Spending time in nature–casually referred to as “nature therapy”–has many positive mental health outcomes. Each year, new studies emerge highlighting how people can nurture their health by spending increased time in nature, getting exposure to sunlight, and bringing natural elements (like house plants) indoors.

If you have ever been stressed and found yourself feeling calmer after a walk outside, then you know from personal experience how nature can help reduce tension and lift your mood. Here is a brief glimpse into the ways that nature “therapy” is great for mental health for people of all ages.

Humans Are a Part of Nature: It Makes Sense That We Need It

While it is easy to feel–and be–disconnected from nature, people are a part of nature. Historically, most of human life was spent outdoors, which means that our brains and bodies are naturally adapted to life outside.

Humans shifted from hunter gatherer lifestyles, to agrarian systems with farming and more permanent settlements, and in more modern times, we spend time in office buildings, indoor shops, and the confines of apartments and houses.

From a “big picture” historic perspective, humans are used to a lot of time in nature, but modern humans now spend 90% of our time indoors. That is a sharp decrease from what we were accustomed to by design.

Eco-psychology studies the link between nature and health

People in cities that have little green space often deal with cognitive fatigue. This is where eco-psychology comes in: how can we design cities that center our basic need for nature?

Ecopsychology has helped people consider how to better design their homes, office spaces, backyards, and more, to be reflective of nature. Studying the link between nature and health has also helped reveal that plants and green space help reduce stress. Even spending some time in a backyard or “pocket park” can produce positive outcomes.

Children also need nature for overall, strong mental health

Bringing family or friends to a park is an easy way to be outside, get some movement, take a break from screens, and experience a mood boost. Many studies suggest that children with attention deficit disorders may experience reduced symptoms when they consistently spend more time in nature.

If you have a child in your life and you can consider a weekly trip to a regional or city park, a local school garden, or even a local, favorite tree, you are helping your child stay healthy on many levels. Kids often know how to explore nature and can remind adults too, when we forget or when it’s been a while.

Simply feeling connected to nature is good for children, teenagers, and adults.

Nature Therapy can Improve Quality of Life

Many types of therapy can help people realize big epiphanies like, “I want to have more energy in my life,” or “I want a job that allows me to spend my weekends in nature, with no need to check email.”

There is also an abundance of nature-based activities, from hiking to looking for rainbows after a good rain. Maybe make a list of three activities in nature you miss doing or that you are curious to try. Can you try one this week? Therapists can also help you set healthy lifestyle goals and spend more time in nature.

North American Mental Health Services has offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to work with a therapist in person. Online therapy is available through HomePsych.

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NAMHS has launched a full-scale rebrand. The executive team initiated the rebrand to provide a refreshing new look to reflect the new life within our growing and evolving company.

Haylee Ward, NAMHS Communication & Design Specialist, created the logos to better communicate what we do, who we are, and what our mission is in this new stage of the organization.

Logo Exposition

The North American Mental Health Services “mark” refers to the NA focal point in each of the three logos and is composed of three parallel, double line pillars. To unify the three NAMHS divisions, our new logos connect through one harmonious symbol. Each pillar represents a company: North American Mental Health Services, Native American Mental Health Services, and Homepsych.

The NA is a reflective shape to show the goal of reflective care in all our clinics and with each patient: the competent care our providers deliver is based on the specific needs of our patients. Layered into the “mark,” two inner lines of the outer pillars are a slightly different shade of orange. This intentional design is symbolic of our two main service offerings— therapy and medication management — that are the pillar of our practice.

The composition of the complete logo was done with specific intention to highlight our mission. The primary logo places the “mark” on top of “Mental Health Services” underscoring mental health services as our company’s foundation. NAMHS was created to support the need for mental health services within the underserved communities we reach.

The primary logo also places “North American” centered on top of the “mark,” with the center of the mark pointing up towards “North American” to direct our patients to the solution for mental health needs: NAMHS.

The NA “mark” is repeated within the logo of each of the three companies we operate services through (North American, Native American and HomePsych) to create a cohesive look across the board and highlight their relationship. The Main differentiating factor lies in what we refer to as the finishing embellishments that complete each of the logos. The finishing embellishments  along with a specific primary color inclusion are unique differentiators.

The embellishments—the head silhouette, the feather, and the window— depict the key service element of each respective company’s work.

North American: The Head Silhouette

Featuring an upturned silhouette, the North American Mental Health Services logo depicts a patient, looking forward and slightly up towards the future. As our mission states: At NAMHS, we are “changing lives to change the future.”

Native American: The Feather

The Native American Mental Health Services logo is symbolic of the native communities that we serve. Our Native American Mental Health Services mission is to provide mental health care that leads to health and wellness for the individual, home, community and nations. The feather itself is embedded with powerful symbolism, and here the angle is intended to mimic forward movement on one’s healing journey.

