Bullying can take many forms, and as a parent, it can be overwhelming to know how to help your child. Understanding the type of bullying and recognizing the signs is the first step toward supporting your child effectively. Identify the type of bullying Verbal: Name-calling, threats, or taunting Media-based: Anything on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or via email that is threatening or abusive Physical: Hitting, shoving, tripping, or other physical actions Psychological: Public embarrassment, social ridicule, or exclusion How to know if your child is being bullied Some [...]

The world can be a turbulent place, with the pressures of work, relationships, family, kids, and other life events constantly weighing on us. But how well do you cope with your feelings? How well do you really know yourself or recognize emotions like stress, sadness, fatigue, or anger? Managing emotions is an essential life skill, but it’s often easier said than done. You never want to let these feelings simmer until they erupt in outbursts, passive-aggressive behavior, or even self-harm. Here are some practical tips to help you better understand and manage your emotions. Become more aware of [...]

Carol Johnson has always been passionate about giving back to her community. Having lived in Fargo since the early seventies, she has watched the area grow and thrive and she has played an active role in that progress. As Vice President of Community Relations for Delta Hotels and its property management company, National Hospitality Services, Carol connects the hotel to local needs through nonprofit partnerships, event sponsorships, and volunteer initiatives. For Carol, supporting the community isn’t just good business; it’s a core value. Why Mentoring Matters Carol’s journey with Big Brothers [...]

When we think about mental health, we often imagine emotions, thoughts, or stress. But deep beneath the surface, much of what we feel and how we react begins in the nervous system. When your nervous system becomes dysregulated, it can affect your body, mood, and daily functioning in ways that might not seem connected to mental health at first. Here are seven signs that your nervous system may be out of balance. Many people dismiss these symptoms or don’t realize what’s really happening beneath the surface. 1. Persistent fatigue, even with enough rest: You might get plenty of sleep but still [...]

October is recognized as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Awareness Month. As the 4th most common mental disorder, OCD affects millions of people and often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, sometimes making daily life and well-being difficult to manage. It’s characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Common Signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD looks different for everyone, but some common signs and symptoms include: Repeated handwashing, cleaning, or checking behaviors Excessive need for order [...]

Social media can be a powerful tool for increasing mental health awareness, but can also contain a plethora of mental health misinformation. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped normalize conversations about anxiety, depression, and therapy for many children. Your child might see posts encouraging self-care, sharing coping strategies, or telling personal stories, all of which can be a good thing. Unfortunately, there’s another side to the story. Not everything online is accurate, and when it comes to mental health, misinformation can be harmful. A 2023 study found that over half of [...]

By Krystina Weiss, MS, LMFT, PMH-C Krystina is a certified perinatal mental health professional who provides therapy for clients of all ages at our Alexandria office and in schools. She works with children, parents, and families using a family systems approach, helping them build on their strengths to create hope, healing, and change. Krystina earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University, and is passionate about supporting women and families experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. What Is Perinatal [...]

By Taylor Anderson, MS, LPC What Is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as combat or war, physical or sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one. For a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must persist for more than a month and cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. A mental health professional typically makes the diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria. PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories: Intrusion: Re-experiencing the [...]