How can we help children with bullying prevention?

As a parent, I think it is a pretty tough issue to deal with! I don't know about you, but if my children are hurting, my momma bear instinct kicks in rather quickly and I'll do anything to make sure they are safe and protected. However, that doesn't mean that I always know what to do when those situations come up. That's especially true when my emotions get in the way.

I've been provisionally certified as an Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trainer for almost a year now, but that doesn't mean that I have all of the answers to prevention or safety. What it does mean though is that I have committed to helping communities to recognize what bullying really is and how to feel empowered to intervene in bullying situations. You'd be amazed at how those two things make all the difference in the world even if you don't have the solutions to eliminating it completely.
The elementary and middle schools in Eldorado, Illinois effectively implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program this past school year, and I had the priviledge to be involved with training their bullying prevention committee. I loved being a part of this transformation of their schools and am so impressed with the hard work the staff and students did throughout the year to start making their school grounds into safer places.

With Jim Mayer, creator of IM4Ublog.com

On May 2nd, as a celebration for all of the great work they did, we were able to invite Uncle Jim Mayer to come and perform his bullying prevention education program for students K-8 called IM4U, and they loved it! Don't know who Jim Mayer is? He's definitely worth a google search and so is his IM4U blog. I was so honored to meet a man who is using his huge celebrity status to reach the children of the US. He's personable, he's fun, he cares about kids, and he definitely has my endorsement! Not only did he perform, but he stayed around the schools the remainder of the day and the next morning just to hang around with the students and get to know them. He is truly committed to the cause!

I feel very fortunate to be able to have spent some time talking with Jim. He is a phenomenal person with a admirable goal in helping children everywhere to overcome bullying. He really empathizes with them about how it feels to be a target. He also wrote a song called "Show Me the Light" that was about a girl who took her life as a result of bullying. Here is the video that Jim posted in response to Jonah Mowery which plays the song "Show Me the Light." It's a very powerful and moving video.

Of course, Jim's blog is an excellent source of support for bullying prevention, as is the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. But, I would like to also share one of the resources that I consistently use for myself and when educating parents. It's from the Child Mind Institute called "How to Arm Your Child Against Bullying" and includes 5 tips for parents about supporting your child.

I highly recommend contacting Jim Mayer through Deb Grisham Entertainment if you are in need of a bullying prevention presentation for your school or organization. You won't be disappointed.

Test your knowledge about mental illness

A great resource from NAMI Queens/Nassau is available to teach others about the stigma surrounding mental illness. I'll be sharing their curriculum "Breaking the Silence - Teaching the Next Generation About Mental Illness" at the Eldorado Middle School for their Eagle Pride Day on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The curriculum is so impressive that I thought  their 10 question quiz regarding general knowledge about mental illness was worth sharing to my blog readers. Use it for yourself or use it with your children so that we can share correct information about mental health diagnosis and treatment.

True or False?

1. Serious mental illness can happen to any family.

2. The suicide rate for people who suffer from mental illness is 10 percent.

3. Psychopath and psychotic mean the same thing.

4. The great majority of people with mental illness are not violent.

5. Abuse of drugs and alcohol may be a way people with mental illness medicate themselves to relieve  their symptoms.

6. Mental illness and mental retardation are the same thing.

7. People with mental illness can really pull themselves together and be normal if they try hard enough.

8. Mental illness strikes one in five people at some point in their lives.

9. Mental illness is a physical illness affecting the brain.

10.  All people with mental illness live in their own world and are out of contact with reality all of the time.

So, how did you do?
Answers: 1T 2T 3F 4T 5T 6F 7F 8T 9T 10F

Social change about mental health views take investment by everyone. How can you and your family commit to helping change how the world sees diagnosis and treatment?

Fifteen years today...

Today Paul and I celebrate fifteen years of marriage together. The time has flown by and I can still feel as giddy about him sometimes as I did when he first called me in May of 1995. I feel very blessed to be able to say that.

