Trauma-Informed Care for People Living with Serious Mental Illness
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes this connection and shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”. This simple change in perspective creates a more compassionate, supportive environment that helps individuals feel understood rather than judged.
The Power of Little Moments
In a supervised living home for individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI), the focus often falls on big-picture goals: safety, health, and client recovery. While these are essential, it’s the little moments—the small, seemingly ordinary interactions—that truly shape the quality of life for residents.
Common HCBS-AMH Services
Amber Lantern, LLC offers a variety of supportive services to clients through the Texas HCBS-AMH program. These services function together to help our residents recover from their serious mental illness and learn to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting resources for support. This month encourages individuals to engage in open conversations about mental well-being and to reduce the stigma often associated with these challenges. Various organizations and communities come together to provide education and foster understanding, aiming to improve mental health for everyone.
The powerful symbolism of spring and Easter on the path to recovery
Spring embodies the essence of renewal and rebirth, themes that resonate deeply with individuals recovering from serious mental illness. As the earth awakens from a long winter's slumber, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of healing.
Benefits of Exercise on Cognition
Routine exercise can provide tremendous benefits for the cognitive abilities of people who are recovery from serious mental illness.
The importance of nursing services for people with Serious Mental Illness
Routine visits from a registered nurse is one of the most important services available to participants in the HCBS-AMH program. Nursing services play a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals dealing with serious mental illness.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma in individuals' lives, particularly for those living with serious mental illness (SMI). This framework emphasizes the importance of understanding how trauma affects a person's mental health and overall well-being, ensuring care is compassionate and supportive rather than re-traumatizing.
New Year’s Resolutions for people living with serious mental illness
Resolutions can be a fun and creative way to kick off the New Year. We’ve come up with a few ideas for our clients.
Conflict Resolution Through Communication
Conflict resolution techniques are absolutely essential for individuals who are living with mental illness, as these methods not only enhance communication but also foster a deeper understanding in challenging situations. One particularly effective approach is active listening, which involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying without interrupting or formulating a response while they speak.
When a faulty lighting fixture turned into a resident engagement event
Resident’s at Amber Lantern’s Brightwood House enjoyed a surprise enrichment activity last month during a routine house maintenance visit.
Fall Activities in San Antonio
Fall in San Antonio brings a vibrant atmosphere as locals and visitors enjoy the annual Fiesta de las Luminarias at the San Antonio River Walk, celebrating the season with festive lights and cultural performances.
Moving Out — When Residents Graduate to Independent Living
Amber Lantern started September off with a proud if not somewhat bittersweet moment. A long time resident, Ms. T., is moving on to live independently in an apartment of her own. This is a big deal for Ms. T. and the Amber Lantern staff who have cheered her along through her treatment and career progress over the years.
Eating disorders and SMI
Eating disorders and serious mental illness often intersect, creating complex challenges for individuals and their support systems. Common conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder frequently co-occur with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Socialization and Serious Mental Illness
Socialization can significantly impact individuals with serious mental illness, often influencing their recovery and overall well-being. Positive social interactions may help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support, while lack of social engagement can exacerbate symptoms. Creating a supportive community is essential for fostering resilience and improving mental health outcomes.
Benefits of Injectable Medications for treating Serious Mental Illness
Injectable medications offer several advantages in the treatment of serious mental illnesses.
Dental Health and Serious Mental Illness
Individuals with serious mental illness face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining good dental health. Factors such as medication side effects, poor nutrition, insufficient oral hygiene habits, and limited access to dental care can significantly impact their oral health.
Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Connection
Studies have shown a complex and bi-directional relationship between mental health and the health of the gut. The gut-brain connection, also known as the gut-brain axis, refers to the communication network that links the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system.
The Importance of Medication Adherence for treating Serious Mental Illness
As individuals look to manage serious mental illnesses, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of consistent medication adherence. At Amber Lantern, we understand the critical role that medication plays in effectively treating conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression.
Motivational Interviewing and Serious Mental Illness Treatment
Motivational interviewing is a powerful approach that can revolutionize the treatment of serious mental illnesses.