Envision Wellness WNY

?? Women’s History Month: Mental Health Innovators ?? This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating trailblazing women who shaped the field of mental health. ?? Leta Stetter Hollingworth (1886–1939) was a psychologist, educator, and advocate for women’s rights. She made groundbreaking contributions to clinical and educational psychology, particularly in the study of gifted children. But beyond her research, Leta was a champion for gender equality. After being barred from teaching in New York because she was married, she turned her frustration into action—pursuing higher education and challenging the societal expectations placed on women. During the Progressive Era, she fought for women’s suffrage and was an active member of the Feminist Alliance. Leta’s legacy reminds us that mental health and advocacy go hand in hand. ?? ?? Follow us for more spotlights on women who have paved the way in mental health! #MentalHealthInnovators #LetaHollingworth #WomensHistoryMonth #EnvisionWellnessWNY #PsychologyPioneer https://lnkd.in/gYaqEciw

? Daylight Savings Time is Here! ?? It’s time to spring forward! Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour. While we may lose a little sleep, this is also a great reminder to prioritize self-care and rest this weekend. ? Try these tips to adjust to the time change: ?? Stick to a consistent sleep routine ?? Get plenty of natural sunlight during the day ??♀? Wind down with relaxation techniques before bed Be kind to yourself as your body adjusts! ?? ?? Follow us for more mental wellness tips! #DaylightSavings #SpringForward #SelfCare #EnvisionWellnessWNY #MentalHealthMatters

?? National Day of Unplugging ?? In a world that’s always connected, today is a reminder to pause, unplug, and reconnect with yourself. Taking a break from screens can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall well-being. Here are a few simple ways to refresh your mind today: ?? Journal your thoughts and reflect. ?? Meditate for a few minutes of mindfulness. ?? Read a book and escape into a new world. ?? Go for a walk and soak in nature’s beauty. ? Challenge yourself to unplug for even an hour today—you deserve it! ?? Follow us for more mental wellness tips! #NationalDayOfUnplugging #Mindfulness #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #EnvisionWellnessWNY

?? Happy #EmployeeAppreciationDay! ?? Today, we’re celebrating the incredible supervisors at Envision Wellness WNY who inspire, guide, and support our team every day! Check out these heartfelt tributes from our staff: ? From Madison | About Brittany ? "Brittany has been a supportive, uplifting, and guiding force since the day I started! She’s given me the space to grow my confidence as a clinician, and I admire her patience with my never-ending questions! I’m so grateful for her knowledge, perspective, and insight." ? From Ellen | About Tom ? "Tom leads with both his head and his heart, always providing guidance and understanding. He fosters an environment where we feel supported, valued, and empowered. It’s a pleasure to work under his leadership!" ? From Cynthia | About Heidi ? "Heidi encourages positive outcomes and always has a smile on her face. She offers solutions that not only address the issue at hand but also improve our overall skills and relationships. She truly understands the importance of strong connections in the workplace!" ? From Kenneth | About Tara ? "Thank you for your incredible leadership and guidance. Your support and mentorship have been invaluable." We are so grateful for our supervisors who make Envision Wellness a great place to work and grow! ?? ?? Contact us today: (716) 877-6763 ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNbfDWmG #EmployeeAppreciationDay #ThankYouSupervisors #EnvisionWellnessWNY #MentalHealthMatters #Teamwork

?? March is Self-Harm Awareness Month ?? Self-harm is often a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. At Envision Wellness WNY, we approach this with compassion, understanding, and support. As Brittany Aponte, LMHC, LPC, Senior Clinician – Family Success Center, explains: "One of the ways we help individuals engaging in self-harm is by honoring and validating what they are feeling. We work from a harm-reduction model, supporting them in decreasing the behavior at their own pace. In the moment, grounding techniques can help—overwhelming a sense like touch (holding ice cubes), smell (something strong or enjoyable), or taste (sour candy) can redirect focus and provide relief." If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you are not alone. We are here to help, listen, and support you on your journey toward healing. ?? ?? Call us today: (716) 877-6763 ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNbfDWmG #SelfHarmAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #EnvisionWellnessWNY #MentalHealthMatters