Given that our anniversary is the day after Valentines day, and this year it falls in the middle of the week, it's hard to find time to celebrate between work, children, their sports/school activities, and life in general. In fact, he's off to Omaha, Nebraska for work this morning as I write this! But, he makes so many other days feel just as special...like the message he sent to me not too long ago through Linked In:

LinkedIn

Paul Melton has sent you a message.

Date: 11/23/2011

Subject: Job Offer

Dear Kristin,

I would like to extend to you an offer for the position of Wonderful Incredible Fantastic Executive (W.I.F.E.). Based on your experience and education you are overqualified for this position, but I feel I can make an exception in your case. Benefits include 2 kids, a moody husband and tons of responsibilities. I know this sounds like your dream job so before you accept please consider thoroughly. I will be anxiously awaiting your decision.

Sincerely,

Paul Melton
CEO
Melton & Melton, INC.

Isn't that fabulous...and creative too! I just hope that I also do things that make him feel the same way about me. I guess that's what makes marriages strong. The willingness to want to continually be  respectful to the person you love and in turn also respected by them.

We were able to have a celebration early in January when we took a cruise to the Bahamas and we had a fabulous time together. We rode scooters around Nassau and Key West, relaxed in hammock together on the beach at Coco Cay, did Karaoke for the first time, were chosen to participate in the Love & Marriage game show (which by the way, was an experience I will never forget), and met some of the most fabulous people from all over the US.

Here's to many, many more years of celebrating. 

I love you Paul!

Why share the message of heart health for women? Answer: The chance to save someone you love. Go RED!

As February 1st signals the beginning of American Heart Month, so many across the nation are anticipating the celebration of Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. You can bet I'll be doing my part and volunteering my efforts to share the message, and of course it is motivated by the care that I have for those close to me -- wanting them to know how important it is to pay attention to their
heart health.

Sometimes the mission and efforts of many organizations go without notice to those who have not had the experience of someone close having difficulties -- a very sad idea, but true. However, that's the shining light behind the mission of Go RED for Women, don't wait until it's too late -- learn and be aware before it can happen. As with anything, education is always key. I am happy to have helped promote Go Red for Women through the International Pageant System for several years.

But here's where my interaction with promoting heart health becomes real. 

Meet my good friend Camille. 

Camille and I work together at Egyptian Health Department, and like the other ladies in the office, we enjoy Camille's calm and yet spunky attitude while she dedicates her time to intervening with community crisis calls. Just like the rest of us working and taking care of our families, she felt tired a lot, but was also realizing that she was short of breath very easily with tasks that should not be causing that feeling. Taking charge of her health, she went to her doctor who diagnosed her with mild aortic stenosis. Still taking charge (and thank goodness she did) she pushed her doctor to perform a stress test which then showed a possible blockage. She was scheduled for a heart cath, and when she went we were all very concerned for her and awaited the results. The test showed that she had a 90% blockage in two places of her main artery -- a condition that is termed as "the widow maker"-- as in if she had a heart attack, she would not have made it to the hospital in time to save her life. The next day she was scheduled for an immediate double by-pass.

I am happy to say that this past January 3rd, Camille joined us back at the office. Tragedy averted, but only because she took charge of something that she felt was not right about her body. I hope that I can be like that. Too many times, like many other women, I have too many things to do and don't take care of myself as I should -- again the message of Go RED -- take the time to be sure your heart is healthy because it is not something to dismiss until later. Stress, anxiety, eating on the run, and sacrificing sleep hours to catch up can take a toll on anyone and I definitely fit that part. How about you? How about someone close to you? Take action for yourself or a loved one and share the message of Go Red and the American Heart Association. It's easy to do and here is the link to prove it...

https://www.goredforwomen.org/Tell5/Default.aspx

Stigma Stoppers Unite!

