new,” Hansen explains. “Traditionally, mental health is treatment-focused. However, mental fitness focuses on preventing mental illness through daily healthy habits to become stronger and more resilient.” These daily healthy habits can include spending time in nature, connecting with others, expressing yourself and practicing self-compassion alongside well-worn advice like getting quality sleep and eating a balanced diet. This perspective shift comes as youth are suffering from the enduring social-emotional impact of the pandemic and are increasingly leaning on unhealthy coping skills like screen time. Simultaneously, today’s youth are practicing more tools to express their needs, Hansen says. “Our children and teens have been faced with unique challenges and we have noticed an increase in our youth experiencing feelings of loneliness and connecting less in-person with their peers and loved ones,” she points out. “We have, however, seen a reduction in stigma around mental health by noticing our youth—especially our teens— advocating for themselves and openly expressing their opinions, thoughts and feelings. It’s powerful to witness.” The Ohana Center has adopted the idea of mental fitness across its programs, including presentations in local schools and classes, workshops and support groups offered on the Ohana campus and virtually. Families receiving individualized care at Ohana complete a Family Mental Fitness Questionnaire during the initial evaluation process and then adopt a healthy habit to practice at home as part of a Mental Fitness Prescription, says Brian Boles, LMFT and associate professional clinical counselor. Boles works as a prevention therapist on the Community Health and Prevention Program at Ohana. He emphasizes that it’s not just the child, but an entire family that is part of learning and practicing mental fitness. “We recommend families begin strengthening their mental fitness by 18 The Best of Monterey Bay ® family 2024-2025 KUUMBWA JAZZ CAMP JUNE 10-21 GRADES 8-12 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM CABRILLO COLLEGE’S IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EXTENSION.CABRILLO.EDU/YOUTH INFO & REGISTRATION: Kuumbwa_1-3s_FG24_kb.indd 1 3/15/24 12:19 PM FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS Consultation, Testing and Individual Sessions for remediation of learning problems and learning disabilities. “I am so impressed with your services and the work you do. One of the members on the IEP list has credited you with saving her grandson’s educational life.” “...very professional and dedicated. I can say that Dr. Rita Rispoli is not only a specialist who loves working with students, but that she was born to her profession.” “We would like to thank you for your support. S__ was very happy to see his good report card and I, for the first time, realized how hard he has been trying to achieve what he wanted. We owe you tremendously. Again, thank you for your dedication to students like our son. We appreciate your sincerity and kindness.” Rita Rispoli Ph.D., BCET | (831)375-9450 1011 Cass Street, Suite 116, Monterey www.LDspecialist.com | rrispoli@comcast.net Difficulty learning?
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==