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The latest updates, resources and news from UpStreet.
National Coming Out Day at UpStreet
Maddie Myers
October 12, 2021
October 11 was National Coming Out Day for the LGBTQ+ community! At UpStreet, we want to show our support and talk about this important day.
National Coming Out Day began in 1988 after the 1987 Second National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, attended by half a million people and famous folks such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jesse Jackson, and Cesar Chavez. The march advocated for recognizing queer relationships, passing a civil rights bill for gay and lesbian people, ending discrimination against people who are HIV-positive, and repealing laws that made it illegal for queer people to have intimate relationships.
Mental Health Resources for College Students
Alex Feldman
October 1, 2021
College can be an exciting and exhilarating experience, but it can also be lonely, stressful, and overwhelming. It’s a time of new freedoms, but also of new pressures. If you are struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone. According to one recent study, approximately 1/3 of college students are wrestling with mental illness. The good news is that there are resources out there for you.
Polyvagal Theory: How Our Bodies Handle Stress
Maddie Myers
September 24, 2021
Ice Cream Tailgate with Klavons and UpStreet Pittsburgh
Erin Barr
September 17, 2021
Sunday September 19 from 11am – 1pm!
About this event
Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor will be donating 100% of the proceeds between 11am and 1pm Sunday, September 19 to UpStreet Pittsburgh, a teen mental health service!
10 Apps to Help With Your Mental Health
Karuna Neupaney
August 20, 2021
Your mental health is as important as your physical health and deserves to be taken care of just as much. There are a lot of apps that help with improving this issue such as MyLife Meditation or Calm. While apps can help improve your mental health, they cannot help with more serious issues on their own–but they can be a great place to start. Getting in the habit of treating yourself better is just the beginning of something great and will help you in the long run.
Benefits of Deep Breathing
Melissa Beldjenna
August 13, 2021
Deep breathing is one of the best exercises to relax because you are sending a message to the brain to calm down and then to the body to feel relaxed. Breathing deeply clears out negative or confused feelings, releases carbon dioxide, increases oxygen supply, and improves blood quality. When you are feeling afraid, nervous, stressed or in pain, breathe deeply and purposefully, and try to visualize those tensions getting released as you breathe out.
Activities to Help with Stress
Karuna Neupaney
August 6, 2021
Stress can lead to many health problems in both mental and physical standpoint, such as anxiety and cardiovascular diseases. It is good to give yourself some time where you don’t have to worry about anything, especially the situation that is causing you so much tension. Activities can help with distracting your mind from tough thoughts or allow yourself a break from the day/the people around you. These activities can range from staying indoors to relax and/or going outside for some fresh air. Below are just a few ideas to inspire you.
What is Self-care?
Moi Moi
July 30, 2021
Self-care is known as “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.” It is important to focus on yourself first before trying to help others. When you are mindful of your own needs, you will be able to support the people you care about and when you take good care of yourself, you won’t be stressed which will make you better able to meet the needs of others.
Relying on Supportive Family to Manage Stress
Mellissa Beldjenna
July 23, 2021
You may find yourself at a low point in life. Sometimes accomplishing things on your list can feel overwhelming; you can find yourself thinking about them over and over. When you feel like this, there is no reason to feel ashamed–this happens to a lot of people! Experiencing the ups and downs of life can help you become a stronger person, but it’s important that you seek help when you feel overwhelmed. For me, this is where my family becomes extremely important–and if you have a supportive family, you should use moments like this to rely on them. Here are just a few of the ways you can rely on a supportive family to help you during stressful times.
The 5 Stages of Grief and Ways to Deal With Them
Karuna Neupaney – Learn and Earn student
July 16, 2021
Traumatic experiences in our lives dictate our feelings and emotions. They bring us sorrow and grief that stay with us for a very long time. The 5 stages of grief usually occur during this period of your life. The 5 stages of grief is a process you go through to mourn the distressing times. Seeking help early on is imperative and will save you a lot of suffering and isolation.
Mindfulness on a Hike
Dani Anders – UpStreet Intern
July 9, 2021
For many this summer will be one of non-stop going to make up for the quarantined summer of 2020. Though everyone will be enjoying nice weather and outdoor activities, do we really take it all in? Recently, I took a hike in a small Pennsylvania park called Mingo Creek. I went with the intention of hiking somewhere new, but I found that this location was a great place for focusing on awareness.
