Children's Mental Health

Normal is Overrated is an annual event designed to help young people break barriers and improve communication about their own mental health and well-being and open up about their own personal challenges and the kinds of help they’ve received. We get a preview of this year's event that's happening on Sat., May 3 from 11am to 2pm at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers.

Earlier this month there was an event at Florida Southwestern State College called ‘Normal is Overrated.’ It's essentially an effort to remove the stigma of talking about mental and behavioral health issues among teens. We talk with one of the organizers, and three of the teens who told their stories at the event.

Earlier this month there was an event at Florida Southwestern State College called ‘Normal is Overrated.’ It's essentially an effort to remove the stigma of talking about mental and behavioral health issues among teens. We talk with one of the organizers, and three of the teens who told their stories at the event.

Valerie's House, a non-profit providing grief support services to children in Florida, expands to its own home in Fort Myers.

It’s been a rough few years for the children of southwest Florida. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a community-shattering hurricane in Ian, it’s difficult for anyone of any age to not feel the doom and gloom.These challenges paired with academic stress, pressure from social media and the looming risk of school shootings are hitting the region’s youth the hardest.

The School District of Lee County is preparing mental health personnel to assist students and staff in mental distress post-Hurricane Ian.

As public schools in Lee County begin reopening this week for the first time since Hurricane Ian, the district’s counseling and mental health services teams are working to help students and staff reintegrate.

State health officials reported 1,415 new cases of COVID-19, Monday, bringing Florida's total to 717,874 cases. Monday marked the lowest single-day increase in cases since Sept. 28 when 738 new infections were reported.The Florida Department of Health also reported 41 new coronavirus-related deaths, Oct. 5, increasing the statewide total to 14,886 fatalities.

With images and videos from protests dominating headlines and social media feeds, it can be difficult for adults to navigate their own feelings during this time of civil unrest, even more so to explain what is going on to their children.WGCU’s Andrea Perdomo spoke with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Director of Community Counseling Center, Alise Bartley, about how parents can talk to their children about the current wave of protests and why they are happening.

Florida Repertory Theatre’s 22nd season continues next week with performances of the one-man show “Every Brilliant Thing,” by playwright Duncan…