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Parents
and
Families

Resources for Parents and Families

 

Organizations

  • Families for Depression Awareness  helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides

  • Tell My Story An organization with a mission to give every parent the knowledge, tools, and resources
    they need to nurture their children’s mental health.

    • Film Trailer: What I Wish My Parents Knew​  a 45-minute film that explores the inner struggle of children battling depression and anxiety in silence. 10 youth bravely share their pain living in crisis and express their feelings what they wish their families would have known.  To arrange for a screening of the film followed by a discussion, Contact Tell My Story

 

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Books

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Apps

  • In California: BrightLifeKids Free Behavioral health coaching for parents, caregivers, and kids 0–12.

  • In California: Soluna Free Confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California. No cost. No pressure. Chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, or explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more. You choose!

  • NotOK App: People set up trusted contacts and can send a digital flare to those contacts if in crisis.

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Small Group Discussion Format for Parents Supporting Mental Health of Youth

from East Shore Unitarian Church and Family Covenant Circle

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  • Welcome and Announcements

  • Chalice Lighting & Reading

  • Covenant

    • Listen: we will listen and speak respectfully; listen deeply without comment at least the first time around. 

    • Practice awareness: we will be mindful of how often and how long we are speaking; we will refrain from giving advice or problem-solving for others unless requested. 

    • Trust: we will honor the trust that others have placed in us by not sharing outside the circle what was said inside the circle, unless prior permission is given.

  • Guidelines

    • We feel connected to other people when we sense that they see us, know us, and care about us. That’s what connection circles are about: being seen, being heard, being known, and developing affection.

    • Speak only when holding the talking piece

    • When others are speaking, give them your full attention

    • You are always free to pass when the talking piece comes to you

  • Introductions

    • Introduce yourself including your preferred pronouns.  

    • Introduce your family members, including their pronouns and the ages of the youth.

  • Check In

    • Please share if there something you need to name in order to be fully present here, being mindful of time and of others’ need to share in their turn.

  • Reading: Mental Health, Youth, and UU Support By Elaine Mcardle, page 13, UU World Magazine, Spring/Summer 2023

  • Discussion

    • What would your children answer, if you were to ask them, how many trusted adults are in their life?

    • ANSWER ONLY IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE: What mental health issues have your children struggled with?

    • To what extent did your children suffer isolation and stress during the COVID-19 shut-down of schools and social gatherings?

  • Closing Words - read in unison

As we leave this place and this company,

May the fellowship of this circle carry us forward,

Remind us of that which we hold to be most sacred,

And encourage us in every hour,

Until such time as we meet again.

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