Bears, Beer & a Great Cause Join us on September 20th at Phase Three Brewing to cheer on your Chicago Bears — grab a few beers, some good bites, and help support an important cause while you’re at it. 10% of all sales that day will be donated to Meg’s Legacy of Hope, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to strengthening…
Contributed by Morgan Kellen, LCSW When was the last time you asked yourself, “How can I take better care of myself?” Moving into autumn offers a wonderful reminder to slow down, recharge, and focus on your overall well-being. With late summer days and continued warm weather, consider setting a simple goal to spend time outdoors each day.…
Thanks for celebrating our third anniversary since establishing Meg’s Legacy of Hope! With 200 guests in attendance, you proved again that our shared mission to improve mental health for youth is an important goal that binds our community together. Special thanks to Jeff Porter for organizing the event, plus all the volunteers who kept it…
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988 or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Confidential, judgment-free support available to anyone 24/7. Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. While they may be common, they should never…
Have you ever been concerned that a person may be suicidal? It is a common belief that suicide only affects individuals with mental health conditions. If that is not a diagnosis, should you worry? Myth – Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide. Fact – Talking about it openly can help the person…
When we think about suicide warning signs, we often imagine a young person saying, “I want to die.” Sometimes that happens. But often, the signs are much quieter—and they can easily be mistaken for typical teenage behavior. The most important thing to watch out for is change. A behavior that seems insignificant by itself can…
Dr. Beth Sherman, PsyD When a Young Person Says, “I’m Thinking About Suicide” Our Response Matters What happens when a young person finally tells someone they are thinking about suicide? A recent study offers an important message for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who works with young people: how we respond matters. A young person…
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to promote action, raise awareness and spread hope. Addressing mental health issues and especially becoming aware of suicide prevention is vital in our society. Suicide remains the 2nd largest cause of death for both ages 10-14 and 15-24 year-olds. Our kind, beautiful daughter Megan died by suicide six…
As the end of the school year approaches, it’s worthwhile reviewing how to best approach your child’s social media use in advance of the upcoming summer break. Social media has become the new “best friend” for many children and adolescents and even adults. You can hardly go to a restaurant without seeing someone on their…
Many parents hope for a teen who is agreeable, polite, and easy to get along with. On the surface, these traits seem like signs of emotional maturity. But experts warn that what looks like a calm, accommodating personality may actually be something more concerning: a stress response known as “fawning.” Fawning is often grouped alongside…