Mental Health in Milwaukee
From therapy to yoga to grief counseling, these local resources offer compassionate approaches to mental health.
ALL AGLOW; A SELF CARE & WELLNESS COLLECTIVE
All Aglow; A Self Care & Wellness Collective focuses on mental and physical wellness through four key initiatives: yoga, massage therapy, meditation and esthetician services.
“In our yoga studio, we primarily focus on infrared heated yoga and vinyasa flow yoga styles,” says Heather Varady-Foth, the owner of All Aglow. “A regular yoga practice can improve mental clarity, reduce stress and help to manage depression and anxiety. It can help improve focus and concentration, and it’s also been proven to promote better sleep. In addition to yoga being great for mental and physical health, being in the infrared heated room also provides many additional health benefits.”
Yoga classes at All Aglow are designed for all levels of experience. But if you want to better understand the basics, Varady-Foth recommends attending an unheated yoga-for-beginners class on the first Saturday of every month. “We go over the basics of yoga, bust yoga myths and explore its true goals,” she says. “We explain how to safely enter into each pose, align the body and we introduce modifications for a safe practice.” allaglowmke.com
CLARA HEALING INSTITUTE
When life’s obstacles – divorce, career changes, family planning, menopause and more – pop up, your mental well-being can take a hit.
CLARA Healing Institute in Wauwatosa offers holistic, multifaceted mental health and wellness services that support clients as they learn how to better tune into their own body and feelings and to self-regulate. In addition to individual and couples therapy, CLARA Healing Institute offers an array of group events, including grief therapy groups, art and craft therapy projects, yoga workshops and more. These events encourage connection to community – a key factor in wellbeing and developing a sense of belonging.
CLARA’s Radical Self Love program is popular for women in midlife. It focuses on dismantling the impact diet culture, sexism, racism and societal pressure have on women’s relationships with their bodies and gives participants tools for developing more self-love and compassion. It’s one of many paths CLARA offers to clients looking to find lasting relief, build resilience and improve self-confidence during this emotionally challenging phase of life. CLARAhealinginstitute.com
Navigating Anticipatory Grief: Preparing for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to gatherings filled with joy, laughter, and cherished traditions. However, for those experiencing anticipatory grief, the season can also be a poignant reminder of loss. Anticipatory grief occurs when individuals begin to mourn a loss that has not yet happened, often when a loved one is facing a terminal illness or serious decline. This emotional journey can be particularly intense as the holidays draw near, amplifying feelings of sadness and longing.
COPING STRATEGIES
• ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS: It’s important to validate your emotions during this time. Allow yourself to feel sadness or joy— both are part of the human experience.
UNDERSTANDING ANTICIPATORY GRIEF
Anticipatory grief encompasses a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. It’s a natural response to the impending loss of someone significant in our lives. Unlike traditional grief, which often follows a death, anticipatory grief can allow for moments of preparation and reflection. This unique form of grief provides an opportunity to say goodbye, express feelings, and create lasting memories, albeit with a heavy heart.
THE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE
The holidays can heighten feelings of anticipatory grief. Traditions that once brought joy may now feel painful in the absence of a loved one. As families gather to celebrate, the empty chair at the table serves as a stark reminder of loss. Recognizing this emotional struggle is essential for both those grieving and their support systems.
FINDING HOPE
While anticipatory grief can be a heavy burden, it can also lead to deeper connections with family and friends. Embracing the shared experience of grief can foster empathy and understanding, allowing loved ones to support one another through their pain.
As we approach the holidays, take time to reflect on the love and memories that define your relationships. In doing so, we can honor those who have touched our lives, even as we navigate the complexities of loss. Remember, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to seek joy. The journey through anticipatory grief is deeply personal, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
For more support and resources, consider reaching out to our compassionate team at Schramka Funeral Home, where we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step of your grieving process, especially during these challenging times.
• COMMUNICATE: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members. Open conversations can provide comfort and foster understanding within the family unit.
• CREATE NEW TRADITIONS: Consider establishing new ways to honor your loved one. This could be as simple as lighting a candle in their memory or sharing stories that celebrate their life.
• SET BOUNDARIES: It’s okay to say no to gatherings if they feel overwhelming. Prioritize self-care and seek solace in quieter moments if needed.
• SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT: Grief counselors can provide valuable guidance. They can help navigate the complexities of anticipatory grief and offer coping techniques tailored to your needs.
BROOKFIELD (262)-432-8100
THIENSVILLE (262)-242-3120
CITY OF HOPE
A cancer diagnosis can create myriad mental health challenges: stress, anxiety, depression and anticipatory grief. Located in northern Illinois, City of Hope Cancer Treatment and Research Center offers patients emotional, social and spiritual support that can help patients and their loved ones work through a difficult time.
The psychologists and psychiatrists at City of Hope help patients manage these emerging emotions and offer a variety of treatment plans that improve quality of life, build resilience and better cope with the challenges ahead. The on-site chaplains are also a great resource for those looking for spiritual counseling or end-of-life support.
From coping with a serious illness, to navigating the effects of treatment and mental health challenges, City of Hope’s team of experts helps provide extra support to patients and their loved ones during this time of transition. cityofhope.org
RELIEF MENTAL HEALTH
Relief Mental Health in West Allis offers cutting-edge treatments that you may not know about, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and SPRAVATO (esketamine).
TMS uses non-invasive magnetic fields to gently stimulate nerve cells in the brain, and is used to treat depression, OCD and more, particularly for those who haven’t responded to traditional care. SPRAVATO is an innovative medicine that targets the brain’s glutamate receptors – it’s a nasal spray form of ketamine that offers rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression.
Both of these treatments are FDA-approved, and covered by insurance providers. Relief Mental Health offers other services like psychiatry treatment and therapy services, as well – an entire spectrum of mental health care and treatment. reliefmh.com
SCHRAMKA FUNERAL HOME
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those grappling with the loss of a loved one. “You have all of these traditions and rituals coming together, and you don’t have this person in your life anymore,” says Amanda King, the funeral director at Schramka Funeral Home. “When we have clients near the holidays, it’s often helpful to talk through what these changes will look like and make recommendations about possible adjustments that can support grieving friends and family members during this particularly difficult time.”
In addition to being a shoulder to lean on, King and other funeral directors can make recommendations for community groups, grief support specialists, and more to help the people she works with navigate the situation. “Sometimes people will sit down to make arrangements for the funeral, and we won’t even talk about the funeral for half an hour, because they just want to share stories about their loved one,” says King. schramkafuneralhome.com
