STARS

Hope. Health. Connection.

  • Home
  • About
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors 2022
    • Leadership Team
    • Bookstore
  • Programs
    • Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists
    • Student Assistance Program
      • What Makes Us EBP?
      • Contact
    • Enhanced Student Assistance Program
    • Kids on the Block
      • Meet the Puppets
      • Menu of Presentations
      • Request for presentations
      • Literacy Initiative
      • Video Series
      • Contact
    • Deaf or Hard of Hearing
      • Video Series
      • Contact
    • Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse
      • Confidential Referral Form
      • Have the Conversation
  • Trainings
    • Conferences
    • Olweus Trainers
    • Calendar
    • Contact
  • Blog
    • Subscribe
  • Donate Now
    • Matching Gifts
  • Events
  • Contact

January 25, 2018 By James Bush

Mental Health & Importance of Care

Are you experiencing recurrent nightmares?

Do you wrestle with thoughts that are unshakeable?

 Do you feel that many of your behaviors are impulsive?

Do you use alcohol or any other substance daily to help you feel better about the events in your life?

If you answered yes to any of the aforementioned questions:

  • It does not mean you have a mental health disorder.
  • It does not mean you have something inherently wrong with you.

But it is important for you to manage these concerns healthfully for your body. So, what are some ways you can help take care of your emotional and mental health?

From birth most of us are taught to seek medical help when we are sick or in pain – when physical symptoms arise we are taught to go to the doctor.

But how were you taught to manage mental health concerns?

Importance of Mental Health Care

Some were taught to seek therapy; some were taught to discuss these issues with a pastor; some were taught to discuss these issues among friends; some cope by using alternative substances like marijuana or alcohol to alleviate their discomfort.

In order for mental health to improve, it’s important to seek out the care and advice from a medical professional even if you do not have a mental health disorder – taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

Here are a few tips to bring into your daily life when looking after your mental health:

  • Meditate: Meditation has proven to alter the brains gray matter (contains cell bodies), improve memory, and stress relief.
  • Work Out: Exercise has been researched to improve mental health. Studies have shown it can help relieve stress, improve memory, and help you sleep better.
  • Practice deep breathing techniques throughout the day: Deep Breathing is a form of relaxation that can guard against the breakdown of organ systems. It can help counteract the effects of stress and the chemicals it releases into the bloodstream.

All in all, take care of yourself. If you or a loved one is suffering from some mental health or substance abuse issue. Talk to someone who is trained in the area of your or a family member’s need. After all, nothing from nothing leaves nothing. Just because you have ignored a problem doesn’t mean it has left.

 

Ever wonder how we diagnose mental health issues?

The Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) has been called the bible of mental health. Inside, it contains mental health disorders and the many symptoms that describe them. Psychiatrist, psychologist, counselors, and social Workers use this book as a guide to diagnose and understand how mental illnesses can manifest. The book is comprised of research and evaluations from many of the leading professionals in the mental health field. This research spans across many cultures. The DSM acts as a foundation for clinicians to draw upon when working with clients.

Donate Now

Stay Connected. Follow Our Social Media Channels Below.

Twitter. Facebook. Youtube.

Filed Under: Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse (YODA)

January 24, 2018 By Sandra Schmahl, SAP

All of us will experience anxiety; learn how to cope.

We all experience anxiety, learn how to cope.

Managing the “Anx”

Everyone experiences some form of anxiety at some level in their life. It is even more common during adolescence, because so many changes are taking place in their mind, their body, and their emotions.

STARS Student Assistance Program Counselors work with adolescents, who are dealing with various forms of anxiety, to teach young adults coping skills to prevent and handle their anxiety. It is important to keep in mind that if your child is dealing with anxiety it is not a sign of poor parenting skills. One of the most helpful things to do is to build a support system for yourself and child.
Here are things you can do at home to help your child manage anxiety disorders:
• Pay attention to your child’s feelings.
• Stay calm when your child becomes anxious about a situation or event.
• Recognize and praise small accomplishments.
• Don’t punish mistakes or lack of progress.
• Be flexible, but try to maintain a normal routine.
• Modify expectations during stressful periods.
• Plan for transitions (For example, allow extra time in the morning if getting to school is difficult).

STARS Counselors help be a part of that support system across Middle Tennessee, hear from them how they are helping young adults learn coping skills to  prevent and manage their anxiety.

Looking for more resources?

Check out ADAA for more helpful ways to manage anxiety.

Help STARS continue our vital work by becoming a monthly donor or making a one-time donation.

Donate Now

Stay Connected. Follow Our Social Media Channels Below.

Twitter. Facebook. Youtube.

