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The Mental Health Connection - January 2026

A Note from Our CEO


Welcome to 2026. As we step into a new year, I invite you to reflect on the quiet power of transformation.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” — Maya Angelou

Growth is rarely a straight line. The "cocoon" phases of our lives—those quiet, difficult, or restorative stretches—are just as vital as the moments we fly. If you or someone you know is navigating a season of change, Help Therapy is here with in-person and telehealth support, including therapy, psychiatric care, and psychological evaluations.



Warmly,

Annette Conway, PsyD, CEO Help Therapy


The Year of JOMO: Trading "Busy" for "Present"


In 2026, the ultimate status symbol isn’t a packed calendar—it’s being present. We are moving past the era of "doomscrolling" and entering the age of Social Fitness. Just as we train our bodies, we must train our social muscles to choose quality over quantity. JOMO (The Joy of Missing Out) isn’t about being lonely; it’s the freedom to say "no" to things that drain you so you can say "yes" to what nourishes you.

The JOMO Challenge: The 7 PM Reset

Reclaim your calm with a Low-Dopamine Evening. Dimming lights and silencing noise isn't just a break—it regulates your circadian rhythm, triggering natural melatonin for deeper sleep.

  • Power Down: At 7:00 PM, silence notifications and dim lights to shift from "alert" to "rest" mode.

  • Go Analog: Spend 30 minutes with a book, art, or music. No screens, no blue light.

  • The Check-In: Feel your jaw and shoulders relax as your cortisol levels finally drop.


The 2026 Brain Reset


Optimizing the 5 pillars of cognitive performance and emotional resilience. In 2026, we’re moving beyond "basic health" and focusing on Neuro-Efficiency. Use this checklist to keep your brain’s "hardware" running at its peak.


  • ⚡ Movement: Aim for 30–60 minutes of daily activity. Movement increases BDNF—essentially "Miracle-Gro" for your brain cells.

  • 🍽️ Metabolism: Stable glucose levels mean stable moods. Explore consistent meal timing to eliminate "brain fog" afternoons.

  • 🧠 Mindset: Practice Cognitive Reframing. When a negative thought arises, ask: “Is this a fact, or is this a feeling?” This simple pause reduces stress-induced cortisol.

  • 🥗 Nutrition: Eat for your synapses. Prioritize leafy greens and healthy fats (avocados, walnuts) to support the protective myelin sheath around your nerves.


The Neuro-Nutrient Stack:


  • Multivitamin: Your baseline insurance against nutrient gaps.

  • Fish Oil (Omega-3s): The building blocks of brain tissue. (Pro-Tip: Take with your largest meal to maximize absorption!)

  • Vitamin D: A "pro-hormone" that regulates mood and over 200 genetic pathways.

  • Probiotics: Nourish the "second brain" in your gut to improve serotonin production.


Always consult with your primary physician or Help Therapy provider before starting new supplements to ensure they align with your specific health needs.


Innovation Highlight: Healing Through Dreams


Can learning to "wake up" inside a dream support trauma recovery?


A recent study examined lucid dreaming training for adults with chronic PTSD. Participants who learned to recognize they were dreaming reported fewer PTSD symptoms, reduced nightmare distress, and improved overall well-being. By emphasizing agency and emotional regulation during sleep, this practice offers a powerful, non-pharmacological approach to healing.



Dear Therapist...


Q: Why do I feel worse some weeks even though I’m in therapy?A: Therapy is like cleaning out a cluttered closet; things often look messier before they look organized. Progress isn't linear. Feeling "more" is actually a sign of growth—it means you’re no longer numbing your emotions and are finally processing them.

Pro-Tip: The "Buffer Hour" When a session feels heavy, give yourself one hour of "white space" immediately after. No emails, no errands—just a walk or a quiet coffee to let the emotional work settle.



















Dates to Watch


January

Mental Wellness Month

Jan 11: Int'l Thank-You Day

Jan 26: Community Wellness Call


February

· Black History Month

· Feb 10: Safer Internet Day

· Feb 15–22: Kindness Week

· Feb 23: Eating Disorders Awareness Support & Share


Small Click, Big Impact: If our team has supported your journey, please consider leaving a review. Your story helps others in our community find the courage to start their own.



Refer a Patient


Accepting New Referrals: We are dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality care for our community. We are currently accepting new patients and most insurance plans for:


·  Therapy & Psychiatry

·  Medication Management

·  Psychological Evaluations

·  Telehealth & In-Person


[Refer Securely at: www.helptherapy.com]


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