To Our Health + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
October is a month to reset and vibe a new season. In Kansas City, September still feels like summer. Whereas October looks more the part - falling leaves, pumpkins on front stoops, pinyon bonfires. So a new season it is, and with it comes fresh perspective. October is an ideal time to reflect and reset.
Fittingly, today is World Mental Health Day. It’s a day to highlight mental health issues around the world. Perfect timing - we can’t think of a better, sunnier day in Kansas City for a focus on mental health and self-care. Beyond today, October is emotional wellness month, bullying prevention month, depression awareness month, and domestic violence awareness month. It’s a month of mental health! And we are here for it. Here is your homework then: ramp up your self-care and check in on your loved ones. We love you, Nellies!
Therapy
Therapists are personal trainers for your mind. You don’t need to go through a crisis to need a therapist - everyone has issues to work through, by no fault of your own. But finding a therapist can be like dating: it’s hard to know where to start and tricky to find a good fit. To make it easier, start here:
Psychology Today has a vetted, thorough directory of therapists. You can search based on zip code and filter based on your insurance and areas of specialty. You can then scroll through a list of available therapists, with photos and brief bios.
Resolve is a local therapy practice specializing in individual therapy services for adults, rcouples, teens and children. Schedule an appointment here.
Call your doc. Simply message your doctor, by phone or app. Tell them you’re interested in seeing a therapist and they’ll guide you from there.
Pampering
In a month of mental health focus, don’t forget yourself and the power of self-care.
Sunlight Day Spa is Nellie-owned and offers healing sauna treatments and other spa services. The spa’s Sunlighten infrared sauna is a must-try. It reaches your body at the cellular level, leaving you feeling light and vitalized.
Welwythn is one of our fave beauty and wellness destinations in KC. It’s a well-edited shop with everyone natural, clean, and trending. Bonus: the staff is warm and knowledgeable.
LÜM Health Studio offers some of the best yoga in KC. It’s locally-owned and offers both in-person and virtual options, as well as other fitness classes. Another excellent local option is Yoga Brain KC. It offers the coolest retreats, donation-based classes, and yoga and meditation events. Sign up for its yoga+wine event on October 24th here.
Donate & Support
MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) is a local organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence. It offers two 24-hour crisis hotlines: KS-(913) 642-0233 and MO-(816) 531-0233. It also offers counseling, court advocacy, and education. Donate here.
Rose Brooks is a domestic violence shelter offering support to adults, children, and their pets who are experiencing domestic violence. Donate here.
Red Card KC is an anti-bullying initiative by Children's Mercy and Sporting KC. Read more here.
Reach Out
It’s time to phone a friend, Nellies. Aim to check in with loved ones a bit extra this month. It’s been a weird year and everyone could use deeper connections. Call, text, FaceTime, send gifts, whatever works. And of course, if you are struggling right now, call National Suicide Prevention at 800-273-8255.
