reformingrootstherapy

[reformingrootstherapy]

My roots

Reflection Question

Am I truly living by my values/roots?

We begin to develop our beliefs/values system the moment we enter the world.

As you reflect on this question, think about what you believe in and if you are living by those beliefs. For example. If one of your root values is “respect”, do you treat all people with respect? How would you like to be treated, even if someone did not believe in/agree with the same things you do?

Happy Reflecting! <3 Alexis

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Reclaiming Your time

Reflection Question

How can I take control of my life?

When reflecting on this question, think about how much time you have sacrificed on things that did not serve you. Think about how going forward you can prioritize yourself and your well-being. Set some realistic goals, start taking back the time that you deserve, NOW!

Happy Reflecting! <3 Alexis

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Gettin’ in the way

of my own success, or whatever Erykah Badu said…

Many times, we can be our own biggest enemy. We get in our way, stop ourselves from taking the leap to start our journey, or even question our abilities.

When reflecting on this question, think about a dream you have yet to accomplish and what has got in the way of getting to the finish line.

Happy Reflecting! <3 Alexis

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Parenting

The Parenting Series aims to provide resources, tips, and education on various current and common topics related to parenting.

Does mental health impact parenting?

The short answer is, it can… but it also doesn’t have to. If it does, it does not mean you have broken your child/children. Your response is as important as the care you take to be preventative.

Children whose parents are diagnosed with a mental illness are at higher risk for developing social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges. These are due to risk factors that can be associated with mental illness such as:

Inconsistent and unpredictable family environment

Poverty

Work or marital difficulties

Poor parent-child relationship

Parent's use of substances

Openly aggressive or hostile behavior by a parent

The more factors a family has, the higher the chances are that your child will experience some mental health challenge in their lifetime.

Are there ways/things to protect my child? Yes.

Parenting can already feel challenging, but your experience with mental illness does not have to create or continue a cycle that needs to be broken. Children and youth, are already some of the most resilient groups I have ever worked with and adding protective factors to the mix helps combat those risks. Resilient children understand that they are not responsible for their parent's difficulties, and are able to move forward in the face of life's challenges. It is always important to consider the age and stage of development when supporting children.

Protective factors for children include:

Having a healthy and present relationship with your children (emotionally, mentally, etc.)

Strong support networks (family, friends, etc.). Remember that it does in fact take a village.

Positive self-esteem and self-management strategies (coping, social, and emotional skills)

Positive and healthy peer relationships

Positive school experiences that support with increasing academic interest and success

Healthy engagement with adults outside the home

Advocacy and social skill development

Parents who are functioning well in all areas of their lives

Stable parental employment

In short, be the healthiest and most functional human for your child/children that you can be. Be a representative of what you hope for them and communicate when things do not go the way in which you hoped. We always want our youth to be better than what we are, but that does not mean you set the bar low; and also do not set the bar too high, because perfection does not exist. Bottom line is, you must take care of yourself in order to care for anyone else. Get what you need or as much as you can so that you are able to be present for your family.

And know that, you are most likely doing amazing already :)

Sources

Mental Health America. Parenting with a Mental Health Condition. LINK

https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Mental Health

This series serves to provide understanding through education on various topics within the world of Mental Health.

Mental Health

Impact on Adults:

1 in 7 adults in California have an experience with mental illness

82% of unhoused adults in California surveyed had experienced a serious mental health condition.

Impact on Youth:

1 in 6, aged 6-17, experience a mental health disorder each year.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.

Impact on Families:

Caregivers of adults with mental or emotional health issues spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care

Source:

NAMI

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Resources

The Resource Series aims to bring support to those from marginalized populations, impacted by oppressive systems, or have ever felt like they just needed help.

This graph shows the prevalence of mental illness within adults in the U.S.

As a Social Worker, I thought it would be fitting to start this series off with mental health and general resources. Every post will highlight a specific need, trend, community, or population.

Since I am based in California I have added California and Bay Area specific resources. If you live outside of California please check your county and/or city website.