Filed Under: Student Assistance Program

December 21, 2017 By admin

Language Acquisition is Crucial to Development

The Importance of Early Literacy Development in the Deaf Community

At the time of birth, our brains immediately begin to develop. We begin to make neural connections at a rapid rate (700 new neural connections are made every second from birth to five years old). By five years old, 90% of our brain capacity is already developed (Nyle Demaraco Foundation).

However, without the introduction of language, the brain will not develop naturally. Too often we see a lack of language introduction in children who are born deaf or hard of hearing. In fact, even children who are born deaf, who have cochlear devices implanted may never develop language. This is due to the regular brain plasticity changes in early childhood. When a child has not acquired a first language in the early years (0-5), that child may never be completely fluent in any language. Subsequently, missing this critical period of exposure to natural language results in a lack of development in cognitive activities that rely on a solid first language. These areas include:

  • Literacy
  • Memory Organization
  • Number Manipulation

This language deprivation will impact a child for the rest of his or her life.

A great method of language acquisition for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing is sign language or American Sign Language (ASL). ASL provides the same time constraints of spoken language development and acts as the perfect language for a child who is born deaf or hard of hearing.

Learning language is a critical component of the growth and health of every child, without it long-term effects carry into adulthood:

  • Cognitive activities are stunted or highly underdeveloped (i.e mathematics)
  • Organization of memory is disordered
  • Diminishes one’s educational and career possibilities
  • Psychosocial problems due to isolation and frustration
  • Self-expression is diminished
  • Ability to understand others is compromised

Source

How Can You Ensure Children Receive Language

Parents:

  1. Early intervention is key. Begin signing with your child as early as possible (preferably as infants).
  2. Take sign language classes. Parents should not be the only members of the family who can communicate with the child. It is important for each member of the family to learn sign language.
    1. Classes in Nashville:
      1. Bridges for the Deaf and HOH– classes are free for parents who have a deaf child.
      2. Gate Communications
      3. STARS In Home Services-teaches sign language to families whose students are enrolled in the STARS program
    2. On-line learning tools
      1. STARS “Deaf Teaching Hearing” Video Series
      2. ASL Pro
      3. Library Services for the deaf and hoh
        1. Books and videos to check out
  3. Enroll in After-School Programs and Camps
    1. Enlist your child into programs and/or camps where he or she will have exposure to peers who sign and other adults
      1. After-School Programs in Nashville:
        1. Bridges –After School Program and camps
        2. Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church Camp 
  4. Community
    1. Become immersed in the Deaf community
    2. Educate yourself about the Deaf community and Parenting a Child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing
    3. Resources:
      1. NAD
      2. American Society for Deaf Children
      3. Milestone Tracker 

Educators and Adults:

  • Push Policy Makers/Schools to provide after-school programs for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students
  • Advocate for sign language (ASL) as part of early education in schools
  • Provide accessible spaces for students, coworkers, individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

 

Donate Now

Stay Connected. Follow Our Social Media Channels Below.

Twitter. Facebook. Youtube.

Filed Under: Services for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

December 14, 2017 By Matt Gress

Learning Emotional Language

Emotionally Supporting Our Youth

In our work, we meet young people from so many different, often difficult backgrounds. Whether through our youth conferences, like MOVE2STAND, or our result-based Student Assistance Program, we listen to stories, and aid in situations that are challenging and life-changing. Sometimes trying to create a space for emotional growth and healing to take place can feel overwhelming. We have all the facts and figures, along with the education and training, and yet, at times, all that we know on paper just doesn’t seem to be working. How do we help someone find the way to emotional wellness? To a better way? I believe, sometimes, we have to go back to the basics.

In the book, Boys in Crisis, Dr. Paul Slocumb talks about how young people often lack the emotional language to fully and honestly reflect and express their real emotions and feelings. Because of this, they fall into an “emotional abyss” that leads to everything from behavioral issues and depression, to a general lack of feeling fulfilled.

How I Was Able to Overcome the Emotional Abyss

On a personal note, this hits home. I grew up in a family that struggled through many circumstances. My father, who battled alcoholism and a gambling addiction, left when I was 10. My young, single mother was left to raise four boys on her own. With limited options, my mom, one of the most sacrificial people I have ever known, went to work. This often involved long hours and multiple jobs. Overnight, my feelings of safety, security, and stability turned to insecurity and fear. We moved from apartment to apartment, struggling to pay rent and to get through the month. We did. But, just like the young people with whom we work, there were natural consequences.

I made it through the most difficult years relatively unscathed. My brothers, however, struggled through their teen years and into their twenties, not because they were less smart, less talented, or were somehow deficient.  In fact, in countless ways, they exceeded me with a healthier set of internal assets. No, something different was at work there.  I made it through, and with fewer struggles, for basically one reason: I had outside help!

