Kweku’s Korner By Syke A.K. Smith We’ve all heard the saying the youth is our future. The question here is, how is our community supporting the mental wellness of that future? People often tell me how lucky I am to be young and without any cares. When in reality, it is not the carefree utopia […]
EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED, THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE MADISON TIMES
OCMH Offers Back to School Guidance to Reduce Student Stress
Resources to help schools and families “Back to school is an exciting time for many students, but also an anxious time,” said Linda Hall, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Health (OCMH). “We can all help lessen student anxiety and prepare youth for the demands of the school year.” While the last two school […]
5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
By Dena Vang The ongoing stress, fear, and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many negative mental health impacts among children and adolescents. During the recent virtual town hall titled Mental Wealth: COVID’s Impact on Mental Health in the Black Community, a panel of trusted doctors discussed insights into how parents and caregivers […]
Children’s Wisconsin Talks New Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
By Ana Martinez-Ortiz Mental health isn’t limited to one demographic over another. Anyone, no matter their age, race or gender can be impacted by mental health and that includes children. Over the past few years, mental health concerns among children have increased and Children’s Wisconsin is answering the call. Children’s Wisconsin announced it will soon […]
Office of Children’s Mental Health Focuses on Improving Quality of Life for LGBT Youth
Office of Children’s Mental Health Director Linda Hall today announces the publication of a new fact sheet, Improving Quality of Life for LGBT Youth, and details what our communities, schools, parents, and policymakers can do to make a difference. Highlights Compared to the general population, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth experience higher rates […]
Children’s Wisconsin Working to Aid Youth Mental Health Effected by Pandemic
By Hayley Crandall Mental Health Awareness Month is upon us, and Children’s Wisconsin has a variety of resources available for children and families as the mental health crisis in the state grows. Children’s mental health was already being recognized as a significant issue in Wisconsin prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since the pandemic, circumstances […]
How to Talk to Your Kids about Going Back to School
By Lakiesha Russell Child and family therapist at Children’s Wisconsin As a parent, you’ve probably been faced with the difficult decision regarding your child going back to school — whether that’s in-person at school or from home. These decisions can bring about stress, anxiety and disappointment as you try to do what is best for […]
How to Talk to Kids About What They’re Seeing in the News
By Lakiesha Russell, LPC Child and family therapist, Children’s Wisconsin As a child and family therapist, I’ve received questions from parents wanting to talk to their children about what they’re seeing in the news — the good, the bad and the ugly. As parents, we want to be able to have conversations with our kids […]
The Many Mental Health Benefits of Nature
By Jenny Walczak, PSYD Clinical director of mental and behavioral health, Children’s Wisconsin Did you know that getting outside and enjoying a little fresh air is scientifically proven to be good for your health? Of course, most of us are trying to stay home due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some […]
Common Reactions to COVID-19 in Children
By Emily Stone BS, CCLS, certified child life specialist, Children’s Wisconsin With all of the changes COVID-19 has brought to our daily lives, children in particular have a difficult time talking about their fears and may show behavioral signs that they are experiencing an increase in stress. Below are a few common reactions children may […]