This post is written in partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness. I’ve previously written about the current public health crisis impacting children around the world. Toxic stress stems from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are traumatic events in a child’s life, such as physical, mental or sexual abuse. Left unaddressed, toxic stress can have lasting physical and mental implications. You can assess your child’s risk for toxic stress by … [Read more...] about Steps to Help Your Child Heal After a Traumatic Experience
mental health
Coping Strategies for Teens with Anxiety
Most teenagers experience some degree of anxiety in their lives. It could be due to many things such as life changes like moving or changing schools, real or perceived pressure to do well in school or in extra-curriculars, conflict with peers or due to trauma or health issues. These instances of anxiety can be brief or prolonged. Anxiety can present itself in many ways including poor sleeping patterns, irritability, seclusion, crying, poor academic performance, headaches, stomach aches and poor … [Read more...] about Coping Strategies for Teens with Anxiety
Helping your Child Heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences
This post is written in partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness, but opinions expressed are my own. There is a public health crisis happening in America and around the world. More children are growing up with chronic health issues such as asthma and diabetes. Some are displaying learning disabilities, mental health and behavioural issues. Others are developing anxiety and depression, and they’re growing up to experience continued health problems like … [Read more...] about Helping your Child Heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences
Recognizing Factors That Impact Your Child’s Mental Health
This post is written in partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness. As a parent of four children, I know all about helping children navigate the stresses of life. There are regular challenges that kids need to learn to work through, such as disagreements with friends or not doing well on a school assignment. These don’t often have a lasting impact on a child’s mental health. Then there is toxic stress, which often develops from adverse childhood experiences … [Read more...] about Recognizing Factors That Impact Your Child’s Mental Health
Teen Suicide Attempt: My Son was Suicidal (part 3 of 3)
Read Part Two HERE Teen Suicide Attempt: Day Three Our spirits rose when a familiar face walked through his hospital door. Over five years of IBD treatments, my son and this child life specialist had built a relationship. She heard he was in the hospital from the hospital clown, Ollie, who happened to find us in the critical care unit. The two of them chatted for a bit and then they played a game while I left to grab a coffee. We were waiting to hear when we would change units and she said she … [Read more...] about Teen Suicide Attempt: My Son was Suicidal (part 3 of 3)
Suicide Attempt: My Son Was Suicidal (Part 2 of 3)
Read Part 1 HERE Suicide Attempt: Day Two It was past midnight when my daughter texted that she couldn’t sleep. When I told her to sleep in my bed with Nana, she said she was afraid to wake her up. A text was sent to my mom and she went and got her granddaughter to comfort her through the night. I wished I could be everywhere. Around 4am my husband and I switched places. I tried to sleep but after an hour I gave up and returned to my son’s bedside. In the morning, his potassium was still low … [Read more...] about Suicide Attempt: My Son Was Suicidal (Part 2 of 3)
