Positive self-talk can have a big impact on how we think and feel. Over time, engaging in more positive self-talk can help reduce stress, improve self-esteem, increase motivation, inspire productivity, and improve overall mental and physical health. Educators, counselors, and parents can have a huge role in helping kids and young adults develop a greater…
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Feelings are a normal part of the human experience, but often we shame children for certain feelings. Or we send the message that they should be able to “control” their feelings. Some research suggests that this can actually produce anxiety in children, who feel they must be in control of all of their emotions. Instead,…
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If your loved one is thinking about suicide, take the fourth step and #BeThe1To help them connect to resources. Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. One way to start helping them find way to connect…
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No matter what stage of development a child is at, parents will always have opportunities to help their children build resiliency by protecting them from environmental stressors. Fostering a close, warm relationship is a key principle for parents to help their children combat daily stress and to develop resiliency. Warm relationships help children feel more…
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Consider showing your child this video of how this college athlete learned to re-frame her negative thoughts for better performance, and more importantly, better mental health. All of us can get stuck in negative self-talk, but did you know that positive thought habits are one of the best protective factors against depression? Most of us (kids and…
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Sleep. It’s a basic need for our brain but it’s one we often ignore. A tired brain doesn’t learn as well and a tired brain isn’t as mentally healthy. In fact, the cycle between sleep deprivation and mental illness is well-documented. Lack of sleep is a risk factor for depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.…
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Ask your child to lie on his/her back. Ask your child to close her/his eyes and breathe normally while paying attention to all the parts of his/her body that move when she/he breathes. Ask him/her to place one hand on her/his upper chest and the other on his/her stomach. Tell your child to inhale through…
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Did you know that that there is a safe space for youth to discuss and share their stories about mental health and wellness? You Matter is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, created and administered by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You Matter blog posts are…
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Did you know that young people start using marijuana for many reasons? Some may use out of curiosity or peer pressure and some may use as means of coping with anxiety or depression. Despite whatever the reason may be, marijuana has negative effects on young developing brains. When marijuana is smoked, vaporized or consumed, the…
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Help your child build resilience by teaching them ABC Planning, a simple tool that is good for almost any age. When your child is planning for an important event, help them think through not only their Plan A, but also a Plan B and even a Plan C. Allow them to think through their own…
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