Mental Health Awareness

May 18, 2023
A group of people are standing around a table in a garden.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. You figure, if an entire month is dedicated to a cause, then it must be pretty important. Mental health is paramount to the overall health of human beings. We will often use the sayings, “Mind over matter, or “If you think it, or dream it, you can do it, or be it.” It all begins with the mindset. What we feed our bodies affects our physical outcomes; in the same way, what we pour into our minds, influences our thoughts and actions. Identifying the positive and negative factors in our lives can help reorient how we spend our time, and who we spend it with.


Positive interactions.


Humans are designed to live in community with one another. Whether introverted or extroverted, people will often gravitate towards those who build them up and contribute to their well-being in a meaningful way. Isolation, on the other hand, is often viewed negatively, such as in the context of an isolated elderly person or single mother living alone with her children. Some exclusions may include fans of Henry David Thoreau, or persons seeking solitude in extreme nature who are content to be alone and prefer it that way. Whichever type of person you are, it is important to surround yourself with people who support you and create a positive influence in your life.


Our social encounters can have a major impact on our mental health. For those who believe in a higher power, mental and spiritual health are often intertwined. An example would be a follower of Jesus Christ, who, by being around others that share their doctrinal beliefs and faith, are both edified and encouraged to grow deeper within their convictions. Spending time with people who have shared interests can also help improve one’s talents and hobbies, such as art, music, and sports. Make a mental or literal note of the people you surround yourself with. Do they encourage and uplift your spirits? Or do they speak negatively and give counsel that is contrary to what you believe? This isn’t to say opposition to your beliefs is bad, because challenges can produce both resilience and confirmation of beliefs. However, for long-term exposure, a safe place of like-minded individuals creates a fostering environment instead of living in a constant state of defense or offense with your companions.


Disconnect and reconnect.


Living in a digital age where we fill our virtual calendars to the brim, we often find ourselves with little-to-no time for quietness and being still. A shift needs to occur where we make the time for personal development and mental health rather than hoping we will have enough time left over each day to achieve the things we want. If health changes are a priority, such as walking more, but there is no time left in your schedule to do this, then you are not setting yourself up for success. Limiting digital screen time, such as watching videos or TV, going on social media, etc., will free up more time to be present in your surroundings. Reading is a great way to focus your attention and tune out white noise distractions. Not into books? A quiet rest may be just what you need. Oh, you have trouble sitting still? Scroll down.


Spending time in nature.


Studies have shown that time in green spaces can significantly improve your mental health and overall performance. In the article “Nurtured by Nature,” the American Psychological Association (APA) says spending time in nature can act as a balm for our busy brains and interacting with nature has cognitive benefits. Being in the great outdoors can decrease stress and improve retention. It’s beneficial to take a break in between tasks to go outside and enjoy the simplicity and peacefulness of nature, then return indoors feeling refreshed and ready to resume your work with vigor! Small excursions into nature are enough to reset the mind – no intense mountain climbing or expedition hiking required!


On the move.


Do yourself a favor and get moving. Not everyone was born to run a marathon or compete in the National Olympics. We’re talking baby steps here. If you are sedentary, sitting for many hours a day, try standing for a few minutes a day. If you are able to walk, increase your steps and take time to move your body for 30 minutes. Routine exercise significantly improves both mental and physical health. Making exercise a habit and a priority will have both short-term and long-term benefits. Daily walks will improve stamina and improve mental health by alleviating some stressors from the day. Long-term physical health will be improved by maintaining muscle tone, weight loss, and blood flow circulation, which can improve cardiovascular health. Adding a walking partner may be helpful for some, while others may enjoy the solitude of a solo walk or run, listening to the sounds of nature, music, or focusing on the sound of their breathing. Whatever pace and style works for you, do that.


Journaling and reflecting.


Disconnecting from the demands of the day and reflecting on one’s thoughts is a good way to unwind and refocus our energy toward our priorities. Writing down thoughts, concerns, and future tasks, can help take the pressure off your brain. Write down simple goals, actions that you are doing to achieve those goals, and routinely reevaluate how things are going. Also, how are you feeling? Have your priorities or goals changed? Create a new goal with objectives to reach it. If you find that you are consistently not meeting your goals or changing goals halfway through, make sure the goals you are setting are reasonably achievable. Set smaller goals, if needed.


Stress is a part of life. But, if you find yourself unable to cope with daily stressors, or emotions of anxiety, or depression, it may be time to seek professional mental health help.


AbbaCare is a nonprofit Pregnancy Resource Center currently serving in the Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV areas. When making any decision, it is important to know the facts. If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned, or unexpectedly difficult, pregnancy and would like to learn more about our services, please contact us here or by calling 540.665.9660 in Winchester or 304.726.6582 in Martinsburg.

Nausea in Pregnancy

Nausea in Pregnancy

October 28, 2025
Nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy may signal the rise in hormones needed for a healthy pregnancy. Contact us today to confirm.
blog

I’m Pregnant and Scared—Where Can I Turn for Help?

By Alexia Amend • August 29, 2025
Finding out you might be pregnant when you weren’t expecting it can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re feeling scared, alone, or unsure of what to do next.
why an early ultrasound matters

Why an Early Ultrasound Matters—Especially Before Taking Abortion Pills

July 14, 2025
If you’re considering abortion or simply want to understand your options, getting a confirmation ultrasound is one of the most important steps.
Abortion Laws in West Virginia - Get Answers in Martinsburg, WV

Abortion Laws in West Virginia

June 23, 2025
Learn more about the abortion laws in West Virginia. You have a choice. We are here to help you explore all of your options in Martinsburg, WV.
Embrace Grace is providing support for single and pregnant women.