          Stigma has just become a “fancy” word for believing negative ideas about something and then discriminating against people for being or having a part of that idea.  So goes the stigma of mental illness. Many people believe that this illness is untreatable and that it renders those afflicted in a way that makes them unproductive and unvaluable to society. But, for those who have mental illness, live with someone with mental illness, or work in the mental health field, we know how untrue those beliefs are, and we are doing our best to change negative ideas.

          Everyday pro-mental health organizations share the message that mental illness is treatable and manageable. Those behind this movement try our best to find the strengths that each and every person has in spite of any illness with which they are labeled. In fact, the strengths a person has can be in direct correlation with the illness — as it has developed in order to compensate for the brain not functioning as needed. And to prove it, think of all of the talented people in our history who are considered the “greats” in the arts or intellectual field. The fact that they also have a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or any other disorder means they embraced their strengths and were appreciated for them despite the illness.

          So how do we unite to stop stigma?  It starts with YOU. Yes, you, reading this right now! Changing the social idea about mental illness is an individual choice that belongs to everyone. However, when you show your support, and no fear of mental illness, it creates a chain reaction. All it takes is one person telling a story of their struggle with anxiety, or their child’s story of depression, and on, and on. It’s amazing how contagious it can be and I have seen it in action. YOU are the bridge to unite the work being done all over the world. Can I count on you to help?

Today Is Policy Day for FFCMH!

Yesterday at the Federation of Families conference, I participated in the Parent Support Provider Institute. There was information given about the progress made on creating a Parent Support Provider certification and also creating an organization to govern and hold the certified members accountable in the profession. So you may ask... What's a Parent Support Provider and why on earth do we need them? And that's a great question because we (all the members of FFCMH) will be educating the public about this.

Parent Support Providers are family members who have been through the complex mental health system trying to get appropiate and best services for their children and families. Because of this experience, they spend their time professionally and personally helping to educate and support other families in getting to services and getting what they need. In my opinion, they are the missing link in mental health services, and they will be the glue that makes services work in the future. As a therapist for families, I see the extreme value in having as many PSPs as possible! In fact, I think I would love to have the certification myself because it will just help to strengthen my ability to serve and the ability to find services and supports for my own family.

Today, however, is POLICY DAY for FFCMH! I am so thankful that I am a part of an organization that provides education on speaking with legislators and feeling empowered about sharing our message with them. This education will make my meeting with Congressman John Shimkus tomorrow the most effective visit possible. Without this education and encouragement, I would not have felt capable of achieving this activity. Once again, thank you FFCMH for being there for me and my family!

It's Time for the 22nd Annual Federation Conference

This week, families and youth will be heading to DC for the Federation of Families annual conference. I'm looking very forward to it because the event is referred to fondly as a "homecoming" for all of the Federation members. This organization was formed by family members who understood the need for peer support, stigma reduction, and continued funding for children's mental health.

Being a member of FFCMH and having the opportunity to tell others about what they do is an amazing experience, and anyone is welcome to do just that. I am so honored that the organization has posted information on their website about my efforts as Mrs. Midwest -- but my work for them is a heart-felt campaign and I appreciate the parents and youth like me and my family that ffcmh works so hard to support.

Today in DC, I am participating in the Parent Support Provider Institute that is being held by FFCMH. The goal of the institute today is to bring national recognition of creating a certification for those who work in the role of a parent support person, ie called a Parent Support Provider. The information today will help to prepare those who wish to take the steps toward certifcation.

There are so many events scheduled this week and I can't wait to report all of the excitement that this conference brings to the promotion of children's mental health.
More info to come soon...

Why should there be family driven care and family run organizations with children's mental health programs?

