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great resources

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Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family's strengths and to advocate for their family's needs.

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It's time to take care of us...  Like putting on your oxygen mask first.

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When you're a parent, self-care often slips to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn't a luxury. It's essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it's more important than ever. Here are five tips from our clinicians that can help.

Click here to see all resources related to the coronavirus crisis.

Make time for yourself

The pandemic has been long, and even though the end is in sight, we're all struggling to maintain our mental health. Even now, much of the personal time that was part of daily routines pre-pandemic - commutes, time alone at home or at the store, social time with friends, sitting in a restaurant - is not available for folks with kids at home. Without it, we have to be intentional about creating space to recharge and decompress. This could look like taking a shower or bath, walking around the block alone (or with your dog), or designating time to read or simply zone out after the kids have gone to bed.

Prioritize healthy choices

The colder weather and ongoing stress we're all experiencing right now can make it easy to slip into habits that feel good in the moment but can be detrimental in the long term. "Make sure you're eating properly, try to get enough sleep (but not too much!), and create a routine that includes physical activity," recommends Jill Emanuele, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. This doesn't mean pressuring yourself to get into tip-top shape, or not eating ice cream or binging your favorite shows. It does mean being thoughtful and intentional about how you're treating yourself and your body. Small changes like making time to take a walk, do a short exercise routine, or choosing to go to bed a little earlier than usual can reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed and resilient.

Be realistic

"Perfectionism and the coronavirus don't mix," says David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. "It's time to be exceedingly realistic, both at work and as a parent." Avoid burnout by setting realistic expectations and giving yourself grace if you can't meet them. "Practice forgiveness and self-compassion," says Dr. Anderson. Parents should remind themselves that these are unprecedented times. "There's no playbook for this. Remember you're doing your best during a very difficult time. Cut yourself some slack."

Set boundaries

It's been long (long long long) year and anxiety is, understandably, rampant. With so much worry and uncertainty floating around it can be easy to absorb other people's fears and concerns without even realizing it. If you have a friend or family member who's in the habit of sending worst-case-scenario news or is prone to sending anxiety-provoking text messages, practice a little emotional distancing. Let them know you sympathize but that you're taking a break from worrying news, or simply hit the Do Not Disturb button. You can always reconnect when things are calmer.

Reconnect with things you enjoy

Self-care can be as simple as taking a shower, but it doesn't have to be. Finding time to get back in touch with hobbies or activities you enjoy or making the choice to learn a new skill can be a great way to practice self-care. Maybe there's a knitting project you've always wanted to try, or you've been meaning to learn how to needlepoint. If young children at home make solo activities unrealistic, seek out activities you can enjoy together, like baking bread, or making art.

Finally, remember, being kind to yourself will not only help you stay calm during this difficult time, it will help ensure that you have the bandwidth you need to take good care of your family. When you're running on fumes, caring for others can tax your already depleted resources to breaking point. But when you prioritize your needs, you're filling the tank, emotionally and physically, and that means you'll be in a position to offer comfort and care to others when they need it most.

Click here to see all resources related to the coronavirus crisis.

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Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus | Child Mind Institute

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When you're a parent, self-care often slips to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn't a luxury. It's essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it's more important than ever. Here are five tips from our clinicians that can help.

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This is a great resource.

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Answer:

It's very common for kids to have some degree of anxiety about moving to a new school or transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school. This is especially true for kids who have anxiety issues. Starting middle school can trigger fears of getting lost, being late to class, difficulty managing more complicated schedules and being socially isolated.

The most important thing for you to do is to stay calm and project a sense of confidence in your child's ability to succeed. This doesn't mean to ignore your child's fears. Listen to her concerns and then normalize them as much as you can. You can do this by saying things like:

"Most kids worry about adjusting to a new school and keeping up with homework."

"It's OK to feel this way. It may take a little time for you to figure this all out, but I'm confident that you'll do fine."

"You're right that every year classes get a little harder, but it all evens out because you're a year older."

"When I was your age, my friends and I were all a little nervous about adjusting to middle school because we didn't know what to expect. But it turned out to be great. I'm sure it will turn out fine for you too."

Projecting an attitude of confidence can be difficult if you're anxious yourself or very worried about your child's ability to cope. If you fit into either of these categories, do your best to avoid directly or indirectly communicating your own anxiety to your child-which could reduce her confidence even further.

The way you model brave behavior and positive coping strategies is an extremely powerful tool for enhancing your child's resilience and confidence. There are several other important ways you can help your child:

Remind her of past successes. Try to be as specific as possible when you do this. Help your child see how the strategies she used successfully then could help her now: "Remember your first day of soccer practice last year? You talked to the coach, and he paired you up with Ashley so she could show you the ropes. Once you learned your way around, things were fine."

