1.  We don’t want you to fix us. We want you to listen. 2. Mental health isn’t a phase that we are going to snap out of. Trust us when we say we need help. .... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/support ..read more

An update of where we have been, what’s going on and where we are going. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/support ..read more

1. I feel so guilty for hurting you and being a “problem.” I’ve seen the pain on your face. I know I’ve hurt you, and I know I’ve caused you extra work and stress. I sometimes feel guilty and selfish for being depressed. Just remind me you love me and that even if I create extra problems for you, I’m worth it. 2. Sometimes I don’t know what’s wrong. Feeling down can come on whenever — it’s unpredictable. I don’t always know what causes it, and if I don’t know how am I supposed to tell you? Please stop asking me to try and figure it out. 3. Don’t try to fix all my problems for me. I know I have ..read more

In today's episode, I will read a letter written following the loss of our son JJ to suicide. A letter from a father and suicide survivor JJ was my first child. He wasn’t your typical 12 year old. He was smart, energetic, goofy. A straight-A student who was heavily involved in school activities being in school leadership, involved in school dances and assemblies. He was an avid soccer and video game player. JJ had a large circle of friends and was the one that everyone came to with a problem because not only would he fix it but he wouldn’t let you leave the room until you smiled. From the outs ..read more

1. Understand the Treatment Plan 2. Avoid Unhelpful Reactions 3. Handle Your Teen’s School 4. Keep Your House Safe 5. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices 6. Warning Signs of Another Teen Suicide Attempt 7. Get Counseling for Yourself We hope you found this information helpful.  If you need more information about teenage depression, suicide or suicide loss please visit www.hellofund.org to learn more. Remember to the world you may be one person but to one person you are the world.  Thank you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/me ..read more

How to help themselves 1. Asking for help when dealing with a mental health issue is a sign of strength. 2. Living a healthy lifestyle helps keep your mind balanced. 3. You have power. 4. There are tons of different coping skills for managing mental health. 5. Surrounding yourself with people that are healthy for you makes the recovery process smoother. How to help others 1. Teens struggling with mental health issues are often misunderstood by peers. 2. Spreading awareness reduces stigma. 3. Your friend may be feeling emotions that prevent them from talking to you. 4. Your support consistency ..read more

Here are four things to keep in mind when having that ‘how-you-doing?’ conversation with your teen and to show that you are always there for them. 1. Encourage them to share their feelings 2. Take the time to support them 3. Work through conflict together 4. Care for yourself --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/support ..read more

Key Points to think about when discussing teenage anxiety Emotions have three parts: thoughts, physical feelings, and behaviors. These parts are interconnected, and any of those parts can be a trigger that starts the anxiety cycle. Anxiety, like all emotions, can be adaptive. It protects us from harm in dangerous situations. But, sometimes, the system goes off in the absence of real danger. This feels uncomfortable but is actually harmless as long as you don’t start actively avoiding it. Anxiety fades if you let it. Emotions are like a wave – they peak, and then recede, even if you don’t do a ..read more

Why don’t men talk about mental health? Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. We know that gender stereotypes about women – the idea they should behave or look a certain way, for example – can be damaging to them. But it’s important to understand that men can be damaged by stereotypes and expectations too. Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant, and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for h ..read more

I know I know it's been a while but we are back and look forward to talking to you all more. May 25th we will be presenting the Smedberg Leadership award to 11 deserving middle school students May 26th JJ would be graduating from Sheldon High School Class of 2021 My own mental health struggles and how I need to do better for myself and for everyone around me. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jjs-hello-foundation/support ..read more