Small actions that make a huge impact

If that headline got your attention, good.

Before I dive in want to share this message: as a credentialed special education teacher, I know wholeheartedly there are many nuances in how you support psychologically and cognitively impaired, as well as chemical-dependent kids. The information I give here is intended to support all kids and families, regardless of ability, but also not to make blanket statements that may not apply. I honor every single parent and kid - regardless of ability. As with anything, take what's useful and leave the rest. I also have strong feelings about gun reform, but I'm not going to get into those here.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month - happening now in September - this week I'm focused on two issues close to my head and heart: gun violence in schools and the anxiety, depression, and suicide crisis our adolescents are facing - as well as how parents and caregivers like you can help.

Before I dive in - I want to say this. Parents, if you don't want a downer episode I don't blame you. I will share some hard information to hear - but stick it out until the end because I've got small actions you can take that make a huge impact. And, I know ultimately you want to do what you can to help. Don't give up too early.

The difference between your kid and a school shooter is their mental health.

Because when their mental health suffers and they become hopeless or full of rage with no relief or support, one symptom is they think their only "way out" is grabbing a gun and shooting up their school.  And, hopelessness is also at the root of suicide ideation.

I've done a lot of research on this topic (because those of you who know me, know that Sandy Hook massacre in 2012 changed my life). So here are the hard-to-hear facts:

Since Covid has hit one in 4 adolescents globally are "experiencing clinically elevated depression symptoms, while 1 in 5 youth are experiencing clinically elevated anxiety symptoms."

We've got a global mental health crisis in our youth, and, there was a crisis pre-pandemic as well. 

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 hs students reported having persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase from 2009.

And, here we are a year later with our middle and high schoolers feeling even more of the weight of the pandemic.

You might be thinking: I'm just trying to keep my head above water and I'm trying to do all the things. I feel lost in how to help. And, you're not alone. According to Motherly's 2020 State of Motherhood Survey "mothers are living in an acute state of burnout. 74% of mothers report they feel mentally worse since when the pandemic began. This was a survey for mothers - fathers are likely in a similar boat.

Bellow are simple bullet points of things that you can do at home or things to remember to support your middle schooler's mental health (and your own). Listen to the full episode for more details on what this looks like.

• Decrease your own stress level in small ways.

• Your adolescent (and every human) is a creature of habit, they thrive in routine.

• Take advantage of school resources. Check in with the administration and teachers for how you can help support a healthy, safe, and supportive school environment

• Monitor your kids sleeping habits

• Focus on building stronger boundaries around tech

• Bring whole nutrition into the mix—the right food does some amazing things.

• Make authentic check-ins the norm

• Be a container of hope and continue to remind your middle schooler of the big picture

If you are able to prioritize being containers of hope, decreasing stress—even in small ways—and having clear, consistent routines when possible, you have contributed to the overall mental health and well-being of our entire adolescent population.

You never know the ripple effect your kid has when they walk out that door. And, chances are your actions have saved another life.

Suicide Prevention Resources: 

Resource Center

Youth Suicide Prevention 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

You Don't Want to Miss This

If you're listening to this wondering exactly how you can feel hopeful and successful as a middle school parent,  I've got something special for you. My doors are open for my digital course:

Middle School Success for Parents.

This isn't about more work for you. This course gives you the support, information, and tools you need to feel lighter, happier, and more successful as an early adolescent parent (the most notoriously challenging stages of human life for parents)

This is a self-paced program and with one purchase you have lifetime access.  My doors close on September 10th, so don't miss it!

Imagine in just a few weeks, you will be feeling confident and hopeful around these middle school years. You can register today by clicking here!

Like what you hear? Keep listening to the Elevated Adolescence Podcast