Practice deep breathing. Slow, rhythmic breathing that starts deep in your belly is a great way to calm down. Even just a few breaths like this can be very helpful. This exercise is something the two of you can do together at home. It's also something subtle your daughter can do at school or in other social situations to help her manage her anxiety.

Focus on logistics. Go with your child after school to locate her locker, classrooms, bathrooms and other important locations. Draw a map of the school to help her visualize moving between classes. These strategies may help ease her fears of getting lost or being late. (They'll also be very helpful to reuse in late summer before she begins seventh grade.)

The transition from one to multiple teachers is a very common concern. This can be challenging for anxious children or those with organization issues. In these cases, proactive planning can be helpful. This could include:

Having your child keep a copy of her class schedule in a place that's easy to access

Using different colored binders for each class and designating a special place for doing homework assignments

Creating a homework schedule and tracking log to help ensure that your daughter can keep track of her assignments and finish them on time

Establish and maintain a regular routine for your child. This includes setting a specific time for homework as well as a time for going to bed and waking up. It's important for your child to get a full night's sleep. Make clear that rather than staying up late to try to complete an assignment, your child could ask you to write a note to the teacher asking for more time.

Reward your child's effort and successes. This is very, very important. Verbal praise, smiles and hugs can be great ways to show your child how proud you are of her efforts. It's also good to reward her with things like a favorite dinner or dessert, a fun family activity or extra time with you doing something you both like.

No matter how you choose to reward her, remember to acknowledge the hard work she's putting in to develop coping strategies. This can help motivate her to stick with these strategies or try new ones.

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My Sixth Grader Is Anxious About School. What Can I Do?

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It's very common for kids to have some degree of anxiety about moving to a new school or transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school. This is especially true for kids who have anxiety issues. Starting middle school can trigger fears of getting lost, being late to class, difficulty managing more complicated schedules and being socially isolated.

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Child Mind Institute

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Self-confidence originates from a perception of competence - or, to put it more simply, children develop confidence not because family and friends praise them, but because of their own accomplishments. As a preschool teacher, I watched many children became more confident and self-assured as they learned and completed new tasks and goals.

It's only natural that as parents you want to instill confidence in your kids. Confident children believe in themselves and are able to face new challenges without fear -essential factors for a happy and fulfilling life.

Although each child is different, there are a few general guidelines you can follow to build your kids' confidence.
Make time for play
Playtime is one of the best investments you can make in your child. The hours you spend playing with your children show them that they are valuable and worth your time.

Focus your attention on your child during play. Children are perceptive and will know if your mind is elsewhere. Dedicate yourself to the game that you and your child are playing. That shared imagination brings you closer together and lets your child know that you're listening to them.

The life of a preschool teacher is a hectic one, and I often spent time multitasking. However, when it came to playtime, I gave the kids my full attention and jumped into their play with both feet. The bonds I shared with my students were often built during this important time together.
Provide them with small jobs
Children need opportunities to display their skills and feel that their contribution is valued. At home, this means asking them to help with household chores such as:

Setting the table

Tidying up toys

Dusting

Sweeping

Vacuuming

Doing the dishes

Sorting or folding laundry

Washing the car

Gardening

Consider your child's interests and give them a job that lets them feel useful and successful. If your child is proud of their ability to organize, ask them to put toys away in designated areas. When a child accomplishes a task, they feel confident.

When tasks start to lose their fun appeal, work with your children. It helps them to learn that sometimes, work comes before play.
Give them your attention
I can't stress enough how important it is to make time to give your child your full attention. Much like playtime, it boosts your child's feelings of self-worth by sending the message that you think they're important and valuable.

Here are a few simple tips for building confidence while giving your kids your attention:

Make eye contact so it's clear that you're really listening to what they're saying.

If your child needs to talk, stop and listen to what they have to say. They need to know that their thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter.

Help them get comfortable with their emotions by accepting them without judgment. By doing so, you validate those feelings and show that you value what they have to say.

Share your own feelings to help them gain confidence in expressing their own.

Provide encouragement often
Think about the last time someone acknowledged your hard work and told you they believed in you. That kind of encouragement not only gives adults the kind of confidence boost they need to keep going, but it also builds the best kind of confidence a child can have.

There's a big difference between encouragement and praise. One rewards the person while the other rewards the task. Praise can make a child feel that that they're only worthwhile if they do something flawlessly. Encouragement, on the other hand, acknowledges the effort.

For example, "This sand castle is amazing!" vs. "You worked so hard on this sand castle! Great job."

Too much praise can create pressure to perform and set up a constant need for approval from others. It's better instead to give your child the message that the effort-and seeing something through to the end-is what's truly important.

By setting your children up to succeed, providing them a generous amount of encouragement, and spending quality time together, you can help them grow up feeling good about themselves and the world around them.