     In order to make children's mental health treatment effective, it is important to take into consideration the needs of the entire family. Why? Because if the logistics of the treatment services are not manageable for the family, or treatment options are too limited, there is a high probability that there will be no way for the family to follow through for the child's recovery. Hence, there's the development of family driven care, which means that families are included in the child's treatment planning. Family members are encouraged to give their input about what works for their particular family life, including cultural considerations, which helps to guide/educate the service providers. All families have needs unique to them and their services should match those needs.
     But how do families learn to ask for family driven and youth guided care in their services? Through their family-run organizations! Family-run organizations not only provide education for families about services, but they provide peer support, personal empowerment, and a strong force for changing policies and legislation regarding children's mental health. The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health is the national body that helps to unify local and state chapters of family organizations. The FFCMH provides a directory of all these available organizations so that you can find one near you.
http://ffcmh.org/who-we-are/chapters-state-organizations/
     My local family organization is called PACE (Parent And Caregivers Empowered) and I am thankful for the information and support that I can receive there. In a regular monthly PACE meeting, a designated speaker provides information useful to families while allowing time to let families connect with each other and encourage them in the difficulties or successes they may be experiencing. Every chapter functions a little differently depending on the needs of the families that participate. Even though I have knowledge about children's mental health as a therapist, it still helps to know that I have support as a mom and family member. 
     If you would like more information about what it is like to participate in a family run organization, or if you need help learning about family driven care for your child, contact me at greenribbonadvocate@gmail.com or check out the Federation of Families website at www.ffcmh.org.

Make A Difference Day Plans?

          Make A Difference Day is right around the corner... this Saturday, October 22 in fact! Do you happen to have your volunteer service planned? If not, there is still time. You can go to www.makeadifferenceday.com just to find out more about the national movement or you can go to http://daytabank.handsonnetwork.org/ to find a project close to you that can use you as a volunteer on Saturday. It's a great feeling to know you are helping others and the best part is that it is contagious -- so go out and spread the contagion!
          I'll be participating in the Egyptian Health Department & Fowler-Bonan Foundation Event called Suds & Smiles. The goal is to collect hygiene supplies and cleaning products for children and families who need them. What a great idea! Right now, there are collection bins all over the three counties in Illinois that Egyptian serves and all of those bins will be brought to the Health Department location in Eldorado on Saturday between 8am -12pm. If you want to make a donation of your own, just bring it anytime that morning. WEBQ radio station will be at the event doing a live remote and talking with the volunteers that are helping make a difference. It's going to be a great morning and I am just sure that the collected items are going to surpass the collections last year. It just keeps growing and I am so glad to be a part of it!

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day - May 3, 2011

Thanks so much to WSIL TV 3 for the interview and supporting awareness about Children's Mental Health.
Click to see Interview...

Wear Green!

      Tuesday, May 3rd is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day and I'll be wearing green! Why? It's the color that proudly says "I support Children's Mental Health." This year, SAMHSA is focusing on trauma and resiliency in children's mental health, but creating awareness and spreading the message of diagnosis and treatment is equally important.
     Statistics show that a child you know (1 in 5 children) has an undiagnosed mental health disorder that will impede academic success and social growth. Most mental health issues can be treated or managed as effectively as diabetes or asthma -- however, the stigma of a mental health label prevents many parents from seeking treatment.

     That's what has to change and it's up to ALL of us. No more judgement. No more pity. No more avoidance of the issue or the person. Encouragement is what helps. Support is what produces change. And acceptance is the foundation of it all. Educate yourself about children's mental health disorders and awareness day by visiting www.samhsa.gov/children. And... WEAR GREEN!

In the Spirit of Love and Pagentry...

     A young woman by the name of Jenna Harner, age 20, combined two very strong forces in her life to create a unique gift for women in need. Those two strong forces were her love for pageantry and the love she has for Angel's Cove of The Illinois Baptist Children's Home and Family Services. Jenna has competed in area pageants over the last few years and is a definite success. She also has a sister whom she loves very dearly that was adopted by her parents through Angel's Cove. Combining the two meant creating a pageant called the Illinois Snow Angels Pageant which would donate all proceeds to Angel's Cove. If you are like me, you're probably thinking 'what an amazing young lady' -- and let me tell you, she is beyond amazing.

