DEANN COLLINS is Behavioral Services Clinical Manager at Health First’s Behavioral Wellness, which offers intensive outpatient groups with psychiatry support and medication management and now individual counseling, and proudly observes Mental Health Awareness Month. Collins shared insights into the strengths of forgiveness with Vero News, and the benefits of a regular writing practice (journaling, listing, even sketching) with Space Coast Daily.

DeAnn Collins, MSW, LCSW, is Behavioral Services Clinical Manager at Health First’s Behavioral Wellness, offering intensive outpatient groups with psychiatry support and medication management and now individual counseling.

She recently gave an interview to Vero News in Indian River County and, separately, penned a column for the next edition of Space Coast Daily in Brevard County.

“I’ve learned that generally [forgiveness] is an intentional decision to let go of hurt about an offense someone committed. People can learn how to forgive, but sometimes professional help is needed if they can’t do it on their own,” she told writer Jackie Holfelder.

Many have their first experience holding a grudge during childhood, a natural inclination that works as a defense mechanism against such hurt in the future. But we give other people power over us when we refuse to forgive them, Collins says. And she called out for praise those who are able to turn adversity into something constructive – the moms who founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for example.

One mistake people often make is forgiving someone and expecting them to change as a result. “If you do that, you’re setting yourself up to be hurt again,” says Collins. “We have no control over someone else’s actions or behavior.”

In a separate piece she wrote herself, Collins outlines five benefits to a writing practice – from journaling to letter writing to list making. The very act of putting a writing or sketching utensil to paper is both calming and meditative – and expurgating.

READ Collins’ full piece on writing in the next issue of Space Coast Daily MONDAY.

READ Collins’ contributions in Vero News to “‘Forgiveness’ study: Letting go of hurt helps mental health".