During the month of September, we recognize Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is a challenging and sensitive topic that no one wants to discuss, let alone with their children. However, addressing suicide prevention with kids is crucial in today's world, where mental health issues are on the rise. Parents play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment for their children to discuss their feelings and concerns. Let’s explore the importance of talking about suicide prevention with kids and offer guidance on how to approach this difficult conversation.
Understanding Today's Teen
Let’s talk teens! Many teens experience a range of emotions that may seem complex to those caring adults around them. Throughout the teenage years, factors such as hormones, changing bodies and minds, as well as social pressures take the front seat. Left to their own vices, today’s teen often presents with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or a lack of healthy communication skills. So, how do we as adults navigate these tumultuous waters with our teens while still preserving our relationships with them?
Love Thy Self
February is finally upon us and it’s the time of year to celebrate love! Typically, we associate Valentine’s Day with recognizing the love we have within our romantic relationships. But, before we can love another, we must practice celebrating the love we have for ourselves. The concept of self-love is often easily overlooked and devalued by many.
New Year Insights
Here we are again, that inspiring feeling of the new year is finally upon us! It is a new year, so it should mean a new you- right? Well, not necessarily a “new you.” In fact, let’s try to forget those words and find a more realistic way to work on those goals of simply becoming a better version of yourself. We know that change is a process that takes a lot of time and commitment. So, how do we begin without feeling completely overwhelmed at the new list and disappointed in our results from last year’s? Here are a few tips to ring in 2023 with small, but meaningful progress.
Kids, Anxiety, and the Holiday Season
Kids are supposed to be happy and excited during the holidays, right? Well, for many children, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season sparks unwanted feelings of anxiousness. As adults, we tend to overlook this truth and excuse the change in behavior as being a side effect of this magical season. Yet, the fact remains that children suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and other anxiety-related disorders may experience a heightened sense of nervousness during these busy months. So, how do parents support their child’s needs and still manage their own copious to-do lists? Well, here are a few therapeutic activities that may benefit your child.