HomePsych: The Window

The window in the Homepsych logo has a dual stylistic role. First, it plays a part in making the logo’s big “A” a house from where a patient can receive care. The window also creates an abstract depiction of 2 people conversing: a patient and a virtual provider on a computer screen.

The Future of NAMHS

We believe this new look embodies NAMHS’ growth and evolution. We are looking forward to what the future holds for our company and for the patients we serve.

About NAMHS

North American Mental Health Services provides in-office therapy and medication management from offices in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Woodland, Monterey and Salinas. Native American Mental Health Services provides mental health services to native communities throughout California. HomePsych provides therapy and medication management entirely online to an expanding patient-base across California.

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North American Health Services is excited to announce that we are opening a new mental health center in Salinas, California.

Our newest behavioral health center in Salinas will provide the same high-quality mental health care as our current locations in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister. Our Salinas mental health facility will house psychiatrists, therapists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners as well as office and support staff.

Patients will also be able to access medication management and therapy online through HomePsych, a division of NAMHS dedicated to online psych services.

NAMHS is currently hiring therapists and psych-certified NPs and PAs in Salinas. Learn about the mental health job openings on our website.

We look forward to sharing photos of our mental health professionals as well as the new facility.

North American Mental Health Services, Salinas is slated to open to the public in fall 2023 at 450 Lincoln Ave Suite 101 Salinas, CA 93901.

Feeling better starts with having the right person to listen

If you’re looking to work with a psychiatrist or therapist and are living in Salinas or another of our service areas, we welcome you at NAMHS. Contact our office to start your journey towards well-being.

About North American Mental Health Services

North American Mental Health Services was founded in 2011. Today we have over 150 employees who serve patients in our expanding behavioral health clinics throughout California.

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What is a mental illness stigma? The word stigma refers to a trait that elicits social disapproval. Stigmas are often assigned to people with mental illness and can also affect people who break any kind of taboo (American Psychological Association).

Certain illnesses that have a negative perception, or stigma, attached to them, can make people feel especially isolated and excluded from the people who do not manifest that stigma. A stigmatized illness like schizophrenia, for example, is more likely to be met with judgment, distancing, and social isolation, than an illness such as cancer.

Here are three types of stigma and ways that they impact people who experience mental illness. We also explain key ideas for people who want to challenge stigmas and work toward a more understanding, compassionate world.

1. Public Stigma Occurs When People View a Trait or Disease as “Bad” or “Wrong”

Public stigmas manifest when groups of people believe that some traits are more desirable or “normal” than other traits. Because some stigmas are visible, such as having a visible disability, many people who have stigmas need to negotiate an ableist world that directly and indirectly challenges their worth. There are stigmas against people with mental health conditions, although that is slowly changing.

Erving Goffman conveys the social ramifications of stigma in his 1986 classic, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Goffman’s sociological review of stigmas explores how public stigmas and stereotypes differ across cultures and throughout history.

Public stigmas can have harmful ramifications when they cause people to associate negative feelings and behaviors with an entire group of people, and then create policies to oppress that “othered” group. For example, if there is a public stigma for people struggling with drug addictions, and there is a stereotype of “drug addicts being bad or dangerous,” then city-wide officials who abide by those beliefs might be less likely to allocate funding for rehabilitation programs or transitional housing.

2. Self-stigma Can Happen When People with Stigmas Internalize Shame

There can be a harsh cycle of self-loathing for people who internalize the judgment they receive and in turn, blame themselves for their difference rather than question socially reinforced hierarchies.

You can recognize self-blame and shame when people make comments like, “I don’t deserve to get better” or “I am a burden to myself and society.” Rather than recognizing the complicated interplay of social and political spheres, people with self-stigmas are more likely to blame themselves.

Because of self-stigmas, people are more reluctant to ask for help, due to a myriad of reasons, including a possible belief that they don’t deserve different treatment from society.

3. Structural Stigmas Exist in the Policies that Marginalize People with Stigmas

Let’s focus on mental illness. Structural stigmas for mental illness can be seen when workplace policies discriminate against people for having a mental illness, but not against people for having a “body” illness. Both types of discrimination are not always legal, but they can happen in covert ways that are difficult to track.

Structural barriers can be embedded in healthcare policies, employment and income options, housing options, education systems, criminal justice policies, immigration policies, reproductive rights, and more. For example, many people with schizophrenia who are trying to secure a job or housing feel that they cannot disclose that information because they would “never be hired” on account of their illness–even if they manage their illness with therapy and psychiatry. People who have been incarcerated and have mental illness may face double discrimination for breaking two social taboos at once. Landing a job while having a stigmatized identity can be difficult.

