High amounts o
Benefits of Smoking Cessation
Its common knowledge that tobacco causes cancer and creates problems for those around you that don’t smoke created from second hand smoke. But what are the other benefits come from smoking cessation that are a bit more tangible? Physical Within 48 hours of your last cigarette,
Five Health Benefits of Pumpkin
It’s that time of year where there is pumpkin just about everywhere you turn. Pumpkin spice everything, carving pumpkins and pumpkins for baking. But how healthy is it? What are the health benefits of pumpkin? Great Source of Vitamin A Pumpkins are high in Beta Carotene which m
What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
With more and more items in our ever-changing world out of our control it can feel more overwhelming than ever. Many predict that even more individuals will experience a mental health crisis. But what exactly is a mental health crisis? What can we do if we see someone experiencin
Problem Gambling during the Holidays
Gambling has become more socially acceptable and accessible, especially with apps on the internet. Gambling, just like alcohol and other drugs, plays upon our reward system. Add to this the current stresses and effects of COVID-19, many people are gambling much more than before c
How Can MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Help?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Recovery (MAR) are common terms in the substance use treatment world. But what are they, really and how can they help someone begin their journey to recovery? Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) At Lifeline Connections, MAR is an umbrella te
Fall 2020
The Fall 2020 Newsletter celebrates diversity & inclusion, provides news about the M.A.T. (Medication Assisted Treatment) program moving, updates to our North Sound location and much more! Click here to download and read the full version of the Fall 2020 Newsletter.
Managing Election Day Stress
Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the US? Over 40 million people over the age of 18 are managing anxiety. That’s over 18% of the total population. These numbers are without factors like today is Election Day along with the current pandemic
Steps for Safe Trick-or-Treating in 2020
Each year parents have to outline ground rules for children, especially younger ones prior to the annual Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating. Standard safety tips Stay together in a group Never eat opened candy Stay on the sidewalk and be careful of cars Have a light This ye
The Benefits of Treating Tobacco Use with Substance Use
It’s common knowledge that tobacco use in the US has drastically fallen in the past few decades. However, tobacco use rates among those with substance use remain very high. For example, over 60% of people with a substance use disorder have used tobacco in the last month, compar
Fun Indoor Activities for Fall
With the impending cooler, Fall weather and lack of public indoor places open, it can be hard to think of indoor activities to do with the family or on your own. Carve or decorate pumpkins Whether you choose to visit a pumpkin patch this year or not, you can still have a lot of f
What is Medication Assisted Treatment and Recovery?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Recovery (MAR) are common terms in the substance use treatment world. But what are they, really? Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) At Lifeline Connections, MAR is an umbrella term that offers different levels of care throughout the recover
6 Tips for Telehealth
With the continuation of COVID-19 physical distancing requirements, Lifeline Connections has transitioned all outpatient services to telehealth. This includes assessments, therapy, group sessions and outpatient and problem gambling treatment. What is telehealth? Telehealth is hea
6 Tips to Reduce Stress
Stress is an issue that many of us experience, sometimes daily. Financial obligations, jobs, family responsibilities and the worry that there isn’t enough time in the day can cause us to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Over time, an overabundance of stress can take a toll on our
National Depression Screening Day
Today is National Depression Screening Day. Many mental health organizations participate to encourage screening, including Mental Health America’s B4Stage4 campaign. Stage 4 is often attributed to the stages of cancer or other terminal physical disease. But it also applies to m
Depression Awareness
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Today we would like to bring awareness to one of the most common types of mental health conditions; depression. An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past twe
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
It’s the first of October, which means summer is almost over. The warm weather and sunny days are quickly transitioning to shorter, rainier ones. The cold and rain can make people hibernate, not socialize and stay indoors to avoid the weather. Think about the things fall and wi
Suicide Prevention during COVID-19
Suicide prevention is an important, growing public health concern as COVID-19 continues. In 2018 over 48,000 people died by suicide and during that year, was the 10th leading cause of death. While there isn’t a lot of data compiled over the timeframe that COVID-19 has affected
What is Give More 24?
Give More 24 is Southwest Washington’s largest day of giving. It lasts for 24 hours annually on September 24th. You don’t need anyone to tell you the world is a stressful place right now. Washington’s Department of Health is reporting a surge in substance abuse and mental h
Navigating New Boundaries in Recovery
The longer you are in recovery, the more you learn and rediscover yourself. This includes what you like, don’t like and how you’re willing to be treated – which is why establishing healthy boundaries is so important. What is a boundary? A boundary is a guideline tha
Teens and Substance Use
Whether in the form of drugs or alcohol, substance use is a growing public health concern among teens. What often begins as experimentation or peer pressure can turn into misuse. Once a substance use disorder develops, treatment is often the only option that can help a teen. How
Why Our Treatment is Smoke-Free
For the last few decades a significant amount of time, money and resources have been spent to research and report the benefits of quitting smoking. It’s likely that you have heard that tobacco causes cancer, other health problems and can cause second hand smoking issues. But wh
One Woman’s Journey to Recovery
National Recovery Month takes place in September and is an important time for us to acknowledge the number of people who are suffering from substance use disorders across North America and the rest of the world. There are approximately 20 million people across America suffering f
