Resources - Children's Mental Health

Clancy Martin Unlocked the Secret of How Not to Kill Himself

Author and professor Clancy Martin tells Dr. Michelle K. Murray about what a lifetime of trying to die feels like, about his own complex family, and how just in the last few years he has managed to finally lose that urge to make the worst decision one can make.

The Realities of Youth Homelessness

In the U.S., 4.2 million youth experience homelessness every year. Around 700,000 of those youth are unaccompanied, meaning they are not in the care of their parents and caregivers. In Minnesota, over 13,000 unaccompanied young people experience homelessness in a year. That’s a lot of kids without safe shelter! 

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health While Keeping Cultural Identity with Vivien Lee

Vivien Lee recalls the first inklings of an existential crisis when she was eight years old. As she grew older, Vivien endured severe trauma. As the oldest of several children in a family that was part of Minnesota’s Hmong community, mental health was not something that was discussed in her family.

Supporting Mental Health Across Cultures

For care professionals, providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support means taking the time to understand each person’s unique background. By approaching these differences with curiosity rather than judgment, professionals can build trust, foster meaningful connections, and communicate more effectively.

Gender Identity and Mental Health in the Family with Aaron and Asher

Dr. Michelle K. Murray sits down with her brother Aaron and nephew Asher to discuss Asher’s journey with depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how discovering his gender dysphoria helped him find clarity and self-acceptance. Aaron shares how he and Asher’s mom supported him along the way, guiding him toward a more peaceful and confident place.

Helping Teens Build a Healthier Relationship with Social Media

Social media is a primary source of connection for many, but it’s crucial—especially for youth—to balance online interaction with real-life socialization. Being intentional about how we engage with content and having open and honest conversations about responsible usage can help set boundaries that support mental well-being.

Talking to Teens About Social Media

Social media isn’t inherently harmful, but it can amplify stress, anxiety, and comparing ourselves to others, particularly for youth whose brains are still developing. Since the pandemic, many teens have leaned on social platforms for connection. While that’s understandable, it’s more important than ever to help them balance online interaction with real-life relationships.

Cozy Fall Activities for Your Mental Health

The swift approach of Autumn and the ending of summer can be a brutal adjustment. Days are short and cold, evenings are dark and long, and these changes in the weather can bring on symptoms of Seasonal Depressive Disorder. Because of this, it’s important to find enjoyable ways to combat these symptoms and protect your mental health. Here are a few suggestions to help you get excited for the changing season, all while supporting your mental health.

Back to School: Bubbling Excitement or Anxiety Provoking?

As parents, caregivers, or guardians, the aspect of going back to school is often exciting. While this can be exciting for students, too, anxiety often rears its ugly head. There are simple things parents, caregivers, and/or guardians can do to minimize the anxiety students feel about going back to school.