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October 1, 2024
Title: Recognizing the Signs of Suicide
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
However, in youth, it is the 2nd and 3rd cause of death (depending on their
age).
Today, Dr. Joannie DeBrito offers advice to those who have a friend or loved one
who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety. Dr.
DeBrito is the former Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family and
helped design the content for Alive to Thrive, a FREE online resource for
families.
Click
here
to help support Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are there more suicides in the US than homicides?
Thankfully, are many suicide attempts unsuccessful? Dr. DeBrito reveals that
more women attempt suicide, but men are, unfortunately, more successful.
Why is there a negative stigma about suicide in our country? Dr. DeBrito urges
everyone to have the courage to speak up and not be afraid to approach the
subject with someone who may be struggling.
Do youth and adults exhibit the same behavior patterns that might suggest
suicidal thoughts?
How can we help someone who has expressed a desire to end their life?
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, please reach out to
Focus on the Family at 1.855.771.4357 or the National Suicide Hotline at
1.800.273.8255. You can also call 988 for immediate help from someone trained in
suicide prevention.
Click
here
for more resources and help for mental health issues from Focus on the Family.
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August 8, 2024
Title: Preparing our Big Kids for the Real World
Topic: Parenting
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the former Director of Parenting and Youth at
Focus on the Family and helped design the content for Alive to
Thrive, a FREE online resource for families. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers some
helpful tips for parents who are sending their “big kids” off into the
real world.
Click here for more tips and
advice from Focus on the Family on parenting adult children.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
We all want our kids to aim for and achieve good grades. However, are good
grades the only thing that matters?
How can we help emerging adult kids prepare for social and emotional success as
they walk the path towards adulthood? Dr. DeBrito encourages parents and
grandparents to make sure kids know the importance of knowing their strengths
and weaknesses, taking personal responsibility for their own actions, and
working well with others (strangers) in tough situations.
Why is it important for adults to be mindful of their own attitude when
discussing adulthood with their “big kids”?
Are good friends as adults just as important as good friends when we’re
kids/teens?
Click
here
to help support Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family.
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May 24, 2024
Title: Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Disorders in TEENS AND CHILDREN
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Part 1 of 2
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the co-founder and creator of Alive to
Thrive, a free online Biblically-based suicide prevention and response
program for parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, and other adult influencers. She has over 30 years of diverse experience as a parent, educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional.
Click here for all the information about
Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Do nearly half of all adolescents suffer from a mental health disorder?
Are we often too consumed with our own lives to notice the pain and suffering of those around us – even family members? Dr. DeBrito uses the term “disconnected” to describe society today.
What are some of the signs that a person is suffering from a mental disorder?
Listen closely, because some of the signs might surprise you!
Many adolescents who suffer from mental health disorders also have anger issues and display out-of-control behavior. What is the first step we should take in helping them?
Should we not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for or seek help? Dr. DeBrito admits that even she still needs help sometimes, so we should never be afraid to seek guidance and help!
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Title: Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Disorders IN YOUR SPOUSE
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Part 2 of 2
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Have more than 50% of couples experienced a marriage crisis?
Can feelings of loneliness and being disconnected lead to stress or anxiety?
Dr. DeBrito discusses how the many changes we experience throughout our
lives can be difficult to manage and that is completely normal. “Sometimes
you can do everything right in terms of adjusting and still things continue to
fall apart around you,” she reminds us.
Can a therapist help with our mental health when we face depression, suicidal
tendencies, anxiety, and PTSD?
Click
here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent company of Alive to Thrive.
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February 29, 2024
Title: Teens and Mental Health
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Dr. Joannie DeBrito
is the co-founder and creator of Alive to Thrive, a free online
Biblically-based suicide prevention and response program for parents, pastors,
teachers, coaches, and other adult influencers. She has over 30 years
of diverse experience as a parent, educator, family life educator, school social
worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional.
Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses the escalating mental health crisis among our youth
and how you can be an encouraging part of recovery.
Click here for more information on the 6
Alive
to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the book.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are mental health struggles common in teens? Dr. DeBrito discusses the negative
effects of the pandemic/isolation and the many resources that are now available
for recovery and stabilization. She also discusses some contributing factors to
adolescent and teenage mental health issues.
