Healing journeys rarely happen alone. As family members, we can give and receive support when we or someone we love struggles. Whether we simply listen to understand or help a loved one find professional support, each of us can develop the qualities and skills we need to care for our families.
15 year old, Kendellyn Duncan, articulates the emotional impact that recent gun violence has had on her generation and pleas for adults to make necessary change.
Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan, the lead mental health expert for our Families Healing Together campaign, introduces this series on dealing with the mental health impacts of community trauma.
In order for families to heal together, we must address the community traumas that we face all too often. The mental health implications of community trauma, such as anxiety or depression, are ever-present and they affect the entire family. Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan and her 15 year old daughter, Kendellyn, help us to navigate these tough times and provide helpful tips for supporting our mental health, that of the young people in our lives, and ways to build resilience and hope for a brighter future.
Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan explores confronting our own emotions before we can support the young people in our lives and provides helpful tips for going there.
Dr. Gina Newsome Duncan discusses how to start and approach the conversation around community trauma with our young people.
What does “coming out” really mean? What do you say — and to who? Will it affect my mental health? How does racial identity affect your experience of sexual and/or gender identity?
In this important discussion, Dr. David Rivera and mental health advocate Jarred Denzel explore “coming out” in communities of color.
Dr. David P. Rivera is an associate professor of counselor education at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), where he is also the Founding Director of the CUNY LGBTQI Student Leadership Program. Jarred Denzel is a PR and media strategist who offers brand partnership direction to LGBTQIA+ focused community programs. He has secured coverage in The NY Times, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal, VOGUE, ELLE, and more.
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Including tips, resources and coping strategies for students, families and educators
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Including managing stress and anxiety, social stressors, suicide prevention and supporting students of color
At the Steve Fund we know that parents and caregivers who heal help their children in the process. We believe caring for our mental health is as important as caring for the body. We offer the information, resources and tools below to support families find the help, hope and healing they need to thrive.
Today, 1 in 5 children and adolescents live with a mental health, learning or substance use disorder. Our communities’ mental health concerns are disproportionately impacted by the profound effects of racism and racialized trauma. Sometimes it can be hard to acknowledge what our young people face and to take action. But, together, we can support our young people with information and resources to support their mental health and wellbeing.
This evening of connection explores self-help and healing for families. Speakers include:
Staying present in each moment is a powerful way to give yourself the space to balance acceptance and action. Incorporating gratitude for each breath and each moment we have can fuel the positive steps we can take each day.
1. Breathe in for 6 seconds
2. Hold the breath for 7 seconds
3. Exhale for 8 seconds
4. Repeat
“There are these things you can do — mindful meditation, deep breathing exercises, holding, building a gratitude practice that can actually help rebalance and recalibrate your brain chemicals in such a way that they reduce the stress impact on your body.”
– Dr. Kia Darling-Hammond
As a parent, caregiver, or family member, you may sense that something is amiss with your child or loved one. If you are concerned that they are struggling and need support, consider these signs and signals — and take action for them and your family.
If a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, please take action:
More on warning signs from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“In the end, it’s not, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ but ‘What wrong is happening to you, and how you are perceiving it and coping with it.’ ”
– Dr. Farha Abbasi
When a child struggles, professional help can be critical to moving through the challenges. Here is a roadmap to help you and your young person navigate the journey.
For more on selecting the right professional, please read this article from Psych Central.
PLEASE NOTE: The Steve Fund does not endorse or verify the license, skills, or experience of any therapists listed in the directories.
If you have been meeting with a therapist for some time and want to change, it may feel uncomfortable mentioning this. If you do, they may help you find someone who is better suited to your needs and refer you to that person. You can also call an administrative assistant to discontinue sessions.
Learn more about finding a therapist in this article from The Cut.
PLEASE NOTE: The Steve Fund does not endorse or verify the license, skills, or experience of any therapists listed in the directories.
Taking care of our mental health and emotional well-being is an active process and each of us and our loved ones are in different places along our journeys. Here are seven ways to support the mental health of a young person of color in your life.
1 Journal: Writing in a journal helps us express how we feel and adds a “well-being check” into our lives. Questions can help get us started: “How am I feeling today?”, “What challenges did I face today?”, and “What went well for me today?” Our responses can help us both understand our feelings and take steps to address our well-being.
2 Move your body: Movement boosts our energy and mood. Whether we take a moment to dance, go outside, or play with a pet, it is important to connect and renew both mind and body.
3 Rest and relax: Rest for the sake of resting, not to do more. Take a nap, take a break, or disconnect from social media for a period of time.
4 Talk with a trusted loved one: When we share our stories, we feel less alone. Speak with a trusted friend, family member, faith leader, mentor, partner, or teacher and let them know how you’re feeling.
5 Work your inner voice: Start by recognizing your feelings rather than denying them. Then, have a conversation with yourself about your feelings and where you’d like to focus.
6 Start a gratitude practice: Gratitude can help shift negative emotions and experiences to positive ones. Here is a simple way to start: Sit and take deep breaths, reflecting on a different topic per breath or a few breaths:
7 Try a new hobby: Discover or deepen your interests, skills, and talents by trying something new. Don’t worry about being the greatest — it’s about the process, not perfection. Find tutorials on YouTube, read books, and consider attending an online workshop.
Our Mission: Promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color
© 2023 The Steve Fund.