The Think FLEXibly Blog
Some ideas anyone can benefit from. Our blog is intended to provide current and future clients some ideas and resources that we think are great.
When someone experiences a physical health crisis, many of us would know how to respond – thanks to basic first aid knowledge. However, when it comes to mental health crises, we might feel less equipped to provide help. Just like first aid for physical health emergencies, mental health first aid is a valuable skill set that can be learned and practiced.
Recognize the Signs The first step in mental health first aid is recognizing potential signs of a mental health crisis. These can include drastic changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance, uncharacteristic outbursts or withdrawal, expressions of overwhelming fear or anxiety, and signs of self-harm or talk of suicide. Express Concern and Listen If you suspect someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, express your concern in a caring, non-judgmental manner. Use open-ended questions to encourage communication. Most importantly, listen to what they have to say. Encourage Professional Help Encourage the individual to seek professional help. Provide them with resources, if you have them, or offer to help them find appropriate mental health services. Assess for Immediate Danger If you believe there's immediate danger, particularly in the case of suicide risk, seek professional help immediately. In such situations, it’s crucial to involve mental health professionals or emergency services without delay. Offer Continuous Support Support should not end after the crisis. Regular check-ins, expressing continued care and concern, and offering help in small, practical ways can make a significant difference in a person's recovery. It's important to note that mental health first aid does not replace professional help, but it serves as immediate support and guidance until professional help can be reached. Mental health crises can be frightening and overwhelming, both for those experiencing them and for those trying to help. By understanding the basic principles of mental health first aid, we can respond effectively in these situations and provide support to those who need it. As summer approaches, parents and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may face a unique set of challenges. While the break from school routines can offer a much-needed respite, it can also lead to potential disruptions for children with ADHD who often thrive on consistency.
The goal of the summer break should be a balance of relaxation, fun, and continued learning, which can help mitigate some ADHD symptoms. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance: 1. Maintain a Routine: While summer is a time for relaxation, maintaining a basic routine can provide a sense of stability and security for children with ADHD. This doesn't mean a strict schedule; rather, a predictable rhythm to the day, such as consistent meal and bedtime. 2. Plan Engaging Activities: Keep your child engaged with a mix of activities that cater to their interests and stimulate their brains. This can range from outdoor sports to art projects, science experiments, or reading challenges. 3. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help manage ADHD symptoms. Try to incorporate daily exercises or sports into your child's routine. 4. Promote Social Interaction: Summer camps, playdates, and family outings provide opportunities for social interaction, helping children with ADHD develop their social skills. 5. Set Achievable Goals: Setting small, achievable goals throughout the summer can give children a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This could involve finishing a book, learning to swim, or building a model airplane. 6. Provide Quiet Time: Children with ADHD can benefit from quiet time to relax and recharge. This could be reading, drawing, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness. 7. Revisit and Reinforce School Lessons: To prevent summer learning loss, spend some time each week revisiting lessons from the previous school year. With these strategies in place, summer can be a productive and enjoyable time for children with ADHD, helping them flourish while also providing them with a refreshing break from school. As the school year comes to an end and summer vacation begins, children and parents alike breathe a sigh of relief. However, while a break from academic pressure is much needed, the long summer months can also lead to what educators often refer to as 'summer slide' or 'summer learning loss'. Research indicates that children can lose up to two months of learning over the summer break. This loss is even more pronounced for children with learning disabilities, as consistent practice and reinforcement are vital for their progress. So, how can parents help their children maintain their learning momentum over the summer while still ensuring they have a fun and relaxing break? Here are some strategies:
Summer learning doesn't have to be stressful or overly academic. With these strategies, you can ensure your child continues learning in a fun and engaging way. As a bonus, here are a few free online resources that can enhance your child's learning over the summer:
Remember, the goal is to keep learning fun and engaging so your child maintains their love of learning throughout the summer break. In our increasingly digital world, social media plays a substantial role in the lives of many children and adolescents. While these platforms can offer opportunities for connection and learning, their impact on mental health can be concerning.
Research suggests that excessive social media use can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation in children. The constant barrage of perfected images and seemingly perfect lives can lead to unrealistic expectations and a sense of inadequacy. Additionally, cyberbullying, which is increasingly prevalent on these platforms, can have severe emotional consequences. However, it's important to remember that not all social media use is harmful. When used responsibly and in moderation, social media can foster creativity, social interaction, and global awareness. The key is to guide children to use these platforms healthily. Here are some tips for parents to manage their children's social media use:
Remember, as a parent, your guidance is crucial in helping your child navigate the digital world safely and healthily. Stay involved and stay informed. Art has long been recognized not merely as a form of self-expression, but also as a valuable therapeutic tool, offering numerous psychological and emotional benefits. Through the ages, art has played a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate their feelings, cope with stress, and explore different aspects of their identities. The therapeutic effect of art starts with self-expression. Creating art allows individuals to convey emotions that are often difficult to articulate verbally. Through the use of colours, shapes, and textures, one can externalize complex emotions, thereby making them more manageable. By giving form to these feelings, we can examine them more objectively, gaining a better understanding of our internal state. Art also serves as a form of non-verbal communication, providing an outlet for those who find it challenging to express their emotions verbally. This proves especially beneficial for children, individuals with autism, or anyone who might struggle with verbal communication. Art therapy can become a safe space where they can communicate freely, exploring and expressing their feelings without the fear of judgement. Moreover, the process of creating art can be incredibly meditative, acting as a form of mindfulness practice. Focusing on the here and now, the shapes and colours in front of you, allows for a temporary escape from daily stressors. This immersion in the present moment reduces anxiety, slows down the rush of thoughts, and cultivates a sense of inner peace. Research suggests that engaging in creative activities triggers the release of dopamine, a natural antidepressant. This chemical helps to boost mood and increase feelings of happiness. Furthermore, the satisfaction of creating something with one's own hands can foster a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem. Creating art also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It is a process of turning abstract ideas into concrete reality, requiring a blend of creativity, planning, and decision-making. In essence, each art project becomes a small-scale problem to be solved, helping individuals to develop their cognitive abilities in a non-stressful environment. One of the most unique aspects of art as therapy is its capacity for self-discovery. Often, the images that emerge on canvas are reflections of our subconscious mind. These can serve as mirrors, allowing us to see parts of ourselves that were previously hidden or unacknowledged. This can lead to profound insights about our desires, fears, and experiences, catalyzing personal growth. Art as therapy is not about creating the perfect masterpiece, but about the process of creation itself. It offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions, cope with stress, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. It is a testament to the transformative power of art – one that goes beyond aesthetic appeal and delves into the realm of healing and personal development. The therapeutic power of art lies in its ability to heal, comfort, and enlighten. Whether it's through painting, sculpture, drawing, or any other art form, the act of creation helps individuals express their feelings, cope with stress, improve their cognitive abilities, and discover aspects of their identity. As such, art stands as a powerful ally in the pursuit of mental and emotional well-being. |
DisclaimerThe information provided on the Think FLEXibly Blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as therapeutic advice. |