Certain emotions can be hard for anyone to process, but even more so for children. They might not know how to react when they feel a certain way, so, as a parent, it is important to be aware of other signs your child may be struggling.

The signs are not always obvious. Instead of telling you how they feel, they might act out in behavioral ways or complain of physical discomforts.The best thing you can do is pay attention. Note any sudden shifts in mood, behavior, or physical symptoms. These can be indicators your child could use some help coping. And, listen to your gut. Parents tend to have a sense something isn’t right.

The past few months, living during a global pandemic COVID-19, have been particularly challenging with everything being canceled and closed down. Now, as we begin another school year and our children and teens take on education in a new way—whether in-person or remote— it is perfectly normal for them to be having a hard time. They might be mad that they have to wear a mask or confused as to why they can’t be in school with their friends. They might feel anxious about getting sick.

Whatever it is that is ailing them, what are some signs to watch for? And how can you help?

 These times are tough for everyone. Disappointment is all around us, fear of the unknown, financial struggles, concerns about our children and school, isolation as we try to be socially responsible, and anxiety over the potential of getting sick. For those struggling with depression—new or chronic—COVID-19 has compounded symptoms and made treatment feel more out of reach. 

The good news is online therapy is available and many insurance companies have made changes to their plans to include coverage for online services, making treatment more easily accessible. But even so, we could all use some tips on how to manage depression during these unprecedented and extremely trying times. 

As our society's current climate brings to light important movements like Black Lives Matter, reminding us to take a look at our own internal prejudices, I find it fitting that July is Minority Mental Health Month. Underrepresented minorities such as people of color, immigrants and their families, and LGBTQIA individuals face a host of additional obstacles when searching for treatment.

While we celebrate, reflect, and acknowledge the growth of the LGBTQ community, there is still a significant amount of work to be done, specifically for our transgender community. Understanding what it is like to be transgender can be hard, which can make acceptance difficult.

In this month's newsletter, we will focus on the transgender community and help you gain an understanding of transgender individuals and the best ways to support the community.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This has been held every May since 1949 to help spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about.

It is even more important this year. Just weeks ago, we had no idea the world would be turned upside down by COVID-19. Worry, isolation, loneliness, and anxiety is something everyone is experiencing.

Mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and wellbeing, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. There are tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with.