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4 Small Ways to Build Confidence in Kids | Child Mind Institute

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Self-confidence originates from a perception of competence - or, to put it more simply, children develop confidence not because family and friends praise them, but because of their own accomplishments. As a preschool teacher, I watched many children became more confident and self-assured as they learned and completed new tasks and goals.

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The Maine QuitLink provides a variety of services to help those who want to quit vaping and those who want to assist others.

The Maine Vaping Quit Support Line is free and confidential. We are here to support any Maine adult or youth resident by providing services to assist those who vape and want to quit. You may also call if you need assistance to support a loved one who vapes or have general questions about vaping.

Call to speak with a coach or email NoVAPE@MaineQuitLink.com for support.

Trained coaches will work with callers to:

Enroll in quitting support services

Provide tips for speaking to youth around vaping

Provide local vaping resource information

Online Course for Parents and Concerned Adults

The Live Vape Free program is focused on supporting parents and other concerned adults on the topic of vaping. This free online course is designed to provide you with insights, tips, tools and resources to have conversations about vaping with the teens in your life. Move through the course at your own pace, the course and videos are mobile-friendly.

Additional Vaping Resources:

This is Quitting is a free, confidential texting program with evidence-based tips to help 13-24 year olds quit vaping. Text "MAINE" to 88709 anytime.

Anyone who uses e-cigarettes exclusively or uses both electronic and combustible products can use the Maine QuitLink services and work with a Quit Coach who will assist them in creating a personalized quit plan.

Visit MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence website for information on training opportunities and resources for providers, public health professionals, school personnel and others.

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Maine Vaping Quit Support Line The Maine Vaping Quit Support Line is free and confidential. We are here to support any Maine adult or youth resident by providing services to assist those who vape and want to quit. You may also call if you need assistance to support a loved one who vapes or have...

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access lots of support and lessons for homeschooling and remote learners

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The Maine Department of Education is excited to share a free to use, comprehensive, CASEL aligned and trauma informed, PreK-12th grade SEL curriculum.

What is SEL4ME?

Owned by the Maine Department of Education and designed to the unique needs of our State, SEL4ME has been constructed by professionals with 50+ years of experience in education, student/parent engagement and staff/administrator professional development. These expert-developed lessons are aligned with industry established best practices, are leveraged through an Equity lens and include over 450 modules that cover PreK-12 scaffolded by grade.

This curriculum will continue to grow!

What we have here is only the beginning! The SEL4ME Team, consisting of diverse Maine experts and stakeholders, will continue to edit, add and develop new SEL content and will expand from classroom supports to include school and district wide curriculum in the use of SEL as a Primary Prevention and Trauma Informed practice.

Maine and Social Emotional Learning for Student Success

Early on, Mainers understood that students who have SEL incorporated into their learning develop skills for self confidence, perseverance and academic success as well as becoming positive members in their communities. From health education and school counseling programs, to pioneering individual educators and even whole schools, there is a strong history of Social Emotional Learning in our state. The SEL4ME curriculum honors our history and is not a requirement but an additional support for all existing programs while also being a reliable and foundational way to provide accessible resources that will enable new SEL programs to be created across our State.

SEL4ME "How To" Videos

We want to ensure your user experience is the best possible. These quick tutorial videos will walk you through registration and navigating the site. Select the option below that best describes you and get started!

Please check back regularly for new content and trainings and look for our soon to be announced SEL training workshops!
Click Here to Access SEL4ME Login Page

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The Maine Department of Education is excited to share a free to use, comprehensive, CASEL aligned and trauma informed, PreK-12th grade SEL curriculum. Owned by the Maine Department of Education and designed to the unique needs of our State, SEL4ME has been constructed by professionals with 50+ years of experience in education, student/parent engagement and staff/administrator professional development.

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Grief Support: Pathfinders through Northern Light. 

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Grief Support: Pathfinders through Northern Light. 

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a support group for grieving families on the death of a loved one.
New session:  January 18 2021 See Mrs. O"Connell for link.

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GEAR Parent Network

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G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots' quarterback. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children.

This education course will be held every Tuesday's & Thursday evening for the month of November. Topics include:
Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 2: Discipline, Deciding what you Want - Part 1 and 2
Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 3: Sending a Constant Message of Love - Part 1 and 2
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 4: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting
Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Session 5: The Reasons Punishment Doesn't Work
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Registration include access to all events.
About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network:

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.

Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family's strengths and to advocate for their family's needs.

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SPECIAL EVENT: Parenting with Dignity-Picking up This Ball Is a Victory for All (5 Session Series) - Gear Parent Network

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G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots' quarterback. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children.

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Please check this out.  Adolescence.. the struggle is real

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Please check this out.  Adolescence.. the struggle is real

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Make Adolescence Less of a Struggle with ParenTeenConnect.org

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When it comes to being a teen or raising one, couldn't we all use some support? ParenTeenConnect.org can help your family connect and communicate better.

