In 2008, inspired by Bebe Moore Campbell’s charge to end stigma and provide mental health support for minority communities, July has since been designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by the U.S. House of Representatives.

This July's National Minority Health Month's theme is Be the Source for Better Health. Please support #NMHM24 and learn how you can advocate and support diverse cultural populations for better mental health. 

 

In order to bring greater awareness to the experience of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, June has been designated as PTSD Awareness Month in the United States.

And June 27th is National PTSD Awareness Day.

PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after an adult or child has been directly involved or a witness to a traumatic event, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disasters, accidents, life threatening medical crises and war-related combat stress. 

Symptoms of PTSD include persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma may occur. 

PTSD is a serious, but treatable disorder. If you're struggling with symptoms, link here to find out how to access professional mental health. 

Or take a PTSD screening provided by the National Center for PTSD here to learn more about your own traumatic experiences.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  

The designation of Mental Health Awareness Month was created more than 60 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness and promoting good mental health for all.

During Mental Health Awareness Month professionals, organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets will join together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health and attempt to decrease the stigma that prevents people from getting the help they need. If you have a mental illness or love someone who does, reach out to the many community resources and planned events this month. Link here for state and local MHA affiliates. And don't forget to wear Lime Green to show your support.

Remember, there is no shame living with a mental illness.

Grace vs Shame

 

First Draft Cover Art

 

Received the first draft cover art to my next children's book, "Sometimes When I'm Jealous." 

Always so meaningful and fun to collaborate with my illustrator Kyra Teis. 

Self Care Tips for Winter Months

 

New Book Sketches

One of my favorite things when writing children's books is when my wonderful and talented illustrator, Kyra Teis, takes my notes and creates the characters and illustrations for the picture book. It's so exciting to see my ideas come to life, and to have the beginning artwork take shape. 

My next book will focus on jealousy in children in late 2024. 

Can't wait to share more. 

Why Decorating Early for the Holidays is a Good Thing

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Did you decorate early for the holidays? Deborah Serani, Psy. D, senior adjunct professor of psychology shares the science behind how decorating for the holidays can help our mood. #ExtraordinaryAdelphi #ExtraordinaryMinds