Blog

An extended hand full of prescription drugs (fentanyl)

The insidious danger of fentanyl: facts to help you protect yourself, your friends, and your family

By Veronica Cartagena | August 31, 2022

As we enter September and National Recovery Month, we at The Bougainvilla House pause to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st. Many wear purple … Read more

4 woman of different body shapes and sizes smiling

Body Positivity – A Guide to Embracing Yourself!

By Veronica Cartagena | August 2, 2022

These days, we can’t get away from images of “happy beautiful people” who populate our digital world. Just check out all the carefully curated posts … Read more

Communication, Comfort, Caring: Age-appropriate conversations about school shootings

By Veronica Cartagena | June 16, 2022

Our screens are full of horrifying images and accounts of the recent massacre of children in Uvalde, Texas, on May 25, and of other shootings … Read more

The Myth of the “Strong, Silent Type” – Understanding Male Depression

By Veronica Cartagena | June 3, 2022

In an episode of The Sopranos, crime boss Tony Soprano describes American actor Gary Cooper as the epitome of the ‘strong, silent type’. During the … Read more

De-stress tips that work for students during finals week

By Veronica Cartagena | May 3, 2022

End of school year + final tests = Stress  As the end of the school year approaches many students are experiencing more stress, not less.  … Read more

ADHD & Productivity – How to Get Things Done

By Veronica Cartagena | April 4, 2022

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often the subject of jokes, quips, and casual excuses, but living with the real thing is no joke at all.  … Read more

“The voice inside my head” How to quiet your inner critic

By Veronica Cartagena | February 28, 2022

Ever find yourself thinking things like “I shouldn’t have said that!” or “Why did I do that?” or, more positively, “I nailed it today!”?  What … Read more

3 teen girls hugging

This February, Celebrate All the Relationships That Matter

By Veronica Cartagena | January 31, 2022

Welcome to February, the month associated with Cupids and hearts, candy and flowers – and romance.  The history of Valentine’s Day is murky but is … Read more

2022 Family Resolutions for More (or Better) Quality Time Together

By Veronica Cartagena | December 22, 2021

2022 is here and the “New Year, New Me” sayings are hitting social media feeds. The New Year is a reset, bringing fresh energy and motivation to do better, to try new things, and to leave unwanted habits in the past.   No … Read more

Feeling the Holiday Blues? Six ways to tackle seasonal depression

By Veronica Cartagena | December 4, 2021

If you just ‘aren’t feeling the spirit’ this holiday season, we understand and offer our support.   Maybe you usually enjoy what’s supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ But this year, it’s … Read more