News/Blog

The New Year brings opportunity to take inventory of what we have and what we need . It's also the perfect time to set intentions. Our overall purpose will always be to provide the highest quality, trauma-informed, value-based based residential mental health care to the seriously mentally ill in Winnebago County and surrounding areas. Stepping Ston...

Social media is part of daily life for more people than not. Staying in touch with friends, keeping an eye on the news or even laughing at memes can have positive impact as we plug along day-to-day. Unless you're still using a non-Internet-enabled flip phone and a typewriter, it's hard to escape the ubiquity of social media. Used with balance, mode...

For this post, I've focused on PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)  in Veterans , in recognition of Veterans Day (annually recognized on November 11 th) . Veterans Day honors America's veterans "for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good." Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is certainly not...

​If you're questioning why a mental health agency is writing about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we've got news for you: Domestic Violence awareness is EVERYONE's business! Many of our clients are survivors of domestic violence. As our agency remains dedicated to utilization of trauma-informed care, it's vital we take part in efforts...

Stars of Light are not only on the road--they are on the Internet.  In an effort to bust stigma and with the hope of reaching as many people as they can, the group has posted numerous videos on YouTube. If you has access to an electronic device capable of connecting to YouTube, you can peruse Stars of Light videos. "For man...

Your heart is racing. Your face is covered with sweat. You're feeling unsure and your hands are shaky. There is an intense feeling of impending doom. This is happening every day, for most of the day. There are no obvious stressors. What on Earth is going on? Anxiety . It may build over time or it might hit unexpectedly and overwhelmingly. Ther...

​ When it comes to mental health treatment in Illinois, a professional a professional is a professional, right? Not so fast! Taking a closer look, you might ask yourself, "what ARE all those letters after my provider's name? What do all those initials mean? It looks like alphabet soup. What does it matter? Does it even matter? All those l...

Let's face it. At one time or another, we've all felt depressed. Whether it's a life loss, a situational stressor, a really lousy week or a case of "the blues," we've experienced feelings and thoughts that qualify as being depressed. This kind of depression is what I like to call "part of life." It's not something that requires medication or therap...

Throughout 2019 , Stepping Stones employees, clients and friends will place "kindness rocks" all around town in celebration of our fiftieth anniversary . In our agency's case, we'll be placing kindness STONES, not rocks! Keep an eye out for our maroon or blue painted stones with positive messages designed to bring encouragement, hope or a smile. In...