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Make sure you prioritize mental health by getting the sleep your body needs to do well. When you burn the candle at both ends you wind up lacking the bandwidth to be your best.

Developmental psychologist John Bowlby said that children need a secure base to grow up emotionally healthy. One of the ways to help foster stability in children is to practice traditions that give them a sense of identity and security. 

Sharing with others, being silly, being part of a community activity, being creative, are things that promote Good Mental Health. So I encourage you to celebrate now or anytime you get a chance. Have a party. Dress up. Be generous. Smile and enjoy yourself.

Victims are often told by their perpetrators that there is something wrong with them. This leaves the victim feeling as though they don't deserve to be loved and treated well. The reality is we all are lovable, and we all deserve to be respected and cared for. 

Safe Schools Week is Oct 16-22, and I want to say a word about the important topic of bullying. The CDC defines bullying as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times. It results in physical, psychological, social, or educational harm on the targeted youth.

Like any other challenge in life, ADHD can be overcome with the right interventions, training, patience, persistence, and love.  Families that have a child who meets the criteria, need support, understanding, and skill building. Early intervention can make a huge difference so reach out to your pediatrician or trusted mental health provider and get the help you need.

Being frustrated with something or someone is a common experience. It is important that we learn to recognize and manage frustration, so it doesn't become the feeling that is driving all our decisions or actions. Maybe there is a change at your work that-you-have-a-hard-time accepting or something unexpected happens and your vacation plans get put on hold.  

Today is National Love People Day. I have a plaque on the wall that reads: Love each other or perish. My challenge to you this weekend is to have a conversation with someone who you categorize as different from you. Become a bridge-builder. You'll be amazed to find your suspiciousness start to shrink and your capacity for love and care start to grow.

How many of us have seen the stereotypical group of retired guys sitting at McDonald's in the morning drinking coffee together and solving the world's problems? This practice of regularly getting together with friends and sharing life is a powerful mental health tool.

Building relationships with your neighbor can become a powerful tool in your mental health toolbox. Part of a healthy mental health strategy includes tending to the relationships we have with our family, friends, and neighbors.

The act of forgiving can reverse these negatives by calming the body’s stress response. Through practicing forgiveness, you can reap rewards for your health such as lowering the risk of heart attack, improving cholesterol levels, better sleep, reducing blood pressure, and lessening your experience of anxiety, depression and stress.

In 2001, the National Center for Addictions declared the fourth Monday of September as National Family Day to promote families setting down in the evenings and having dinner together. Their research found that adolescents who ate meals with their families three or more times per week were less likely to use drugs or alcohol.