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what is it? Let's use it.

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Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation

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Information about health, growth, and emotions for teens - Nemours KidsHealth

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TeensHealth has doctor-reviewed info to help you be your best in body and mind. Get facts and advice on nutrition, moods, sex, infections, body image, and more.

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The CPIR is pleased to connect you with sources of information for helping your child with his or her behavior at home.

Having a child with challenging behavior can affect the entire family, and family members often find the need for more information and guidance in this difficult area. The resources listed below are intended to connect families with resources and support. The list isn't intended to be exhaustive of the behavior resources available, but it will certainly get you started and lead you to yet more information and resources.

__________________________________

Using Positive Methods for Change at Home

How might you address your child's challenging behavior?
You'll find this reader-friendly site is well organized. It has facts about all aspects involved in working with children who have challenging behavior. Links to information on assessment and special education are provided.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/challenging_behavior.html (English)
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/challenging_behavior_sp.html (Spanish)

Yet more on teaching children to manage their own behavior.
What Works briefs from the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning summarize effective practices for supporting children's social-emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors. This 4-pager describes practical strategies for helping children learn to manage their own behavior and provides references to more information.

English | http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/wwb/wwb7.html
Spanish | http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/briefs/wwb7-sp.pdf

Get behavior in shape at home.
How do you create a Positive Behavioral Support system in your home? This Web site gives easy-to-implement suggestions. Learn the reasoning behind different techniques and how to use them to achieve your behavior goals. Specific examples include: eating dinner, asking for things while grocery shopping, and budgeting to teach children the value of money.

English | http://www.pbis.org/common/cms/files/pbisresources/behaviorshape.doc
Spanish | http://www.pbis.org/common/pbisresources/publications/behshapespanish.doc

What is a functional behavioral assessment? Overview for parents.
A 3-page brief for parents on functional behavioral assessment.

English | http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/php-c215a.pdf
Spanish | http://www.pacer.org/parent/php/php-c215a(s).pdf

Improving Family Life

Would you like to visit another page in this Behavior Suite?

If so, here are quick-jump links for your convenience:

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The CPIR is pleased to connect you with sources of information for helping your child with his or her behavior at home. Having a child with challenging behavior can affect the entire family, and family members often find the need for more information and guidance in this difficult area.

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"kids yoga" "yoga for kids" "yoga for children yoga story for kids" "children's yoga" "yoga adventure for kids" "kindergarten yoga" "preschool yoga" "kids me...

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YOGA | MINDFULNESS | RELAXATION FOR KIDS! Screentime that gives kids SUPERPOWERS! ⬇️ D O W N L O A D T H E C O S M I C K I D S A P P ⬇️ 🍏Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cosmic-kids/ 🛍️Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cosmickids 🖥️ Desktop (great for teachers!): https://app.cosmickids.com/ 📺 Roku: https://rb.gy/44r8d -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why watch on the App?

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Play educational games, watch videos, and create art with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more of your favorite muppets!

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Emotional Development | Sesame Street | PBS LearningMedia

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Do you know how to get to Sesame Street? This collection is designed to engage preschoolers in everyday learning by teaching core skills in Math, Literacy, STEM, and Social and Emotional Development. Here you'll find hundreds of videos, games, and printable materials to help you to excite even the youngest learners.

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in addition to:  us loving your kids...

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People bereaved by suicide can feel alone and isolated because of the social stigma - they feel the pain of the loss, yet believe they are allowed to express it.

Tips for providing support:

A strong social support network of friends and family can make a big difference; Grief is challenging, and a network of friends and family can make it much easier.

Don't be surprised or alarmed by the intensity of their feelings; Intense feelings can come in waves, and when you least expect it. Know that each wave will subside.

Accept that they may be struggling with new and sometimes conflicting emotions: including guilt, fear, blame, anger, regret and shame.

Bereaved people need compassion, empathy, reassurance, recognition of what has happened, and validation of their feelings.

Practical support

Many grieving people will find it difficult to ask for support and may also have difficulty making decisions or identifying ways you can assist. Check in to see what they need - but be proactive and pitch in too. We've listed some ideas for practical support below:

Offer to notify people of the death

Help with tasks and chores e.g. look after kids, cook meals, do the washing, shopping

Organise the funeral e.g. do a guest lists, organise invitations, venue for the wake

Financial considerations e.g. funeral payment, any bills that are due

Emotional support

Grief is an unpredictable beast and comes in many different forms. Allow people to grieve in the way that is most natural and comfortable for them - there is no "right way" to grieve.

Some ways you can provide emotional support:

Contact the person when you hear of the death. Let them know you're sorry for their loss or send a card or flowers. If you don't know what to say, you can just write 'thinking of you'.

