Suicide is not something we prefer to talk about. And for some of us, if we talk about it, we do so in hushed tones to our closest confidants. But, talking about suicide shouldn't be isolated to a response conversation. It should be proactive rather than reactive. A community that cares for one another, a community bent on expressing the love of Christ, should also be a community that is consistently connected with a network of care.

Taking better care of ourselves is a critical yet straightforward way to lower your stress, reduce your risk for illness, increase your energy, and give you better mental health. Having a better understanding and awareness of yourself, setting boundaries by saying no, and showing yourself the same grace and compassion you show others are key to truly being happy and healthy.

What if you could give your kids a higher degree of emotional IQ at an earlier age? What if you could help them sort through their feelings faster and get them in touch with their own bodies and minds sooner? You can. Using some simple ideas from mindfulness, you help your kids navigate their feelings more successfully.

It's not only polite, but the simple act of gratitude and thankfulness holds the keys to our happiness and helps us maintain good mental health. It's not just a polite way to behave. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion. It helps build strong and sustaining relationships, perseverance, and growth from adversity with greater strength and motivation.

The teenage brain is experiencing rapid development that even their brain can't keep up with it. It's a paradox, I know. But could it be depression? Perhaps, but you don't want to overreact. You don't want to put an idea in their head that's not really there—a genuine concern among many parents. So how can you know?

When we talk about spring, it's usually filled with joy, anticipation, a sense of freedom from the tyranny of the cold winter months, and the chance for new beginnings. It's like spring is synonymous with hope. If for most people, the added sunshine, longer days, and warmer temperatures are welcomed with eager and open arms, then others find themselves more anxious, more depressed than most think they ought to be.