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Spiritual Care Blogs
January 8, 2024
Tune Into the Many Benefits of Music
We know that beautiful music or a great song can tug at the proverbial heart strings, but can music actually have a positive physiological affect on the heart and body? Research suggests that it can. Countless studies point to the numerous effects music may have on mental health, stress levels, anxiety, pain – and even […]
November 16, 2023
Beating the Winter Blues
Medically reviewed by Troy Anderson, MD, WakeMed Primary Care Gone are the long, lazy North Carolina summer days where the sun comes out to play, brightening the sky and keeping it warm outside. Seasonal Affective Disorder As fall turns to winter, the sun is setting a bit earlier. The cold and dark are likely putting […]
August 30, 2023
5 Strategies for Helping Kids Manage Their Mental Health
While stress, anxiety and depression are topics most people think of as adult issues, the truth is kids experience mental health problems too. Children deal with a lot, including pressure to perform well in school, navigate friendships, address bullying, grow their athletic skills and other talents and figure out how they want to present in […]
July 14, 2023
A Day in the Life of a Chaplain
I always park in the same spot. This is due to either my love for routine and ritual OR a deep pathology around control over chaos. I suppose it’s most likely a little of both. Nevertheless, I pull into my usual spot overlooking trees and construction, take a deep breath, gather my things and walk […]
April 25, 2023
Five Meditation Tips for Beginners
Meditation is an age-old practice that is now used globally within a broad range of applications, including health care, counseling, education, business — and in people’s daily, personal lives. There are many forms of meditation, and all of them utilize a mind-body connection and focused concentration. Anyone can practice meditation — it’s simple and only […]
December 14, 2022
Screen Time Solutions: Preventing Digital Addiction in Kids
For many kids, at least one item on the holiday wish list is a digital device. Phones, tablets and video games are pervasive in society. Plus, they provide access to friends and information and are often a status symbol for kids. It’s difficult to imagine an existence without digital devices. Yet, it’s important to strike […]
October 25, 2022
50 Years of Spiritual Care at WakeMed
It is a very special role the spiritual caregiver holds in the health care setting, providing interfaith ministry with respectful care to people of all belief systems. Over the past five decades, the WakeMed Spiritual Care team has impacted the lives of thousands of patients, family members and staff. How It Began WakeMed Spiritual Care […]
October 15, 2022
Explore the World Safely - Traveling Tips for a Healthy Body and Mind
For many, the “golden years” represent a great time to slow down, enjoy retirement, and in many cases, take the time to travel. Traveling can be exciting and fun, and scientists have often touted the many benefits of exploring the world around us, with various studies demonstrating a link between travel and greater happiness, creativity […]
July 18, 2022
Breaking Barriers to Minority Mental Health
Mental health challenges are part of the human experience. Most people will go through periods of grief, sadness and fear. However, when those feelings turn into depression, anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal ideation, it’s time to seek help. Yet, many individuals, especially minorities, struggle to access the support necessary to overcome mental health issues, leaving them […]
May 31, 2022
Know the Risks and Warning Signs of Suicidality in Children and Teens
Psychological Pain Explained Intense psychological pain (referred to as psychache) is a commonality across all theories about youth and suicide. Common sources of psychological pain can be relationships and self-esteem or identity. “Parents should watch for excessive shame, guilt, loneliness, humiliation, or angst,” says Dr. Jessica Tomasula, licensed pediatric psychologist and manager of behavioral health services […]
May 27, 2022
Bless This Stress Dont Overlook the Role Stress Might be Playing in Your Health
Women often take on lots of different roles, many of which compete for limited time: care for children or aging parents, work responsibilities and social obligations. Even when these roles bring joy and fulfillment, their demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. That can lead to stress. Both men and women are vulnerable to the effects of […]
May 23, 2022
TBJ 40 Under 40 Jeremy Gilmore MA MDiv
WakeMed’s very own Jeremy Gilmore, director of Spiritual Care, is among this year’s 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards winners. The Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) received more than 200 nominations for the 2022 awards cycle. Successes in 2021 While many patients and families count their blessings as WakeMed physicians, nurses and staff ease their pain, welcome […]
May 6, 2022
Lets Talk About It Self-Harm and Suicide
Self-Harm and suicide can be tough topics for many people to wrap their minds around, and just thinking about them can also bring up a lot of emotions and triggers for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Suicide is now the second most common cause of death among young people between ages 10-24. Yes, You Should […]
January 28, 2021
Pandemic Bereavement Grieving Large Scale Changes to Life
Grief, a deep sorrow or intense emotional suffering, is a reaction to a loss. It is a process that is never complete. Once you have experienced a loss, grief becomes a companion on your life’s journey. Its presence waxes and wanes over time. Sometimes, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that grief is […]