Enhancing Workplace Resilience
Currently, a quarter of all employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is not necessarily the amount of stress we experience at work, but how quickly we recover from the effects that is important to our health and wellbeing. Resilience is the key strategy that helps employees effectively tackle stress, workplace conflicts, and the unique and ever-changing challenges of the job.Read More
Domestic Violence: Impact on Families, Children, and Communities
The month of October recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness. The one thing that is always true is domestic violence spans across family systems and impacts not only the survivor and their families but for communities, too. No matter the definition, domestic violence is much more than two words.Read More
The “Why” Behind Your Child’s Behaviors
When you see or experience a child or teen acting out, what is often your first thought? For most, that first reactionary thought is not one of empathy nor is it thinking about the deeper meaning behind the behavior. If you take a step back and search to understand why a child may be having a certain “undesirable” attitude or outburst, it can solve the problem in a faster, friendlier, and less stressful way.Read More
At Home Tips for Seasonal Depression
What are some solutions to help those experiencing SAD get through winter? Here are some at-home solutions you can try.Read More
A Defense of Winter and the Custom of "Hygge"
A year ago, I came across the Danish custom of “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”). “Hygge” doesn’t have an exact translation in English. According to the New York Times article where I first came across the term, a close translation is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” The feelings I experience in winter of safety, comfort, and community are in line with hygge.Read More
How To Help My Child’s Anxiety
It feels like the last three years have seen an uptick in anxiety, especially for children. This time has been scary for adults, let alone developing children who are just beginning to learn and explore the world outside of their home. With all these recent stressors, how can we help keep kids feeling safe and secure in today’s world?Read More
Suicide Warning Signs
People who are thinking of ending their life often exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. There usually is not one clear reason for why someone may feel suicidal or that suicide is the only answer to their problems. Suicide is preventable and knowing the warning signs allows us to help those around us who may be feeling hopeless.Read More
Ending Summer With Gratitude
Labor Day has come and gone, and while for many this means the end of summer – we still have a few weeks left of sunshine and warm temperatures before fall truly sets in. If you are struggling with the idea of transitioning seasons like I am, maybe these practices will help you find your own gratitude and move into fall and winter more peacefully.Read More
A Responder's Perspective on Suicide Prevention
As a family responder, working with youth who struggle with suicidality (deliberately hurting oneself with an intent to die) is a routine part of my job. Parents are often not provided with the same skill set as mental health professionals, yet they are the “first responders” when it comes to their child’s mental health. In my years working with suicidal youth and their families, I’ve noticed trends in the information I share with parents.Read More
When the Only Solution Is to Just Be There
Some days feel full of doom and gloom, others are full of light and humor. As soon as we get used to what we think will become the “norm,” he reminds us that there is still a lot that he is silently dealing with. I have yet to find “normal” as a foster parent.Read More