???? Celebrating National Library Lovers Month with Kenmore Library! ???? February is National Library Lovers Month, and we’re showing love to Kenmore Library, a branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL)! With more than 3.2 million materials, including books, eBooks, DVDs, and music, BECPL is an incredible resource for learning, growth, and mental wellness. ?? Bonus Pick: A Graphic Novel for Middle-Grade Readers! ?? ? Living With Viola by Rosena Fung (Graphic Novel) In this beautifully illustrated, semi-autobiographical graphic novel, middle-schooler Livy’s anxiety is personified as Viola, a shadow that follows her everywhere. Livy struggles with racist microaggressions at school and the challenges of being a second-generation Chinese immigrant at home. Learning to live with Viola, rather than fight against her, is a journey of self-acceptance. (Anxiety, Racism) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/esYcXQ-V ?? Want to explore more books? Get a free library card (traditional or eLibrary) if you live, work, or attend school in Erie County, NY! ?? Learn more: https://www.buffalolib.org ?? Follow BECPL’s podcast: All Booked Up! ?? Contact BECPL: 716-858-8900 Do you have a favorite graphic novel that explores mental wellness? Let us know in the comments! ???? #NationalLibraryLoversMonth #LoveYourLibrary #KenmoreLibrary #BuffaloNY #EnvisionWellness #MentalWellnessReads #BECPL #GraphicNovelsForWellness

???? Celebrating National Library Lovers Month with Kenmore Library! ???? February is National Library Lovers Month, and we’re continuing to highlight Kenmore Library, a branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL)! For this post, Nicole Bermingham, Branch Manager at Kenmore Library, shares four deeply personal and insightful books that explore eating disorders, addiction, autism, and mental health struggles—all available for borrowing. ? Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia & Bulimia by Marya Hornbacher (Nonfiction) The author’s struggles with food and weight since childhood lead to multiple hospitalizations, fractured relationships, and an altered sense of self-worth. This gripping and brutally honest memoir offers one of the best firsthand accounts of life with an eating disorder. (Anorexia, Bulimia) https://lnkd.in/e7PrMQCj ? Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff (Nonfiction) When his son’s crystal meth addiction turns a happy, loving child into a distant and uncontrollable stranger, Sheff faces his own struggles with denial, obsession, and the challenge of letting go. This powerful memoir is a deeply personal look at addiction, parental love, and the need for boundaries. (Addiction) https://lnkd.in/eYsy5iha ?? For another perspective, read: Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff, his son’s firsthand account of addiction and recovery. https://lnkd.in/euq8MAi2 ? A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole by Marian Schembari (Nonfiction) Diagnosed with autism at 34, Schembari shares her journey of misdiagnoses—including Tourette’s, OCD, and anxiety—and the struggle of being assessed for autism when you don’t fit the stereotype. An eye-opening read about identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges of late diagnosis. (Autism) https://lnkd.in/e7VpV7h5 ? Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness by Melissa Bond (Nonfiction) After turning to benzodiazepines to cope with severe insomnia, Bond finds herself in the grip of addiction. This memoir sheds light on the dangers of overprescription and one woman’s struggle to reclaim her life. (Addiction) https://lnkd.in/eZXPnFNq Get a free library card (traditional or eLibrary) if you live, work, or attend school in Erie County, NY! ?? Learn more: https://www.buffalolib.org #NationalLibraryLoversMonth #LoveYourLibrary #KenmoreLibrary #BuffaloNY #EnvisionWellness #MentalWellnessReads #BECPL #SelfCareThroughStories