Maintain contact personally or by telephone, text, notes, cards. Keep visits short unless you sense they might like you to stay longer.

Listen: this is possibly the most important thing you can do.

Invite them to talk about the person who has died, mention the person's name, ask to see photos, share stories.

Accept their behaviour - crying, being quiet, laughing. Allow expressions of anger, guilt and blame.

Be patient. People may need to tell their story repeatedly, without interruption or judgment. This helps them to come to terms with, and make sense of, what has happened.

Include children and young people in the grieving process and be aware that they need support.

Be aware of and acknowledge special times that might be significant and particularly difficult, such as Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays.

Understand that grief doesn't have a timeframe - it is unpredictable.

Try not to be surprised or alarmed by the intensity of feeling. Grief comes in waves and people can be overwhelmed when they least expect it.

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how can i support someone who has lost someone to suicide

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People bereaved by suicide can feel alone and isolated because of the social stigma - they feel the pain of the loss, yet believe they are allowed to express it. Tips for providing support: A strong social support network of friends and family can make a big difference; Grief is challenging, and a network of friends and family can make it much easier.

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Teen Suicides: What Are the Risk Factors?

Temperament, family and community all play a role

Nadine Kaslow, PhD

One of the myths about suicidal talk, and actual suicide attempts, in young people is that they are just a bid for attention or "a cry for help." Kids who talk or write about killing themselves are dismissed as overly dramatic-obviously they don't mean it! But a threat of suicide should never be dismissed, even from a kid who cries "Wolf!" so many times it's tempting to stop taking her seriously. It's important to respond to threats and other warning signs in a serious and thoughtful manner. They don't automatically mean that a child is going to attempt suicide. But it's a chance you can't take.

When thinking about this, it helps to understand what factors make a young person more or less likely to consider or attempt suicide. What do we know about young people who try to kill themselves, or who actually die by suicide? Let's take a look at both the risk factors-things that increase the likelihood that a child will engage in suicidal behavior-and the protective factors, or things that reduce the risk.

If a child has a lot of risk factors and hardly any protective factors you need to be extremely concerned about him. On the other hand, if he has a fair number of risk factors but a lot of protective factors you may be somewhat less concerned, although you still, of course, need to be concerned.

Here are some key suicide risk factors:

A recent or serious loss. This might include the death of a family member, a friend or a pet. The separation or a divorce of parents, or a breakup with a boyfriend or a girlfriend, can also be felt as a profound loss, along with a parent losing a job, or the family losing their home.

A psychiatric disorder, particularly a mood disorder like depression, or a trauma- and stress-related disorder.

Prior suicide attempts increase risk for another suicide attempt.

Alcohol and other substance use disorders, as well as getting into a lot of trouble, having disciplinary problems, engaging in a lot of high-risk behaviors.

Struggling with sexual orientation in an environment that is not respectful or accepting of that orientation. The issue is not whether a child is gay or lesbian, but whether he or she is struggling to come out in an unsupportive environment.

A family history of suicide is something that can be really significant and concerning, as is a history of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect.

Lack of social support. A child who doesn't feel support from significant adults in her life, as well as her friends, can become so isolated that suicide seems to present the only way out of her problems.

Bullying. We know that being a victim of bullying is a risk factor, but there's also some evidence that kids who are bullies may be at increased risk for suicidal behavior.

Access to lethal means, like firearms and pills.

Stigma associated with asking for help. One of the things we know is that the more hopeless and helpless people feel, the more likely they are to choose to hurt themselves or end their life. Similarly, if they feel a lot of guilt or shame, or if they feel worthless or have low self-esteem.

Barriers to accessing services: Difficulties in getting much-needed services include lack of bilingual service providers, unreliable transportation, and the financial cost of services.

Cultural and religious beliefs that suicide is a noble way to resolve a personal dilemma.

But what about protective factors, things that can mitigate the risk of engaging in suicidal behavior?

Here are some key protective factors:

Good problem-solving abilities. Kids who are able to see a problem and figure out effective ways to manage it, to resolve conflicts in non-violent ways, are at lower risk.

Strong connections. The stronger the connections kids have to their families, to their friends, and to people in the community, the less likely they are to harm themselves. Partly, that's because they feel loved and supported, and partly because they have people to turn to when they're struggling and feel really challenged.

Restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide.

Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and that support self-preservation.

Relatively easy access to appropriate clinical intervention, whether that be psychotherapy, individual, group, family therapy, or medication if indicated.

Effective care for mental, physical, and substance use disorders. Good medical and mental health care involves ongoing relationships, making kids feel connected to professionals who take care of them and are available to them.

