Flourishing in Fall
As fall quickly approaches, there is both a level of excitement and fatigue that sets in for some who realize they have completed spring and summer. It is celebrated that the summer vacation was amazing and that the kids...
A.I.R. Your Emotions: Navigating Grief with Acknowledgment, Identification, and Release
Line Fleming , M.A.
Grief is what we experience when dealing with loss. Examples include loss of someone we love, loss of physical ability, or loss of a relationship. We grieve what is no longer there. Grief is a process we must journey...
How to Respond When Your Child’s School Alerts You About Their Suicidal Thoughts
Many school systems have begun to work with students on understanding their emotional needs, which includes talking about suicide. According to the CDC, “Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34” in 2021....
8 Tips to Combat Seasonal Depression
Sarah Mixson , M.S.W.
While fall can be an exciting time with Halloween, football, and cooler weather, it can also be a challenging time for people who suffer with depression. As the seasons change, some people notice their depression symptoms worsen. Here are...
The Importance of Adherence in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Brittany Glaser , M.A., M.Div.
What is DBT? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment originally created to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It has since been adapted to help adults, as well as adolescents and their families cope with dysregulated emotions and...
What Story From Your Life Makes You Go Into Hiding?
According to The Gottman Institute; Here’s the truth about shame: the less you talk about it with someone safe, the more control it has over your life and psychological well-being. The fear behind shame is usually the belief that...
Hiding in Plain Sight: Unveiling the Truth about Youth Mental Health
Recent statistics paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by our youth. According to a comprehensive study, an alarming 1 in 5 adolescents grapple with mental health issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to addiction and suicidal ideation....
How Does Racism Impact the Mental and Physical Health of African Americans?
I recently received a referral involving an African American mother and her 20-year-old son with mental health issues. The mother expressed her preference for an African American male therapist, which she thought would be in the best interest of...
Self-Esteem and Self-Actualization versus the Transcendent Self
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
In my counseling practice, I am often asked about the importance of a healthy self-esteem, and how to get a “better” one: “My performance (in school, in sports, in social situations) suffers because I don’t have enough self-confidence. How...
5 Ideas to Combat the Impostor Within
Jason Howard , M.A.
Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite your accomplishments and successes? Do you worry that your achievements are due to luck or deception, rather than your own abilities? You’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with Impostor Syndrome....
The Power of Positive Self-Talk: Managing Anxiety with Affirmations
Sarah Mixson , M.S.W.
Positive affirmations can be helpful in managing anxiety by promoting positive self-talk and shifting one’s mindset. Negative self- talk can have a significant impact on anxiety by exacerbating its symptoms and making it more challenging to manage. Negative self-talk...
From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Conquering Caregiver Stress
Line Fleming , M.A.
Are you a caregiver? What is a caregiver? We hear a lot about someone going through a medical or mental health issue. We hear about their symptoms, how they are affecting the person, and the treatments they are implementing...
CDC Reports Increasing Mental Health Challenges for U.S. Teens
by Cathy Murphy, Director of Community Outreach According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are continuing to see a trend of declining mental health among our teens. The data showed more...
3 Steps to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety
Shaquanta “Shelley” Danjoint , M.S.
How to Help a Loved One with Suicidal Thoughts
Allison Bates , M.S.
In the United States, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, according to a 2020 study by the CDC. Suicide has become such a common topic for kids and teens in these...
Finding Balance: How DBT Can Help
Brittany Glaser , M.A., M.Div.
Men Have Emotion Regulation Needs, Too
Jason Howard , M.A.
Mastering the Test
As we enter the Spring season within schools, we enter the timeframe of the year where student testing occurs. For some students, the results of these tests mean the difference between being promoted to the next grade or being...
The 5 Senses Technique for Self-Regulation
Maddie McGarrah , M.Ed.
When feeling overwhelmed and upset, it can be hard to calm down and think through your situation. I often recommend a mindfulness technique that uses the five senses to help you calm yourself when you’re feeling dysregulated. It’s simple:...
The Intersection of Faith Communities and Mental Health
By Cathy Murphy, Director of Community Outreach Many people with mental health conditions, including suicide risk, often turn first to their faith community for help. On Thursday, March 30th the North Fulton Mental Health Collaborate will lead a panel...