???? Celebrating National Library Lovers Month with Kenmore Library! ???? February is National Library Lovers Month, and we’re showing some love to one of our favorite local libraries—Kenmore Library! As a branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL), it’s part of a vast network offering more than 3.2 million materials, including books, eBooks, DVDs, and music. BECPL is an incredible community resource for learning, growth, and wellness. To honor the power of books in mental health and healing, Nicole Bermingham, Branch Manager at Kenmore Library, shared some impactful reads that explore themes of grief, trauma, and resilience—all available to check out from your local library. ?? Featured Mental Wellness Reads: ? Everything Is Fine by Vince Granata (Nonfiction) After the tragic death of his mother at the hands of his brother, the author confronts the complexities of grief, love, and mental illness. A raw and emotional memoir that’s hard to put down. (Grief, Schizophrenia) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/e2mE4erw ? The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (Nonfiction) While coping with her daughter's rapidly progressing illness, the author is blindsided by the sudden death of her husband. This poignant memoir lays bare the emotional rollercoaster of grief and loss. (Grief) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/euccFAY5 ? Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics & PTSD by Jason Kander (Nonfiction) At the height of his political career, Jason Kander could no longer outrun his PTSD from military service in Afghanistan. This powerful memoir explores his struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and his journey toward healing after seeking help. (PTSD, Suicide, Depression) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/eEBfqUiC ?? Want to explore more books? Get a free library card (traditional or eLibrary) if you live, work, or attend school in Erie County, NY! ?? Learn more: https://www.buffalolib.org ?? Follow BECPL’s podcast: All Booked Up! ?? Contact BECPL: 716-858-8900 Which of these books speaks to you? Share your thoughts in the comments! ???? #NationalLibraryLoversMonth #LoveYourLibrary #KenmoreLibrary #BuffaloNY #EnvisionWellness #MentalWellnessReads #BECPL #SelfCareThroughStories

???? Celebrating National Library Lovers Month with Envision Wellness! ???? February is National Library Lovers Month, and we’re showing some love to one of our favorite local libraries. @Kenmore Library. It is a branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System (BECPL), with more than 3.2 million materials—including books, eBooks, DVDs, and music—BECPL is an incredible community asset for learning, growth, and wellness. To celebrate, we asked Nicole Bermingham, Branch Manager at Kenmore Branch Library, for book recommendations related to mental health and wellness. Check out these two picks you can borrow today: ? Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman (Fiction) After a breakup, Britt-Marie moves to a new town and learns that embracing change—and new people—can lead to healing and self-acceptance. A funny, heartwarming novel that reminds us of the power of community. (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/evnRUhWt ? My Mess Is a Bit of a Life by Georgia Pritchett (Nonfiction Memoir) An Emmy-winning comedy writer shares her lifelong battle with anxiety in this brutally honest yet hilarious memoir. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, this book will remind you that humor can be healing. (Anxiety, Depression) ?? Borrow: https://lnkd.in/eEntVWBA ?? Did you know? ? Free library cards (traditional and eLibrary) are available to Erie County, NY residents and to those who work or attend school in Erie County, NY. ? BECPL offers a podcast, All Booked Up!, where you can discover more great reads. ?? Learn more: Call 716-858-8900 or visit https://www.buffalolib.org. Stay tuned for more mental wellness book recommendations today! ??? What’s your favorite book to check out from the library? Let us know in the comments! ???? #NationalLibraryLoversMonth #LoveYourLibrary #BuffaloNY #EnvisionWellness #MentalWellnessReads #BECPL #SelfCareThroughStories

Honoring Caregivers on National Caregivers Day ?? Caring for a loved one is a profound act of love—but it can also be exhausting. Making time for your own well-being is just as important as the care you provide. You are not alone, and support is available. ?? Respite Care Resources: ?? Exhale Saturday Respite Care – No-cost Saturday respite care at Catholic Health LIFE (600 Doat St., Cheektowaga). Secure, accessible, and supportive. ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e27ese8W ?? Erie County Senior Services Caregiver Program – Funding for social adult day programs & overnight respite. ?? Call: (716) 858-8526 ?? NYS Caregiving & Respite Coalition – Offering $600 respite vouchers for family caregivers. ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYUu3UYH ?? Take care of yourself, too. Your well-being matters. Tag a caregiver who deserves appreciation today! ?? #NationalCaregiversDay #CaregiverSupport #YouAreNotAlone #RespiteCare