So what do you do if your child fits the profile of someone at risk for youth suicide? Warning signs of suicide to be alert to include changes in personality or behavior that might not be obviously related to suicide. When a teenager becomes sad, more withdrawn, more irritable, anxious, tired, or apathetic-things that used to be fun aren't fun anymore-you should be concerned. Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits can also be red flags.

Acting erratically, or recklessly is also a warning sign. If a teen starts making really poor judgments, or he starts doing things that are harmful to himself or other people, like bullying or fighting, it can be a sign that he is spinning out of control.

And, finally, if a child is talking about dying, you should always pay attention. "I wish I was dead." "I just want to disappear." "Maybe I should jump off that building." "Maybe I should shoot myself." "You'd all be better off if I wasn't around." When you hear this kind of talk, it's important to take it seriously-even if you can't imagine your child meaning it seriously.

What to do? The first thing to do is talk.
For more information and resources on suicide, see the APA's suicide help page.

Nadine Kaslow, PhD, is a psychologist who was the 2014 President of the American Psychological Association. She is the Vice ... Read Bio

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Teen Suicides: What Are the Risk Factors? - Child Mind Institute

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares. Temperament, family and community all play a role Nadine Kaslow, PhD One of the myths about suicidal talk, and actual suicide attempts, in young people is that they are just a bid for attention or "a cry for help."

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Suicide: The Conversation We Should Have With Our Kids

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One of the best things we can do is give our young people the power to talk about mental health issues and topics as challenging as suicide without shutting the door. Even if your child is doing well, this is a powerful opportunity to help your child see it is okay to be emotionally open and could help them talk openly with friends.

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Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Crisis - Child Mind Institute

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What parents and other adults can say to kids about the coronavirus COVID-19. How to answer their questions and keep kids feeling safe.

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Leonard Middle School, Old Town, ME. 275 likes · 6 talking about this · 823 were here. Lowest grade taught: 6th Grade - Highest grade taught: 8th Grade

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Dr. Jon Doty

We are excited to launch the 2020-2021 school year, and very much look forward to welcoming our students whether they are participating in-person or remotely! Our schools and community will break new ground this year, navigating the pandemic together, as will schools and communities around the world. Each school is forming a continued input/feedback team of parents and staff, called the "COVID Advisory Council." (AES and VRS will have one combined council). The school principal will chair the team, which will have these responsibilities: * Receive and share input about what is working as intended, and what can be improved on * Review emerging research * Review public input * Report to the Board with issues discussed, and whether consensus exists on any recommendations The membership of each school's team includes: * (Ex Officio: Superintendent of Schools, Director of Curric/Instruction/Assessment, Special Education Director, School Nurse) * Chair: Building administrator(s) * Teacher representative * 4 Parent Representatives If you are interested in being a parent representative, please complete the form below by September 8th. On the form, please indicate if you're comfortable with the current RSU #34 plan, if you think the plan is too cautious, or if you think the plan is too risky. We will seek to have a balance of parent perspectives on the team. https://forms.gle/wX1tH3haStRsZnSZ8 Thank you. With questions, please contact your school principal.

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We are excited to launch the 2020-2021 school year, and very much look forward to welcoming our students whether they are participating in-person or remotely! Our schools and community will break new ground this year, navigating the pandemic together, as will schools and communities around the world.

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RSU34 Guidance/Student Services. 260 likes · 190 talking about this. Welcome! This page serves as your connection to all things related to school counseling and the RSU #34 Resource Center. Please...

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The Helpline is a safe and confidential mental health service for peers, law enforcement, professionals, friends and family members.

Navigate the mental health and/or criminal justice system

Help you understand your rights as a peer or family member

Find a service or provider - based on your need, location and income

Offer resources and materials about mental health and recovery

Engage in collaborative problem solving around mental health concerns

Find information on educational opportunities and alternative avenues for support

Toll-free number: (800) 464-5767 & press "1"

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm

The Help Line is NOT a crisis line. If you believe that you or someone you know could be in crisis, please do not hesitate to call the statewide crisis line at (888) 568-1112.

NAMI Maine is committed to being responsive, resourceful, and empathetic to all callers/visitors. We expect callers/visitors to be respectful, appropriate and accept the limitation of this service. Due to the nature of the service we are able to provide, calls and walk-in services will be limited to 20 minutes. Callers/visitors who engage in a disrespectful manner (i.e. offensive language, excessive calls/visits) will no longer be permitted to access this service.

Although NAMI Maine Help Line staff is dedicated to honoring your privacy by maintaining confidentiality about your disclosures when you call or visit us, there are a limited number of circumstances under which we would be required to break confidentiality:

You are a danger to yourself and threaten to harm yourself;

You threaten to harm or report harm to another person;

You are under 18 years old and report that you are a victim of child abuse.

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Information & Referral Helpline - National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine

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The Helpline is a safe and confidential mental health service for peers, law enforcement, professionals, friends and family members.

