CTSHealth

11/20/2025

Cooper’s Weekly Challenge: Step Away From the Screen! 📵🐨

Here’s your challenge: Take two intentional screen breaks today. No phone. No TV. No tablet. Just you and the moment.

Why limiting screen time benefits mental health:

Reduces stress and overwhelm — Constant notifications and digital noise keep your brain in a heightened state of alertness, increasing stress levels. Stepping away helps your nervous system reset.

Improves sleep quality — Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Less screen time, especially at night, supports deeper, more restorative sleep.

Boosts mood and emotional balance — Excessive scrolling, especially on social media, can lead to comparison, anxiety, and irritability. Limiting exposure protects your mood and emotional wellbeing.

Strengthens real-life connections — Spending less time on screens frees you up for face-to-face interactions, which reduce loneliness and increase feelings of belonging.

Enhances focus and productivity — Screens encourage multitasking, which drains mental energy. Taking breaks improves concentration and mental clarity.

Prevents burnout — Constant digital engagement keeps your mind “on” all the time. Intentional breaks help prevent mental exhaustion.

Supports healthier boundaries — Limiting screen time encourages a healthier relationship with technology and promotes more mindful use.

11/19/2025

Every November, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor the millions of people who provide care and support to loved ones living with illness, disability, or age-related needs. These caregivers are often family members, friends, or neighbors who step in out of love and commitment — and they play an essential role in the well-being of others.

In the process of caring for everyone else, many caregivers quietly put their own needs aside. This month reminds us that supporting caregivers’ mental health is just as important as the care they provide to others.

This week's blog discusses the hidden weight of caregiving and the toll it takes on their mental health. We offer ways to help and support our caregivers - this month and beyond.

Explore expert advice, practical tips, and valuable insights on mental health, wellness, therapy, and self-care from the CTSHealth blog. Check out our latest blog post, "Caring for the Caregiver".

11/18/2025

This week's episode of Healthy Head Talk, we talked with Kit Roberts, a passionate leader in creating recovery-friendly workplaces. Kit has worked with more than 30 organizations across Western North Carolina to build supportive, stigma-free environments. She is the author of A Renovated Life and shares her own story of recovery, resilience and hope on our podcast.

If you would like to learn more about Kit Roberts and her work, you can visit https://arenovatedlifellc.com/.

Here is a direct link to this week's Healthy Head Talk episode, https://rss.com/podcasts/healthyheadtalk/2328418.

11/17/2025

Did you know that CTSHealth also operates a nonprofit - CTSCommunity Development? CTSCD offers outpatient therapy and survivor-centered support to those who have experienced human trafficking. Join CTSCD for their Open House in Gastonia, NC this Thursday, 11/20. Drop in from 11am to 1pm to learn more about their services and support and visit their website for more information.

https://www.ctscd.org/north-carolina

11/13/2025

Every year on November 11, our nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time to express gratitude for their service — but it’s also an important reminder that our support for veterans shouldn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Behind the medals and memories, many service members and veterans face invisible wounds that linger long after their time in the military. Supporting mental health within this community is one of the most meaningful ways we can truly honor their service and sacrifice.

Here is a link to this week's blog to learn more about the challenges facing our veterans and how we can best support them.

Explore expert advice, practical tips, and valuable insights on mental health, wellness, therapy, and self-care from the CTSHealth blog. Check out our latest blog post, "Military Mental Health Awareness".

11/12/2025

Cooper's Weekly Challenge: Take Breaks!

1. Breaks are not a reward — they’re a necessity.
Your brain and body need regular pauses to reset and recharge, not just after you finish everything on your to-do list.

2. Short, frequent breaks boost focus.
Try the Pomodoro method — work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. You’ll return sharper and less stressed.

3. Step away from screens.
A real break means disconnecting. Stretch, walk, hydrate, or get some sunlight — give your eyes and mind a rest from constant scrolling or typing.

4. Listen to your body’s signals.
Fatigue, irritability, or zoning out are cues that your brain needs downtime. Taking five minutes now can save you from burnout later.

5. Use breaks to reset your mindset.
Take a few deep breaths, practice gratitude, or do something that makes you smile. Even a moment of mindfulness can improve your mood and clarity.

6. Model healthy habits.
Encourage your coworkers, friends, or family to take breaks too — it normalizes rest and supports mental well-being in your community.

Let us know in the comments about your favorite take-a-break method!

11/07/2025

Here is Part II of our podcast with Kris Bennett of Movember, discussing men's health.

Last week on Healthy Head Talk, we spoke with Kris Bennett of Movember. Our conversation focused on health equity and disparities and some barriers specifically related to men's health and well-being. In this episode, Kris explains Movember and we continue discussing men's health and cancers and the...

11/06/2025

Last year we had Kris Bennett of Movember on our podcast discussing the mental health challenges unique to men, including societal expectations around masculinity and reluctance to seek help. Here's Part One of that discussion.

The episode delves into the concept of health equity, highlighting how disparities affect various populations. It examines social determinants of health, such as income, education, and cultural stigma that shape access to mental health resources. We talk with Kris Bennett of Movember about the menta...

11/05/2025

Every November, men around the world put down their razors and grow out their mustaches — not just for fun, but for a purpose. The Movember Movement began as a lighthearted challenge in Australia and has grown into a global call for men’s health awareness — focusing on mental health, su***de prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

While the mustaches might grab attention, it’s the conversations they spark that matter most. According to the Movember Foundation, men account for three out of four su***des globally, yet they are far less likely to seek mental health support. Breaking this silence can save lives.

Read this week's blog about how you can check in on the men in your life and help save a life!

https://www.ctshealth.org/blog/movember-growing-awareness-for-mens-mental-health

11/04/2025

Cooper’s Weekly Challenge: Get Moving!

Movement isn’t just good for your body — it’s powerful for your mind. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve your mood, boost energy, and even promote better sleep. You don’t have to hit the gym — a walk, dance break, or stretch session counts. Even 10 minutes of movement can lift your mood and calm your mind.

Start where you are and just keep moving. 🐨

10/30/2025

Cooper's Weekly Challenge: Boundaries!

This week we’re focusing on boundaries — because peace of mind starts with saying no when you need to and yes to what aligns with your values.

✅ Create them: Notice where you feel drained — that’s your cue.
✅ Communicate them: You don’t owe everyone access to you.
✅ Support them: Respect others’ “no” just as you want yours respected.

Let’s normalize boundaries as a form of self-respect, not guilt. 💪What’s one boundary you’re working on this week?