Individuals with a mental health condition are not alone. Almost 20% of adults in the US will face a mental illness at some point in their lives.  Even though society is increasingly accepting of mental health conditions, some workplaces may still carry a stigma. Many people might feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health condition with their supervisor. Still, having this conversation can be helpful, particularly if the condition affects your job performance. Know your rights about mental health and the workplace. Before talking to your supervisor, it is important to understand your employee rights. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) , states that individuals with a mental health condition are protected against discrimination and harassment. To receive protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you need to inform your employer about your mental health condition, but they are required to keep the information confidential. There are a few considerations to bear in mind should you have this conversation.  Your employer is prohibited from discriminating against you due to your mental health condition, which includes termination, job or promotion rejection, or forcing you to take leave. You may keep your condition private, but your employer is allowed to inquire about your mental health in only four scenarios: When you request reasonable accommodation. After a job offer is made but before employment begins, if all candidates for the same positions are asked the same questions. When it is engaging in affirmative action for people with disabilities, in which case you may choose whether to respond. If there is objective evidence at work suggesting you may be unable to perform your job or may pose a safety risk due to your condition. You may be legally entitled to reasonable accommodation to assist you in performing your job, such as a modified schedule, a quiet work environment, specific tasks, etc.  You may ask for reasonable accommodation at any time, and if it aids in your job performance, your employer must provide it unless it causes significant difficulty or expense. Under the ADA, harassment based on your disability is prohibited. If you are harassed, follow your workplace reporting procedures. Once reported, your employer is legally obligated to act to prevent harassment. If you feel that your rights have been violated, The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can help by investigating if you file a discrimination charge. Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for contacting the EEOC or filing a charge.   On average, employed US adults spend 8.8 hours a day at work, which exceeds the time typically spent sleeping. With Millennials (35%) and Generation Z (5%) comprising 40% of the U.S. workforce, it is crucial for employers to adjust and create work environment that supports mental health. We can help. The Center for Living and Learning offers 24-hour residential care and a vocational rehabilitation program for individuals requiring mental health treatment. This program equips individuals to work independently within the community. Additionally, the Center's Vocational Program is a certified Community Rehabilitation Provider in collaboration with the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Warmer weather continues to be kind to us, extending our growing season, and making it pleasant to be outdoors. We've transplanted starters from the greenhouse into freed up raised beds.  This year our broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels have survived typical pests, thanks to the expertise Horticultural Assistant. We have worked on saving seeds from some of our favorite flowers this year, cosmos, zinnias, and strawflower. Click here to watch a video posted on our Instagram and learn how to do this at home! Indoors trainees have  been focused on getting ready for the Christmas market. We've dried lots of peppers that have been used in salt blends and packaged for purchase to be put into soups or baked goods. We were excited to put together a new item for the Market this year, Onion Soup & Onion Dip Mix using ingredients we grew.  We also bottled new all natural cleaners in two scents, Lavender Lemon Balm and a 4 Thieves Blend that were infused with fresh herbs also from the garden. For the weeks leading up until our Holiday Market, we'll be giving our followers on social media a sneak peek at some of the products that will be available for purchase. Follow along by visiting our Instagram or Facebook! Lastly, as we find ourselves in a season of reflecting on gratitude we'd like to tell you how grateful we are for you.  Our staff is grateful to be able to be a part of the Center and do the work we do, both in Residential and Vocational Programs. We are grateful for the support of the families, friends, financial supporters, and volunteers that make the Center such a special place for people to heal, grow, and thrive. We find this quote by Julie Parker very fitting: "Plant seeds of gratitude. Cultivate a garden of love. Nourish with sprinklings of grace." If you or someone you know are looking for simple ways to support the Vocational Program, we have put together an Amazon wish list  for items we use and/or need in our day to day programming. It can be found here. We appreciate you!

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted and enduring mental health condition that impacts cognition, emotions, and behavior.  Although the precise prevalence of schizophrenia remains uncertain, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates a range of prevalence from   0.25% to 0.64%   of US adults. The symptoms of schizophrenia make daily activities difficult but with effective treatment and robust support system, individuals can achieve a life characterized by wellness, fulfillment, and autonomy. What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? The NIMH groups the symptoms of schizophrenia into three main categories: Psychotic symptoms: How a person thinks, acts, and experiences the world, often causing disrupted thoughts and perceptions, and difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. Psychotic symptoms include: Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing or feeling things that are not there. Delusions: Persistent beliefs that are untrue and irrational to others. Thought disorder: Unusual or illogical thoughts and speech. Negative symptoms: Loss of motivation, interest, or enjoyment in activities, withdrawal from social life, difficulty showing emotions, and challenges with daily functions. Negative symptoms include: Difficulty maintaining regular activities Lack of motivation Avoiding social interaction Speaking in a monotone voice with limited facial expression Low energy and excessive time spent on passive activities. In extreme cases, someone might be catatonic where they stop moving or talking . These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses. Cognitive symptoms include: Difficulty processing information to make decisions Struggling to stay focused Difficulty following conversations, retaining information, or remembering appointments or tasks Treatment for schizophrenia The Center for Living and Learning provides 24-hour care, with each resident receiving an individual plan of care that is reviewed monthly to assess goal achievement. Our multi-disciplinary team consistently assesses the efficacy of our residential program , measuring success on an individual basis using a goal-oriented token economy point system. Regular evaluations and recommendations are provided by the Center's medical director and a licensed clinical counselor. ​Our resident activities program is designed to facilitate community reintegration through socialization and self-awareness. We also provide ongoing support to program graduates who have transitioned to independent living successfully.

