Jennifer Lane Books Blog

Thanks to Sara from Nanny Pro for her guest post on volunteering with teens who have mental illness. Take it away, Sara!    Volunteering and Teens with Mental Illness   When you consider volunteering, most people think of the local soup kitchen or the animal shelter. These are the more common ways to give back in your community—feeding the hungry or assisting helpless animals. But those seeking more of a challenge should try volunteering with teens, particularly teens with mental illness. Mental illness is a growing problem for today’s teens and there are many different organizations around the world to help them through this time.  Everyone knows that teens can be a tough group. Babies and children are innocent, fun, and sweet...the elderly are wise, calm, and full of wonderful stories...but teens needing the most help are the ones that don’t want it or don’t think they need it. You remember your teenage years--you and your friends were wanna-be rebels...

Authors Justine Dell and Sarah Fine have hosted a week of giveaways and fundraisers in celebration of Suicide Prevention ! Click HERE Today from 11-6 is the Out of the Darkness Auction HERE where you can bid on some amazing critiques and prize packs. As a psychologist, I often check in with my clients about suicidal thoughts and urges. Obviously it's frightening when a loved one contemplates suicide. Individuals suffering from clinical depression, addictions, or other mental disorders may get into a dark place and feel hopeless about ever escaping the pain. When they get so down, they fail to realize emotions are temporary and they WILL feel better. If you have a loved one who is deeply depressed, it's okay to ask if he or she is thinking about suicide. You can't turn somebody suicidal by asking about it. Danger increases if your loved one has a suicidal plan and clear intent to carry out the plan. Better safe than sorry-- CALL 911 if you fear for your loved ...