 

    The inaugural Illinois Snow Angel Pageant crowned two 2010 winners on December 5. Miss Illinois Snow Angel  is Tabitha Lirely and Miss Teen Illinois Snow Angel is Olivia Gordon. A total of 21 very gorgeous and sweet young ladies competed for these titles. AND... in addition, the pageant raised a total of $2,500.00 to be donated to Angel's Cove in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

     Meeting Jenna has been a true blessing for me. The way in which we met was by only God's design which I marvel at most often. Jenna and I had never met, but through Facebook, Jenna sent me a message asking that I please consider agreeing to serving as the pageant emcee. Of course, my thought immediately was yes because of my love for pageants, but as I read more of her message about the benefit of the pageant I actually couldn't type a message back to her fast enough to say YES! OF COURSE! The amazing part of the entire situation is that Illinois Baptist Children's Home is very near and dear to my own heart and my own life's work - and Angel's Cove is part of their ministry. For the two of us to connect and have the same forces in life driving us is something only the Lord could orchestrate.
     Congratulations Jenna on a pageant well done. Can't wait to do it again!

Welborn Baptist Foundation Dinner

The Welborn Baptist Foundation serves counties in Southwestern Indiana, Southeastern Illinois, and Western Kentucky and has awarded a total of seventy-four grants to area not-for-profit organizations, totaling approximately $3.24 million for programs within the Foundation's target areas of Promotion of Early Childhood Development, Promotion of Healthy Adolescent Development, Faith-Based Initiatives, Improvements in Commuity Health Status and School-Based Health Programs.

Being an award recipient of this foundation is an extremely high honor. Our children's grade school is an award winner this year and is participating in the HEROES (Healthy, Energetic, Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic, Schools) Coordinated School Health Initiative. Paul and I are proud to serve on the local committee for the grant and were fortunate in being selected to attend the awards ceremony held on November 9, 2010. I was also able to spend time with good friend and fellow therapist, Elizabeth Tharp, who is now a part of the Foundation serving as their Evaluator for funded programs. In the short time that NCO Grade School has had in participating already, some very great changes are in the works for a healthier school and community -- adults and children alike.

Celebrate Freedom

In April 2010, I was fortunate to be asked to particapte in a production called "Celebrate Freedom" written and directed by Mike Phelps. It takes a look over the years at the various events in America's history that show cause for celebration regarding the men and women who have fought for our rights as a nation. My role, along with two friends, Courtney Neal and Gretchen Sutton, was to portray The Andrews Sisters and to perform their famous song Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. We had an absolutely fabulous time being in character but also in appreciating the depth of emotion surrounding so many of the scenes portrayed in "Celebrate Freedom". With today being Veteran's Day, I felt it was a perfect opportunity to share this video that I neglected to post earlier in the year. Thank you to our Veteran's for our ability to celebrate everyday!

A Child's Mental Health Starts In the Womb

How to Have a Happier, Healthier, Smarter Baby
Upon reading this article (click on link above) posted on Yahoo from US NEWS & WORLD REPORT, a particular section caught my attention.

About 20 percent of pregnant women experience mood or anxiety disturbances, and at least 10 percent develop full-blown depression, according to your book. How does this affect the fetus?

Pregnant women who are depressed are more likely to deliver early and have babies with a low birth weight. The mother's emotional state can also influence the fetus's developing brain and nervous system, and potentially shape the way the baby will experience and manage its own emotions. Plus, babies born to depressed mothers are more likely to be irritable and have trouble sleeping. Pregnant women should be screened for depression, just as we screen for gestational diabetes.

When I talk to different groups about mental health, I try to stress that mental illness is just as diagnosable and treatable as physical illnesses like asthma or diabetes. What a concept... to think that we could truly avoid future mental health issues for our children just by recognizing a mother's own pre-natal depression. Gestational diabetes screening is a standard screening during pregnancy. What needs to be done to make depression screenings standard? I'll do some checking into that very idea.

Carmi Kiwanis learns about Children's Mental Health

http://www.carmitimes.com/news/education/x272786933/Project-Success-targets-childrens-mental-health