For 50 years, Delhaven has been revolutionary in our development of programming to meet the ever changing needs of our community. From being the first to provide structured after school programs in our area as well as being instrumental in the growth of Special Olympics in its grassroots beginnings and to the development of a specialized program working with our schools specifically for children with emotional and / or behavioral challenges,  Delhaven has always been an innovator in community programming. 

Delhaven understands that as a society we must all realize that mental health is critical at all stages of life. It is vital as we transition from childhood to adolescence and through adulthood. Mental health impacts our thoughts, feelings, actions, physical health and quality of life. Mental health not only factors into how we think and feel but also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. It’s time to recognize that a healthy life requires good mental health. 

We at Delhaven have had many people close to us struggle with mental health issues and we saw that there was a need in the community for a program that could  provide a genuine support system for those individuals and their families. This was the beginning of Delhaven Community Center’s newest program Because We Care.

Our one-of-a-kind program helps people of all ages who need services or support due to mental health, behavioral disorders, speech disorders, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities. The Because We Care Program has partnered up with a network of passionate therapists and facilitators who specialize in these different services. Our goal is to connect the community with these different services at minimal cost and with a rapid turnaround time.

We offer different services such as the following:

  • Mental Health Therapy 
  • Speech Therapy
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Support Groups
  • Financial Support
  • Adaptive Physical Fitness Center. 
  • Rock Climbing
  • Art Therapy

All of these services are delivered in a healthy, comfortable setting here at Delhaven, where our families already know and trust us and where all of the bureaucracy has been removed.

For more intimate information on this program please contact Tim Seal at:
tim.seal@delhavencc.org

Tips for Self Care

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
  • Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
  • Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
  • Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.

NIMH. (n.d.). Caring for your mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. June 10, 2022, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

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