The small town of Blacksburg in Southern Virginia was, at one point, only that: a small town, nestled along the New River Valley. The trip from the cities of the north will lead you witnessing the significant change of scenery as you cruise down I-81, from cityscapes to treelines, from city streets to nature trails, Continue reading
mental illness
Staggering Suicide Statistics
Suicide is not a topic we all like to talk about. But recent incidents have brought more attention to this unfortunate event that’s often linked to severe depression. At Divine Mercy University, we strive to educate our students and the general public of ways to prevent suicide and provide adequate mental health services. Recently, we Continue reading
Honoring St. Patrick With Moderation
When we look at the calendar and see that St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, many of us may salivate knowing that our local pubs and bars will be decorated and playing Celtic music, with Guiness and green beer flowing endlessly like the great falls of some romantic Irish waterfall, and when the Continue reading
Stigmas Still Scare People From Counseling
What happens when we’re confronted with a problem? What do we do when we have an issue we’re trying to fix at work or trying to solve a problem in our schoolwork? What do we do when we can’t fix something at home–a jammed window, a dislodged door, a flat tire on the car? What Continue reading
DMU Residency Converges on Sterling Campus
Although it won’t officially open until next fall, Divine Mercy University’s new campus-in-progress in Sterling, Virginia, served as the host facility for this fall’s residency for the Master’s in Counseling program. This was the first residency hosted at DMU’s future home just off of Old Ox Road. It was also the largest cohort that DMU Continue reading
Only Half of Veterans with PTSD Are Treated
Some football programs at both collegiate and high school levels have a tradition: at the end of the national anthem, when the home team scores or wins the game, a small cannon is fired at a safe distance behind one of the end zones in celebration. One evening, a young man was catching up with Continue reading
Saints who Struggled with Mental Illness
On All Saints’ Day, we wanted to share with you the profiles of four saints who are patrons of those who struggle with mental illness as a source of hope and intercession. Saint Benedict Joseph Labre St. Benedict Joseph Labre, “The Beggar of Rome”, was born in 1748 in Amettes, France. As one of 18 Continue reading
Facing the Realities of Mental Illness
“Whoever suffers mental illness always bears God’s image and likeness, and has an inalienable right to be considered a person and treated as such.” – St. John Paul II Mental health is a critical component of wellbeing. As a society, we don’t have to look far to encounter those who struggle with mental illness. Statistically, Continue reading
Studies Find Postpartum Depression in New Dads
Preparing for the arrival of a child is an exciting time, and when that time finally comes and a baby arrives, the mother and father’s world simply stops to embrace this pure moment of joy. But despite the happy juncture, there’s still a plethora of new challenges that the new mommy will have to face, Continue reading
Sample Course: Common Psychological Problems
If you work with people on a daily basis, you would benefit from being able to recognize common psychological problems. Not only would this skill allow you to help others who face mental health challenges, but it would also position you as a leader in your workplace and community. In the online Master’s in Psychology Continue reading