How can we as parents and grandparents come along-side the teens in our lives as
they work through these struggles? Are teens and parents alone during these
struggles? NOTE: Click the link above for Alive to Thrive for more help and
information. You can also call 855.771.4357 (M-F 7 am-9 pm).
What is the purpose of World Teen Mental Health Day (Saturday, March 2)?
No matter how dark the day may be, is there always hope in Jesus?
Click here to help
support Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family.
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November 21, 2023
Title: Holiday Gatherings Can Be Nerve Racking
Topic: Holiday Gatherings Can Be Nerve Racking
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Expectations for family can be high over the holidays, especially when seeing loved-ones you haven’t been around for months.
And for parents of adult children who have their own children, the holidays can be a particularly tricky time to navigate.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent, an educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers some helpful advice for having a smooth and peaceful holiday.
Click here for more about
Alive to Thrive.
Click here for more information on the
6 Alive to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the book.
Click
here to donate to
Focus on the Family as they partner with Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Can celebrating the holidays with adult kids change the dynamics of Christmas gatherings?
Do many need to prepare physically for the challenges of cooking, cleaning, and interrupted routines? Dr. DeBrito stresses communication is key, saying: “Let them know that things have changed for you.”
Do many need to prepare mentally for being with adult children for the first time in months or years? How can we ask, without prying, about their lives?
Why should all parties “hit the pause button” when tempers rise? Dr. DeBrito says: “Sometimes it’s best to save that conversation for another time.” She also suggests counting to 10 – or even 100 – to keep your temper in check. She does remind us that there are certain things that do need to be addressed, such as obvious alcohol or drug abuse.
If necessary, is an apology appropriate?
Is it appropriate to discuss the birth of Jesus Christ at family holiday gatherings? While Dr. DeBrito encourages this important conversation, she warns parents to respect their adult children who may have walked away from their faith. However, “That doesn’t mean you should stop your own religious celebration or prayer,” she says.
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June 8, 2023
Title: Summertime Activities
Topic: Keeping Kids Entertained
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
School is out and many parents are eager to find ways to keep their children
healthy and active.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the co-founder and creator of
Alive to Thrive, a free online Biblically-based suicide
prevention and response program for parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, and
other adult influencers. Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses ways to beat summer
boredom without screen-time and too many activities.
Click here to
support Focus on the Family, the parent company for Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Why is too much unstructured time for kids and teens during the summer a bad
thing? Dr. DeBrito reminds parents and grandparents that sticking to a schedule
keeps kids/teens focused and on track. However, it’s okay to break the rules
once in a while.
Are their ways to beat summer boredom?
What are some healthy alternatives to electronic devices? De. DeBrito reveals
some information you may not know about the dangers of too much screen time,
especially for teenage girls.
Do grandparents need to be cautious about access on their electronic devices
when their grandchildren are visiting?
Why is it important to keep healthy snacks on hand during the summertime? Dr.
DeBrito reminds us that some snacks and other foods can affect moods, tempers,
attitudes, and dispositions. Many children also have food allergies.
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March 16, 2023
Title: Helping Those who Self-Harm
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
When life gets overwhelming, most of us have healthy outlets for releasing stress. Some, however, may choose to self-harm.
Today, Dr. Joannie DeBrito offers hope and encouragement to those who are self-harming and to the loved ones who are watching them suffer. Dr. DeBrito is a licensed mental health professional with over thirty years of experience. She is the co-founder and creator of
Alive to Thrive, a free online Biblically-based suicide prevention and response program for parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, and other adult influencers
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click here for more information on the 6 Alive to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the eBook.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What are some healthy outlets for reducing stress? Dr. DeBrito says that the number one way to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety is to get outside! She also suggests parents ask their teen open-ended questions.
What is self-harm? Do some people choose to self-harm as a way of attempting to cope with stress and anxiety? Do those who self-harm feel a “high” similar to taking a drug?
Who is most at risk for self-harming behavior?
What are the signs that someone may be self-harming? Dr. DeBrito discusses some commonsense indicators such as wearing long-sleeve shirts or pants in warm weather and people withdrawing or isolating themselves. However, did you know that self-harm can be contagious like a disease? Listen as she explains…
What should we do if we know someone who is self-harming? For help, contact
Alive to Thrive at 855-771-4357 (M-F 7 am to 9 pm Central) or call the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Click
here for more resources.
