Nancy Watson (LCSW, CADC) is a psychotherapist at Lake Forest Wellness (Lake Forest, Illinois) specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. Nancy is passionate about helping clients navigate mental health challenges, manage developmental and life transitions, and achieve their personal goals. Her multifaceted approach incorporates a variety of …
Access Programs Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation My Story I have always been someone who is afraid of reaching out for help. However, that had to change when at the end of freshman year I reached a point where I could not handle everyday life and feelings by myself. My parents were freshly divorced, COVID hit, and …
The Importance of Reaching Out to a Trusted Adult Read More »
Access Portal Another study. Another confirmation that our youth are struggling with their or their peers’ mental health. In fact, student mental health experiences are now dramatically, and negatively, impacting the academic purpose of schools. According to the latest YouthTrust Student Survey, “‘Depression, stress, and anxiety’ is the most prevalent obstacle to learning for secondary students at …
Schools Can Address Mental Health Smarter, Better, Easier Read More »
Access Programs Where It Begins For many districts, the path they follow into a more systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) begins with concerns for their students (and adults’) mental wellness. This is both a logical connection as well as a narrow view of SEL. There are indeed many links between a systemic approach …
Promoting Student Thriving by Connecting SEL and Mental Health Read More »
Adolescent depression is real, serious and treatable. However, adolescence is a time of major changes, both physically and emotionally. That may make it difficult to identify beyond typical adolescent behavior, but by looking for the signs and symptoms of depression, we can see it. Adolescence is frequently when depression may first happen, and is one …
A Heart on the Outside of the Body That is what it’s like having children. That’s what we’re told and we accept that as how it is. However, I am sitting here thinking, Uhm. Okay. But how in the world do I live my life if my heart is outside of my body? How do …
There are many different ways to communicate, and not everyone prefers or feels the most comfortable doing it verbally. It’s important to be aware of different communication styles and to be flexible when communicating with your children. Writing can be such a powerful tool and a different but effective form of communication. Incorporating a Family …
The Family Conversation Journal: A Tool for Building Stronger Relationships Read More »
Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free turn-key resources to educators to create inclusive school cultures around mental health. Every student deserves good mental health. By using our resources in your school you promote school-wide mental health awareness, positivity, and help-seeking. The 2022-2023 Program Report details Erika’s Lighthouse impact across over 500,000 students this …
When you’re struggling with mental health challenges, it can be tough to know where to turn for help. You may feel like you’re all alone, or that you don’t deserve help. You may also worry about what other people will think if you reach out for support. The Help-Seeking Worksheet from Erika’s Lighthouse is a tool …
The holidays can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for families, especially for children and teens. There are often long days and lots of changes in routine which can lead to increased stress. However, at times, the changes in routine also leave parents and caregivers with an opportunity to spend more time and have …
Family Conversations: “Let’s Talk” During the Holiday Season Read More »
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