We’ve all heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” And while it might sound like a well-worn cliché, research shows there’s real truth behind the sentiment. Laughter doesn’t just lighten your mood in the moment, it delivers lasting benefits to your mental, emotional, and even physical health.

In a world where stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are increasingly common, something as simple as laughter can be a powerful and accessible form of self-care. It doesn’t require fancy tools or a packed schedule, just an openness to joy, humor, and connection.

In this post, we’ll break down the science behind why laughter matters for mental health and offer five practical, feel-good strategies to bring more humor and lightness into your life and your teen’s.

The Science of Laughter and Mental Health

Laughter triggers a cascade of beneficial changes in the body and brain. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins and dopamine, neurochemicals responsible for feelings of h...

When most people think of summer, they picture carefree days, vacations, and a much-needed break from academic stress. But for many teens, the shift into summer can actually increase feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional dysregulation. Without the structure of school, teens can struggle with inconsistent sleep, screen time overload, social disconnection, and a lack of purpose—all of which can affect their mental health.

As a parent, it can be challenging to know how to support your teen when they seem withdrawn, irritable, or overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to help your teen feel more balanced and supported this summer.

Below, we share five evidence-informed strategies you can implement right away.

Why Summer Can Be Stressful for Teens

The freedom of summer can feel disorienting for teens, particularly those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or neurodivergence. Research from the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that mental health sy...

We often ask, “How are you?” out of habit—an automatic greeting tossed out in passing. But what if we slowed down, asked with intention, and truly listened for the answer? 

In the world of mental health, one of the most underrated yet powerful tools we have is simply checking in. Whether it’s a text, a coffee chat, or a quiet moment of eye contact and empathy, checking in with someone can be a life-changing (and in some cases, life-saving) act. 

The Research: Why Checking In Matters 

We know that mental health isn’t always easy to see. Many people who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or low may not feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through: a 2020 study found that nearly half of those experiencing depressive symptoms hadn’t told anyone—often because they worried about being judged or becoming a burden to others (Rees & Anderson, 2023). 

The good news is, even one person’s support can truly make a difference. Another 2020 research study shows that feeling cared for by fri...

If you've ever looked into therapy, you've likely come across a slew of acronyms: CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, ERP… It can feel overwhelming trying to make sense of what these mean and which approach is “right.” The truth is, therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. Different approaches offer different tools and understanding a few key aspects of each can empower you to make informed decisions that best support your mental health and healing journey. 

Let’s take a closer look at three commonly used, evidence-based therapy types: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as a few other common approaches. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

CBT is one of the most widely researched and practiced forms of therapy. It’s based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By learning to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, people can change how they feel and respond to...

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...