Amela Sandra’s Self Help Blog

 Recovery and Mental Wellness by Amela Dzurlic          What does mental wellness mean? Mental wellness has many meanings, however, mental health means one thing: the mental wellbeing of an individual.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has established the eight dimensions of wellness which is arguably similar to the Hierarchy of Needs developed by Abraham Maslow. According to Psychologist Murray who believes that one’s decisions are based on the individual’s personal characteristics which are based on values. He believed that lifestyle dictates the quality of our mental health. However, in my perspective, I have decided to use mental wellness together putting these words to create a stigma free belief that anyone can suffer from mental distress. Mental distress can cause crisis and oftentimes it can lead to mental illness whether temporary or permanent.  While reading about symptoms of a psychiatric disorders in Dr. Low’s argum...

  The Hilton SBRIT  Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Model Hello Peer Supporters and survivors,  The Screening, Brief Intervention and referral to treatment model was developed by researchers at the University of Chicago’s NORC program. The SBRIT is available for substance use and dependency for teenagers and adults in adapting skills to intervene and eliminate substance use, abuse and dependency. What is the SBRIT? The SBIRT model can be implemented and integrated into various healthcare settings, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), where nursing staff can deliver routine screenings and brief interventions in the primary care setting ( Bachhuber et al., 2017 ). What it is:  Screening   quickly assesses for the presence of risky substance use, follows positive screens with further assessment of problem use, and identifies the appropriate level of treatment. Brief intervention   focuses on increasing insight and awar...

Activities during Natural Disaster & Pandemic By Amela Sandra Dzurlic It may feel like a winter vacation—being snowed in your home with nowhere to go. During the COVID-19 crisis, it is best to focus on  doing  the things that you’ve always wanted to get done but never had the time to.  However, with a positive mindset you can overcome the sluggish negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness caused by the pandemic by making purposeful use of your time. Being productive helps individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, both of which are positive emotions. This is the perfect opportunity to retract and distract yourself from boredom and no activities. Turning  free time into time for productivity. Here’s a list of what to do: • Eat Well -  Homemade veggie and/or fruit juices -  Morning smoothies -  Virtual Yoga on Tuesdays hosted by N.A.M.I. -  Make a sandwich for the next day -  Eat what you’ve a...