June, 2024
Focus Topics for June, 2024
PTSD Awareness and Resources
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause such signs and symptoms as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. June, 2024 is PTSD Awareness Month. It is important to raise awareness about PTSD to provide support for those who may be struggling with the symptoms. If you, or someone know, is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, seek help from a mental health professional.
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Mental Health America has a free confidential, screening tool available for those who may have concerns whether they are experiencing PTSD. The access link if below:
Resources are available to learn more about this disorder or to share with those who may be experiencing PTSD.
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June is PTSD Awareness Month Resource
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Transitioning to College from High School
Graduation from high school has happened for seniors during May and June, with some students beginning to transition their lives from high school student to the new life as a Freshman in college.
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This is a time of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and concern when this phase of life occurs during the Summer.
June can be a time of significant transition and stress. Discussing strategies for coping with change, managing expectations, and seeking support during this time can be helpful.
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Resources for prospective college students and their parents are provided in this post for gaining insight into this exciting part of life.
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New York Times Article "Before Heading to College, Make a Mental Health Checklist"
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How High School Students Can Use Their Summer to Prepare for College
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Things to Do During the Summer Before College
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The Focus on Father's Day
Father's Day and Family Relationships come to the forefront in June. Father's Day falls in June in many countries, making it an opportune time to explore the impact of family relationships which can impact one's mental health. Areas which surface include father-child relationships, coping with loss or estrangement, and fostering healthy communication within families.
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Fathers have a very important role in a child's life. Areas noted where fathers definitely have an impact include role modeling, particularly for sons, emotional development, self-esteem and confidence, social skills and confidence, academic achievement, and gender identity and role development.
Resources about the positive impacts of fathers in children's lives are listed below:
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How Fathers Support A Child's Development
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10 Facts About Father Engagement
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Understanding the Vital Role of Father Figures
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Fathers, and those special father figures, need to be celebrated this June for their positive contributions to children in their lives.
What I Am Reading This June
Brene Brown, a well known mental health clinician, has researched the concepts of vulnerability, guilt and shame for over 30 years. Dr. Brown has written several books, one of which is very well known, "Daring Greatly". This is a transformative book that encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength. By understanding and addressing shame and guilt, and fostering vulnerability, we can lead more authentic, connected, and fulfilling lives. Brown’s research provides a compelling argument for the power of vulnerability and offers practical guidance for living a courageous and wholehearted life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Brown had a book release, "Atlas of the Heart".
"Atlas of the Heart" serves as a guide to understanding and navigating the vast landscape of human emotions. Brené Brown's research and insights provide a roadmap for building stronger connections, enhancing emotional literacy, and fostering personal growth. The book encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of their emotions, leading to a richer and more fulfilling life. Chapters include topics such as "Places We Go When We Compare", "Places We Go When Things Don't Go as Planned", "Places We Go When We're Hurting", and more insightful "places" for the reader.
I encourage reading this work due to lessons to be learned about connecting with others through recognizing human emotions. On HBO Max, there are videos created with Dr. Brown and audiences discussing the concepts. Resources are provided below.
HBO Max Trailer, "Atlas of the Heart"