The Common Thread by Tara Forney highlights positive attributes of people with ADD and ADHD.
Debunking the Holiday Suicide Myth by Jamie Hart
Suicides are notmore likely during the holiday season!
Did you know that suicides are not more common in the holiday season between November and January? The facts may surprise you. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the lowest number of suicides in the United States happens during the month of December, and this has been relatively consistent over the years1. The number of suicides is actually highest in the spring and fall. Read the Full Article
Holiday Stress and the Child of Divorce
by Heather Troy
Divorce is a time of transition for the whole family.Routines change.Finances may affect what the household can now afford.Sometimes there is even a move involved which can mean new schools and new friends too.All these changes raise the level of stress for the children.The holidays can be particularly difficult.Family traditions around the holidays may intensify feelings of loss for the children.All of a sudden dad isn’t there to put up the decorations or mom isn’t there to bake their favorite treat.
You may not be able to change the fact of the divorce but, there are things you can do to try to lessen the stress of the changes on your family.Find ways to reassure your children that they will still be cared for and loved.Create a new home environment where all family members are respected and get what they need.This is not easy.It will never be perfect.The important thing is to keep trying.Though your children may not appreciate your efforts in the moment, trust that they will know you did the best you could and keep going forward.
Summer is the great season to get outdoors and do something good for our health.We have all sorts of opportunities during the summer, like swimming, beachcombing, walking, hiking, canoeing, playing tennis and badminton and other sports.The good news is that summer is also a great time to exercise our mental health.Read the Article
Graduation – A Mixed Bag By Laura Snyder Imagine overhearing a conversation… JOHN:Hey, Congratulations!I heard you were graduating next month.You must be really excited! JANE (with low, soft voice):Yeah.I guess so. JOHN:What’s wrong?You don’t seem too thrilled. JANE:I guess I’m feeling a bit excited, but I’m also pretty nervous.I’m not sure what I want to do.I’m debating whether to go to the community college or work full-time.It’s just so scary out there right now.Jobs are tough to come by and I’m not sure what I want to do with my life.They make it sound as though I should have it all figured out, but I’m just not there yet.It kind of makes me sad, anxious, upset and excited all at the same time.Does that make me seem weird? JOHN:No, actually. It seems pretty common.I know I wasn’t sure what to do either.It took me a while before I was able to sort things out.