May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of a group of complex, often misunderstood connective tissue disorders. These medical conditions affect the body’s connective tissue, which holds your skin, joints and other organs together. People with EDS or HSD may look healthy on the outside, but they often deal with pain, injuries and fatigue every day.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
EDS is a group of genetic disorders that affect how the body makes connective tissue. Connective tissue is found throughout the body, providing support, protection and structure to other body parts. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are caused by genetic changes that prevent connective tissue from functioning correctly. There are 13 different types of EDS, but the most common is hypermobile EDS (hEDS).
Each type of EDS has its own set of features and distinct diagnostic criteria. Some symptoms are common across all types of EDS.
Common symptoms include:
- Very flexible joints (also called hypermobility)
- Frequent joint dislocations and sprains
- Chronic pain and tiredness
- Fragile or stretchy skin
What Are Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)?
HSD is similar to hypermobile EDS (hEDS). It also causes joint pain and hypermobility, but it doesn’t meet all the medical rules for EDS. People with HSD often have the same symptoms and struggles as those with EDS. Joint hypermobility is seen in all types of HSD.
Joint hypermobility alone is not always a problem. The problem occurs when hypermobile joints are unstable or place too much strain on other parts of the body. Joint instability occurs when a joint’s bones aren’t held securely, leading to joint subluxations, dislocations, sprains and other injuries. Hypermobility also affects a person’s muscles because the muscles are required to “hold on” to the joints, which puts extra strain on them and causes muscle fatigue more quickly.
How are EDS and HSD managed?
There are no disease-specific treatments for any type of EDS or HSD, so they are managed by addressing each person’s symptoms. There are lifestyle modifications that can be made that will help, such as pacing your activity. Each person’s care plan should address their individual needs. There are many conditions associated with hEDS and HDS. These comorbidities can include autonomic dysfunction, digestive issues, chronic pain, mental health conditions and many more.
Why Awareness is Important
Many people with EDS or HSD wait years for a correct diagnosis. Their symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as anxiety, poor posture or growing pains. Without proper care and understanding, these conditions can get worse and impact both physical and mental health.
Resources to Learn More About EDS & HSD
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society – What is EDS?
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society – What is HSD?
- Video: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) Explained: What You Need to Know
On May 5 and May 12, groups of Behavioral Health and Primary Care providers from GHC-SCW gathered at Max Creek Outdoors in Oregon, Wisconsin, for a unique firearm safety training session facilitated by shop owner Steve D’Orazio and UW Health Family Medicine Physician James Bigham. These hands-on training sessions provided a crucial opportunity for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of firearm ownership, use and storage and build trust with patients, strengthen their role in suicide prevention efforts and develop clinical skills for discussing firearm injury prevention.
The first half of the session consisted of a show-and-tell demonstration covering firearm basics, safety and securing options, the purchasing process and more. This gave the providers a great opportunity to share their relationship with firearms and ask questions in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
For many providers, this was their first time interacting with firearms in a controlled and educational setting. This experience allowed them to engage thoughtfully in a topic that often carries weight, especially in the context of mental health. Understanding the practical aspects of firearm ownership, including safety features and storage solutions, help clinicians have more informed and respectful conversations with patients who own guns.
“Lock them up” was a consistent theme during the morning as the main topic was how we can protect our communities and, most importantly, our children. GHC-SCW Behavioral Health providers offer free gun locks to patients who need them.
The training also emphasized how clinicians can play a key role in firearm injury prevention. By learning how to approach the topic of firearm safety in nonjudgmental ways, providers are better equipped to screen for risk factors like access to unsecured firearms in households where someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises.
Attendees had the opportunity to visit the range and participate in a supervised shooting experience with guidance from the shop’s owner.
This optional range component offered participants a chance to experience firearm use firsthand, building comfort and confidence in discussing firearm-related topics with patients. This experiential learning helped demystify the subject for many, making future patient conversations more empathetic and practical.
Max Creek is involved in a program where someone in a behavioral health crisis can drop off their firearms or the firearms of a loved one at the store free of charge with no questions asked, for as long as they need. Max Creek will store them in locked safes until the owner is cleared with a background check and can return to retrieve their firearm.
This secure storage option is a powerful tool for suicide prevention, offering families and individuals in crisis a non-stigmatizing way to reduce immediate risk. Programs like this can serve as a model for how communities, clinicians and gun shop owners can collaborate for public safety and mental health.
