September, 2024
Focus Topics for September, 2024
Parental Stress
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, this week, noted parental stress is a national mental health concern. Parents are facing many challenges involving work-life balance, financial concerns, finding time for self-care and exercise, and getting enough sleep.
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Dr. Murthy noted in the interview on CNN, (the article listed below), parents need to find ways to reduce their stress, find ways to obtain support for helping with children, and ways to have down time including adequate sleep.
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Article by Dr. Murthy for review to learn more about this topic.
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Below are some resources parents may wish to review to help with stress management. A self assessment for stress is included in resources area.
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Employee Assistance Services, provided free of charge through a parent's employer, may be a solution to learn ways to manage stress and gain effective tools for making positive change. Parents may also seek a life coach to help reduce stress through time management coaching, work-life balance education, and stress reduction coaching.
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Stress Management Resources
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September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. The data collected from the CDC, Veterans Administration, and other organizations address concerns regarding the numbers of individuals who choose to end their life by death by suicide.
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According to the WHO, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the ages of those globally 15-29 years of age. Stigma still is evident for those with mental health disorders as shame and embarrassment are experienced by those who need mental health treatment.
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A recent study, noted in 2024, found women between the ages of 40-55 years were the hardest hit regarding the rates that have increased in recent years.
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US News and World Report article addresses the rise in death by suicide in the adolescent age group. During the past 20 years, the data shows a steady increase for those between the ages of 10-19 with the number being in excess of 47,000 Americans.
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Resources are provided below to learn more about prevention and guidance for those concerned about someone who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, bullying, substance abuse, and life stressors. 988 is the Suicide Crisis line to share with those in need.
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Resources
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National Institute of Mental Health Resources
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
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Resources for the Start of School Year 2024-2025
Part Two
At this time, some schools have been in session for several weeks, and others have students just returning to class.
College classes have begin with Freshmen adjusting to a new life-college.
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The focus of these resources is to give timely tips for parents, college students, and professionals to develop ways to help make this school year one of the best!
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A Stress Catcher from MHA for Youth
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Stress Management Ideas for Parents to Help Their Children
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Resource from the Cleveland Clinic-Parental Stress
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Kids and Teens-How to Help Them Manage Their Stress
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What I Am Reading This September
In my practice, as I work with individuals, couples, and families, the topic surfaces many times about being "good enough". From a review about the book, "The Gifts of Imperfection" the work provides good insight about refocusing toward developing "whole hearted living". "Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?"
Brene Brown provides insights about how to live authentically and believe one is "good enough".
Resources about the book are provided should the "Insights" visitor choose to read, process, and learn from the work.
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Webinars About "Gifts of Imperfection"​​​​​​
(Take This Inventory to Learn About Your Strengths and Areas for Growth
Before Reading the Book)