Call or Text 1.855.600.4357

California Peer-Run Warmline

State Hotline & Organization Resource List

211 Bay Area Resource Finder

844.844.5544 Contra Costa County Crisis Call Center

Contra Costa County Resource Website

Alameda County Resource Guide

Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services

988 National Suicide Hotline

1.800.662.4357 SAMHSA’s National Hotline

National Crisis Hotline List

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Social Work 101

The Professional Series aims to be a place of support, tips, and resources for those thinking of entering, currently going to school, or working in the field of Social Work.

Is Social Work for me?

Are you:

Passionate about social justice causes?

Understanding that Social Work is definitely political.

Empathetic to other people’s experiences?

Looking to learn about how to better support others?

Willing to be a lifelong learner to remain competent?

Ready to become a hub of resources for various needs?

Excited to design and manage programs that will change people’s lives?

Ready to provide services and travel while doing it?

Accepting that you may begin your own healing process if you haven’t already.

etc…

If yes and you are excited, then I have some good news… Social Work might just be for you!

Based on a true story…

As a child I can remember my heart always leading me to help, care, and advocate for people in need. I can credit those who watered my roots in respect, advocacy, and justice for that. Being raised by my village I understood the value of community, and that we are not alone in our success. I watched my mother care for neighborhood kids when they would get hurt, my father educate others on the importance of equity and paying it forward, my granny dedicated to nurturing her grandchildren and the community, my nana preparing fun activities to keep us social and active, my papa who wore resiliency and hard work on his sleeve, and my pockoo who showed me I could have both a gentle and fighting spirit.

Throughout my life I find myself in positions of service, and I believe these opportunities are drawn to the energy that I carry from those who raised me. Now this is just my story, it will not be anyone else’s. Everyone enters the field for their own reason, and I encourage you to find your “why”. I also ask you to think about if it is what you love. I love this work and everything that comes with it. Your “why” will keep you grounded and fueled to continue the good fight.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Reflections

The Reflection Series aims to help grow your mind by taking time to understand how your brain works through in depth processing.

"Enhancing our ability to understand ourselves and our motivations, and to learn more about our own values helps us take the power away from the distractions of our modern, fast-paced lives and instead refocus on fulfillment."  -- Positive Psychology, 2017

What is Reflection/Introspection?

It is a process in which you take time to understand your thoughts, feelings, decisions, etc. based on your current and/or past experiences.

Why is it important?

Stop and think about how many times your mind is occupied with thoughts and/or worries about things that have already happened. How often your mind perseverates on the “why’s” of life. By taking some time to stop an evaluate with intention you can let go of the past and focus on implementing improvements for the future.

In the world of technology, society’s forceful impact is literally in the palms of our hands. Where social media makes us question if we are good enough, people we don’t know put unwelcomed pressures on us, and we are influenced by things that don’t serve our purpose.

When you reflect on this question think about who you are at your core, or roots. Think on your values, beliefs, and what truly guides you in life.

Happy Reflecting! <3 Alexis

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.

[reformingrootstherapy]

Wellness

The Wellness Series aims to support you with ideas, activities, and resources to help you begin your self-care journey.

Self-Care is the intentional nurturing to your whole person in order to improve your overall health.

Self-Care Beginner Tips

Drink water and mind your business sis/bro/pal. Take care of those basic needs first, food and water! I know as soon as I have an attitude or get cranky, 9 times out of 10 I have not eaten. Also, let go of what does not serve you, that’s just unnecessary stress.

Make YOU a priority. You come first, I don’t know how many times we need to tell ourselves that. If our oxygen masks aren’t on how can we help someone else put theirs on so they can breathe? We’ll pass out first.

Be grateful. We may have a lot going on, true. But we also have a lot of beautiful things happening in our lives or around us. Take time to smell the roses, we don’t get any of this time back.

Got friends? Then text them right now and schedule some plans. We are social beings, and we deserve to let off some steam.

Do stuff! That serves you and fills your spirit with whatever it is craving. Love, relaxation, an outlet, creativity, spontaneity, etc.

Stay consistent. The only expectation is to do something for yourself on a consistent basis. How else are we going to maintain those good feels?

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for legal, business, or professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical, mental health, legal or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, business, or legal situation.