Approximately 280 million people around the globe have depression, according to a report from the World Health Organization. The personal, familial, and societal effects of this condition are profound. Especially considering that depression, at its worst, can lead to suicide. Read more ›
What does it feel like to have a child with mental illness?
“When our daughter was diagnosed with OCD and clinical depression at age 12, we discussed treatment options with the psychiatrist. At first, we were wary of medication, as most parents are. “If your child had type 1 diabetes, wouldn’t you give her insulin?” the doctor asked. “This is a disease—in fact it’s a life threatening disease. Medication is required. And so is regular therapy.”
And that was the beginning of our journey to understanding that our daughter has an illness, it needs to be treated, and she requires ongoing special care.” Read more ›
Eating disorders have a devastating effect on the lives of those affected and are associated with the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses. While they can affect anyone, there is a higher incidence of people with autism who have eating disorders compared to the general population. Read more ›
Effective communication is a protective factor that can help prepare teens to make informed, safe, and healthy decisions in the future. This session focuses on helping parents and trusted adults engage their children in open and honest conversation on the impact of social media and pornography on relationships, digital perfection and its impact on body image, and sexting. Read more ›
As the 32nd Summer Olympics came to a close, the TV aired hours of footage from the previous two weeks in Tokyo. The highlight reel featured medal-winning moments in every sport from badminton, beach volleyball and BMX freestyle to swimming, skateboarding and surfing. But it was something else that held my attention, something that has been in short supply over the past 18 months—publicly displayed, unmasked emotion. Wonder, gratitude, passion, determination, belief, bonafide hope. Read more ›
This Voices of Compassion podcast highlights a few favorite excerpts from some of our previous episodes, including Top 3 Mindfulness Strategies to Reduce Stress (Episode 5), Best Strategies for ADHD & Distance Learning, Part I and Best Strategies for ADHD & Distance Learning, Part 2 (Episodes 8 & 9), Family Dynamics While Sheltering in Place (Episode 11) and more. We hope it brings a smile to your face and perhaps even makes you want to go back and listen to the episodes that resonate most. Read more ›
If you need special supports or accommodations to succeed while you are in high school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that a well thought-out Individualized Education Program (IEP) be developed and updated yearly.
Once you graduate from high school and begin postsecondary education, you will no longer have an IEP and the IDEA will no longer apply. The laws and types of support you can get will be different. Read more ›
Anxiety Canada provides information to help understand anxiety in children, teens, and adults and practical tips, resources, and self-help tools to help manage anxiety. Read more ›
We see images and hear conversations about racial injustice almost every day. As a parent, you might find it easier to be silent or ignore, but it’s important to view these as opportunities to talk with your kids about what they are seeing and hearing.
How do you have those conversations with your kids? For each family, this conversation might look a bit different, depending on your own heritage and experience. Read more ›
A study published in December in the Journal of Adolescence, suggests that altruistic behaviors, including large and small acts of kindness, may raise teens’ feelings of self-worth. However, not all helping behaviors are the same. The researchers found that adolescents who assisted strangers reported higher self-esteem one year later. Read more ›