Exploring Stigmas: Raising Awareness is the First Step

One way to expand your awareness of stigmas is to ask yourself any of the following questions. Note or record your thoughts and over time, as you learn more about public stigmas, self-stigmas, and structural stigmas, see how your answers adapt.

Questions that explore stigmas:

• What do I define as a ‘normal’ body?
• What counts as a ‘normal’ occupation for me?
• What do I consider a ‘normal’ living situation?
• What is a ‘normal’ problem to have or show in society?
• Where did I absorb my ideas of “normal?”

People are most likely to empathize with people we can relate to, so try to not blame or judge yourself for whatever biases arise. Instead, ask where they may come from, these subtle messages that some lives matter more than others.

For example, if you feel more empathy toward a woman who lives in a house and is a teacher who is having a bad day, than, say, a woman without a house who has schizophrenia and is also having a bad day, you may want to ask–from a place of curiosity, not blame–why that is. Stigmas often relate to a bigger personal and social question: how do we decide who gets empathy? The book Misery and Company by Candace Clark offers more insight around this complicated question and its real-life ramifications.

More Ways to Learn about Stigmas

Remember that stigmas change over time. For example, in the 1950s, people who went to therapy risked being stigmatized. Now, social norms have shifted so that among some cultures, it’s seen as an asset if you prioritize your mental health and have a therapist for added support.

Here are three additional ways you can take your knowledge of stigmas to the next level.

1. Host a book club with Erving Goffman’s sociology book, Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Gather to discuss how your idea of stigmas has changed after reading this book, if applicable.
2. Ask yourself if you have ever felt the impact of a public, self, or structural stigma. Write your personal story down and if you feel safe, share your story with a friend, colleague, therapist, or someone you know. One way of reducing the harm of stigmas is to talk openly about how stigmas have personally impacted our life; of course, this also puts the burden of change on the person already impacted by the stigma, which is not ideal.
3. Call out stigmas when you see them, especially if the stigma does not directly target you. You can be a mental health ally when someone says a harmful comment at work, for example, that makes fun of people with mental illness. There are ways to handle this in a way that makes the person who made the comment feel open to learning, such as waiting for a private moment to pull them aside and tell them how the comment affected you.

Can Therapy Deepen My Awareness of Stigmas?

Therapy can help people assess the beliefs and values that inform how they live and how they value the people around them. Therapists and counselors can also help people gain tools for how to manage a stigmatized illness and have compassion for themselves, rather than internalized shame.

We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister to request an appointment to work with a NAMHS therapist in person or inquire about our online therapy care.

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It’s great that people get support when they need it, and you can also choose therapy when you’re doing fine.

In other words, everyone can benefit from heightened self-awareness, communal awareness, and communication skills. Maybe you or your family have habits you would like to change together. Maybe you want to improve your communication skills with coworkers or partners. Therapists can help.

Can Online Therapy Help Me with Communication?

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate the easy and the hard parts of life. Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, set boundaries, communicate their needs, and prioritize healthy relationships.

Despite what the movies show, therapists do not only support people when they are in the depths of despair–although they can and do support people in crisis. Therapists also help people work toward their goals and practice breathing, mindfulness, and other stress management techniques.

Take the time to find the right therapist. Some therapists offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Others specialize in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or other approaches. Do a bit of research and find what works for you.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

At HomePsych, our  online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointmentto begin.

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Self-care is the practice of tending to one’s daily needs. In therapy, many clients and therapists discuss self-care and explore strategies to prioritize it for one’s mental wellness.

Many people reject self-care, not as a deliberate choice, but at a subconscious level based on low self-esteem, self-worth, or unprocessed trauma. Therapy helps people recognize their internal roadblocks to self-care. If you want to feel empowered and more closely with your values, it might be time to find a therapist who supports you.

By taking care of yourself, you can also take better care of those you love. If you feel like you do not deserve self-care or that “self-care is selfish,” we hope this article offers a fresh perspective.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #1 – It’s Okay to Enforce Boundaries

Expressing boundaries is integral for self-care. Establishing a boundary is not the hardest part of this process; enforcing the boundary is. One reason for this is that sometimes, people may  make you feel bad for setting a boundary, especially if they are not used to you doing that. They will adjust with time, especially if they are a mutually supportive friend, partner, etc., who values your wellbeing.

Chances are you have seen people express boundaries before. Has a relative ever said something like, “No phones at the table” or “No cursing in the house?” This type of boundary functions like a rule or “social norm” and they are often expressed by someone with authority, such as a parent or guardian. When you tell someone a boundary, you are communicating a rule that is important to you. If the power dynamic in the relationship is not equal, you may be met with resistance.

