Cooks Who Care

Hey 👋 We’ll go ahead and say it … it’s been hard to keep up with everything lately. If you’re feeling it too, know that you’re not alone.

With everything feeling so heavy right now, conversations about mental health are more important than ever. And we’re doing something about it.

For many of us, food is just the balm we need at times like this - an outlet for creativity and a source of community. In short, food is therapy.

So, we’re bringing people together to share their stories, to share inspiration, to lift each other up … all while we celebrate the ways that food brings us together.

If this speaks to you, stay close. We’re building something you’re going to want to be a part of. More info’s coming soon.

Hey friends! It’s been a minute.

We’re just popping in with a reminder that summertime sadness is real & if you’re feeling it now, when it seems like everyone is out having fun, you are not alone.

S.A.D. (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder) isn’t just a winter thing - depression rooted in seasonal changes happens in the summer too.
Why? There are lots of reasons, including:

🥵 Heat & humidity can cause dehydration & put extra stress our bodies
☀️ Longer days change our circadian rhythms & make it harder to sleep
🗓️ Seasonal changes in daily schedules, like different work hours or increased childcare needs
🏖️ Societal pressures to get a “summer body” or plan the perfect vacation, which may feel out of reach for many of us

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with summertime sadness, whatever the reason, here are a few small steps that can help:

💧 Focus on staying hydrated
🛌 Stick to a schedule and get plenty of sleep
🧳 Take a break when you can - whether it’s a staycation, a day trip, a quick vacay or simply a day at home to soak up the AC - any little bit can be a much needed recharge.

And (maybe hardest of all) - try not to compare your situation to others. What you see on social media & hear people talking about is like the highlight reel, not the full story of anyone’s life. Celebrate the good in yours, and block out the pressure to keep up!

We see you. You are not alone. Help is available.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, 988 is the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, with help available 24/7.

Today, we remember and give thanks to those who have served our country. We also want to acknowledge the fact that veterans face their own unique mental health challenges, including PTSD & Traumatic Brain Injury, along with increased instances of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, often occurring for years afer they re-enter civilian life.

To our veterans: we see you, we thank you and we support you.

For veterans who are struggling with their mental health, the Veterans Crisis Line is Available 24/7 by dialing 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or calling 711 then 988.
In the Philadelphia area:

NAMI Philly () offers support for veterans & their families, including a 24/7 Crisis Line → 1-800-273-8255.

Healthy Minds Philly () has a full list of local mental health resources for veterans & their families on their website: https://healthymindsphilly.org/veteran-resources/

Hispanic Community Counseling Services () helps veterans who are experiencing mental health challenges, as well as unemployment, legal issues and even homelessness, with two offices in Philadelphia.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You are not alone. There is a community that stands ready to support you.