Different ways a pet can help
Alliyah Kimbrough- Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
July 2, 2021
If you have a pet at home, they can be a great way to help you! Having or using pets at home has become a great way to help adults and children! Oftentimes our animals have a way of knowing when we need them, take advantage of being able to use them, especially dogs or cats! Dogs specifically are able to understand and pick up on tone of voice, body language and gestures and will want to help if they can. Playing with, petting, hugging or even just laying with a pet can rapidly calm and soothe you while stressed or anxious and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Join Our Youth Advisory Board
Erin Barr- Clinical Coordinator
June 25, 2021
Are you passionate about youth mental health?
Do you want to create change in the way mental health services are delivered and accessed by young people?
Do you represent a diversity of race, gender, ability, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation?
Benefits of using fidgets
Alliyah Kimbrough- Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
June 18, 2021
Do you ever find yourself tapping your hands or feet? Twirling your hair, biting your nails or playing with things around you? Oftentimes you may not even be aware you are engaging in these activities or how they are helping you. That is your body’s way of releasing restless energy and it can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Fidget toys can increase concentration and attention, and help keep you calm.
History of the Pride Flag
Shelby Williams – Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
June 11, 2021
Throughout the years, there has been a variety of symbols used to represent the LBGTQIA+ community. However, the one we see most commonly today is the rainbow Pride flag. Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker, and Lynn Segerblom, also called Faerie Argyle Rainbow, created this flag in the 1970s. Inspired by Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow”, this original design used eight different colors to represent the emotional and spiritual parts of the mind.
Benefits of Yoga
Shelby Williams – Adolescent and Young Adult Psychotherapist
June 4, 2021
Yoga is an ancient health practice that uses a combination of movement, stretching, physical poses, deep breathing, and meditation. The practice is all about connecting the body, the mind, and the spirit. It has become a very popular form of exercise all over the world. However, since yoga is both a body and mind practice, it has even more benefits than you might expect.
UpStreet’s Alex Seed Memorial Series
June 1, 2021
UpStreet’s upcoming workshops, part of the Alex Seed Memorial Series, will help parents and professionals working with teens and young adults learn the signs of mental health crises and how to help. Presented by Gelt Charitable Foundation and supported in part by the Alex Seed Mental Health Fund and Rodef Shalom Congregation…
Setting Your Morning Routine
Stephanie Rodriguez – Adolescent and Teen Psychotherapist
May 28, 2021
Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, it’s tough to find motivation to be productive in the warmer months. Finding a morning routine to get your day started can be helpful when we don’t have much of a schedule to keep. Not only can it be helpful to have productive days, it can also be helpful for our mental health.
May 23 is Teen Mental Health Day
Bridget Hughes – Youth Advisor
May 14, 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and May 23, 2021 is Teen Mental Health Awareness Day in the City of Pittsburgh and in the State of Pennsylvania.
Mental health awareness is beneficial for everyone, but highlighting teens is important because teens experience unique obstacles that other age groups do not.
Writing for Wellness
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
May 7, 2021
Do you feel like part of your story remains untold inside you? Is there something you’ve been thinking about, going through, or worrying about that you want to share but don’t know how or with whom? Writing can be an incredibly helpful outlet. It’s a way to give voice to thoughts, feelings, experiences, or challenges you haven’t shared before. Just the act of writing or typing these things out can be helpful.
Managing Stress and Anxiety Surrounding COVID-19
Carmen Fischer – UpStreet Intern
April 23, 2021
As we pass the one-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say that things still are not fully back to normal. However, with more and more places such as schools and restaurants opening back up, emotions and feelings surrounding getting back out into society can present themselves in a number of ways. Some are excited and eager to return to a somewhat normal lifestyle. Others may find themselves struggling with anxiety and stress when it comes to transitioning back to in-person events and activities.
Could You Benefit from Having a Peer Mentor?
Joy Givens – UpStreet Peer Mentoring
April 9, 2021
Let’s face it—being a teenager can be tough even when there isn’t a pandemic. Sometimes, you might feel like no one understands what you’re going through, or like you’re alone in dealing with a problem. Your feelings and experiences might be difficult to talk about, even with a family member or trusted friend.
On top of that challenge, the isolation and loss of routine over the past year have kept many teens from their normal activities and social lives. With all the changes and struggles of the past year, you might find it helpful to rely on someone who has recently faced tough times similar to yours. That’s when a Peer Mentor can make a difference.
Why Should Teens Become Peer Mentors?
Joy Givens – UpStreet Peer Mentoring
April 2, 2021
At some point in their teenage years, most young people experience feelings of isolation or being misunderstood, even in the best of times. Especially after a year of #PandemicLife, though, many teens feel a need for greater connection with family, friends, and supportive peers who just “get” them. Without casual social meetups and typical school schedules, those connections can be even harder to forge and maintain. That’s where Peer Mentoring—and where you—can help make a difference.
