Insert summarInternational Self-Injury Awareness Day is approaching. There is no time like the present to raise awareness about self-harm, reduce stigma surrounding the topic, and provide support to individuals who experience self-harm urges or behaviors. As a therapist, I want to share the most common misconceptions I often hear from folks who may not fully understand it.

When a person performs acts of kindness, it often inspires others to do the same. This ripple effect allows for a more compassionate and caring society while enhancing your own feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and connection.

February 6th was Safer Internet Day. Creating safe online practices is an ongoing process that evolves with parental guidance and trust. Every family will have their own rules and expectations related to online behavior. Here are some quick tips to help children and adolescents create safe and healthy internet and social media practices. These practices will enhance your child’s online safety and success with overall benefits to mental health and wellbeing.

Depression affects millions of people worldwide everyday, including those we care deeply about. It is often isolating, unpredictable yet persistent, and invisible at times. While some symptoms may be apparent, many aspects remain hidden from view. Some of the less obvious struggles that individuals with depression manage everyday include mental fatigue and other physical ailments, isolation, loneliness, disrupted sleep, mood shifts, difficulty making decisions, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt and shame.

Differentiating between mental illness and typical teenage behavior can be challenging because adolescence is a time of significant emotional and psychological development. It's common for teenagers to exhibit mood swings, experiment with new behaviors, and go through periods of adjustment. That being said, it is also important to recognize when these behaviors might indicate the presence of a mental health concern. Some factors to consider include: Duration, Consistency, Severity, and Intensity, impact on daily functioning and life, family history, and general review of risky behaviors.