Embrace Grace: Providing Support and Community for Single and Pregnant Women

October 14, 2024
Many women facing unplanned pregnancy feel alone and pressured. Fear can be overwhelming, but support and hope are available.
A woman is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.

Can I Continue My Pregnancy After Taking the Abortion Pill?

September 24, 2024
Making a major decision can be stressful. What if you change your mind? Explore your options and know it’s okay to reconsider.
A man and a woman are touching their foreheads on the beach.

Healthy relationships: What they are and what they are not.

August 8, 2024
Relationships can be amazing and fun or challenging and difficult. Both people in the relationship have value and worth and deserve to be treated well by their partner. It takes both people working together to have a healthy relationship. A Healthy Relationship: Respects the others opinions, beliefs and boundaries Actively listens to the other person to gain understanding not just to form a response. Is kind and treats the other person the way they want to be treated Is honest and truthful in all situations- no “white” lies Understands and is able to empathize when the other is going through a difficult time Perseveres standing strong together in tough times Protects Trusts to do things independently as well as together Gives, being able to compromise An Unhealthy Relationship: Jealous - does not trust Possessive-demanding of your time Selfish– not giving Intimidating- willfully scares Easily angered – not understanding Demanding- wants what they want when they want it Arrogant- thinks they are better than you Stubborn- not willing to compromise Forceful/Hurtful- does not respect you or your boundaries While this is not an extensive list, it gives you a good idea of the differences of a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship. Any relationship can go through a tough time. However, if you are in an unhealthy relationship that attacks your value and worth, there needs to be a change. If you are unmarried, you may need to put a hold on the relationship and seek counseling. If your partner is unwilling to see a counselor, you may need to move on. If you are married, you definitely need to seek counseling. Working on a relationship is not easy. Both partners need to be ready to work, make changes and grow into a more loving and solid relationship.
A collage of four women 's faces in black and white.

Age and Pregnancy: Should Women Be Concerned?

April 8, 2024
From teen pregnancy to advanced maternal age, pregnancy at any age can come with risks. We are often told that pregnancy in our teen years or over the age of 35 comes with possible increased risk to Mom and baby. But, what are those risks? Should a woman be concerned if she is a pregnant teenager or a woman over the age of 35? Teen pregnancy: Many of the risks of teen pregnancy tend to be socioeconomic risks. These risks include: Unplanned Pregnancy Lack of or inadequate prenatal care Lack of preparation for having a newborn Difficulty completing high school or going to college Being a single parent Lack of support or resources Many of these socioeconomic factors can be helped with good support from family or resources such as pregnancy resource centers. AbbaCare and other pregnancy resource centers can come alongside adolescent pregnant women and families to help ensure they are well-prepared and supported. Many pregnancy resource centers offer material support (diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and other newborn supplies), parenting classes, childbirth classes, counseling, support groups, and mentor moms. There are some increased medical risks associated with adolescent pregnancy. These include an increased risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, premature labor, low birth weight, and an increased risk of post-partum depression. These medical risks tend to decrease with adequate prenatal care and support throughout the pregnancy. Teens who are pregnant should immediately stop all drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. They should also get into prenatal care as soon as possible. Pregnancy over the age of 35 : Many women are told that if they are pregnant over the age of 35 they are considered high risk due to their age. Increased age can come with more risks but it is not guaranteed that any of those risks could happen. Here are some of the increased medical risks associated with pregnancy over the age of 35: Increased risk of twins or multiple gestation Increased risk of gestational diabetes Increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy Increased risk of premature birth or having a baby with a low birth weight Increased risk of C-Section Increased risk of chromosomal conditions such as Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18, or Trisomy 13. Increased risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss. What can women over the age of 35 do to decrease these risks? They can: Make a preconception appointment with an OB/GYN or get into prenatal care as soon as they find out about their pregnancy. Seek regular prenatal care Eat a healthy diet Gain weight wisely Get regular exercise Immediately stop any alcohol, drug or tobacco use. AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving women and families facing pregnancies that are unexpected or unexpectedly difficult. To learn more about our free, confidential services, visit abbacare.org . Sources: Mayo Clinic Nationwide Children’s Web MD
A woman is standing in a field at sunset with her eyes closed.

Sexual Abuse and Abortion: Finding Healing in the Aftermath

March 10, 2024
There are many definitions of sexual assault; some broad and some narrow. This results in problems in reporting, both over reporting and under reporting. In their book, Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb define sexual assault as, “any type of sexual behavior or contact where consent is not freely given or obtained and is accomplished through force, intimidation, violence, coercion, manipulation, threat, deception, or abuse of authority.” The authors go on to say that, “This definition . . . expands the spectrum of actions to be considered sexual assault.” This expanded definition helps victims who need to have a clear understanding of what exactly sexual assault is. Understanding helps survivors to know several things: They are not alone If they have experienced sexual assault, it is a crime. They are not responsible for their assault There are services available that cater to their needs Statistics on sexual assault are disturbingly high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Over half of women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.” As you can see, sexual abuse is sadly a common experience, and one that cuts to the very being of a person. That is a difficult thing for us to think about, because behind the statistics are people. The reality is that more than likely someone you love has suffered from sexual assault. Perhaps you personally know the pain that comes from the violation of your will and body. What does it look like to live in the aftermath of such a horrible experience? For many, their lives are riddled with emotional, psychological, and/or physiological effects. Rid of my Disgrace offers an expansive list of effects, some are listed below,
A man and a woman are sitting at a table with a laptop.

Embracing Open Adoption

February 11, 2024
In the tight-knit community of Winchester, Virginia, where adoption discussions aren’t as common, it’s crucial to dive into the details of modern adoption.
More Posts