Psychological trauma is not always a result of growing up in a toxic family environment, although it can be a contributing factor. A child can experience a car accident resulting in a parent’s death which may cause psychological trauma. On the other hand, someone can grow up in a dysfunctional family, which can do extreme damage and have a lasting impact on their life. What is a Toxic Family? Every family has moments of discord when they argue or situations… Continue Reading
Self-Harm Doesn’t Always Look the Same: When to Seek Help
Self-harm is often kept secret and may be more prevalent than you think, especially in young adults or adolescents. This type of behavior is usually not suicidal but rather a way of dealing with emotional pain or anger. It provides relief for a short period of time, followed by bouts of guilt or shame. This purposeful harming of one’s body usually occurs when people have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. It is important to understand this affliction is not characterized… Continue Reading
How Burnout Can Lead to Mental Breakdowns
The world is in upheaval with the COVID-19 pandemic as there has been a growing number of concerns about everyday life. This is creating an increase in daily stressors, life disruptions, work distractions, and major feelings of burnout. Due to this consistent and chronic state of fear, stress, and anxiety, mental health issues are becoming a major problem. Our daily activities, choices, and desires have been affected by overwhelming changes and an overload of information. We are in hyperdrive and… Continue Reading
Self-Harm: Coping Strategies for Adolescents
Self-harm in teens is a common issue that seems to be growing year after year. As parents see their adolescent children participating in this behavior, they often find themselves unsure of what to do or how to help. This guide will walk parents through details about how many teens self-harm, the reasons they may turn to this practice, and ways to help them overcome it. What is Self-Harm? Self-harm occurs when someone decides to purposefully hurt themselves as a way… Continue Reading
Warning Signs of Self-Harm
There are many reasons why someone may turn to self-harm. It is often seen as a way for people to cope with physical and emotional stress or mental health conditions. If you’re worried that someone you care about is self-harming, this guide will help you learn what it is, the warning signs, and ways you can help them. What is self-harm? Self-harm is the act of injuring oneself as a way of coping with stress, mental health conditions, or psychological… Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month for Children, Teens, and Adults
Every day, there are approximately 3,041 suicide attempts by young people in grades 9-12. Yet due to stigmas and taboos, this isn’t talked about nearly enough. There are too many people of all ages – children, teens, and adults – who face suicide and who could have received help. To combat this “silent epidemic” of suicide, September has been designated National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this month, mental health advocates, suicide survivors, allies, and the community at large come… Continue Reading
Tips on Going Back to School
Heading back to school can be a stressful time, especially for students who struggle with emotional regulation and similar challenges. Even in normal years, many students face anxiety, depression, sensory issues, and other mental health challenges at the start of the school year. However, this year is different: The last school year may have been traumatic as students had to adjust to at-home learning amidst the raging pandemic New COVID-19 protocols and guidelines can mean unfamiliar rules and processes Many… Continue Reading
Helping Your Teen and Adolescent Navigate the Summer
As summer break from school begins, and the world continues to open after the pandemic, many teens are struggling to adapt to “normal life”. Adolescents and teenagers struggle with change as it is. When the pandemic began, the sudden loss of interacting with their school friends was hard. But at least there was some guidance from school, community, and government officials about what to do. Now, with restrictions being lifted, there is virtually no instruction on how to go “back… Continue Reading
Raising Awareness During Child Abuse Prevention Month
Since 1983, April has been National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and organizations, parents, and activists use this month to raise awareness regarding the tragedy of child abuse. Child abuse includes emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, and during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, people work to raise awareness regarding child abuse in all its forms. An event of child abuse is a severe violation of a child’s trust in an adult, and child abuse can have long-term, negative impacts on… Continue Reading
Don’t Be A Bully: The Mental Health Effects of Bullying
With the growth of the internet, bullying is more of a problem for our kids today than ever before. Social media sites and online forums give people a cloak to hide behind, emboldening cyberbullies to say horrible things to any innocent commenter. Bullying happens in person too, like on school campuses or at extracurricular activities. And though bullying is obviously hurtful, there are other serious short- and long-term effects that can take place for both the person being bullied and… Continue Reading