As October comes to a close we have finished another bountiful CSA season and handed off our last pick-up with our beloved CSA members. Because of the warm days, fall crops are still producing and we now get to send a larger variety of produce to chef Connie, who incorporates what we grow into meals prepared for the residents. We've been harvesting okra, cilantro, mustard greens, bok choy, beets, fresh figs, lettuce, arugula, radishes, and still have a strong pepper crop. Our green house has been planted with broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, leeks, and carrots, along with basil still thriving from spring planting. With cooler mornings we've flipped our programming schedule to working in the garden during the later part of the morning and our trainees have been split into two work groups. One group works with staff to prepare items for our Craft Market (mark your calendars for 12/6 & 12/7), while a smaller group still finds plenty to do outdoors. In the garden we have started garden clean up, which is always done with mixed emotion. We all look forward to slowing down with the change of seasons, but will miss the sunshine filled days with the beauty a thriving garden offers. We've been cutting down our tired tomato vines, seed saving from green beans, okra, flowers, and peppers, as well as working all pulled plant matter into our compost piles. This week we will plant over 150 garlic cloves into the garden in anticipation of a midsummer harvest. Inside we are putting our dehydrators to good use, preserving herbs and peppers to sell for our upcoming Market. We hope you are enjoying these beautiful Fall days and staying healthy.

In their lessons in the Center for Living and Learning's vocational program  this month, trainees are learning about executive function skills and how they allow us to plan, adapt and multitask. They are exploring how these cognitive processes help us regulate behavior, make decisions and achieve goals. The trainees also continue to learn about respect and embracing differences to foster inclusiveness. In the workplace, practicing respect helps increase motivation, productivity, and problem solving with teammates to promote a positive work culture. The trainees are continuing to learn about anxiety management during therapy lessons. They've been building cognitive-awareness in order to recognize how their thoughts impact their feelings and actions. They've practiced reframing, which is a skill that changes the way situations are interpreted. We've learned how every situation can be interpreted in numerous ways. Trainees practiced choosing interpretations that are helpful, truthful and align with personal values. In cooking group, the trainees are working with okra, bell peppers and green onions, all freshly harvested from our garden, to make okra cornbread . In art group, they are making ceramic bowls and vases using different texturing and letter pressing techniques. In the reading group, the trainees have been sleuthing through short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His intriguing mysteries have led to lively discussions and challenged the trainees to sharpen their detective skills.

Support groups are essential for individuals affected by mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, as well as their family members. For example, Center for Living and Learning residents participate in a weekly support group as a part of the Center’s residential treatment program . The primary objective of support groups is to offer a safe space to gain support from others who may be going through or who have gone through similar experiences.  These groups often serve as a source of emotional support, enabling participants to share personal stories, coping mechanisms, and guidance. Support groups are open to anyone, and often focus on a specific topic. While it may require some effort to find the right support group, establishing a sense of comfort and compatibility is crucial for a positive and successful outcome. How are support groups structured? Support group formats can vary, ranging from peer-led sessions where the facilitator shares a similar experience with members, to clinician-led groups that offer a psychological perspective. These groups typically encourage open discussions and may take place in-person or online. Additionally, some support groups may feature guest speakers who address topics relevant to the group's needs. Support groups are different than group therapy, but both provide distinct purposes. Group therapy is a specific type of mental health intervention facilitated under the guidance of a licensed mental health provider and brings together those with the same or similar conditions.   What are the benefits of a support group? Participating in a support group provides the opportunity to connect with individuals who share a common goal and can empathize with your emotions. According to the Mayo Clinic , there are some benefits to participating in a support group:   Feeling less lonely, isolated, or judged Reduced distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue Opportunity to talk openly and honestly about feelings Improved coping skills Increased motivation to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans Gained sense of empowerment, control, or hope Receiving practical feedback about treatment options Education about a specific condition How can I get the most out of a support group?  If you want to make the most of a support group, be sure to c onsider your goals and what you want to get out of the group.  Start by asking the following questions: Is the group designed for people with a specific mental health condition?  Does the group meet for a set period, or does it continue indefinitely? When and where does the group meet? Is there a facilitator or moderator? Is a mental health expert involved with the group? What are the guidelines for confidentiality? Are there established ground rules for group participation? Is there a cost? When joining a group, it is common to feel apprehensive and you may feel inclined to simply listen. Nevertheless, actively participating by sharing your experiences and ideas can prove to be highly advantageous. Consider engaging in this manner for a few weeks to assess its suitability for you. If you find that you or a loved one needs more support, residential treatment  may be an option. The Center for Living and Learning offers treatment for adults who experience severe and persistent mental illnesses. We provide 24-hour residential care and job training  in a therapeutic environment with emphasis on the highest level of functioning and independent living.

