Posts by Family Kickstart Georgia
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are not just about food and weight, they are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses, in which a person experiences a severe disturbance in eating and exercise behaviors because of distortions in thoughts and emotions, especially those relating to body image or feelings of self-worth. People in all age groups, genders, and socio-economic…
Read MoreBenefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is great for our health – it makes us feel good while helping others in the process. Volunteers are generally healthier, happier and have lower rates of depression. Research shows people who volunteer have better health and wellbeing. Some in the field, say it makes them happier, gives them a sense of self-worth and…
Read MoreUps and Downs: Cycles of Adolescent Moods
Ups and downs are a normal part of our lives, adolescent included. Adolescents have a lot going on physically, emotionally and socially, which helps to explain why they might be having more moods than before. Some days your child might be cheerful and excited, while other days he might seem flat, low or sad. This…
Read MoreDepression – First Aid
How do I know if someone is experiencing depression? Even, only a trained professional can diagnose someone with depression, if you notice changes in the person’s behavior, their mood, energy levels, habits or personality, you should consider depression as a possible reason for these changes. It is very important to find out about depression so…
Read MoreDepression – How can I be Supportive?
Treat the person with respect and dignity Each person’s situation and needs are unique. It is important to respect the person’s autonomy while considering the extent to which they are able to make decisions for themselves, and whether they are at risk of harming themselves or others. Equally, you should respect the person’s privacy and…
Read MoreReduce your Child’s Risk of Developing Depression and Clinical Anxiety
During adolescence, a lot of changes are occurring in a person’s behavior, thinking and emotions, as the brain is still developing. This can make it difficult to know whether a change is due to depression or clinical anxiety, or is part of normal adolescent development; during adolescence, people experience stronger emotions and are more inclined…
Read MoreKeeping the Rules (Discipline)
Even some people may think that discipline is about punishment, discipline is about learning and keeping the rules, to keep ourselves and others happy and safe. Your home is the first and most important place in your life, but it is also the most dangerous place where most accidents that happen to kids take place.…
Read MoreWhat is Emotional Abuse?
Having a satisfying romantic relationship takes hard work. Knowing what to expect from a relationship and what you want from it, and how to communicate with and listen to your partner, are really important aspects of having a good relationship. Aspects of emotional abuse are involved in many unhealthy relationships. The aim of the emotional…
Read MoreRunning Away from Home
Have you ever been in trouble at home or at school and thought to yourself, “I will run away and then they will be sorry!” There are numerous reasons why kids run away from home, however, they all have something to do with one or more of these problems: at home, like feeling unsafe, fighting…
Read MoreSubstance Abuse and Mental Health
When someone first starts to use drugs, it is called substance abuse. We say someone is addicted to drugs when they have no control over whether they want to use the drug or not. That person feels that they HAVE to have that drug. Substance use disorders are a major cause of mental illness. People…
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