Along with a pretty solid group of friends my own age, I had caring adults in my life, teachers, coaches, youth leaders, school counselors, and members of my extended family, who helped give me that extra support and “language” that I was lacking. They gave me the support, and led by example, that slowly helped me gain the ability to understand why I hurt, why I felt lost, why I felt unloved, and why I sometimes did irresponsible things.  They also helped me understand how to fulfill the unmet needs in my life. In other words, they loved me. They talked to me, and for some reason, I listened. They set boundaries, led by example, and gave me a safe place to fall.  So, in addition to a loving mom who did everything she could to make sure we were safe, secure, fed, and loved, I had others who became part of an extended network who guided me to a healthier, more fulfilled life, where my emotional needs were met. I got lost from time to time, but they were the guiding lights that led me back to where I needed to be.

What Can We Do?

Our young people are in need of exactly the same thing. Some sit in silence, having grown hardened by adversity. Some act out in anger and frustration, because they don’t know how to tell us they are hurting and mad. Some turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the feelings they can’t express. We can give them all the money we can find, every gift at Christmas, every new gadget; but unless we help them feel safe and secure, and emotionally well fed, it won’t change anything.

It’s important to remember that we are a community and not to take for granted that everyone has the emotional language to behave “the correct way,” or, say the “right things”, or, even to sit still in school. We all need someone to help us learn that language, to feel that security, to provide a safe place to fall, and to help us find our way to healing. So, when given the chance, help someone learn. Help someone learn love.  Be the one. If not you, then who?

Filed Under: MOVE2STAND

December 7, 2017 By Shannon Minton

Look beyond the disability.

There’s a person there.

In 1977 Kids on the Block was created from one teacher’s vision and determination to have her students with special needs integrate into the “regular” classroom with the least amount of fear and rejection as possible.  She made a puppet that resembled one of her students after he had told her that the kids were making fun of him for being different because he was in a wheelchair.  She took her handmade puppet who was also in a wheelchair and did a skit for the regular classroom about what is like to have cerebral palsy.  She put the puppet away and asked the kids if they had questions for her but they didn’t…they had questions for the puppet, Mark Riley.

She put Mark back on her hand and took the students’ questions and answered through Mark.  She discovered as every hand went up, a barrier came down.  Once the students learned about Mark, they were not afraid anymore and the teasing stopped.  They could easily ask Mark questions they may have been uncomfortable asking their peers.

From this discovery, Kids on the Block was founded and many more puppets were created all of whom have their own unique characteristics and spread awareness about all types of differences.   The mission grew from just awareness of disabilities to a variety of topics on different health and social issues that affect kids’ lives.  The main theme in all of Kids on the Block programs is that we should all accept people for who they are regardless of their differences.

Mark Riley and his friends are still teaching kids all over the world 40 years later!

Parents and Educators:  Here are some tips from Mark!

  • It’s ok to ask questions about disabilities!
    • Kids are naturally curious and observant of differences.  Let them know why someone might be in a wheelchair or using a white cane with the language they can understand.  Once they have the knowledge, they usually aren’t afraid anymore.
  • It’s ok to look!
    • Avoid shaming your child for looking at something new such as a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb.  It’s hard NOT to notice.  If your child tends to have a tendency to stare, gently remind them that there is a person in the wheelchair and they have feelings and might get uncomfortable being stared at.  But looking is OK!  It’s better to look and acknowledge someone than to pretend like that person isn’t even there!
  • I am not my disability!
    • Try to always use language such as, “the kid who is blind” instead of, “the blind kid.” Remember a person may have a disability but it is just a small part of who they are.
  • Having a disability isn’t a weakness!
    • It is a difference.  People with all sorts of disabilities do most things people without disabilities do…they just do them in a different way!
  • Do research together!
    • Look up some famous people with disabilities such as Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking and Beethoven who did not let their disabilities stop them from doing amazing things!
  • Everyone is different!
    • Even people who may have the same disabilities are different!  Not everyone with cerebral palsy (CP) uses a wheelchair.  Some people with CP can walk and others use crutches and braces.  Just remember, everyone is unique!

I’m a regular kid and I like it when people treat me like one. –Mark Riley

 

Filed Under: Kids on the Block

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 53
  • Next Page »

Stay Connected.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Our Supporters:

  • Giving Matters
  • Olweus
  • UW
  • NREPP
  • UW Rutherford
  • UW Sumner
  • UW Williamson
  • UW Nashville
  • UW Wilson


STARS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, culture, religion or creed, socioeconomic status, language, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. No one shall be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any of STARS’ programs or activities. STARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This agency is funded, in part, by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Tennessee Department of Education and by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
  • Employment
  • Youth Opportunity Center
  • Staff Login
  • Admin Login
  • Financials and Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 STARS Nashville