We have been enjoying the cooler mornings and slower pace as the garden winds down here at the Center for Living and Learning . What a great CSA season we have had. We only have a few more weeks left with our CSA folks but we are still sending full baskets and boxes home of all the wonderful produce we grow. We are enjoying figs for the first time off of our fig trees. We have been drying so many items like green onions, rosemary, lemon balm, mint, and raspberry leaves, using many in spice blends or teas. We even experimented with making our own fruit leather with pears and watermelon we’ve harvested. We have harvested several pumpkins and our late summer crops like lettuces, cilantro, spinach, beets, radishes, and turnips are starting to come in. Our super volunteer, Mike, continues making our vocational building look amazing! See some of photos below. We’ve been adding a few products to our online store and one of the best ways you can support trainees and the Center is shopping with us! Orders can be placed online and pick up can be arranged. Click here to see what’s in stock.

What is depression? Depression is not a choice; it is a disorder of the brain. It is a serious mental health condition that is more than feeling “blue” or feeling “down.” According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) , roughly 21 million U.S. adults, or 8.4% of the population have had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. People of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, however; it does affect some groups more than others. Left untreated, feelings of depression can persist and interfere with everyday life. What causes depression? There is not one single cause of depression; it can be triggered by a life crisis, illness, or something else. It is believed several factors can contribute to depression. Trauma . Traumatic events can change how one responds to fear and stress, which can lead to depression.  Genetics . A family history of mood disorders, such as depression, can increase the risk of developing a depressive disorder. Life circumstances . Relationships, financial standing, marital status, and other life changes can influence whether someone develops depression. Cognitive . Studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is depressed. Negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem also aid in the development of depression. Other medical conditions . Individuals who have a history of sleep issues, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more prone to develop depression.   Substance Abuse . Adults with a substance use disorder are at significantly higher risk for experiencing a major depressive episode, which can require coordinated treatment for both conditions, as substance misuse can worsen symptoms. Types of Depression There are several types of depression. Major Depressive Disorder , also known as clinical depression, causes individuals to feel that a consistent dark mood is consuming them, causing issues with daily functions and a lack of interest in activities that typically bring pleasure. Persistent Depressive Disorder refers to a low mood lasting for two or more years in adults and at least one year in children and adolescents.   Postpartum Depression  affects women after having a baby, causing intense, long-lasting feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fatigue, making it difficult for mothers to care for themselves and/or their babies, as well as handle daily responsibilities.   Psychotic Depression  is a form of depression with psychosis that is associated with extreme depression, such as delusions (false beliefs) and/or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there). Seasonal Affective Disorder  is associated with changes in seasons, typically occurring in the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Bipolar Disorder  is different than depression, but a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder can experience episodes of major depression. What are the symptoms of a depressive disorder? Symptoms of a depressive disorder can vary from person to person, but for most, it changes their daily functioning, and usually for more than two weeks. Common symptoms of depression include: Changes in sleep Changes in appetite Lack of concentration Loss of energy Lack of interest in activities Hopelessness or guilty thoughts Changes in movement (less activity or agitation) Physical aches and pains Suicidal thoughts The effects of depression are emotional, physical, and mental, and can take a toll on someone’s entire body, especially if left untreated. How can I help someone with depression? Depression can be overwhelming for the individual and their loved ones. We often don’t know what to say or do, but supporting your loved one is vital to their recovery. Educate yourself : Learning more about depression, symptoms, and treatment will help you understand what your loved one is   experiencing. Be there:  Being present for someone who is struggling is essential. Give them a shoulder to cry on or just listen as they talk. Reassure them that they are not alone. Be patient:  Patience is a pivotal part of support. Reassure them that regardless of recovery time, you will be there to support them. Don’t minimize their pain:  Remember, depression is a serious mental health disorder, it is not a weakness or personality flaw. Offer to help:  Depression can make even the simplest tasks difficult, pitch in and help where you can. Take threats seriously:  Suicide is a risk of depression. If your loved one makes threats to commit suicide, take them seriously. Do not leave them alone and seek help immediately. Encourage treatment:  Your loved one may not realize they need help and may be reluctant to seek treatment. Voice your concerns and express your willingness to help. How is a depressive disorder treated? There are effective treatments for depression, including psychological treatment and medications.  The possibility of relapse is high for those with a depressive disorder, and multiple interventions and continued support are needed to ensure long-term success. The Center for Living and Learning offers individuals 24-hour care and supervision for residents and continued monitoring of their progress after they leave the facility.​ Our multi-disciplinary team strives to meet and exceed the many individual needs of the residents, customizing a progress plan that is reviewed monthly to encourage individuals to meet their goals of treatment. If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of depression, we can help.