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IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION:
       *Call 911 or the Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112 or 711
Other Hotlines:
       *National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255)  OR text HOME to 741741
       *Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-452-1999
       *Domestic Violence 1-866-834-HELP(4357)
       *Basic need Info about Local Programs and services dial 211
       *Behavioral Health access line:  207-973-6100  [ possibly need a referral from Dr.]
State Police Bangor - 973-3700
Sheriff’s Office - 947-4585

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These resources will support you and your children as you develop schedules to learn-from-home. We know this transition has been difficult and will continue to be immensely challenging. We want you to know that you are not alone!

There are so many wonderful and amazing organizations in Maine that are working hard to find ways to support teachers, you as parents/guardians, and your kids. We are excited to have this resource to support you all!

As Pender Makin, Commissioner for Maine's Department of Education says "Be kind to yourselves!"

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Today we will be showing you different bean dips you and your families can make at home! We will also have updates on all of the plant observation...

Hazel shares outdoor learning ideas for families with kids in 5th grade and up. Topics include: seasonally-relevant things to look for in nature...

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These resources will support you and your children as you develop schedules to learn-from-home. We know this transition has been difficult and will continue to be immensely challenging. We want you to know that you are not alone!

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NAMI MAINE presents:TEEN TEXT SUPPORT LINELots of things are different right now for Maine's teens due to COVID-19, and that can feel overwhelming, but it's possible to talk about your feelings and get support from another young person. You are not alone! Text us at (207) 515 - 8398. We're here for you every day from 12pm - 10pm and can provide adolescents who may need additional mental health support with a safe space to talk with another young person. Staff providing support via the Teen Text Line are between 19 – 23 years of age.

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NAMI MAINE presents:TEEN TEXT SUPPORT LINELots of things are different right now for Maine's teens due to COVID-19, and that can feel overwhelming, but it's possible to talk about your feelings and get support from another young person. You are not alone! Text us at (207) 515 - 8398. We're here for you every day from 12pm - 10pm and can provide adolescents who may need additional mental health support with a safe space to talk with another young person. Staff providing support via the Teen Text Line are between 19 – 23 years of age.

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As the coronavirus crisis continues to hold us in its grip, one thing we need to be alert for is depression, in our children as well as ourselves.

Feeling down in this time of forced inactivity and constant uncertainty is unavoidable, and most of us are struggling to stay positive. But depression is more than just feeling sad or having bad days. A child who seems to be stuck in a negative mood - feeling hopeless and not able to enjoy anything - may have depression and may need help to bounce back.

Depression is a disorder that most often begins in adolescence, but it can occur in children as young as preschool age. Kids who have a history of depression are particularly at risk during this stressful time, but significant upsetting events, like the pandemic, can also trigger depression in children who haven't shown any signs of it previously.

Mark Reinecke, PhD, a clinical psychologist and the clinical director of the Child Mind Institute, San Francisco Bay Area, outlines three steps parents should take to guard against depression.

Click here to see all resources related to the coronavirus crisis.

Be aware of the signs of depression

Depression can be easy to miss, especially in teenagers since adolescents are often moody. But with sadness and irritability understandably widespread during this crisis, the signs can be even easier for family members to overlook, even in children. Likewise, kids and teens who are struggling may not recognize their own symptoms for what they are.

Symptoms of depression include:

Unusual sadness or irritability, persisting even when circumstances change

Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed; reduced feelings of anticipation

Changes in weight

Shifts in sleep patterns

Sluggishness

Harsh self-assessment ("I'm ugly. I'm no good. I'll never make friends.")

Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness

Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

If several of these symptoms are present for at least two weeks, they can suggest depression. "If you see them, take note," advises Dr. Reinecke. "If they last, take action."

With everyone struggling, it can be hard know how to tell the difference between a child who's just feeling sad, irritable, or overwhelmed by the crisis (who isn't right now?) and a kid who's slipping into depression. The watchwords, says Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute are persistence and severity. "If it's here today but they're okay tomorrow, that to me is not a cause for concern," she explains, "What's more of a concern is when it persists. You want to be on the lookout for changes in sleep, mood, appetite, and general engagement."

Help kids feel comfortable talking about feelings

The second thing parents can do, Dr. Reinecke advises, is foster a family environment in which children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Make time to sit down and explore how they're doing. Kids may need a little prompting. With so much going on in the world, older kids might worry that their feelings aren't important, and younger kids might not have the words to explain what they're feeling. Find a time, and if possible, a place where you aren't likely to be interrupted. If you get in the habit of checking in with your children, and they know they'll be listened to without judgment, they're more likely to let you know what's going on.

