Lessons in Companionship and Hope
A publisher shares how an aunt and uncle’s support during a difficult time in her family is one of the greatest gifts she’s received.
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A Gift of Three Lives
A father and grandfather looks back on his earlier life, including his adoption and army service, and shares how researching his ancestry has resulted in three ‘gifts of life’.
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How to Find Family Mental Health Support When a Youth is Struggling
Menderist introduces American and Canadian resources frequently recommended by mental health specialists to family and caregivers needing support during a youth’s struggle with mental health.
“After the person affected is getting help, however, it’s common for other family members or caregivers to realize that they need assistance, too….”
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Books on Mental Health for Parents and Children to Read Together: Summer 2024
Menderist lists 14 mental-health themed books that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together – in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (11 to 14).
“The story explores some of the negative consequences on mental health and relationships that social media can bring….” (from the review of ‘Confessions of a Class Clown’)
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Mental Health Support for Families, Caregivers in Canada
In this Summer 2025 update, Menderist shares key Canadian resources to help families/caregivers of youths who are struggling with mental health challenges.
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Mental Health Support for Families, Caregivers in the United States
In this Summer 2025 update, Menderist shares key American resources to help families/caregivers of youths who are struggling with mental health challenges.
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Family Mental Health Support from 12 Step & Other Substance Disorder Programs
When youths are following a 12 step or other substance disorder program, their families or caregivers may benefit from resources that are structured along similar lines.
Menderist provides an overview of family and caregiver help from leading groups whose programs are based on 12 step or other approaches: including Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Smart Recovery and Learn2Cope.
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Lessons from Food Allergies (No, You’re Not Imagining Things)
A parent reflects on years-long physical and mental health challenges until the successful diagnosis and treatment of a son’s extreme food allergies.
“The doctor’s words, compounded by the erratic nature of food allergies … added to the pile of stress and confusion that comes with fear of the unknown….”
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How We Helped Our Son Navigate Severe Anxiety
A parent looks back on a son’s experience with severe anxiety, and the actions that helped the most in improving his mental health.
“The promising start to the high school year came to an abrupt end, and my son struggled with his health, then fell into a debilitating depression. Meanwhile, our family scrambled to figure out how to help….”
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Helping Family When a Child has Serious Mental Health Issues
A parent of a teenager with severe mental health issues shares steps that are helping manage fear and anxiety affecting the rest of the family.
“How will I manage the impact of one child’s severe mental health issues on our family? My challenge has been to address that issue as our household has dealt with my daughter’s challenges….”