Why This Matters
This training reflects a growing recognition that firearm safety is a public health issue, and that effective prevention starts with understanding. By participating in these sessions, providers increase their clinical knowledge and strengthen their connection to the communities they serve. This kind of cultural competency is essential for effective, compassionate care in rural and urban areas.
As these training sessions continue, one clear message echoes: “Lock them up.” Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, suicides and unauthorized access, especially by children or individuals in crisis. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to share this message with patients and families in a supportive, respectful way and rooted in care.
The more we normalize conversations about secure storage, the more lives we can protect. Through education, collaboration and continued outreach, we can ensure that this critical message reaches every home in every community.
With sadness, we share that Steve D’Orazio passed away on May 14, 2025. We are grateful for his contributions to GHC-SCW and the broader community. His commitment to firearm safety education, including training medical professionals, made a lasting impact and will be remembered.
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Monday, May 26 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Closed |
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But often, this comes at the expense of neglecting our emotional well-being. Caring for your mental health is as crucial as looking after your physical health. We’ll explore the importance of nurturing your emotional well-being and provide tips to help prioritize your mental health.
The Importance of Emotional Well-Being
Emotional well-being refers to your ability to understand, manage and express your emotions constructively. It is vital to your overall health and affects various aspects of your life, including relationships, work and physical health. Here’s why nurturing your emotional well-being is essential:
- Reducing Stress: Effective emotional management helps you cope with stress better, reducing its negative impact on your body and mind.
- Enhancing Relationships: When you’re emotionally healthy, you can form and maintain positive relationships with others.
- Improving Decision-Making: Emotional well-being allows for clearer thinking, aiding in better decision-making and problem-solving.
- Boosting Resilience: Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is closely tied to emotional well-being. It helps you navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
- Increasing Overall Happiness: Emotional well-being contributes significantly to happiness and life satisfaction.
Tips for Nurturing Your Emotional Well-Being
Now that we understand the importance of emotional well-being let’s explore some practical steps to nurture it:
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t necessarily mean bubble baths and expensive trips to the spa. (They are nice if they do help you though!) Dedicate time to self-care activities that make you happy, whether it’s reading, practicing mindfulness or pursuing a hobby.
Stay Connected
Maintain social connections with friends and loved ones. A strong support system can provide comfort during tough times. Schedule a coffee date with a friend or visit a relative you haven’t seen.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity releases endorphins, boosting your mood and reducing stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. You don’t necessarily need to do a grueling fitness class every day. Consistency is key in physical activity, so opt for activities you enjoy, whether it’s riding a bike, swimming or playing pickleball.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a behavioral health professional. They can provide valuable guidance and support. They can also refer you to helpful resources and programs, like our Foundations Intensive Outpatient Program. Substance use disorders can also hurt mental health. GHC-SCW Primary Care Providers offer compassionate care for substance use disorders, including specialized medication management and a supportive path to recovery.
There are several ways that GHC-SCW members can connect to outpatient behavioral health, psychiatry and therapy at GHC-SCW. Visit our Behavioral Health page for more information.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you stay present and manage stress. Looking for some simple exercises to get started? Check out the Spinal Breathing Exercise on our YouTube channel.
Set Realistic Goals
While it’s tempting to do everything, tackling your entire to-do list all at once can be overwhelming. Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Make sure to celebrate your successes along the way, too!
Limit Screen Time
Screen time is unavoidable in many careers. For many, computers and smartphones have become essential tools for their jobs. However, excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively impact mental health. During your downtime, make sure to set boundaries for healthy device use. It can be as simple as turning off notifications, setting a timer to limit usage and keeping your phone or laptop out of the bedroom.
Get Quality Sleep
Prioritize sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours per night. Quality rest is essential for emotional well-being and vital to your physical health. To create a sleep-friendly space, keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet with comfortable bedding.
Express Gratitude
Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. This practice can foster a more positive outlook. One way to do this is to keep a daily gratitude journal. You could start your day positively by writing down the things for which you are grateful. Another way to express gratitude is by taking time before bed to note events that brightened your day. Some events you could note in your journal may include witnessing a random act of kindness or seeing your favorite flowers on your daily walk.
Educate Yourself
Learning about mental health can be powerful in understanding these conditions. You can also be part of the movement to reduce stigma and support others who are struggling with these conditions. Our online health conditions pages provide helpful information and resources on common mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Nurturing your emotional well-being is valuable to your overall health and happiness. Incorporate these tips into your daily life to prioritize your mental health and contribute to a more emotionally fulfilling existence. Remember, seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, and there’s support available for everyone. Your mental health matters, so make it a priority.