Tag Archives: Mental Health

When the World is Hurting: Talking to your Children about War & Violence

March 6, 2022 0 comments Anxiety, Children's Mental Health, Family, Grief, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting Birmingham Alabama, children, drleesha, Mental Health, mental health awareness, Mental Illness Education, Psychiatrist Dr. Leesha

Our Children Have Questions A few days ago, my son peppered me with questions – “Mom, what’s happening? Are we going to have World War III? Is Russia going to bomb us? Are we safe?” He was obviously concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rightfully so. Kids at school have been talking, whispering their fears to their friends. Violent images of the war flood the media. Radio stations cover the tragic events. We cannot shield our children from life’s perils despite our best efforts. So, how do we discuss such sensitive topics with our children? TEN tips for talking […]

What’s Your Word: the 2022 Edition

January 3, 2022 1 comment Mental Health, Self-Care Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, fresh start, Mental Health, new start, new year, Psychiatrist, self care, self love Dr. Leesha

In the aftermath of years 2020 and 2021, I am, admittedly, a bit hesitant to proclaim my word for 2022. Despite my apprehension, I choose to push forward for I have always loved what a new year symbolizes – the audacity to hope, the pursuit of more, and the promise of a fresh start. My word for 2022 is S-T-R-E-T-C-H Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stretch, the verb, in these ways: To extend or expand To reach out To amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits Stretch, in noun form, is defined as “an exercise of something (such as the understanding […]

Enduring Grief: The Price We Pay for Love

December 20, 2021 1 comment Grief, Mental Health death, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, drleesha, grief, loss, Mental Health, mental health awareness Dr. Leesha

Grief: A Human Experience To grieve is to endure pain and loss. To grieve is to suffer. To grieve is to have loved. Ultimately, to grieve is to be human. Helen Keller once said, “We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world – the company of those who have known suffering.” We will all experience grief – the children we never birthed, the death of a dream, the life that never materialized, the relationship that ended, the job we lost, or a trauma endured. Grief is much more than the death of a […]

When It’s Not Most Wonderful Time of the Year

November 11, 2021 0 comments Mental Health, Self-Care Anxiety, Christmas, Depression, grief, holiday blues, holidays, Mental Health, mental health awareness, Mental Illness Education, seasonal depression, self-care Dr. Leesha

Come November and we begin to hear Andy Williams song, “It’s most the wonderful time of the year.” Except it isn’t. For so many, the holiday season engenders feelings of loneliness and stress. Less love, holiday parties, and family gatherings and more debt, family drama, and grief and loss. And more focus on who and what is missing and all that is wrong rather than the joy of the holiday season and all that is right. Ever felt this way? If so, it could be the holiday blues. Got a Case of the Holiday Blues? The holiday blues is a […]

Decoding ADHD

October 18, 2021 1 comment Uncategorized ADHD, Birmingham Alabama, education, Mental Health, mental health awareness, Mental Illness Education, Psychiatrist, student mental health Dr. Leesha

Dismantling ADHD Stereotypes Loud, bossy, bad, dumb, stupid, lazy – these are but a fraction of the destructive words erroneously used to describe children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. While a common childhood diagnosis, ADHD is often poorly understood. It’s more than kids with boundless energy, excessive talking, daydreaming, and forgetfulness. There is also low self-esteem, strained relationships with peers or co-workers, rejection sensitivity, mood dysregulation, poor time management, car accidents, and financial burdens. Many youth with ADHD face lifelong consequences, especially when their symptoms go untreated. According to the CDC, 9.4% of US children have […]

Accessing Mental Health Services: The College Edition

September 6, 2021 0 comments Mental Health, Parenting, Schools Birmingham Alabama, college mental health, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, drleesha, Mental Health, mental health awareness, Mental Illness Education, Psychiatrist, student mental health Dr. Leesha

Mental Illness Statistics What we already know according to the National Institute of Mental Health: 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental disorder and those mental disorders range in severity from mild to moderate to severe Young adults ages 18 – 25 years have the highest prevalence of any mental illness at 29.4% Only 38.9% of adults 18 – 25 years with any mental disorder received mental health services compared to 45.4% of adults ages 26 – 49 with any mental disorder Young adults ages 18 – 25 years have the highest prevalence of serious […]

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