The Wellspring
a blog by Dr. Elizabeth Miller and WMB Team

Grief
GRIEF is the normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind. Grief is not depression…it is painful. GRIEF WORK means that you have to mourn what you have lost before you go forward. Grieving people want and need to be heard and not fixed. In our society, we are often told that “time heals all wounds”. Time itself does not heal but it is what you “do” within time that will complete the pain caused by loss. RECOVERY means claiming your circumstances instead of your circumstances claiming you and your happiness.

Gift Guide for Mind and Body Wellness: Products We Love
At Well Mind Body, we believe in holistic wellness. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of trusted products that support your mind, body, and spirit. Our thoughtful gift guide is perfect for your wellness focused loved one. Let’s explore how they can help you prioritize self-care and balance.

Agreeing to Disagree Respectfully in Political Conversations
Are your relationships with your loved ones suffering because of political conversations? Dive in as Alberta Totz, JD, LPC discusses ways to have healthy discussions while also setting boundaries.

Can Weather Change Affect Our Mood?
It has been rainy and gloomy here in Houston for the last week! I have received so many calls regarding behavior changes that parents have seen in their kiddos this week so I thought I would address the age old question of, “Can the weather affect our moods?”.

How Daylight Saving Time Impacts Your Mental Health & How to Adjust
Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST), often without realizing the potential effects on our mental and physical health. Even a one-hour shift can disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels, affecting our well-being in subtle but significant ways. At Well Mind Body, we believe that understanding these effects—and knowing simple ways to counteract them—can help you stay balanced during these transitions.
Here’s what to know about DST’s impact on mental health and some effective ways to adjust.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome + Mental Health
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by exposure to biotoxins, such as mold, bacteria, or other environmental toxins. CIRS occurs when the immune system remains activated and is unable to return to normal after the initial exposure, leading to persistent inflammation throughout the body.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids + ADHD
Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with various cognitive and behavioral issues, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Lifestyle Factors + Breast Cancer
October is breast cancer awareness month.
Did you know that according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, in the United States? According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year.

Self Care Tips for Kids Mental Health
Life can get busy which can lead to dysfunctional and dysregulated nervous systems. Supporting children’s mental health through self-care is crucial for kids overall well-being. Here are a few tips that can be mindfully added to any routine.

In-Person vs. Virtual Psychotherapy: Benefits and Key Differences
Is in person or tele-health therapy better?
Virtual psychotherapy, also known as tele-health therapy, has become a viable alternative for many people seeking mental health support. Here at Well Mind Body we offer in person + tele-health services to better support our clients.

Resources for People with Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems
Are you a highly sensitive person or a parent of a highly sensitive child and are looking for help to regulate your nervous system?

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are people who possess a heightened level of sensitivity to external stimuli, both emotional and environmental, due to a trait known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist, first introduced the concept of HSP in the 1990s. It is estimated that around 15-20% of the population may be highly sensitive (Acevedo et al., 2014).

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Embracing Wellness and Healing
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is upon us, and as a therapist, I see this as a valuable opportunity to have open, honest conversations about overall mental health and well-being.
Did you know, that according to Mental Health America (2022), 19.86% of adults are experiencing a mental illness. That is Equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans who experience mental health sysmptoms that disrupt their daily lives.

Parenting Today
On August 29th, 2024, the US Surgeon General opined that parents are under particularly dangerous levels of stress ("Warning: Parenting Can Be Harmful to Your Mental Health," Personal Journal, Aug 29).

Fostering an Emotionally Validating Environment for Our Kids
The number one rule of parenting? Connect before you correct. When we validate our children's emotions first, we open the door to trust, understanding, and growth. It’s not about avoiding tough feelings, but about embracing them. Let’s foster an environment where our kids feel seen, heard, and understood.

What is Suicide Prevention Month?
Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, is a dedicated time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. This month aims to educate the public about the signs of suicidal behavior, offer support to those in need, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Coping Through the Tough Times
Everyone experiences feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety at some point in life. During these tough times, it's essential to manage these emotions rather than simply suffer through them. Fortunately, a variety of coping mechanisms can help individuals improve their emotional well-being. In this report, we explore some of the most effective strategies for managing difficult emotions, including breathing techniques, meditation, self-care, and self-talk.

Benefits of Joining a Divorce Recovery & Empowerment Group
A support group can provide a safe and confidential space to process your grief. Grief is a normal reaction to loss of any kind. However, our society has given us messages throughout our lives that these feelings are abnormal. Grievers need to talk about their losses. Emotional isolation is a major problem for grievers. Recovery from divorce and thriving afterwards, means claiming your circumstances instead of your circumstances claiming you.

What Are Boundaries? Why Do We Need Them?
Feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of? It might be time to set boundaries. Boundaries protect your emotional, mental, and physical well-being by clearly defining what is and isn't acceptable in your relationships. From managing your time to standing firm in your beliefs, boundaries empower you to live authentically and create healthier connections. Discover the different types of boundaries and why setting them is essential for a more balanced, respectful life.

Suicide Prevention 2024: New Strategies, Support Systems, and Insights from a Therapist
September is #SuicidePreventionMonth, and for me, this mission is deeply personal. I sat down to write about the heartbreak that helped shaped my life and commitment to mental health advocacy—the loss of my best friend to suicide. It’s a pain I carry every day, but it’s also why I’m dedicated to helping others find hope.
Our approach to suicide prevention must evolve. This year, we’re embracing new strategies, prioritizing mental health in every aspect of our lives, and making a collective commitment to be there for one another. Let’s keep talking, keep learning, and keep showing up. You are not alone.