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Family Focus
Volume 15 Issue 01 Summer 2019

This month we share:

Also included: employment opportunities and links to Support Groups around the state.  
Self-Care: The Case for Doing Nothing
Self-Care
In recent years, being busy seems to have become a badge of honor. Many of us correlate our busyness with our sense of importance or worth. The impact of constantly being over committed is real, and instances of burnout, anxiety disorders and stress-related diseases are on the rise.

There’s a way out of that madness, and it’s not more mindfulness, exercise or a healthy diet (though these things are all still important). What these authors are recommending is doing nothing. If you need justification for spending time in stillness, in nature or even just daydreaming during these summer months, this article can help.


Read More 
Marijuana: Facts and Fiction Quiz 

Marijuana has been used, both legally and illegally for many years, but there are still many misconceptions about it – especially when it comes to its use by teens. The legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use has been growing rapidly across the country, so it’s critical that parents arm themselves with the latest information. Take this five-question quiz by answering true or false, then click into our blog post to find out how much you really know.

True or False?
1. Marijuana is a "gateway" drug, leading to the use of harder drugs.
2. Marijuana is not addictive.
3. Marijuana use impairs brain functioning.
4. Smoking marijuana does not harm the lungs.
5. More young people use marijuana in states where it has been legalized for recreational use.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Basics

Do you often need to explain to family members, friends or school personnel why your child acts a certain way or is triggered by circumstances that other children take in stride? Are you still struggling to understand it all yourself? We wanted to share this comprehensive pamphlet from the National Institute of Mental Health that details the causes, warning signs and various treatments for ADHD. It’s available for free and you can reprint as many as you need.


Find It Here 
New Laws Allow School Absences for Mental Health   

Bullying. Depression and anxiety. Raising suicide rates. Social media. Mass shootings. Today’s students are grappling with a wide range of issues inside the classroom and beyond.

 
In a powerful movement led by high school students, lawmakers in Utah and Oregon have recently recognized the importance of the mental health of their students by allowing them to take mental health sick days. The measure empowers young people to recognize and address their emotional well-being. On a larger scale, these new laws have the potential to advance the conversation and remove the stigma around mental health in young people. 

Read More
Also online:

MCF Employment Opportunities


MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:

Parent & Caregiver Support Groups
This smart phone app can save lives - download now!

The "There is Hope" app provides fast and easy access to crisis intervention and suicide prevention support.

This free app provides the next steps to help someone at risk of taking their life, or for those concerned about family members or friends who are having suicidal thoughts. The app also includes an immediate connection to crisis counselors who will deliver help and hope for preventing suicide.

Download the app from the Apple App Store  or Android Google Play Store.
Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue.  
 
10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 234  |  Columbia, MD 21044
Toll Free: (888) 607-3637  |  Fax: (410) 730-8331

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Maryland Coalition of Families
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