Access Programs It is not uncommon for a child or teen with depression to avoid or refuse to go to school. Inability or reluctance to wake up and get dressed in the morning, frequent visits to the school nurse, skipping class, or frequent complaints of physical pain and sickness such as headaches, …
School Refusal: When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go to School Due to Depression Read More »
When you look at the teens at your school, do you see empowered students who know they can build the school culture they aspire to thrive in? When given the right resources and tools, teens can feel empowered to make changes in their community. Peer-led programming is a highly effective way for teens to build …
The Power of Programs with ImpactPart II: Teen Empowerment Read More »
Do the family members of your district have the tools and knowledge they need to recognize signs of depression? Are they trusted adults who can address mental health? Do they know where to get help for their students or other teens in the community? Who We Are Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization founded in …
The Power of Programs with ImpactPart III: Family Engagement Read More »
Access Programs The Basics “You’re not alone,” a phrase so simple yet it’s the hardest to grasp when struggling with mental health. It’s what I like to call, “the golden rule” of mental health. Whether it’s you who’s battling a mental health disorder or someone you know, it’s still a journey. What matters most is …
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 Erika’s Lighthouse at SHAPE Florida I heard an amazing presentation on Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum at a conference hosted by SHAPE Florida, the state organization for physical and health education K-12 teachers in Florida. Rachel Winsten, a high school P.E. teacher presented with passion and spoke about the opportunity through Erika’s Lighthouse. Erika’s Lighthouse offers resources …
Why Educators Must Focus on Student Mental Health Read More »
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 …
The American School Health Association (ASHA) is a national, multidisciplinary professional association that collaborates with Erika’s Lighthouse and others on a mental health initiative – Shine Light on Depression. ASHA’s work centers around connecting health and learning by encouraging collaboration across disciplines within the school and community to ensure that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. …
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 »
