The word SUICIDE conjures up many feelings for individuals – anger, fear, sadness, taboo (saying the word) and often survivor’s guilt for those left behind. The stigma around mental health is softening, yet as a society, suicide still holds a different stigma. On Feb. 8, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (C&A) moderated a Suicide Prevention … Continued
In today’s ever fast-paced lifestyle, teenagers and their parents often pass each other during the day but struggle to find time for meaningful dialog. Once your child falls asleep for the night, you decide to check their phone. Scrolling through text messages and SnapChat conversations, shockingly you stumble across a picture of your child’s significant … Continued
June is PRIDE month in the United States. This year, Stark County’s LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) Community is sponsoring a PRIDE Festival June 11 at Centennial Plaza. As the LGBTQ+ becomes more known in the country, there is a chance you likely know someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. If … Continued
With so many stressful events happening in close succession over the past few years we have all heard reminders to make time for self-care. Some of these come in a paternalistic tone, like a concerned parent reminding a child to brush her teeth. Others come across more like a supportive friend who’s been there for … Continued
When we talk about suicide usually the discussion is about teens and young adults. In fact, many people believe that younger children aren’t capable of intentionally ending their own lives because they assume that children don’t really understand what it means to be dead. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is not only incorrect, but also … Continued
In a perfect world, parents would have started the difficult conversations regarding appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior with their child before reaching double digits. As youth approach the middle school years, hormonal changes combined with technology can lead to not only curiosity but behavior that can lead to a youth being in trouble with the … Continued
Delaney Ruston is the mother of two teenagers and a medical doctor. When her daughter was in junior high, they began shopping for a phone for her. Delaney wanted her daughter to have a phone only for the purpose of verbal communication, her daughter wanted a phone with the internet so she could connect with … Continued
Vaping Pop Quiz If you found this item in your teen’s pocket, what might be in it? a. Tampon b. Candy c. Puff Bar vape d. Flavored drink mix 2. If you saw this advertised, at first glance, you might think it was: a Breath freshener b. Lip gloss c. Perfume d. Vape pen … Continued
The month of June brings many thoughts and ideas to mind – the year is nearly half over; school is out; warm weather and sunshine are here. However, June also signifies Pride Month, where a community of individuals are still fighting for acceptance. What is Pride month? The history behind this month and its importance? … Continued
As is often the case when we are talking about children, self-care for children begins with their parents. To have the resources that they will need to properly care for their children, parents must remember to take care of their own needs and business. As the old adage goes, you can’t serve from an empty … Continued