In Her Name Newsletter March 2023 – Issue 7 www.inhernamekp.org |  | | Book Review by our Founder Dr. Michelle Boodoo
Mental illness affects millions worldwide; however, many are afraid or ashamed to ask for help and support. Rostirolla's Making Friends With Monsters reveals the internal battles teens and young adults face in their daily lives. It also shows their struggles to figure out what is happening in their heads, along with the stress and shame of asking for help.
As a parent who lost a child to suicide, I now better understand how parents' actions affect a child's mental health. Rostirolla's fictional story about Sam's struggles can easily be a true story in anyone's household today. The book is for young readers; however, parents should also read Making Friends With Monsters. The book depicts a teen’s perspective of how actions and reactions in the home impact a child's mental health. |
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| Discover What’s New |
Set on a struggling farm in Australia, Making Friends With Monsters follows 12-year-old Sam on a quest to find out about the monsters plaguing his older brother Ben and his parents. Through Sam's eyes, readers discover just how sneaky one's monster can be and how hard it is to get rid of––especially because most people don't know they even have one! Based on the author's experiences with suicide in her family, Making Friends With Monsters offers a language for young adults to talk about the dark emotions they often face but bury, before it's too late. Publishers Weekly Booklife called the book an "urgent, unflinching YA novel about the 'monsters' of depression and family dysfunction" (Editor's Pick). | |
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| | | In Her Name will soon have events about mental illness, specifically for depression, social anxiety, bullying, and suicide prevention. Keynote speakers will include licensed therapists, mental health authors, and parents who lost a child to suicide. |
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| | Events Will Include
1) Lunch and Learn for parents who have teens and young adults struggling with mental health issues. 2) Talk / Workshops for teens and young adults. 3) Art Therapy for teens and young adults. | |
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The KDD Podcast features celebrities and people from all walks of life who have experienced challenging times and how they were able to break through and live a purposeful life, inspiring others to be their best selves. If you‘re looking for weekly inspiration, some laughs, how our guests climbed out of dark times, and motivation to push through, subscribe for new episodes on Mondays at KDDPodcast.com
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| March Highlights |  | Mental Health Matters
“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood”. (CDC, 2021)
Here are some tips to improve your mental well-being:
1. Relax and reduce stress.
2. Learn new things and be creative.
3. Spend time in nature.
4. Exercise.
5. Get enough sleep.
6. Connect with other people.
7. Pay attention to the present moment
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
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| |  | Join the Movement
The stigma of mental illness prevents many with anxiety, depression, social anxiety, etc., from seeking help. Let’s break the stigma by normalizing conversations about mental illness so people are not afraid or ashamed to ask for help. |
|  | Be Kind Always
Kindness is an act of being friendly, considerate, and generous. Let’s be kind in our actions and words, especially toward those struggling with mental health issues. Your acts of kindness might be what makes them feel whole today. Be Kind Always! |
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| |  | Misconceptions About Suicide
Suicide is a major public health problem. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes.
Common misconceptions about suicide, according to the SAMHSA (2021) are:
Myth: Asking someone if they are suicidal may put the idea in their head. Fact: Asking a loved one about suicide will not make them suicidal. In fact, the person who may be thinking of suicide may feel relieved to be asked about it and grateful to have a safe place to share their thoughts.
Myth: A mention of suicide is not serious enough to require help. Fact: When a friend or family member has thoughts about suicide, take their words seriously. When someone talks about hurting themselves, this is a warning sign to act and help them. There are many treatment options available that are effective in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Myth: Treatments don’t work anyway. Fact: Many well-researched and effective therapies are available to help your loved one, from counseling to medications and other treatments.
Myth: People attempt suicide to gain sympathy. Fact: A suicide attempt needs to be taken seriously. It is not an attempt to gain sympathy from others but rather demonstrates significant distress and despair about life. In fact, if your loved one has attempted suicide, there is an increased risk that they may make another attempt. People are said to be at the greatest risk for another suicide attempt or death by suicide within one year after the initial attempt.
To learn how to help a loved one who is suicidal to go https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-01-03-001.pdf
All information for this post was gathered verbatim from the SAMSHA report in the link above.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
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| |  | Stand Up For What You Believe In
Stand up for our brothers and sisters and sons and daughters in communities that are marginalized, condemned, and criticized for who they are and who they love. Did you know 70% of LGBTQ+ US high school students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2021? |
|  | Check on your Loved Ones
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 in the US, according to the CDC. The suicide rates are alarming, but we can help those suffering by learning about mental illness and how to help. Knowing the symptoms of depression, social anxiety, suicidal ideations, etc., can be lifesaving. The first step to help is to seek a mental health professional ASAP. |
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| |  | Asking for Help is Courageous
Asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience. If you are in a dark space mentally or emotionally, reach out to your support network for help. It is okay to ask for help, especially when you are suffering in silence.
For many years, mental health issues have been labeled as sadness, weakness, emotionally unstable, or even ignored. We sometimes don’t realize the consequences of mental illness until it happens to someone we love. Even individuals with depression or anxiety often have excruciating and tormenting symptoms but do not know what is happening in their heads.
Take the time to learn about depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and other mental health issues to help yourself or those in crisis. Depression and suicide rates are increasing daily, and knowing the warning signs and symptoms is vital to help yourself or your loved ones. Please don't let suicide be an option.
Go to https://www.samhsa.gov to learn more.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
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| |  | Thinking About Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a common mental health condition that causes intense fear and discomfort in social situations, including interacting with others, meeting new people, or being in public. It can be debilitating, affecting all aspects of life, from work to personal relationships.
Along with seeking professional help, you can manage your anxiety with strategies and techniques such as:
1. Self-care – Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can help reduce anxiety.
2. Mindfulness – Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
3. Challenging negative thoughts – Learning to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
4. Exposure – Gradually exposing oneself to social situations can help reduce anxiety over time.
5. Seeking support – Talking to a trusted friend or family member about feelings of anxiety can provide emotional support and validation.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. |
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| |  | Just Be You!
Always be authentic in everything you do ... the people who deserve to be around you will adjust. JUST BE YOU!
If you are struggling with your mental health, seeking professional help and support is essential. You are not alone; you can learn to manage your symptoms with proper support and help. |
|  | Stop Bullying
“In 2021, 15% of US high school students were bullied on school property during the past year. Female students were more likely than male students to be bullied at school, and LGBTQ+ students were more likely than their peers to be bullied at school.” Click to learn more (CDC 2023)
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Mental illness can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. It is important for individuals experiencing mental health concerns to seek treatment. Untreated mental illness can lead to further complications, including substance abuse, suicide, and homelessness. | |
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Pretending not to have a mental illness can be a harmful and isolating experience. It is important to recognize the pressures of pretending, the potential consequences, and the importance of seeking help and support. By us breaking down the stigma of mental illness and creating a more supportive society, we can help individuals feel empowered to seek help and lead fulfilling lives. | |
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A short story about Jenna. Jenna’s story shows that it’s never too late to seek help for depression. With the proper support and resources, overcoming the challenges and living a fulfilling life are possible. | |
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| | Follow us | | | Disclaimer: In Her Name & Online Community is for informational purposes. It is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional. | | |
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