Click
here to support
Focus on the Family, the parent company for Alive to Thrive.
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December 19, 2022
Title: Holiday Gatherings Can Be Nerve Racking
Topic: Holiday Gatherings Can Be Nerve Racking
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Expectations for family can be high over the holidays, especially when seeing loved-ones you haven’t been around for months.
And for parents of adult children who have their own children, the holidays can be a particularly tricky time to navigate.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent, an educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers some helpful advice for having a smooth and peaceful holiday.
Click here for more about
Alive to Thrive.
Click here for more information on the
6 Alive to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the book.
Click
here to donate to
Focus on the Family as they partner with Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Can celebrating the holidays with adult kids change the dynamics of Christmas gatherings?
Do many need to prepare physically for the challenges of cooking, cleaning, and interrupted routines? Dr. DeBrito stresses communication is key, saying: “Let them know that things have changed for you.”
Do many need to prepare mentally for being with adult children for the first time in months or years? How can we ask, without prying, about their lives?
Why should all parties “hit the pause button” when tempers rise? Dr. DeBrito says: “Sometimes it’s best to save that conversation for another time.” She also suggests counting to 10 – or even 100 – to keep your temper in check. She does remind us that there are certain things that do need to be addressed, such as obvious alcohol or drug abuse.
If necessary, is an apology appropriate?
Is it appropriate to discuss the birth of Jesus Christ at family holiday gatherings? While Dr. DeBrito encourages this important conversation, she warns parents to respect their adult children who may have walked away from their faith. However, “That doesn’t mean you should stop your own religious celebration or prayer,” she says.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
November 18, 2022
Title: Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude
Topic: Attitude of Gratitude
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are often encouraged to consider what we are thankful for and express gratitude to those we love.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family. She also helped develop the curriculum for
Alive to Thrive. Today, Dr. DeBrito reminds us that the Bible calls us to thank God for His many provisions.
Click here for more about
Alive to Thrive.
Click here for more information on the
6 Alive to Thrive Modules about preventing suicide and to get a free copy of the book.
Click here to donate to
Focus on the Family as they partner with Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Researchers have found that expressing gratitude has many health benefits. What are some of those health benefits? Dr. DeBrito discusses improved eating and sleeping habits and a reduction in blood pressure. She also reveals how expressing gratitude can decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
Is this new research or has it been around for many, many years?
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one.” How can an attitude of gratitude honor God? Dr. DeBrito mentions several Scriptures:
Ephesians 5:18-20 and
1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Should an attitude of gratitude always be present – even in times of struggles and grief?
What are some practical things we can do daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude? Dr. DeBrito suggests purposefully looking for things to be grateful for and expressing that gratitude verbally. She also has some great suggestions for people who struggle with anxiety and depression.
Is being thankful important for mental and spiritual health?
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August 9, 2022
Title: Help and Hope for Depression and Anxiety in Kids and Teens
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
According to the CDC, death by suicide is the second leading cause of death in children. A recent
Wall Street Journal
article reports that new studies indicate suicidal thoughts and behavior are drastically increasing for children as young as 10 years old.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses the need for more resources for families as they travel the road of depression, anxiety, and suicide. She also discusses risk factors and signs to look for.
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click
here to donate to
Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are more kids depressed and anxious today as compared to 5, 10, or 20 years ago? Dr. DeBrito explains that the medical community is not actually sure if the numbers are higher or if more people are seeking help.
Are teens and children (some as young as 5!) immune from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide?
What is contributing to our kids being so depressed and anxious? Dr. DeBrito reveals that access to social media and the news via cell phones is a major factor, as well as cyber-bullying, family violence, and parental substance abuse.
Are there recognizable risk factors? Dr. DeBrito explains that most of the time there are signs, but sometimes there are not, discussing “impulsivity and invincibility” in teens.
How can parents help their children?
What is the purpose and mission of Alive to Thrive? Click
here to download your free copy of the
Alive to Thrive e-book.
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July 20, 2022
Title: Help and Hope for Depression and Anxiety in Kids and Teens
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
According to the CDC, death by suicide is the second leading cause of death in children. A recent
Wall Street Journal
article reports that new studies indicate suicidal thoughts and behavior are drastically increasing for children as young as 10 years old.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito has more than 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. Today, Dr. DeBrito discusses the need for more resources for families as they travel the road of depression, anxiety, and suicide. She also discusses risk factors and signs to look for.
