Mental Wellness & Lifestyles Blog
Real talk about mental wellbeing, practical wellness tips, and the tools you need to thrive.
Jennifer Abelson, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Viable Wellness, LLC Founder
Ready to start your journey to mental wellness? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. https://viablewellness.com/viable-wellness-behavioral-health-contact/
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Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Build It
Emotional intelligence (often called EQ or EI) is the skill of noticing what you feel, understanding why you feel it, and responding in a way that supports your values—not just your impulses. It’s not about “being positive” all the time. It’s about being honest with yourself, steady under pressure, and able to stay connected to…
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The Psychological Impact of “New Year, New Me”: Hype, Hope, and Healthy Change
Every January, we’re surrounded by “New Year, New Me” messages. The idea of a fresh start is motivating, but what does this mindset really do to our mental and physical health? Let’s look at the science behind the phenomenon and how to turn this energy into real, lasting change. The Allure of a Fresh Start…
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Navigating Mental Health During the Holiday Season
The holiday season brings a unique mix of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many, it also brings stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm. As we move through November and approach Thanksgiving, it’s important to acknowledge that this time of year can be particularly challenging for mental health. The Holiday Paradox While media and culture…
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Why Your Needs and Boundaries Matter: The Essential Role of Talk Therapy and Professional Support
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Yet so many of us struggle with guilt when we prioritize ourselves, set boundaries, or seek professional support. The truth is, honoring your needs and protecting your boundaries are foundational to your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. And when you need help navigating these challenges, talk…
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The Healing Power of Compassion
Why Being Kind to Yourself and Others Transforms Your Mental Health In our fast-paced world, we often extend kindness to everyone except the person who needs it most—ourselves. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand how self-compassion can be the missing piece in someone’s healing journey. Today, let’s explore why compassion, both…
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September: National Suicide Prevention Month
Recognizing the Signs We Often Miss September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we shine a light on one of our most pressing public health crises. While suicide remains a difficult topic to discuss, the statistics demand our attention and action. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is…
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How CBT Transforms Chronic Disease Management
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Transforms Chronic Disease Management: A Mind-Body Approach to Better Health Living with a chronic disease can feel overwhelming. Beyond simply managing physical symptoms, patients often struggle with anxiety, depression, and the daily challenges of treatment adherence. At Viable Wellness, we’ve discovered that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) isn’t just for mental health—in…
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The Functional Medicine Approach to Mental Health
Treating the Whole Person, Not Just Symptoms When it comes to mental health care, many people find themselves caught in a cycle of managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes. While traditional approaches focus primarily on medication and therapy, in contrast, functional medicine offers a revolutionary perspective that examines the entire person – mind, body,…
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Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms & Treatment
Perimenopause – the transitional period leading up to menopause – affects millions of women, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood phases of a woman’s life. If you’re experiencing unexplained mood swings, irregular periods, or sleep disturbances in your 40s or early 50s, you might be entering this natural but often challenging transition. What…
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Men Don’t Need to Be Stoic: Embracing Vulnerability
Men’s mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, and this is reflected in statistics. Approximately 1 in 5 men experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. This includes conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, and men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women.…