admin April 22nd, 2010
For anyone who suffers from social anxiety the utterly worst part is oral presentations. For some children like Sydney the signs are not only inside of her little body, “I don’t think I can do this”, “what if someone asks me a question I can’t answer”, “I don’t want to do this!” they are also very clearly visible. When she begins to speak in front of her teacher and present the information to her Sydney’s body shakes, she gets very tongue tied, she cries and she begins to hyperventalate. I know exactly how she feels.
With a lot of encouragement and support and understanding the teacher has decided to let Sydney present to her and eventually move up to presenting to the teacher and a peer. It would be a friend with whom Sydney trusts and has a relationship with. It’s all about stepping stones right. Well, we are working up those steps and yesterday she had a magnificent milestone.
Her presentation was to research a country and be able to answer questions about their culture, the food, the clothing, the most interesting places to visit. We chose Poland as that is where my family is from and there are lots of things that Sydney is more than familar with such as “pierogi”, “Kiebasa” and how to say “hello”. I was pretty sure that she would be confident in all the information which would help her feel more comfortable to present. Well, did you that not only did she present to her teacher and a peer but she as well answered some questions. On her sheet that she brought home she got a combination of 2, 3 and 4. More imporatantly, it shows that those people who are willing to understand the challenges that children with social anxiety face reap the rewards of seeing these children flourish. If you are willing to let the little things matter you will surely be cheering on the accomplishments.
We got a phone call from the teacher yesterday as she was so excited to share with us the wonderful news. We opened the subject to her by asking how she did on the presentation and Sydney took it from there. We were able to compliment her and tell her how very proud we are of her efforts. I asked her how she felt and she smiled and said, “Good. I felt good and I didn’t even cry.”
I am so proud of Sydney. I am also very appreciate for Sydney to have such glorious opportunities available to her. She is able to understand that she can do things one step at a time.
admin April 20th, 2010
On Sunday, May 2 2010, the 9th annual Walk for Kids Help Phone will be raising vital funds for the charity and the hundreds of kids who call in or post every day
Have you ever heard of Kids Help Phone? I have and I know all the good work that they do but here’s a look at how they help in the area of mental health.
The Walk for Kids Help Phone is the counselling service’s most important fundraising event of the year. The 2010 goal is to raise $3M, a vital 25% of its operating budget, in order to remain there for the young people of Canada who are dealing with increasingly complex issues. The funds raised go directly to support the work of Kids Help Phone skilled, professional counsellors; respond immediately to kids’ needs, explore options and equip them with the skills to meet life’s challenges.
Like mental health.
In 2009, more young people contacted Kids Help Phone about mental health issues than about issues related to peers, family, or sexuality. In fact, from 2008 to 2009, Kids Help Phone recorded a 4% jump in the incidence of contacts from children and youth that were seeking information or support around issues related to mental and emotional health.
The 2010 Kids Help Phone study, Mental Health Literacy: Kids in Canada Talk About Mental Health shows that only half of the respondents would seek out help if they were dealing with intense feelings, or were worried about their mental health. Given how common mental health issues are in young people – research indicates that approximately one out of every five people struggle with mental health problems before the age of 18 – this finding is concerning. The importance of an anonymous and confidential service like Kids Help Phone is once more demonstrated by the young people of the survey who clearly identified the conditions needed to make reaching out a possibility.
Read the whole article
admin April 11th, 2010
Just a reminder that the Parents for Childrens Mental Health annual conference is just around the corner. April 30 & May 1st 2010. Check out the PCMH website for more details.
admin May 2nd, 2009
Spotting and treating mental health disorders in kids greatly improves chances for recovery.
Quote from The Toronto Star – Saturday May 2nd, 2009 Mental Health Section
I’d like to thank Andrea Gordon for doing such a great job on this article and for giving us the opportunity to let everyone know how every bit of help is important. If you have a chance please read the full story.
admin April 20th, 2009
The stress that affects many people affects their emotional state and can cause severe depression and low self esteem. The low self esteem that inflicts people can limit their work functions, cause social anxiety, and it can ruin your home life. Low self esteem can also be seen by your children when you come home for the day. Overall, it can take an increased toll on your mental health, physical health, and social relationships with friends and family.
From the article Relieve Debilitating Stress with Essential Oils
I believe that essential oils do in fact help relieve certain tensions. I usually do have some oils burning in the house and this article just reminded me that I need to replenish my stock. Do you use any essential oils?
admin September 27th, 2008
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Welcome to the official Facebook group for The Globe and Mail’s landmark series, Breakdown: Canada’s Mental Health Crisis.
The series aims to sweep away the myths and stigma around mental illness. It includes the stories of several Canadians who live with a mental illness and looks at public policy and how it is failing. It also invites readers to tell their stories and offer recommendations for ways to bring about change, which we invite you to do here as well.
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