Click here for more information about
Alive to Thrive.
Click
here to donate to
Alive to Thrive.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are more kids depressed and anxious today as compared to 5, 10, or 20 years ago? Dr. DeBrito explains that the medical community is not actually sure if the numbers are higher or if more people are seeking help.
Are teens and children (some as young as 5!) immune from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide?
What is contributing to our kids being so depressed and anxious? Dr. DeBrito reveals that access to social media and the news via cell phones is a major factor, as well as cyber-bullying, family violence, and parental substance abuse.
Are there recognizable risk factors? Dr. DeBrito explains that most of the time there are signs, but sometimes there are not, discussing “impulsivity and invincibility” in teens.
How can parents help their children?
What is the purpose and mission of Alive to Thrive? Click
here to download your free copy of the
Alive to Thrive e-book.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 9, 2022
Title: Processing Tragic News in a Healthy Way
Topic: School Violence
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young
children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to
understand.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito, was a first responder at the Columbine HS shooting and has
responded to multiple mass casualty events since then. Today she offers hope and
encouragement for ALL ages as we walk through and process tragic news in a
healthy way.
Click here for more about Alive
to Thrive.
Click
here for more articles from Dr. Joannie DeBrito.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is it impossible for us to be shielded from all bad news reports? Dr. DeBrito
believes that it is important to know what is happening in the world, but we
must also set limits so we don’t become overwhelmed.
God made human beings to be emotional and show emotion. How can we begin to
process tragic news and the evil we are exposed to on a daily basis?
Is there more evil in the world now than ever before? Dr. DeBrito doesn’t
believe that there is more evil; we are just exposed to more because of
technology and social media.
What is the purpose and mission of Alive to Thrive? Dr. DeBrito
discusses some of the FREE
Six Learning Modules from Alive to Thrive.
How can parents start the conversation with their children? Is it just as
important to talk as it is to listen?
Does God see our tragedies? Does He dry our tears?
If you or someone you know is depressed or having suicidal thoughts, please do
not hesitate to call Alive to Thrive at 1-855-771-4357 (7AM-9PM CT
MON-FRI).
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is
1-800-273-TALK(8255). You can also text TALK to 741741.
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April 21, 2022
Title: COVID Pandemic: Where Are We?
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially our children. Parents and grandparents don’t often know how to broach the subject of suicide or even depression.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a licensed clinical social worker and counselor with
Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers insight, hope, and encouragement.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are we still in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Dr. DeBrito explains that there has actually been an increase in depression and suicide among teens and even children over the past decade. She says: “COVID just exacerbated the problems that were already there.”
The almost total isolation from the lockdown is only one factor that has contributed to the increase in depression What are some of the other causes of sadness, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts due to the lockdown?
Did verbal and physical abuse in the home magically disappear during the lockdown?
How can parents and grandparents help, intervene, and encourage our children and grandchildren? Dr. DeBrito discusses some of the signs to look for that will suggest a child or teen is depressed or having suicidal thoughts. She also offers some great suggestions to help them be more engaged and involved with others.
If you or a loved one struggles with depression or suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out to
Alive to Thrive with Focus on the Family. Call them for FREE
at 1-855.771.HELP (4357), text TALK to 741741, or click
here.
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September 29, 2021
Title: Preparing for Suicide Prevention Week
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
When someone we love is impacted by suicide, our prayers feel empty, our emotions are intense, and our actions seem insignificant.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a licensed clinical social worker and a counselor with
Focus on the Family. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers some helpful tips and suggestions on what we can say to someone who has been impacted by suicide and how we can help.
Click here for more help on this topic from
Focus on the Family.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Why is depression on the rise?
What are some signs of depression? Dr. DeBrito says to watch for personality changes, sudden weight gain/loss, lack of emotion/outrageous emotion, drug/alcohol use, and isolation. She also says that talk of hopelessness is a major indicator of depression.
People who are depressed often feel alone – like they’re the only one feeling this way. Is communication key?
What is the first step to helping someone who is depressed and having suicidal thoughts? How can we have a positive impact?
