September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. As of 2017, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the US and second for people ages 10-34. Those numbers increase when looking at LGBTQA+ youth. That year alone, there were twice as many suicides as homicides in the US. Globally, 79% of suicides occur in low- […] Read More
Having dealt with a lot “decisions” lately, and having heard people and friends, talk in the past about how suicide is selfish and cowardly and not being able to find the words to explain what is really happening in that moment when you “choose” suicide over life, I found this short piece a good quick read. […] Read More
A new school year is starting, which means lots of new experiences for children. Whether it be having a new teacher, starting at a new school, or reuniting with friends after a long summer, emotions can range from excitement to anticipation. But not all those feelings might be positive. According to the Center for Diseases […] Read More
Getting ready for your first counseling session can be nerve-wracking whether you’ve tried therapy before or you’re starting with a new counselor. What will your counselor be like? What kinds of questions will they ask? How should you prepare? Not knowing what to expect can be intimidating and ultimately deter some people from pursuing counseling. […] Read More
There is a known disparity between mental health care and minority populations. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Women of color also tend to have higher levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress […] Read More
COVID has brought to our doorsteps much unexpected change, anxiety and stress. The current atmosphere is challenging for adults, but is also trying for children in different ways. Thinking about how to begin a conversation with a child about the current climate can be daunting. Know that there are strategies and resources available to help. […] Read More
It’s important to have this discussion with kids because this historically taboo topic is not going away. Children are very vigilant and will directly observe how parents address the topic of race and racism in their own lives – or how they don’t. Instead of thinking of this discussion as terrifying, think of it as an opportunity to help your child become a more understanding, empathetic, and caring human being. Read More
Our mental health is often affected by our experiences. How does racism, in our communities and on college campuses, shade our experiences and our minds? On June 17, 2015, nine African-American individuals were killed by a white man in a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina. He stated his motive was “to shoot black […] Read More
Podcasts have become increasingly popular and diverse in the last few years, so it makes sense that there is now a variety on offer about mental health. If you’re already listening to podcasts regularly, try searching both broad and specific terms to find the one that’s right for you. You’ll be able to find almost […] Read More
In a way, body positivity is the new “self help book.” Self help books were once used to guide those who felt lost in themselves. And while they’re still easy to find in libraries and book stores, body positivity is emerging as a mainstream movement to help people connect more strongly and positively with their […] Read More
