Spring break is often seen as a time for fun, relaxation, and adventure. But for many families, it can also bring unexpected challenges: the shift in routine, social changes, and pressure to make the most of the break can impact mental well-being for both kids and adults alike. Some children may struggle with boredom or loneliness when friends are away, while adults might feel stretched between work, family responsibilities, and planning activities.  

Prioritizing mental health as a family can help everyone feel more balanced and refreshed by the time break ends. Let’s talk about how to recognize when someone in the family might be struggling and practical ways to support both kids and adults during break. 

How Spring Break Can Affect Mental Health 

While a break from school and work can be exciting, the shift in routine can be unsettling. Families may experience: 

• Kids feeling lonely or bored – Without the usual social interactions, children may feel disconnected. For kids who r...

When a child, teen, or adult is struggling with their mental health, therapy is often the first step toward healing. But for some, therapy alone may not be enough. Medication can play a crucial role in managing symptoms, allowing individuals to engage more effectively in therapy and daily life. 

As a parent, understanding how medication fits into a mental health treatment plan can feel overwhelming and scary. This guide will answer some frequently asked questions about medication -- its purposes, benefits, and how it works alongside therapy. 

👉Is Medication Always Necessary? 

No, medication is not always necessary. Many people benefit from therapy alone, especially for mild symptoms or situational stressors such as adjusting to a new school or managing work-related stress. In these cases, therapy can provide tools and coping strategies to help individuals navigate challenges without the need for medication. 

However, when mental health symptoms are persistent, severe, or significan...

As the New Year begins, we often turn to resolutions that focus on personal growth, productivity, or external achievements. While these goals are important, they can sometimes overshadow the need for a solid foundation of self-care — something we all deserve and need. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword – it’s about prioritizing your needs, taking care of your body and mind, and creating habits that help you thrive in all aspects of your life.  

Let’s face it: self-care is hard to maintain, especially when you don’t have a plan in place! If you’re looking for a new way to approach self-care this year, we encourage you to think about it in terms of the seasons. Just like the seasons flow and change, our lives move through cycles that call for different types of self-care. By aligning your self-care practices with the rhythm of the seasons, you can create an intentional space for renewal, reflection, and growth throughout the year. Let’s dive into a seasonal guide to help you build a self-c...

As Ferris Bueller famously quoted, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” With the year coming to a close, we are presented with an important opportunity to follow this advice – to pause and reflect on the moments that shaped 2024.  

Slowing down to take stock of our experiences helps us both appreciate our growth and set intentions for what lies ahead. Whether this year brought victories, challenges, or a mix of both, this year-end season is a time to embrace gratitude and reflection as we prepare for a fresh start in 2025. These practices are powerful tools for emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Let’s explore why these practices matter, how you can incorporate them into your life, and how you can create your own ‘2024 Wrapped’! 

The Gifts of Gratitude 

Gratitude is all about the deliberate practice of noticing and appreciating the good, even (and especially!) in small moments. Studies show that practicing...

The holiday season is a wonderful time to focus on family, create memories, and connect with loved ones – but at the same time, it can also bring up heightened emotions, busy schedules, and stress for both kids and parents.  

Amidst the festivities and adjusted routines, communication becomes more important than ever. Open and supportive communication is foundational to a healthy parent-child relationship. When kids feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to express themselves honestly, manage their emotions, and feel secure in their connection with you. And when parents communicate openly, they model emotional intelligence, empathy, and problem-solving skills—qualities that kids carry with them into adulthood.  

In a season that often emphasizes gifts and gatherings, focusing on communication can become the most meaningful way to connect. Whether it's through everyday interactions or heartfelt conversations, communicating with care and intention reminds your kids that they ar...

On the heels of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme of “Mental Health at Work,” we’re reminded of the increasing need for employees & employers alike to prioritize mental wellness in the workplace. In today's fast-paced work environments, stress, burnout, and mental exhaustion can feel inevitable. But what if, instead of feeling stuck in overwhelm, we could approach workplace challenges equipped with a mindset and skills geared towards growth and resilience?  

Simply Bee CEO Audrey Grunst, LCSW, developed the Growth & Resiliency Model© to help individuals not just survive but thrive as they navigate the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. By focusing on the five steps of the model—becoming aware, observing, responding, integrating and growing —you can increase your resilience in the workplace and develop skills to handle stressful moments more effectively. Let’s dive into each step and explore practical ways to apply this model to your work life. 

1.  Bec...

Being a teenager is an emotional rollercoaster – filled with highs and lows that can feel overwhelming as they navigate the pressures of school, social dynamics, and the challenge of figuring out who they are. For some teens, this sense of overwhelm can become so intense that it leads to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.  

Parents and educators are often the first to notice when a teen is struggling, and their support can make all the difference. Research shows that the presence and care of just one attentive adult has a profound impact a teen's life, providing the reassurance and stability they need to navigate their big emotions.  

While discussing suicide can be difficult, it is an essential conversation—especially during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Let’s talk about how we can recognize the signs and step in with the care and resources to support the teens in our lives.  

Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Teens 

What does suicid...

The transition back to school brings with it many emotions – from excitement to anxiety and everything in between. For some students, the excitement of seeing friends and starting a new school year is overshadowed by big feelings of worry or fear, leading to school refusal. If you’ve ever dealt with school refusal in your home or family, then you know it's a challenging experience for both parents and students alike. When kids refuse to attend school, it can be frustrating and stressful - and it's important to remember that they are not being difficult on purpose. They are struggling with something deeper that needs understanding, support, and appropriate intervention. 

Knowing the right steps and options available often feels overwhelming. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of school refusal, explore the levels of care available for mental health support and identify a few strategies for helping your child navigate school refusal. 

Defining School Refusal 

School refusal can be unfam...

Ever wondered what sets professionals apart in today's fast-paced corporate world? For one: it’s their mindset. The concept of a "growth mindset," introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, is more than just another buzzword—it's a game-changer for individuals and organizations alike. A growth mindset is all about believing that your abilities and intelligence can expand through hard work and dedication. Counter to a fixed mindset, where talents are seen as static and unchangeable. Embracing a growth mindset not only accelerates your professional growth but also acts as a powerful remedy for burnout. Let's explore why embracing this mindset is so important and how to build it in your own life. 

Sailing Through Challenges 

Picture the workplace as a dynamic and ever-changing ocean. In this ocean, a growth mindset is like a sturdy, adaptable ship that can navigate through any waters, whether they are calm or stormy. Just as a well-built ship with a skilled crew can weather any storm and e...

When you think of the stereotypical male character in movies, books and TV shows, it’s likely that characteristics such as independence, competitiveness, assertiveness, bravery or physical strength come to mind. Picture James Bond, the infamous spy known for his confidence, charm, and ability to handle any situation with cool composure. Or Ron Swanson from "Parks and Recreation," the ‘man's man’ who values self-reliance above all else. Or Superman, a symbol of strength and heroism, always ready to swoop in and save the day.  

While these are important qualities, our society’s tendency to place value on only qualities like these has created a culture where many men feel the need to hide their emotions and their overall mental health experience. In June, we recognize Men’s Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to challenging this narrative and raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men that are often hidden in silence and shame. Let’s talk more about this topic an...