Call the Focus on the Family Suicide Helpline at 1.855.771.4357 or the
National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.
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September 17, 2020
Title: COVID’s Silent Killer: Suicide
Topic: Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Are you or someone you know suffering from depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? The COVID lockdown has been especially tough on our kids, teens, and first responders.
Share this segment with Dr. Joannie DeBrito with someone today! Dr. DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth at
Focus on the Family.
Call 855-771-4357 (HELP) for FREE help and advice from Focus on the Family.
For more from Dr. Joannie DeBrito, click
here.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Have suicides and suicidal thoughts increased dramatically during the Coronavirus lockdown?
Why should we all focus on suicide prevention? Dr. DeBrito says that many people are afraid to talk about suicide, but it is very important to bring the topic up, especially if you suspect a friend or loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
What may be some early signs of suicide? Are the early signs the same in all age groups?
What are some signs of anxiety and/or depression, but not necessarily suicidal thoughts? Dr. DeBrito discusses sudden weight loss/gain and talk of “doom and gloom”.
What are some steps/action items that we should take if we fear a loved one may be considering suicide?
Is one-on-one connection important, especially during the COVID lockdown?
Some coping tips:
Limit media intake
Stay active and eat healthy.
Connect with others.
Talk about life – NOT Corona-related!
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August 17, 2020
Title: Kids and Anxiety
Topic: Handling Stress
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Part 1 of 2
As an adult, I am sure you get stressed sometimes, especially now during the Rona.
Kids and teenagers get stressed out, too! Are you, as the parent, adding to their anxiety? You might be without even realizing it.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family. Today, she will be discussing: “Are Parents Contributing to Their Children's Anxious World?”
For more parenting tips, click here.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Should parents limit the amount they watch, especially around their children/teenagers?
Should parents consciously choose the topics they discuss with their kids/teens?
No matter what age, do hugs work? Dr. DeBrito says: “Physical touch is really important to human beings.”
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Kids and Anxiety
Topic: Handling Stress
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
How important is it to get down to a child/teens level?
What are “open-ended questions”?
What are some signs of anxiety?
Dr. DeBrito discusses three steps parents should take to help ease their
child/teen’s anxiety:
- Model calmness.
- Talk about your anxiety with your friends – not your kids.
- Get your kids outside!
If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety and would like to talk to a
licensed mental health professional for free, please call
1.855.771.HELP(4357) from 6 am until 8 pm.
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April 7, 2020
Title: Help Those Fighting Depression
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
During this pandemic, our communities need to be prepared for the potential consequences that reach far beyond the disease.
Together we can help protect our family and friends by making sure they are coping effectively and offering encouragement.
Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth with Focus on the Family. She is part of a team of Christian clinical experts who have a FREE book online “Alive to Thrive”,
.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
How can Alive to Thrive help people who are suffering from depression?
Why is it important to reach out to family and friends (of ALL ages) during this time of forced isolation?
On the flip side… Is it important for those who are depressed or anxious to reach out for help?
What are some good phrases to say/ask? What are some not-so-good things to say/ask?
What are some practical ways we can help each other?
Why is staying off of social media and turning off the news a GOOD thing?
Why is reading, especially the Bible, a GOOD thing?
Click
here for more encouragement from Dr. DeBrito. Call 1.855.771.HELP for a FREE consultation with a counselor from
Focus on the Family.
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July 8, 2019
Title: Is Bullying an Epidemic?
Topic: Bullying
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)
Bullying has become a serious problem. It doesn’t discriminate based on economic status, race, or sex. How should parents respond or help their kids when they discover their child is a bully or they discover their child is a victim of bullying?
Joanie DeBrito was a first responder lending mental health support to kids rescued from
Columbine High School. She is currently the Director of Counseling at
Focus on the Family.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are all kids capable of being a bully?
Are all kids at risk of being bullied?
Should parents openly discuss bullying with their kids? Joanie DrBrito offers some helpful advice on when, where, why, and how to discuss bullying with their kids…
How can parents or counselors help a child who is being a bully?
Is cyberbullying a huge issue among teenagers?
For more information on this topic, or for help from Focus on the Family, click
here. You can also visit
Focus on the Family’s group, “Plugged In”, for technology assistance. Joanie also discusses the Netflix show, “13 Reasons Why” and a great resource for parents.
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