Untangled Minds PLLC

🌈 Pride Month is a celebration, but it is also an affirmation of existence, dignity, and mental well-being.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the journey to living authentically isn't a straight line. It often involves navigating minority stress, unlearning internalized shame, and searching for environments where it is safe just to be. Mental health isn't just about what's happening inside our minds; it's heavily shaped by how safe, seen, and valued we feel by the world around us.

That is why living authentically is an act of radical mental health care. Joy and self-expression are powerful antidotes to stigma. When we embrace who we are, we release the heavy burden of trying to fit into boxes that were never built for us.

But we don't have to carry that burden alone. Connection is a vital form of care.

For the LGBTQ+ community, finding a "chosen family" and a supportive community isn't just comforting; it's life-saving. Strong social support acts as a psychological buffer against a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. To anyone still looking for their community: keep holding on. To those who act as a safe harbor for others: thank you.

This month, while we celebrate how far we’ve come, we want to remind you:

* Your identity is valid, no matter where you are on your journey.
* You do not have to have everything figured out to deserve respect.
* Your peace and joy are worth fighting for, every single day.

Take a moment to celebrate your resilience, fiercely guard your mental health, and check in on the people around you. We are always stronger together. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Join Our Shelter Shadow Summer Program!
Are you a high school student considering a career in community animal wellbeing and/or veterinary care? As a Student Shadow you will gain hands-on experience including the opportunity to learn by observation and discussions. The Student Shadow Program is a no-fee opportunity that includes training in daily operations, visits to animal control, meeting networking partners, hands on care with dogs and cats, and observing emergencies, surgeries, and routine vaccinations with our Vet Med Team. Application Deadline Monday 7/15/2
https://forms.gle/tbMSUzokcrK7Suey6

We’re inviting caregivers, clinicians, and individuals with lived experience to take part in an important research survey led by the MIND Global Council.

This brief 20-minute survey is designed to help build the evidence base for psychotherapy guidelines in PANS/PANDAS and related neuroimmune conditions. At present, there are no clearly established best-practice guidelines—and your voice is essential in helping to change that.

Parent/Caregiver Survey:
https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3Y

We want to hear directly from you about what has been helpful—and what has not been helpful—in the treatment of PANS/PANDAS. Whether you are a clinician, a caregiver, or someone with lived experience, your perspective matters. Now is the time to share what is working, what is not, and what needs to change in order to improve care.

There is a particular need for clinicians to participate in this survey, as your input is critical in helping to shape meaningful, evidence-informed guidelines. PANS/PANDAS presents a complex and often difficult-to-treat clinical picture, and every perspective is valuable—whether you have worked with one individual or hundreds. Your experience matters.

This survey was thoughtfully developed with input from clinicians who also have lived experience raising children with PANS/PANDAS, ensuring that the questions reflect both clinical insight and real-world experience.

There is a critical need for research that helps clinicians better understand these complex presentations—so that care is guided by thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches rather than misinterpretation. When we better understand the role of biology, we can improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating these conditions.

Help Shape the Future of Psychotherapy in PANS/PANDAS

Who can participate?
• Individuals with lived experience
• Caregivers
• Clinicians

If you are both a caregiver and a clinician, you are welcome to complete both surveys.

We would be so grateful if you could also share this with others who may be interested. Thank you for partnering with the MIND Global Council in advancing care and creating meaningful change.

Parent/Caregiver Survey:
https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3Y

Clinician Survey:
https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUFn6VjUP38OYS

Mental health matters every day, but today is a reminder that awareness is only the beginning.

For Mental Health Action Day, we encourage everyone to take one small action for their mental wellbeing or to support someone else. Whether that’s checking in on a friend, scheduling a therapy appointment, setting boundaries, taking a break, or simply starting a conversation. Small actions can make a big difference.

Did you know?
• 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year [1]
• More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year [2]
• Su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 [3]

You are not alone, and support is available. Let’s continue creating spaces where people feel safe to speak openly about mental health and seek help when needed.

Resources:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/

MHA: https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/

NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables/mental-health-resources-for-students-and-educators

SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month

Be The Change:https://safersmarterteens.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SST_HS_MH_2020_DigitalOnly.pdf

IDHS: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=173457



Sources:
[1]https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf
[2] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2724377?guestAccessKey=f689aa19-31f1-481d-878a-6bf83844536a

[3]
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day

Motherhood can be beautiful, and it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating. For many moms, the postpartum period can bring unexpected challenges like anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, or feeling unlike themselves.

Maternal mental health matters just as much as physical health. You deserve support, rest, and understanding.

If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Support can look like opening up to someone you trust, connecting with a professional, or finding a space where you feel heard and understood.

Let’s break the silence, reduce stigma, and remind moms everywhere: you are seen, you are supported, and you are worthy of care too.

Resources:

WMMHday: https://wmmhday.org/

HRSA: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline/anniversary?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23628225310&gclid=CjwKCAjw1tLOBhAMEiwAiPkRHpfCAPapvegcbtHFpG0jh3HjnjQ4gtWZ9aiVg-3O2jr_J1r4pXXIzBoCAYgQAvD_BwE

AHA: https://www.aha.org/maternal-mental-health/information-and-tools

UIC: https://illinoisdocassist.uic.edu/provider-resources/resources-for-your-patients/perinatal-mental-health-resources/

IDPH: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health.html

BPD is more than mood swings; it’s a complex mental health condition that affects emotions, relationships, and self-image. Greater awareness leads to greater understanding and compassion.

Resources:
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237

• MHA: https://mhanational.org/resources/life-borderline-personality-disorder-bpd/

• NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder

• Emotions Matter:
https://emotionsmatterbpd.org/blog/supporting-students-gjh6d

• NAMI:https://namimidhudson.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/334/2024/07/Borderline-Personality-Disorder-Module.pdf

April is Counseling Awareness Month

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Counseling can be a safe space to process life’s challenges, build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and support overall well-being.

Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed, counseling can help. Getting support takes courage, and it’s something to be proud of.

This month, we honor the work of counselors and the courage of every person who chooses healing, growth, and self-care.

You don’t have to do it all alone.

Resources:
ACA: https://www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/counseling-awareness-month
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html
MHA: https://mhanational.org/resources/therapy/
Illinois Counseling Association: https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/ResourcesforCounselors