If a child is experiencing feelings of sadness or depression, take some time to talk about why. It's easy for them to say "the virus," and stop there. But encouraging your child to be specific can give both of you more insight into what's happening, and how you can help. For example: Is your child struggling with feeling boredom or from the loss of their regular activities? From disappointment over cancelled events? From feeling isolated from friends? From worries about the future, or fears that they or someone they love might get sick, or even die?

"Very often, depressed children and teens, like adults, have negative thoughts about themselves, their lives, their relationships and their future," notes Dr. Reinecke. "They feel hopeless, helpless, and discouraged. Listen for these thoughts. Help them to clarify what's on their mind and how they're feeling."

When kids do share, validate their feelings by listening to them without judgment, and without trying to "fix" them. Let them know that you hear them (without agreeing with what they're saying) and you're there for them. For example, "I hear that. That sounds really hard. I love you, I'm sorry you're feeling so sad."

Take steps to engage your depressed child

If you're worried your child is sliding into depression, don't panic. There are things you can do to help at home. Encouraging them to make changes in how they're thinking and how they manage their feelings can help head off serious depression before it gets worse. Start by helping your child:

Stay active. Encourage kids to engage in activities that will give them a sense of accomplishment, pleasure, fun, or social connection every day. Doing something for others can lift spirits. Activity itself helps protect against (and sometimes treat) depression.

Keep a sense of perspective. People experiencing depression often magnify problems or only pay attention only to negative information, screening out positive events and experiences. Help your child avoid exaggerating or obsessing on how bad things are right now. As parents it helps if you model this for your children, by avoiding what clinicians call "catastrophizing" - obsessing over terrible things that "could happen" or only focusing on the worst possible outcomes.

Tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity. These are uncertain times. There are no guarantees (other than that the pandemic will end and that, at some point, we'll return to a more normal life). Mindfulness practices can help your child resist obsessing on frightening possibilities and accept the uncertainty of the moment. You can help by expressing confidence that they can manage it.

Challenge negative thoughts. Getting stuck in negative thinking patterns that are distorted or unrealistic can contribute to depression and make painful feelings seem overwhelming. This can be especially difficult to combat right now. Encourage your child to evaluate the evidence for the things that upset them, for example, if your child feels like this will go on forever and they'll never see their friends again. Go through the facts: Realistically, this will not go on forever. So, what are some things they could do to feel more connected with friends in the meantime?

Make plans. Work together to come up with a plans or activities that will help them feel more engaged. For example: If taking an online dance class would help them get some much-needed exercise, get started by looking up cool classes online and make a project of creating a practice space. If they're bored, agree you'll both try to learn a new skill, like knitting, or bread baking. Or if they just miss being social, encourage them to start a FaceTime book group, or make a nightly Zoom date to watch a miniseries with friends. The act of making plans, completing fun tasks, and coming up with strategies, can make them feel less helpless and hopeless.

Make new goals. When you've lost something valued in your life, as we all have lately, it helps to find something to replace it. Help your kids make new goals. If summer camp isn't happening, what else can they focus on over the summer? What new skill can they learn that will be beneficial when this situation is over? What can they do to benefit others?

Focus on gratitude. Encourage kids to list and reflect each day on things they feel grateful for and individuals they owe thanks. How can they express that gratitude?

How to seek treatment
If your child continues to show symptoms of depression, it's important to get professional help. Speak with your child's pediatrician or primary care physician to get a referral for a mental health professional, or contact a mental health professional directly.

Getting teenagers into treatment for depression can take persistence, because they often feel hopeless, and they may have a hard time believing that they can get better. But treatment can really help. There are several different kinds of therapy and medication that have all been proven to be effective for children and adolescents. (Get more information about treatment for depression here.)

Another challenge can be finding treatment, as most clinicians aren't seeing patients in person during the crisis. But many have begun seeing patients through telehealth - online or by text or phone - during the coronavirus crisis, and therapy through telehealth has been shown to be effective, too. (Get more information about telehealth here.)

And if you child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's important to seek emergency care immediately. If you think your child or adolescent is suicidal, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911 if there is an emergency. Don't hesitate-the risk of suicide in children and adolescents is all too real.

In this stressful time, monitoring your own mental well-being is as important as being alert to your children's needs. With all the competing demands on your time, self-care can seem like a luxury, but it's not. Your mood affects your whole family, so giving yourself the attention you need - and professional help if you need it, too - is critical to the resilience you need to get through this crisis.

Click here to see more resources related to the coronavirus crisis.

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Signs of Depression During the Coronavirus Crisis | Child Mind Institute

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As the coronavirus crisis continues to hold us in its grip, one thing we need to be alert for is depression, in our children as well as ourselves. Feeling down in this time of forced inactivity and constant uncertainty is unavoidable, and most of us are struggling to stay positive.

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Apps to Help with Mental Health. Though not a replacement for professional help, these apps might help with common mental health issues.