Ellie Mental Health - Chicagoland

Back - to - School Tips for Success! 1. Communicate : Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school 2. Create Routines: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation. 3. Make Advance Preparations: Make time to visit the school ahead of time to help children familiarize themselves with the environment. 4. Build a support network : Who can you rely on for help? 5. Practice gratitude : Take time to think about the good things in life. 6. Encourage In-person Social Interactions: Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and make new ones It can be hard for teens to transition from feeling their summer vibes to thinking about school supplies! To help your teen ease their way back into the school year, start setting daily routines to help them stay on top of their work, feel accomplished each day, and relieve stress. Routines can include choosing a set time for homework, eating a healthy meal each day, or going on a ten minute walk. Be sure to schedule breaks! Being proactive about self-care can help stop school burnout before it starts.

Our very own Ellie therapist, Samiera shares some great tips on adjusting back to school life. -Consistent Schedule -Create a calendar with important dates, school/activity schedule, family events.  -Routine -Create a smooth routine to assist with easygoing mornings and night.  Morning (Wake up alarm, morning hygiene, breakfast, morning trivia or conversations, school) Night (Homework,, Dinner,  Evening Walk/Physical Activity, Night hygiene, Bedtime book, Sleep) Recommended sleep per age 3-5 years of age- 10-13 hours of sleep 6-12 years of age - 9-12 hours of sleep 13-18 years of age- 8-10 hours of sleep Communication Check in with your children to discuss their needs, concerns, worries. Discuss friendships, behaviors, back to school concerns. Allow open communication and keep space for ALL emotions that you child may have.  Topic Suggestions Learning new things Prioritizing and organizing New and Old Friendships Responsibilities in home and school Patience Allow time for the summer to school year  adjustment. Be patient with your schedule, your routine, your children and yourself. Don’t Forget About YOU PARENTS: Make sure you start and end each day by taking care of you! When you take good care of you, you’re able to take good care of them! Examples Rise early for a workout or a nice cup of coffee.  Read a book before bed. Soak your feet. Catch up on a show.  Take a nice shower.  (photo cred Jessica Pope)

August is International Breastfeeding Month and it’s no secret that social media can intensify the pressure parents feel. We know that no matter how you feed your baby, the most important thing you can do for them is to take care of yourself. Whether your baby is fed via breast, bottle, or both, babies thrive when parents feel empowered, supported, and validated. You’re doing great!

August 17th is National Nonprofit Day which recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world. At Ellie, we are passionate about donating our time to nonprofits when we can. These are just a few we've been involved with over the years: AFSP Grit2 Feed My Starving Children

Get Moving to boost your mental health! Reduced anxiety surrounding fight or flight instincts Reduced depression Improved ADHD symptoms with movement such as cycling

How Music Boosts Your Mood! 1. Improves memory 2. Decreased depression and improved mood 3. Decreased anxiety and agitation 4. Sense of community 5. Pain relief 5. Social change

We are hiring! Do you want to be a driving force to help destigmatize mental health? Are you looking for a private practice with an established team that is driven by its core values? Then come join our multi-location clinic for Ellie Mental Health in the Chicago Western Suburbs. https://lnkd.in/gmZx2iJr

We are so excited to introduce you to our newest therapist, Citlali Sanchez, LSW She is now accepting new clients in our Oak Brook office and speaks fluent Spanish as well!

It's time to address the elephant in the room, maybe therapy is not a bad idea... here's to World Elephant Day!

Therapy can help you to learn to love yourself as much as you love your cat. Happy International Cat Day!