Mental Health Awareness Month with Licensed Clinical Therapist Dr. Kathryn Gordon

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

At BIO Girls, we are committed to helping girls learn about and improve their mental wellness. In fact, mental wellness is one of the four key pillars of the BIO Girls program. During the month of May, BIO Girls Director of Programming and Research, Beth Salafia, will be discussing mental health and wellness topics that are relevant to parents and adolescents in our community.

Dr. Gordon is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. She’s also the author of “The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: CBT skills to reduce emotional pain, increase hope, and prevent suicide.”

This episode covers suicide.

See below for a few highlights and the link to the full episode.


As a parent, talk directly about suicide with your children.

  • Have honest conversations

  • Listen non-judgmentally

“There isn’t a ‘right’ age to begin these conversations but if you notice a change in your child, that’s a good place to start.”


Some clear signs and changes to watch for in your child:

  • If they start saying people would be better off without them

  • They begin to withdraw or isolate themselves and don't enjoy things as much as they once did

  • Sleep disruption, insomnia, or nightmares

  • A big change in appetite

You can always call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and ask them for advice given your situation.


Get help when needed.

Don’t view mental health illness as different than physical illness.


 

Thank you, Dr. Gordon!

 
 
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Mental Health Awareness Month with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Christina Smestad-Schmaltz

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Mental Health Awareness Month with High School Counselor Laura Baker Stenerson