What to Do if Your Child Eats Laced Candy
Halloween is right around the corner, which means it’s time for a refresher on the reality of laced candy and what to do if someone you know consumes some of it. While many believe the notion of Halloween candy laced with drugs is more fiction than fact, the truth remains that the Drug Enforcement Administration confiscates a variety of laced candies every year. They’ve seen an increase in drug-laced edibles in recent years, specifically marijuana-laced and methamphetamine-laced candy. It can be scary to acknowledge this reality, especially if your children are still at an active trick-or-treating age, but hiding from [...]
A Parent’s Guide to Spotting Laced Halloween Candy
Autumn generally ushers in cool weather, cozy clothes, pumpkin spice everything and of course, the annual arrival of a spooky holiday. While not everyone loves the scary side of Halloween, devouring buckets of candy has a special place in many people’s hearts. Unfortunately, there can be a dark side to something as seemingly innocent as distributing pre-wrapped candy to eager children in creative costumes. Since you’re reading this article, you’re likely either familiar with the concept of laced Halloween candy and are seeking to refresh your memory, or perhaps just heard the phrase for the first time and are wanting [...]
5 Seasonal Depression Remedies to Help Your Loved Ones
Seasonal depression is a mental condition that affects individuals when the weather changes. It is most commonly associated with the winter months, and though anyone can experience seasonal depression all year long, it is rare to develop in summer and springtime. If you’ve never experienced seasonal depression, or aren’t entirely sure what it is, you might find yourself at a bit of a loss with a loved one who’s suddenly become withdrawn and irritable. The good news is, there are plenty of things to help with seasonal depression and plenty of ways you can help your loved one relieve [...]
How to Spot A Heroin Addiction in Your Loved One
You can spot heroin use in your loved one by the presence of needle marks, financial issues, secretive behavior, symptoms of withdrawal and more.
Family Support in Recovery
Studies show that family support as a component of intervention contributes to a higher rate of success in recovery from substance use. Here’s how to help your loved one.
Discussing Internet Browsing Safety with Your Kids
It can feel like there is a wide divide between you and your child’s internet habits. Even if you’re tech savvy, it can be hard to keep up with all the apps, ads and features. With every new change to the online landscape, new dangers loom. If you’re a conscientious parent who wants to foster safe online habits for your kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you the tips and tricks you need to know so your child is safe on the internet. 1. Learn about parental controls on your devices Regardless of [...]
The Parent’s Guide to Teenage Anxiety
Teenagers experience major changes throughout adolescence. From applying to college to forming and losing relationships to hormonal and physical changes, it’s no surprise that some teenagers feel anxiety during this period of their lives. If you think your teenager is struggling with anxiety, read on to recognize the symptoms and identify options for treatment. Recognize anxiety symptoms in teens Anxiety comes in many shapes and sizes, which can make it harder to recognize when combined with the normal daily challenges of being a teenager. Symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder include: Excessive worry, in a manner disproportionate to the event [...]
How to Teach Your Kids Healthy Coping Skills
Childhood is thought of as a carefree time, but kids have just as many challenges as adults. They may even become overwhelmed by their emotions at times. As a parent, you can teach your child how to handle these situations by using healthy coping skills. What Are Coping Skills? Coping skills are strategies we use to manage difficult emotions. Your child probably already uses certain coping skills; they just might not be aware of it. Work with your son or daughter to identify the strategies they use right now and whether or not these strategies are healthy. Healthy vs. Unhealthy [...]
Being a Family Support System for Your Loved One in Recovery
Recovering from addiction is hard for everyone — it's exhausting mentally and physically for the one actually undergoing treatment, but it's also challenging for the family and friends to sit by and watch. Often, we want to help our loved ones when they're struggling, but when it comes to addiction recovery, you may be stuck wondering how exactly are you supposed to help. True recovery requires guidance from professional therapists — a title most of us don't hold. What many don't realize is that family and friends have the chance to play a significant role in their loved one's recovery. [...]
Are the Older Adults in My Life Battling a Mental Health Condition?
Symptoms of mental illness in older adults are often easy to overlook as a result of dismissing them as symptoms of aging. However, mental health treatment is just as important for elderly individuals as it is for younger adults. Currently, mental illness affects roughly 20 percent of adults over the age of 50. As a caregiver or family member, it’s important to know the signs of common mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and PTSD in order to get your loved ones the care they need when they need it. Mental health in older adults The topic of mental health [...]
Supporting a Love One Suffering From Poor Mental Health During the Holidays
holiday mental health, holiday mental health tips, holiday anxiety and depression, peer support mental health Struggling with mental health challenges any time of the year can be a challenge, but it can be extra difficult during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is impacted by anxiety, depression, an eating disorder or any mental health condition, here are some holiday mental health tips that can help. How holidays affect mental health The upcoming season poses unique opportunities. It's a chance to gather with family and friends, take a break from a busy work schedule and enjoy new [...]
Suicidal Thoughts: How to Help a Loved One in Crisis
It can be difficult to know how to help someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. If a friend or family member has expressed suicidal thoughts to you, you are undoubtedly feeling emotions of fear, anxiety and a desire to help. But what can you say in moments like this? What is the right way to help them without causing any more grief? There are two crucial things you can do during this time to help: have open conversations with your loved one and educate yourself on the warning signs of suicide. Encourage an open conversation When a loved [...]