Maybe you have a friend who you enjoy spending time with, but if you spend too much time with them, you feel completely exhausted. It could be time to establish a “time boundary” with that person. Common questions about setting this type of boundary include, “How do I express a boundary without hurting my friend’s feelings?” or “Why do I feel guilty when I express a boundary?” Therapists offer guidance for questions like this, as the possible answers are worth exploring together.

Take a moment to consider where you could benefit from more boundaries, such as certain friendships, workplace dynamics, and family members.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #2 – Prioritize Healthy Relationships

Self-care is not only about the relationship with yourself, but also about the relationships you value around you. Each person has to manage how much time they devote to various relationships, including familial, romantic, platonic, and coworker relationships.

Do you have a friend who you wish you connected with more often? What stops you from initiating more hangouts with them? Some people feel that they do not deserve mutually supportive, platonic friendships. Other times, loving people devote their free time to someone who does not return any love and support.

Increased self-awareness and advanced communication skills help people navigate these more difficult conversations so that they can mend frayed dynamics and prioritize healthy relationships. Setting any type of goal requires accountability. Therapists can provide healing and hold you accountable too. They are there to listen and help you find hope.

Self-Care Lesson from Therapy #3 – You Are Allowed to Seek Joy

Lots of people need reminders that they are allowed to seek joy and feel loved. There are many reasons why different people have a hard time accepting self-love and joy, but a common factor is unprocessed trauma around abuse. Therapists can help survivors of abuse find and prioritize joy again, but it is important to find the right therapist.

When people experience domestic abuse, it can alter their beliefs about what they do and do not deserve. 30% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence during their life; when this happens, it can make survivors anxious, depressed, and more.

If you are a survivor or if you are someone who has a hard time allowing yourself to seek joy, try to avoid blaming yourself and seek professional support from a licensed therapist. Remember that you deserve joy and love.

Therapy Near Me: How to Find a Therapist

Online therapy gives people tools to practice self-care, whether that means setting boundaries, prioritizing healthy relationships, or seeking joy.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

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When new relationships emerge, many people experience excitement and increased anxiety. Some anxiety makes sense and may be unavoidable whether the relationship is platonic, romantic, or professional. But if uninhibited, fear can overtake joy. Therapy can help!

Online therapy gives people tools to label passing thoughts and fears as transitory without letting the thoughts overwhelm them.

Here are a few tips to keep “new relationship anxiety” at bay.

Common Anxieties Many People Share in Relationships

It is vulnerable to share time, hobbies, and your body with someone new. It also hurts to be rejected. As a subcategory of fear, anxiety serves a purpose and “wants” you to take action and prevent harm.

Common anxieties in new relationships may stem from questions like, “Does this person enjoy spending time with me? Does this person like me? Does this person want to continue this connection? Are they attracted to me?” These questions are understandable.

It makes sense that while bonding with someone, people want to make sure the connection flows both ways. Some of the above questions do not warrant any action: they are passing thoughts that may diffuse with time. If these questions occasionally occur, you can disregard them. If these thoughts are frequent, you may be experiencing high anxiety.

High anxiety robs people of the present moment. It can cloud one’s mind with endless concerns and in extreme form, cause panic attacks. Having a therapist can help reduce anxiety and help you recognize thought biases.

With Anxiety, Some Thoughts Are Simply Not True

Every day, the human brain processes 70,000 thoughts using over 100 billion neurons. With these numbers, it makes sense that of these 70,000 thoughts, there will be occasional distorted thoughts. Distorted thought patterns obscure the truth and do not always serve the person producing the thought.

How do distorted thoughts relate to anxiety experienced in a new relationship? Here is one example: imagine a new romantic relationship between two people, one of whom does not respond to texts quickly. If one has cumulative experiences of rejection, the neutral observation of “this person is not responding within five minutes of my text” might morph into catastrophizing.

Catastrophizing is a common thought distortion where one imagines the worst-case scenario. Maybe while waiting for the text reply, the person with high anxiety assumes, “this person is no longer interested in me. I should end things before they do.” While the latter may not be true, if one starts to believe that thought, it will influence the course of the relationship.

Thinking “outside the box” can help when anxious thoughts happen. In this case, what are other reasons that person might not be texting back quickly?

Mindfulness Activity for Anxiety: Picturing Thoughts as Clouds

Picture each thought as a cloud passing through your mind, carrying a statement. In the same way you might watch the clouds while lying on a field of grass, you can watch your thoughts float across your mind. In other words, do not accept every thought as a fact, just watch it move across your mind and diffuse into the air.

Remember that it is not possible that every thought–of the 70,000 thoughts per day–is based on objective truth. Thought distortions are biases that turn an observation into a perceived “truth” based on someone’s prior experiences and anxiety. Remember that it takes time to develop long-term trust in any new relationship.

At HomePsych, our online therapists make online therapy easy and accessible. Request an appointment to begin.

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