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NEIL PAREKH'S
LENS ON LIFE BLOG
Thoughts and observations on mental health, technology, social media, photography and more.


A Personal Reflection on My United Way’s Teen Wellness Initiative
In 2022 United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County started a teen wellness initiative called Empowering Minds.

Dawn Helmrich
Oct 17, 2024


United Way of Northwest Vermont's Mental Health Initiative
United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Mental Health Initiative prioritizes: Workforce Development, Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health.

Steven Berbeco
Oct 14, 2024


Ep. 17 Steven Berbeco | Shining Light on Shadows: United Way of Northwest Vermont's Mental Health Initiative
United Ways across the country do some great work around Mental Health advocacy. Our guest: Steven Berbeco, from United Way of NW Vermont.

Neil Parekh
Oct 10, 2024


Posting All of My Feelings on Social Media Is Very Intentional
But the reality is that we probably all do a pretty good job of wearing that mask that says we are ok when deep down we really aren’t.

Dawn Helmrich
Sep 25, 2024


Coming to Terms With – And Managing – Bipolar 1 Disorder
I am a 31 year old graduate student studying Computer Science Education and I also have Bipolar I disorder.

Claire Filipek
Sep 25, 2024


Ep. 16 Claire Filipek | Shining Light on Shadows: The Highs and Lows of Managing Bipolar 1 Disorder
Dawn and I launched this twice a month show in order to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

Neil Parekh
Sep 25, 2024


Creating Community Support Through Livestream Shows
For me, my community support has been online, through livestream productions, emails, texts and viewer comments.

Neil Parekh
Sep 12, 2024


Your Life Is Worth Healing No Matter the Circumstances
The biggest take away for me this week is to continue to help inform people of the importance of seeking out help if you are suffering.

Dawn Helmrich
Sep 11, 2024


The Power of Online Support Groups
Working as a psychologist in schools and in clinics, I am aware of the myriad of community supports available and the difference they make.

Dr. Rachelle Kritzer
Sep 11, 2024


Ep. 15 Dr. Rachelle Kritzer | Shining Light on Shadows: The Importance of Community Support (NAMI, etc.)
This episode will focus on the importance of community support for people with mental health challenges / developmental disabilities.

Neil Parekh
Sep 10, 2024


Finding That Something That Brings Us Joy Is Well Worth the Effort
Finding that thing (or things) in our lives that makes us feel better when we're struggling is an important aspect of self-love and wellness

Dawn Helmrich
Aug 20, 2024


Nature Walks Are Good; But Is It the Right Place To Start With Self-Care?
I think I get overwhelmed thinking about the possibilities. Self-care is absolutely important. But where do I start?

Neil Parekh
Aug 20, 2024


Nature Photography Keeps Me Healthy, Happy and Focused
When I am out on my walks…I let everything flow and things just develop right in front of me as I am observing and absorbing nature.

Steffen Kaplan
Aug 20, 2024


Ep. 14 Steffen Kaplan | Shining Light on Shadows: Nature is the Best Medicine
Steffen will share how he has found Nature walks, particularly with his camera in hand, to be great for his mental health.

Neil Parekh
Aug 20, 2024


Choosing Between Online, In-Person or No Therapy? Do What Works Best
Everyone has the right to choose what works best for them. I continue to practice mindfulness, grounding and breathing.

Dawn Helmrich
Aug 8, 2024


Online Therapy Works for Me
There are pros and cons to online versus in-person therapy. Some people might need one or the other. I’ve actually benefited from both.

Neil Parekh
Aug 8, 2024


Telehealth / Online Therapy from a Therapist’s Perspective
Prior to COVID-19, I only provided counseling services in-person. My impressions of telehealth were neutral to negative. That's changed.

Dr. Grace Hipona
Aug 6, 2024


Ep. 13 Grace Hipona, Ed.D. | Shining Light on Shadows: The Pros and Cons of In-person and Online Therapy
Grace began seeing patients online during the pandemic. This episode will focus on the pros and cons of in-person vs. online therapy.

Neil Parekh
Aug 6, 2024


The Long and Winding Road to Finding a Therapist
Struggling to find the right fit with the right person can be challenging and defeating, but mental wellness is vital to well-being.

Dawn Helmrich
Jul 31, 2024


I See a Therapist; It Almost Feels Normal for Me To Say That Now
Although I was never embarrassed about going to therapy, I also never volunteered the information and kept it private for almost 30 years.

Neil Parekh
Jul 31, 2024
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