Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington

Five Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – the pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health. In fact, a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 25% of Americans report feeling extreme stress during the holidays. A … Read More

Diabetes Awareness: Living with Diabetes

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed. Balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed) will help you control your weight and can keep your blood glucose in the healthy range. In addition, it is important that someone living with diabetes focuses on their mental health and wellness. In people … Read More

Cancer Risk: What the Numbers Mean

You might wonder about your chances of developing cancer. News reports can make it sound as if every day something is found to dramatically raise your risk. Sorting through all the information and figuring out what’s valid can be tricky. What is risk? When scientists talk about risk, they’re referring to a probability – the … Read More

World Mental Health Day: October 10, 2022

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues, creating positive changes that support people, improving mental health outcomes and eliminating stigma. Each of us can make an effort to ensure that people dealing with mental health problems can live better lives with … Read More

Cyberbullying & Keeping Your Children Safe

Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment that happens online. It can happen in an e-mail, a text message, a game, or on a social networking site. It might involve spreading rumors or images posted on someone’s profile or passed around for others to see, or creating a group or page to make a person feel left … Read More

988: New Number to Call for People Facing Mental Health Crises

Everyone deserves access to the support they need when they need it – and that includes mental health support. Available now, anyone facing a mental health crisis can call 988 and be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The line is staffed with mental health professionals who can provide guidance and support. The phone … Read More

Supporting the Mental Health of Millennials and Gen Z

Mental Health challenges continue to rise, and the pandemic added additional pressures. So what can we do to ensure people emerge healthier and more resilient? A mental health crisis was emerging even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly one-third of millennials and the Gen Z population (18–39 year olds) reporting a mental health or substance … Read More

BHS MemberAccess Mobile App Now Available!

BHS’ new mobile app includes an array of behavioral health, work/life and personal development resources. The BHS MemberAccess app offers access to our robust member portal. Members can find essential EAP tools as well as access to relevant topics, self-assessments, benefits communications and more. Members can also use online appointment requests and reimbursement forms. To … Read More

What to Expect in the Wake of Mass Violence

The recent acts of mass violence in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX have brought feelings of stress and discomfort to many, whether locally or from a distance. It’s normal to be fearful during times of uncertainty, instability and violence, as it is an expected reaction to these incidents. However, it is important to not let … Read More

Easing into Retirement

Overall, retirees are a contented bunch, and many report being happier in retirement than they were when working. Older adults are less likely than younger people to experience major depression, says Brent Forester, president of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Nonetheless, retirement often involves significant losses of identity, purpose, structure and social contacts that … Read More

Achieve Your Goals

Perhaps you’ve had the experience of setting goals only to lose sight of them in the rush of daily life, then realize later that you’ve made little progress. When it comes to certain kinds of goals—ones involving health or personal improvement, for example—that’s pretty common. And it corresponds with what science has revealed about what … Read More

Planning in Times of Uncertainty

Keep your most important priorities in mind. Step back and consider what’s really important to you, whether it’s integrity, caring relationships, financial security, your health or your family’s wellbeing. When you’re faced with change and uncertainty, revisit your plans and goals with those priorities and values in mind. Perhaps some of your plans are less … Read More