Feelings
The Ripple Effect of Suicide on Children
The death of a parent is a traumatic event that can leave a lasting impact on those who have lost their loved ones. Losing a parent to suicide can be even more traumatic than losing a parent from natural causes. Studies from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh show that losing a…
Read MoreBack-to-School Mental Health Red Flags
While it may still feel like summer outside, the rumble of school buses and displays of school supplies at every store are a sure sign the new school year is in full swing. As students go back to class, they also must adjust to early mornings, new classmates, teachers and academic challenges. With all of…
Read MoreCHRIS 180 Experts Lead Conversation about Women’s Mental Health
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder found in women. According to a study at the University of Chicago Medicine, “29% of women reported symptoms of depression and anxiety — nearly twice the estimated pre-pandemic rates. One in six…
Read MoreEmotional Trauma: How Post-Traumatic Stress Impacts Our Brains
Often when the term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is used, it is associated with members of the military, especially war veterans. As times change and people become more familiar with trauma and its impact on each of our lives, we are starting to recognize just how the stress connected to past and present events impacts…
Read MoreThe Impact of Therapy on LGBTQ+ Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Michelle’s Story When Michelle lost her housing, a friend told her about CHRIS 180 and our Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center provides a range of free services for youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness. These services include meals, life coaching, job and housing assistance and walk-in therapy sessions. But Michelle was hesitant. She had…
Read MoreHow to Help a Child Name Their Feelings
Children are small people with very big emotions. Although they can show you what they are feeling, most children have yet to attach a name to their feelings and have not learned healthy ways of dealing with their emotions. As children grow, they face many challenges and obstacles. Therefore, it is important to promote healthy…
Read MoreBringing a Mother’s Love to Children in Foster Care
Valancia Abdullah considers it her calling to care for youth who some may think of as “challenged.” After working with special needs students at Atlanta Public Schools, in 2000, she joined CHRIS 180’s foster care program. She serves as a Resident Assistant. The kids affectionately refer to her as Ms. Val. “The RA to me…
Read MoreGoodbye 2020 – Welcome 2021
Over and over I’ve heard people remark that they were so ready for 2020 to be over. And with the start of the new year, we are all looking forward to a better 2021 – a new beginning, a path to recovery. At the same time, there just might be some things that we learned…
Read MorePresent Moments
‘Tis the season to pause and reflect on the past year as a new one approaches, and oh what a year it has been! 2020 started off as a promising new decade, with exciting goals, dreams and resolutions. But as we all know, a few months into it, all our hopes and plans came to…
Read MoreFinding a Sense of Control Amidst the Uncontrollable
If this year has taught me anything, it is that there is a lot of stuff I cannot change. That realization has brought on frequent feelings of powerlessness, helplessness and frustration. It has also sometimes brought about anger, sadness and a downright desire to just throw my hands up in the air and say, “forget…
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