Mental Health and Well-Being for School-Aged Families: Part 3

It’s that time of year again where our children have returned to school and we will soon be immersed in holiday preparations. So what does this mean for all of us that have school-aged children? … Stress, anxiety, challenges with time management and sleep deprivation. If you identified with any of those respondents then this series is for you!

First, I would like to say you are not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of others that are just like you and me! That is the good news and you should not feel alone, isolated, or embarrassed by experiencing any of those natural reactions for this time of year.

Secondly, the good news is that you can take control over how you feel and do something about it! I don’t know about you, but I feel calmer when I have more control over myself and how I respond to the day’s natural events.

Over the next few articles, we’ll discuss some of the steps you can take. Back-to-school time should be experienced as a positive time of year and can be managed successfully.

Step 1: Mindfulness

Step 2: Deep Breathing – I personally love this coping skill as for many of us it can be both a physiologically and an emotional experience. How often throughout the day do we actually pay attention to our breathing? If you answered probably not very often or never then this exercise is definitely for you. Take a moment to quiet your mind and to find a comfortable posture either sitting down or standing up. Once you are in your position then take a breath into your nose being mindful to take your time and slowly then exhale through your mouth. Do this 4 more times and take note to yourself how it makes you feel.

Thank you, for taking the time to prioritize yourself. We at Moriah Behavioral Health are here to support you and your family!

Dr. David Gennis, Psy.D., LMFT, Regional Operations Director of the Mood and Anxiety Division at Moriah, has worked in the fields of mental health and substance use for 22 years. Dr. Gennis also commonly referred to as Dr. David or Dr. G has been a Clinical Director over every level of care within the mental health and substance use industry. More recently, Dr. Gennis has been working in medsurge hospitals overseeing clinical services in the mental health units as well as working in freestanding psychiatric behavioral health hospitals.

Dr. Gennis completed a two year post-doctorate certification at the illustrious Harris Infant Mental Health Institute where he earned a two-year clinical certification in Infant and Family Clinical Practice. Dr. Gennis is a published author, speaker, and trainer. Dr. Gennis is a passionate advocate for all people to have access to care and to receive high quality clinical services. Dr. Gennis is most proud of his role as a father of two adopted boys who teach him new things everyday.

October 13, 2022 |

Dr. David Gennis, Psy. D., LMFT