I can’t believe we’re almost one week away from our Circuit Training Marathon, Lift Away the Stigma! We’ve been really busy getting everything ready for the big day, and seeing as Thanksgiving is this week, there’s a lot to look forward to.
I am looking forward to actually looking forward to the holidays this year. For many years, holiday season was stressful for me and I dreaded it. As a single mom, I always worried if there’d be enough to go around for the kids and if I’d be able to make it special enough for all four of them.
Even though I knew that the Holidays weren’t supposed to be centered around material things, I wanted to make my kids happy.
As parents, we all feel that tug when it comes to our kids. I know that my experiences with my daughter have made me that much more aware of the need for more people to get behind those struggling with mental illness and show our support.
My daughters experiences have helped open my eyes to better notice just how many people struggle with mental illness. Some for a period in their lifetime and some for their entire lives.
Even if you can’t attend our Circuit Training Marathon, I strongly encourage you to donate to our event, by registering online or email me at info@realfitlife.net if you’d like to contribute a different amount. No donation is too small to be appreciated! 100% of the money we raise is going to Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. and their campaign to Take Away the Stigma of Mental Illness.
Join us for an Amazing 30 Minute Circuit Workout that’s “Challenging Yet Doable” for any fitness level, at real [FIT] life on Giving Tuesday, November 28th. To register, go here.
While you’re working out with us, you can hang with 100.9 The Cat. They’ll be at the event with us from 4-6pm. You can also fill out a card and #tellyourstory and share it on our #MentalHealthMatters wall.
Tomorrow I’ll be sharing a special something I’ve put together for everyone who is registered for our event. So be sure to check back!
Mental Health Facts #18: It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:
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Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
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Seriously trying to harm or kill himself or herself, or making plans to do so
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Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
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Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
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Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
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Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make himself or herself lose weight
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Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
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Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
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Using drugs or alcohol repeatedly
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Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
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Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality (Mental Health.gov)
Mental Health Fact #19: Because children often can’t understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:
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Loss of a loved one
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Divorce or separation of their parents
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Any major transition – new home, new school, etc.
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Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
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Teasing or bullying
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Difficulties in school or with classmate (Mental Health.gov)
Here are Fitness Tips #18 and #19 of 30 Days to Lift Away the Stigma: The Conventional Deadlift and Pendlay Rows
Here are some visual reminders. (Click on the photos to enlarge).
Mental Health Facts #20: If you are concerned about your child’s behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should:
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Talk to your child’s doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you
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Ask your child’s primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
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Ask if your child’s specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing
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Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans (Mental Health.gov)
Here’s Fitness Tip #20 of 30 Days to Lift Away the Stigma: The Single Arm Kettlebell Squat
Here are some visual reminders. (Click on the photos to enlarge).
Mental Health Fact #21: Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health? Try leading with these questions. Make sure you actively listen to your child’s response.
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Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
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Have you had feelings like this in the past?
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Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I’m here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
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Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
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I’m worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others? (Mental Health.gov)
Mental Health Fact #22: When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:
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Communicate in a straightforward manner
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Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent’s age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers)
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Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
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Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
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Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries (Mental Health.gov)
Here’s Fitness Tips #21 and #22 of 30 Days to Lift Away the Stigma: Today I’m using our new Ball Slam Wall and showing you some moves that will be in our Circuit Training Marathon workout, Partial squat and press and Tall kneeling ball slam with chest pass.
Here are some visual reminders. (Click on the photos to enlarge).
If you’d like to participate in our Circuit Training Marathon, and help “Lift Away the Stigma” of Mental Illness go HERE to register online or download your registration form and mail it in! And if you can’t attend, we’d still love your support. No matter where you live, this is an important matter that affects all of us.
Jeannine Trimboli
Founder, real [FIT] life
“Helping people live happier, healthier, longer, stronger lives,
one lift at a time.”