As we celebrate Pride Month this June, the world’s LGBTQ+ communities have many hard-won achievements to recognize. In the United States, where the Pride movement began, acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is greater than in many other countries. Yet, the weight of continued discrimination and poor physical health and mental distress is taking a unique toll…
Ian Bridgman Editor’s Note: The Council for Disability Awareness board member, Ian Bridgman, makes a point in this post that few in the group disability insurance industry are willing to discuss publicly: Are US carriers ready to remove the 24-month mental health claim limitation? It is most likely an understatement to say we need more…
By Carol Harnett If there is one thing you need to know about me, it’s this. I am a Bruce Springsteen fan. As a native Staten Islander, I found myself on the Jersey Shore more often than just about anywhere. And as the Jersey Shore goes, so goes being a fan of The Boss. I…
Raising chickens has almost an infinite number of benefits. These benefits range from simple companionship to self-sufficient food production. Raising and keeping chickens even has several health benefits that can positively impact those with mental or physical disabilities. In fact, several universities such as the University of Minnesota are utilizing therapy chickens during exam…
It’s the final stretch of winter for people in the northern parts of the U.S., and while the light-filled days of spring are closer, a significant number of people in your workforce may still be struggling with seasonal affective disorder. The American Psychiatric Association reports that approximately five percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder…
There’s no doubt, coping with an unexpected disability can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Though it may take time, it is possible to live very well despite your diagnosis. And the good news is that there are specific steps that you can take today to help you build the happy, fulfilling life…
Winter is in full-swing, which has many people excited to either hit the slopes or hunker down for the next few months. While the dead of winter is a great time for reflection, it can also lead to burnout for even the most productive employees. Between the cold weather, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and short days, winter…
For those living with a disability, it can be easy to focus so intensively on your physical heath that other considerations may fall to the wayside. The unfortunate reality, however, is that persons with disabilities are also at significant risk of developing mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But no matter the…
It’s a new year, a new beginning. We’re feeling refreshed after a season of holiday cheer and celebrating with family and friends. Maybe some of us ate and drank a little too much. And maybe we spent our entire year-end bonus on presents that the kids are already tired of playing with. But we all…
When we think back to how “stressed” we used to feel during the holidays, we might long for a bit of that back…especially as we look ahead to what might be another isolated holiday. With your employees coping with burnout and COVID fatigue, the “holiday blues” may be strong, again, this year. Here are some…
