Posts in Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health

Aloha ‘Ohana!

We believe that behavioral health is an essential part of overall wellness and services are provided at Ko’olauloa Health Center’s Hau`ula, Kahuku clinics.

Our services include psychiatry, psychotherapy, counseling for individuals, anger management, substance abuse, tobacco treatment services, and other addictions.

To schedule an appointment please call (808) 293-9231. We look forward to meeting you.

#bewell
#staywell

Nurtured by Nature

We're Nurtured by Nature...

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Did you know that psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition?

Yes - it’s true! Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being. Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors.

So, on this holiday weekend, keep in mind that spending time with your family at the beach or park is not only a great way to connect with each other, but also a balm for our busy brains. Have fun out there!

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

988 Lifeline

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Did you know that 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline? While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Learn more about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

You can also call our staff at (808) 293-9231 for more information or if you need someone to talk to.

#bewell
#staywell

Mental Strength

Aloha ‘Ohana!

We love the posts by @growwithcolby. Here is one from his IG page that perfectly sums up the biggest lessons in life in 5 truths. If you haven’t done so already, go give Colby a follow right now. He’s consistently dropping high-value content on his feed.

What are a few habits you practice to stay mentally strong?

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#staystrong

Micro Habits

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Happy Tuesday. We all know that when it comes to building habits we think we need to start BIG or else we won’t make any progress. But really that just discourages us from even starting. So start small and keep your habits simple. You can take the smallest steps and that is still a huge win!

Here are a few micro habits from our staff you can easily get started with:

  • Make your bed

  • Plan your day

  • Sleep early

  • Scroll Less

  • Declutter space

  • Take breaks

#bewell

#staywell

#livewell

Life Paths

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here is some food for thought from our friend Tim…

“We think a lot about those black lines: the roads not taken, the opportunities missed, the ones that got away. But most of us greatly underestimate the size of the lush tree of possibilities that lie ahead of us.”

~ Tim Urban

#bewell
#staywell

Optimism

Aloha ‘Ohana

What is optimism?

Optimism is a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists are those who expect good things to happen, where pessimists instead focus on unfavorable outcomes. 

Optimistic attitudes are linked to a number of benefits, including better coping skills, lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher persistence when pursuing goals. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that "tomorrow will probably be better.”

Why does being optimistic matter?
Health benefits of being optimistic may include:

- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress and pain
- Greater resistance to illnesses
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better cardiovascular health
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell
#optimism

A Hawaiian Perspective

Aloha 'Ohana,

It's Manao Monday here at Ko'olauloa Health Center and we wanted to share this insightful post from Adam Keawe. If you or someone you love is feeling anxious or depressed, you are just a phone call away from our friendly Behavioral Health Services staff. Call (808) 293-9231 at any time.

#bewell
#staywell
#livewell

Compassion

Happy Monday ‘Ohana!

We love this graphic! Its meaning sits very close to one of our core principles here at Ko’olauloa Health Center - compassion.

Many of us stop at Empathy when we try to support others through difficulties.

While Empathy allows us to authentically feel with the sufferer, it can sometimes reduce our ability to help, as we become immersed in their emotions.

To be an effective supporter, it's sometimes better to take a step back from the debilitating emotions and transition into Compassion, where we can take effective actions to help.

Have a beautiful week!

#bewell

#staywell

#livewell

Food & Mood

Aloha ‘Ohana,

Here is an important message from our registered dietitian.

Did you know that food affects your mood?

The connection between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain.” Here’s how it works: Your GI tract is home to billions of bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters, chemical substances that constantly carry messages from the gut to the brain. (Dopamine and serotonin are two common examples.)

Eating healthy food promotes the growth of “good” bacteria, which in turn positively affects neurotransmitter production. A steady diet of junk food, on the other hand, can cause inflammation that hampers production. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it. But when production goes awry, so might your mood.

If you want to learn more, call (808) 293-9231 to set up an appointment with our registered dietitian. As always, our entire staff looks forward to your call.

#bewell
#staywell
#eatwell