admin July 18th, 2010
As parents you always wish that you can celebrate your childrens accomplishments. You want to be able to sing them, “Happy Birthday” and tell them just how special they really are. With a child who suffers from social anxiety these things are not quite the same. Up until this year most birthdays were face with trepadation. Would she be overwhelmed by all the people? Would her cousins outgoing and ambitious spirit be too much for her and have her sitting in the corner? Singing “Happy Birthday” would just be out of the question never mind opening up the presents. Too many eyes and ears on her.
Well, there has never been a prouder moment for our family than at Sydney’s party this year. She embraced every single moment of her birthday right from the get go. She had me put a calendar on her wall to mark off the days until her party. She asked specifically for her cake and wanted to help with the preparations. She was concerned when it started to rain before everyone came over that perhaps they won’t come because the car was in the garage and it was raining. She greeted the cousins at the door and promptly darted upstairs in giggles with the girls. She enjoyed every ounce of her birthday like nothing else I’ve seen.
When it came to the cake and singing her “Happy Birthday” she hopped up on the seat and waited patiently while we lit all the candles that spelled out happy birthday. She was watched by family and friends, she was in the spotlight and she was okay with it all. What a glorious day to celebrate Sydney. We sang her happy birthday and even paused a minute to take a picture and it made my heart melt.
To think that even a year ago we didn’t do presents, we didn’t sing, we celebrated in a very monotone way. It was a party without the glitz, it was quieter moments to appreciate Sydney. The thing is, we acknowledged that singing and the fuss involved would not be good for her at the time but we still wanted to celebrate the beautiful daughter, cousin and grand-daughter she was. But in traditional Sydney style when she was ready, when she felt that she could handle the attention she embraced it and what a party it was.
At the end of the day (very late I may add) she sat in her bed with her presents beside her and in her new journal that she bought with some birthday money she wrote down everything that she received. She thanked me for what she coined was, “The best party ever”. I would have to agree.
admin July 2nd, 2010
mindyourmind to develop Facebook and Mobile Apps
LONDON, ON, June 24, 2010 – mindyourmind has begun to recruit youth, ages 15 to 24, to take part in their next “MYM Youth Street Team” to be held July 20 through August 12 at their office space in Citi Plaza at 355 Wellington Street. mindyourmind aims to become one of the first not for profit mental health programs to launch facebook and mobile applications (apps) to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Development of the design and functionality of the app will be led by the MYM Youth Street Team. This team will provide opportunities to create a tool that addresses the stigma often associated with mental illness and reaching out for help.
“We’re excited to provide our users with a tool that will give them on-the-spot information that fits into their lifestyle,” said Brian Blatnicki, mindyourmind Social Media Specialist. “We recognize that this is the way our audience is communicating so it’s important that we are able to give them the information they need through a channel that is relevant to them.”
Anyone interested in being part of this “Street Team” should go to Volunteer Opportunity on mindyourmind.ca
In addition, mindyourmind has announced plans for two additional “Virtual Street Teams” aimed at creating Anti Stigma tools, resources and awareness campaigns across the province and nationwide, one to kick-off late Summer to early Fall and the second in the early part of 2011. mindyourmind is dedicated to making a difference by encouraging youth to reach out, get help and give help.
About mindyourmind
mindyourmind is a non-profit mental health engagement program that works with youth, emerging adults and the professionals who serve them to develop reliable and relevant resources and communication platforms. These resources are designed using current evidence and research to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase access and use of community support, both professional and peer-based. Through the use of meaningful engagement and technology mindyourmind inspires youth to reach out, get help and give help.
For more information, please contact:
mindyourmind, Diana Ali, 519.858.3502, Diana@mindyourmind.ca
admin May 29th, 2010
Barbara Coloroso, author of The Bully, The Bullied, and The Bystander will be presenting in St. Thomas on June 9th, 2010.
Recently in St. Thomas, a young boy aged 13 took his life. His family’s wish was that his death would result in an increased awareness around bullying. PCMH is hosting the event in Bryten’s name.
admin May 13th, 2010
It still amazes me as to how many people are ashamed or afraid to talk about social anxiety. It is treatable with with right approach and the right people to help back you up and support you. This article focuses on adults but sends an important message…don’t be afraid to get help.
The most important step that an individual must focus in on would be the first one: He/she must understand the need for seeking treatment from a qualified and licensed professional who specializes in this area. As long as the individual can truly understand this all important first step, it will greatly enhance the odds that he/she would eventually be cured. The next step would be that the individual places his/her trust in the doctor. He/she should understand that a doctor would only have his/her best interests at heart.
As opposed to prescription medication, which only treats the symptoms of anxiety attacks: pain in the chest or stomach, dizziness, sweaty palms, visible signs of nervousness, and general irritability being amongst some of the symptoms; many doctors now opt for other treatment techniques. It is now a recognized fact that any form of prescription medication often causes side effects. Medication also can not treat the trigger(s) as to why the anxiety disorder has come to control the patient’s very life. Doctors are also of the belief that becoming dependent on pills over the long haul is often not in the patient’s best interests.
Read the article
admin May 7th, 2010
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”
I knew that I wanted to send everyone a message for mother’s day and then I found this great quote and it made me chuckle. Oh, how true! For anyone reading the blog and anyone who has children regardless of difficulties being a mom continually teaches us what life is all about but only if we are willing to listen. I learn every day from my children just how big a world it is out there and I as well learn the value of communicating, listening and caring. I have had the privelege to walk with my children in their early years and learn more about myself through them. It is a relentless job and I know that on some days I want the sign on the door to say, “Out to lunch – INDEFINATELY”.
I know a number of mothers read the blog and to all of you out there I want to tell you to remember just how special a job mothering is. Parenting children with special needs takes a special kind of mother and that doesn’t happen over night. Each day it shifts and moves and we too need to move with the ebb and flow. To all the mothers out there I wish you a peaceful and beautiful Mother’s Day. One in which you get to see just how special you are. When you look in the eyes of your children know that everything you do for them day in and day out challenges your heart and soul and makes life just what it is meant to be – worth living.
Happy Mother’s Day to you all.
admin April 30th, 2010
You have got to watch this new public service announcement from NKM2. It’s starting to make people think differently about mental health. Are you ready to embrace it or be embarrased by it?
Watch the public service announcement
