Ethel and James Flinn Foundation

Do you notice a change in your child’s behavior as the seasons shift from the warmth of summer to the colder, darker months of fall and winter? While some mood fluctuations are normal, particularly as kids adjust to new school routines, a more serious issue could be at play: seasonal affective disorder. ?? This article from partner Metro Parent's A Parent’s Guide to Family Mental Health shares what you need to know, from an expert at Wayne Pediatrics, Inc.

?? Reimagining Youth Justice in Wayne County ?? Last month, Wayne County stakeholders came together for two powerful sessions to address youth justice intervention strategies through Critical Intervention Mapping (CIM). This approach maps the youth justice process to identify key moments for diversion and early intervention, reducing deeper system involvement. The event, hosted by the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at Wayne State University and supported by the Flinn Foundation, gathered court representatives, educators, health networks and individuals with lived experience. Moderated by Tyler Logan, MA, discussions centered on gaps, resources, and community-driven solutions. ?? Highlights: ?? Focus on early intervention to divert youth from deeper system involvement. ?? Collaborative, bottom-up approaches that empower stakeholders and families. ?? Evidence-based practices balanced with community-driven strategies for impactful change. With youth mental health crises at an all-time high, this initiative underscores the importance of thoughtful, data-driven approaches in reshaping youth justice. ?? ?? Learn more about how we can build a system that prioritizes prevention, compassion and support for our youth. https://lnkd.in/gfkJM5up

?? FACT: Practicing gratitude can boost happiness and well-being — even your overall health — while reducing anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depressive disorders are associated with underlying negative thinking patterns, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Gratitude can break that negative thinking habit because it’s difficult to get stuck in negativity when we are truly grateful. Here are some tips to get started: ?? When you start to spiral, challenge your mind to find something in the present moment to be grateful for. This brings you into the present moment and breaks the cycle of rumination. ?? Recognize that gratitude doesn’t negate pain. You can be both hurting and grateful. ?? Try using this pattern: “In this moment, I am anxious about my workload AND I am grateful for the support of my coworkers.” Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eWTtx6QC

Supporting someone through depression can be challenging, but we can make a significant impact by recognizing signs, encouraging treatment and offering our presence. ?? Even simply listening without judgment can be powerful. Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic that can help if your family member or friend is dealing with depression. ?? https://lnkd.in/gZW83i9V

Ethel and James Flinn Foundation CEO Andrea Cole recently joined the Youth Transition Funders Group (YTFG) in Detroit to discuss important mental health initiatives making a difference for youth in Southeast Michigan. She spotlighted the TRAILS program, which supports student mental health in Michigan schools through social-emotional learning, cognitive behavioral therapy, and suicide prevention. Learn more about the work YTFG and TRAILS are doing to support the well-being of young people in our community. https://lnkd.in/gtp-Ai3N

Strong sibling relationships can contribute significantly to lifelong mental well-being, with research showing they help reduce loneliness and build resilience. ???????? Nicole Runyon, a psychotherapist, explains that parents play a key role in fostering these connections by avoiding labels like "the smart one" or "the athletic one" and encouraging acts of service among siblings. By establishing a family culture that values connection, parents help ensure that siblings view each other as lifelong support systems. ?? Read more from our reporting partner Metro Parent. ?? https://lnkd.in/gvTY9gC3

Charita Cole Brown’s journey with bipolar disorder, as shared in her memoir Defying the Verdict, inspires others to find hope and strength. ?? Working with NAMI Maryland, Charita helps raise mental health awareness, especially in the Black community, challenging stereotypes and embracing vulnerability. “I learned from NAMI that it’s OK not to be OK and there is a community…waiting to help you.” Learn about Charita’s story of courage and resilience! ? https://lnkd.in/gEvV8WBK

October is Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. According to the?National Alliance on Mental Illness?(NAMI), “mental health screenings allow for early identification and intervention and help bridge the gap” between the onset of a mental health condition and intervention — which is approximately 11 years. It’s important to reach out to a medical or mental health professional if you’re?experiencing symptoms?— and encourage loved ones to do the same. Read more to know the signs: https://lnkd.in/gEtVaXmn

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation was honored to participate in the Global Leadership Exchange on Mental Health, held in Brussels this summer. CEO Andrea Cole joined mental health leaders from around the world to discuss pressing issues like climate anxiety and the impact of social media on young people.? “The loss of connection and social interaction that we all need as humans is something all mental health foundations and health organizations are worried about,” says Cole. “We discussed how to best lift up this information so parents and families know the damage that social media and device use is causing.” Through collaboration, we believe we can strengthen support for families worldwide. ?? ?? ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gT9pngSA

Congratulations to our board chair, the Honorable Freddie Burton Jr., for being named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Treat Award for Excellence by the National College of Probate Judges. ?? His innovative work through the Wayne County Probate Court Behavioral Health Unit is transforming how mental health is addressed in the justice system, reducing jail overcrowding and improving care for those in need. ?? ?? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gr-FnRsh