🗺️ The Roadmap

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

🚦 First stop (how mental disorders spread between friends)

💡 Resource spotlight (Pride Month Sale - 20% off)

🤔 In the know (Birdwatching, Athlete mental wellness, and more)

📊 Results are in (Poll results from the last edition)

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn (Let’s hear from you!)

🤗 Sharing is Caring (spread the mylemarker love)

🚦 First Stop

👭 Mental Disorders Can Spread Between Friends, Study Finds

A recent study suggests that mental disorders can be socially contagious among teenagers. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 teenagers and found that those who had friends with depression or anxiety were more likely to develop the same conditions themselves. This "social contagion" effect was strongest among close friends and was more pronounced for females than males. The study discovered a significant link between friends' symptoms and individual symptoms. For every small increase in friends' symptoms, the individual's symptoms increased proportionately. The researchers accounted for other influential factors like family history, social environment, and personality traits. This research highlights the importance of considering the social dynamics and peer relationships in the development and spread of mental health conditions among teenagers.

The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at promoting healthy relationships and social skills, such as social skills training programs, may be an effective way to prevent the spread of mental disorders among teenagers. Additionally, the study recommends that clinicians consider the social environment and peer relationships when assessing and treating mental health conditions in young people and that they target friend groups rather than individuals in therapy sessions. Furthermore, the study's authors suggest that schools and policymakers should prioritize programs that promote healthy relationships, social skills, and mental health education to mitigate the spread of mental disorders among teenagers.

For more details, you can read the full story on Newsweek.

💡 Resource Spotlight

Pride Month Sale (20% off)

Embracing Diversity

At Mylemarks, we continue to recognize the significance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals to express themselves authentically. We remain dedicated to promoting and encouraging acceptance so that every young person can receive support without fear of judgment or discrimination.

This month, we’re offering a sale on our LGBTQ+ Diversity & Inclusion resources including conversation cards, posters, and any items containing the “LGBTQ+” in the title. Use the code PRIDE20 at checkout. Hit the button below to visit the site!

Did You Miss Our Latest Release?

As the school year ends, setting a goal over the summer is helpful for kids as it provides structure, keeps them engaged, and helps them maintain a sense of purpose. The "My Summer Challenge" worksheet is designed to help kids identify a summer goal, encourage self-reflection, and promote a sense of accomplishment.

Coming in 2 Weeks!

My Social Skills Work-through-Book

This 20-page interactive resource is designed to help kids learn and improve their social skills through self-exploration and engaging exercises. By working through this workbook, children will enhance their interactions with peers and adults in their lives. This comprehensive guide offers tools to empower kids to understand and define social skills, assess their own abilities, and develop healthy, positive strategies for improvement.

🤔 In the Know

🐦 Birdwatching Can Improve Mental Health in Students

A new study found that birdwatching can improve well-being and reduce distress in college students, with benefits extending to children of all ages. The study involved 112 participants, with the birdwatching group showing the most pronounced improvements. Birdwatching can be adapted for younger kids by setting up bird feeders or baths, or using simple identification guides, making it a valuable tool for promoting mental health across age groups.

✨Check out our Big List of Hobbies for kids!

🏈 Maryland's Gameplan for Athlete Mental Wellness

In a groundbreaking move, Maryland has become the first state to mandate mental health training for coaches at public high schools and universities through a new law signed by Governor Wes Moore. The bill aims to equip coaches with skills to recognize indicators of mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies among student-athletes.

Advocates like former student-athlete Marcus Alston championed this legislation, recognizing the influential role coaches play as mentors. The University of Maryland's head football coach Mike Locksley, who experienced personal tragedy related to mental health, has been a vocal supporter of such initiatives. With other states looking to follow suit, this law establishes an important precedent in prioritizing mental well-being in sports. Read more about it here.

🌱 How Loss Nurtures Children's Growth

Contrary to expectations, research shows children can experience significant personal growth after the loss of a loved one, termed "posttraumatic growth." This growth manifests as greater appreciation for life, stronger relationships, increased compassion, self-discovery, and spiritual development. A key factor is the willingness to openly explore and process feelings surrounding the loss, rather than avoiding the pain. Studies highlight the importance of encouraging children to express emotions and seek supportive therapies during their grieving process. Explore the full article on Psychology Today.

✨ Find Grief and Loss resources from Mylemarks here.

⚽ Unleashing Childhood Through Free Play

According to Boston College professor Peter Gray, the lack of free, unstructured play may be more detrimental to children's mental health than screen time. Gray argues that by depriving kids of independence and limiting opportunities for self-directed play, we're robbing them of crucial experiences that build resilience, problem-solving abilities, and an internal locus of control - traits that safeguard against anxiety and depression later in life. While screens often take the blame, Gray suggests the real culprit is the erosion of childhood freedoms due to overparenting and overscheduling, leaving kids ill-equipped to navigate life's challenges. Read the full story on Deseret News.

🔗 Linking ADHD, Asthma, and Economic Hardship

New research suggests a causal pathway between ADHD, asthma, and economic hardship, with each factor influencing the others. The study found that children with ADHD are more likely to develop asthma, which can then exacerbate economic hardship for their families. Additionally, economic hardship can increase the risk of ADHD and asthma in children. This research highlights the importance of addressing these interconnected issues to improve overall health and well-being.

By recognizing the interconnectedness of ADHD, asthma, and economic hardship, professionals can provide more comprehensive care and support. This includes collaborating with healthcare providers to address asthma management and referring families to resources for economic support.

📊 Results Are In

In the last edition of the mylemarker, we asked, What is the most urgent solution needed to address the special education staffing crisis? from our feature article from NPR. See the results and a few responses below!

✍🏽 U(r)-Turn

We’d love to hear from you! What resources, topics, activities, or products would you like to see from Mylemarks? What else can we do to improve your experience with the mylemarker? Let us know here! Or if you have something nice to say about us, consider leaving a testimonial!