Movies that Matter Series

Movie tickets and popcorn on white background

Join ATN as we commemorate Children’s Mental Health Month (May) and PTSD Month (June) with some Trauma-Informed Movies that Matter. We’ll be hosting 3 films and Q&A sessions.  You can register to view one or all of the series, and attend their Q&As…for FREE!  They are filling fast.  Some are sold out. Thursday, May 11 […]

The Re-Set Process

It began at TSS In February 2021, I had the honor of moderating Dyane Carrere’s session, “A New Way to Respond to Challenging Behavior: The Re-Set Process” at ATN’s virtual Trauma-Sensitive Schools (TSS) conference. Carrere’s approach to and heart for children from hard places impressed me. So much so, in fact, that I ordered her […]

Child Abuse, Coronavirus, and Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Month Every May, advocacy organizations such as Mental Health America come together to raise awareness around needs related to mental health. These needs have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. Now that we have entered the month of June, we should reflect on the lessons learned during Mental Health Awareness Month so we […]

What to Say to Someone Depressed or Suicidal

Man with sign asking for HELP

According to the CDC, at least 3 in 20 students in a typical high school classroom have seriously considered taking their lives in the past year. With teen depression and suicidal ideation on the rise in these digital times, we’re likely to see these numbers increase. Will we know what to say if that student, friend, […]

Complex “Yes/And” Solutions to End Mass Shootings

What Will it Take to End Mass Shootings

Just days after one of the bloodiest non-war weekends in US history, thousands have taken to their social media pulpits to preach about mass shootings. Some advocate gun control, mental health services, or an end to racism. Thousands more preach just the opposite, saying guns, mental illness, or racism could not possibly be the cause. […]

5 Enlightened Ways to Think About Mental Health

drawing of a brain lifting a barbell and sweating

Mental health problems should be thought of no differently than physical health problems. In fact, they are related: mental health problems affect physical health and physical health problems affect mental health.

When Children with Mental Health Issues Are Violent

–by Sara Borgstede [originally published on the author’s own blog, The Holy Mess, on March 1, 2018.] Manager’s note: while many children who suffer from mental health issues never become violent, the tragic reality is, some do. A huge hug of gratitude for Sara for her courage in sharing one such story. Like most people […]

Maybe It Isn’t Depression?

–by Laura Dennis Therapist and author Hilary Jacobs Hendel has blogged for ATN several times this past year, including popular posts such as “Head, Heart, Repeat” and “What Mad Men and Don Draper Taught Us about Power and Shame”. She is also the author of “It’s Not Always Depression” and “The Healing Power of Hugs” […]

The Unfinished Quilt Top: Unraveling Threads

–by Carl Young Manager’s note: You can read more about Carl’s journey with his son at http://fightingforanswers.com/blog  It’s a heart-breaking journey and an absolute must-read. Unfinished quilt tops. Loose fabric, pieced together.  seams re-sewn to strengthen the final product.  adjustments, another persons eye to style and color.  A work in progress. I have been told, I […]