New studies are showing the long-lasting and far-reaching effects of domestic violence on children. Researchers discovered children who simply witness abuse suffer the same effects as those who are actually abused. Observing violence carries the same risk of harm to a child’s mental health and learning as a child who is abused directly. Ronald Kessler, the lead researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School says these effects last well into adulthood. Among childhood adversities those involving family violence inflict the worst long-term effects.
USA Today interviewed billionaire businessman Richard Branson. He was made to feel stupid and beaten regularly by his headmaster in his youth. The reason was his dyslexia. He’s co-founded a charity “Made By Dyslexia” which hosted it’s first global summit. The list of people past and present with dyslexia is impressive! Branson says dyslexia is not something that needs to be overcome but embraced.
There is a profound article by ESPN senior writer Jackie MacMullan on the NBA’s path of forming a comprehensive mental health program. The courage of athletes to step out and share their mental health problems has led the NBA to hire a psychologist as their first director of mental health and wellness. It took an All-Star like Kevin Love to share and reveal his anxiety and depression to help get them there. He thought he was dying in the midst of a panic attack during a game last season. He has recently opened up on NBC’s Today Show and other players have also started to share their struggles. This is a tremendous step toward advancing public awareness and eliminating mental health stigma.
Out of 1,541 participants I ranked 50th in individual fundraising. Our little 2 person team also ranked 52nd out of 338 total teams on Saturday. We cannot thank you all enough for money donated and for those who came out to support us on Saturday!
My daughter, Reese and I are doing something incredible together! We’re participating in the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk – an extraordinary event where participants from all over the country join together to walk 16-18 miles over the course of one night.
We’re fundraising to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Proceeds will help those affected by suicide and mental health conditions by supporting research, advocacy, survivor resources, education, and awareness programs. AFSP has set a bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by the year 2025, and we are proud to be part of that mission.
You can help us with a donation no matter how small (even $5 or $10) or share this with your friends and family. Thank you for your support in a cause we’re passionate about! Together we can save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.