The data on youth mental health show an alarming decline for several decades. Uncertainties generated by existential threats such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical and military conflicts as well as the rapid social and economic disruptions wrought by the digital revolution have contributed to this decline. Students seeking mental…

Educators and caregivers can foster emotional wellbeing, growth, and resilience, contributing to a fulfilling and balanced adulthood by providing positive childhood experiences (PCEs). PCEs protect the brain and promote healing for people who have experienced adverse childhood environments (ACEs). In the presence of PCEs, adverse experiences in…

National Teacher of the Year Sydney Chaffee discusses her struggle with anxiety and how it opened her eyes to the stigma of teacher mental health.

Teachers need training and support to address the secondary traumatic stress (STS) they may experience as well as identify and address students' trauma. To ensure that all teachers can do both, state leaders need to embed trauma-informed practices in mandated teacher training on trauma and self-care. A trauma-informed education system will ensure…

Children from birth to 3 years old with complex medical needs often experience psychological issues, but there are limited services and supports to meet their needs. To bridge this gap, the authors created the Pediatric Birth to Three Clinic and Early Childhood Mental Health Program at the University of Minnesota. They describe the toxic stress…

Partnering With Parents, an infant mental health (IMH) intervention program at Starfish Family Services (SFS), is dedicated to improving social-emotional outcomes, supporting wellness, and strengthening relationships between infants and families. Families served by SFS experience a myriad of societal, community, and relational stressors that can…

Infants are born primed to develop attachment relationships. However, when infants are hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit at birth, the stress and trauma associated with the highly specialized medical environment can threaten the development of a nurturing and secure caregiving relationship. Infant mental health is an evidence-based…

How can visual arts and popular education pedagogy contribute to collective recovery from and reconstruction after trauma? This question framed the design and delivery of the Trauma Recovery and Reconstruction Group (TRRG), which consisted of 12 group sessions delivered to clients (trauma survivors) of the Centre for Concurrent Disorders (CCD) in…

This article presents summaries of three recent crisis management publications: (1) "The Impact of School Violence on School Personnel," summarized by Kimberly de Deaux; (2) "Children Exposed to War/Terrorism," summarized by Jennifer DeFago; and (3) "Suicide Survivors Seeking Mental Health Services," summarized by Kimberly de Deaux. The first…

The lack of culturally appropriate health and mental health care has contributed to the large number of African American youth and families involved in the child welfare system. This article reviews the consequences of the insufficient access to culturally sensitive, evidence-supported interventions for African American foster youth. The authors…

Discusses the stress management program at the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Includes discussion of the costs of the program. (IRT)

Examines self-help groups for Vietnam veterans, the reasons for their effectiveness, typical group processes, and issues for counselors who work with these groups. (Author)

Discusses high rate of violence and health problems within Cherokee culture. Alcohol plays a major role in Indian health and social problems. As a response to prevalence of alcohol-related problems, a cultural therapy program was developed. Reinforcement of cultural pride was a primary step in solving problems. (CC)

Literature review indicates adoption status never really ends for any adoptive family; agencies should help whenever help is needed. For families adopting children with special needs, it is imperative help be available at all times. This involves special considerations. Kinds of services needed are discussed, and program designed to provide those…

Describes five programs designed to reduce or prevent mental illness by providing support, skills training, and anticipatory guidance to parents of children up to five years of age. (Author/MJL)