Tag Archives: Psychiatrist

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

0 comments Anxiety, Children's Mental Health, Family, Grief, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , ,

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 […]

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What’s Your Word: the 2022 Edition

1 comment Mental Health, Self-Care , , , , , , ,

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 […]

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Decoding ADHD

1 comment Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

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 […]

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Accessing Mental Health Services: The College Edition

0 comments Mental Health, Parenting, Schools , , , , , , , ,

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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Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health & Mental Illness

0 comments Health, Mental Health , , , ,

Mental Health Awareness Month As the last day of May quickly approaches, bringing with it an end to Mental Health Awareness month, I have been reflecting on what we need to do to promote positive mental health and destigmatize mental illness in this country. We need to incorporate mental health into the fabric of our lives, improve access to preventative mental health services and treatment, and eliminate stigma. Distinguishing Mental Health and Mental Illness Mental health and mental illness, terms often used interchangeably, are quite different. We ALL have mental health, and we must all nurture, cultivate, and protect it. […]

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No Seat At the Table?

0 comments Self-Care, Social Justice, Uncategorized , , , , ,

At whose table shall I sit? Is there a space for me? Well, how many tables are there? And who sits at those tables? Is that even where I belong? Maybe someone saved me a chair … Perhaps space was divinely created for me … Or does my spot remain cast aside, ignored, and unwanted? Should I force my way in and pull up my own chair? You know, shift folks so I get into position Or I could ask permission, politely with a smile Spout pleasantries, curtsey, and grin Then might they let me in? Nah, I’m not forcing […]

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