Find Out More About Yourself
Natalie Dainesi – UpStreet Intern
March 26, 2021
Want to learn more about yourself in a unique, accessible way?
Personality tests are a fun, interactive way to learn about yourself and embark on a journey of self discovery. Currently, there is a wide variety of personality tests available. These tests range anywhere from self-report tests available online, meant for the everyday individual to take, to tests that are available for medical professionals. For example, some tests such as the MMPI and Rorschach personality tests, are used in clinical settings for psychologists to get better insight into their client’s personality. Listed below are two personality tests that are available for personal use and meant for leisure and self discovery.
College in a Pandemic
Katrice Stallworth – Youth Advisor at UpStreet
March 19, 2021
My senior year may not have been traditional, but I still enjoyed it. I am blessed that I was still able to walk across a stage to accept my diploma, [virtually] deliver a speech, and go to college in-person. There were many lives lost during the pandemic whether it was due to the virus, natural causes, police brutality, or mental health issues.
Dealing with the loss of a friend or family member due to suicide
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
March 5, 2021
The topic of suicide can be a difficult one for young people and adults alike. But we know that some of you reading this may have friends, family, or classmates that have died by suicide and we think it is important to talk about. We’re sharing some things you can do to help yourself through the healing process after someone dies. Of course, the UpStreet team is also available to help you through the grieving process.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
February 26, 2021
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. There is so much good information and great resources already out there that we’re just gonna list some of them here. 👇
The Importance of Positive Self Talk
Natalie Dainesi – UpStreet Intern
February 19, 2021
It is very easy to find ourselves stuck in a pattern of negative self talk. Some examples of this include, “I’m ugly,” “I’m not good enough,” or “There is no way it is going to work.” Statements like these can be detrimental to our mental health and well-being, not to mention self-esteem.
When we begin to focus on all the “bad” or unpleasant things in life, our mindset begins to change. We soon find ourselves developing a pessimistic outlook on numerous aspects of our lives. Changing our thinking begins with curbing our negative thoughts and implementing positive self talk into our everyday lives.
Here are some healthy suggestions for encouraging positive self-talk during certain situations:
Congrats to UpStreet Pittsburgh Youth Advisory Board member Abby Rickins-Marks!
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
February 12, 2021
Congrats to UpStreet Pittsburgh Youth Advisory Board member Abby Rickins-Marks, who received the NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 2021 Youth Mental Health Leadership Award.
How to Engage with Your Body and Body Positivity During Covid
Maddie Herrup – Youth Advisor at UpStreet
February 5, 2021
Regardless of circumstances, body positivity is hard. During this pandemic, we’ve had messages coming from all directions telling us to get in shape and get back to our pre-COVID body and lifestyle. But now more than ever, people are in need of some self-love, compassion, and love for their bodies. And it’s not easy to find ways to engage positively with your body during this pandemic.
TV and Movies That Explore Mental Health!
Abby Rickin-Marks – Youth Advisor at UpStreet
January 29, 2021
During quarantine, many of us have been watching more television than we would typically. While there may be a healthy limit to the amount of binge watching you’re doing, many researchers have found that binge-watching while at home with an illness may find solace in it. And you can always use apps like Netflix Party or Disney+ Groupwatch to watch your favorite show while being social.
Let’s talk motivation in 2021!
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
January 22, 2021
Last week we posted about some of the most common things people talk about on the live chat. This week, we’re going to dive a bit deeper into one of those topics.
Motivation
What Are 100 People Chatting About?
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
January 15, 2021
This week we reached a milestone at UpStreet. And, just as we would encourage you to do in your own lives, we like to acknowledge and celebrate milestones of all sizes. So here goes….
We’ve reached 100! One hundred supportive conversations we’ve had through our live chat. Are you curious about what we’ve talked about 100 times? We were too. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve been talking about.
But Is It Really Free?
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
January 8, 2021
We hear this question a lot on our live chat and in conversations we have. The short answer is yes, it really is free. And that might leave you wondering, what do I actually get for free? A few things…
YAB’s Tips on Dealing with Stress Around the Holidays
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
December 18, 2020
The holiday season (i.e. Thanksgiving to New Year’s) is often a mix of excitement and stress. This year might be a little heavy on the stress side. Let’s be honest, winter break from school might not be quite the same since so many have been at home for school all year anyway. So, how are other teens and young adults dealing with holiday stress this year? We asked our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and here’s what they said.
Mindfulness for the Non-Believers
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
December 10, 2020
Raise your hand if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Are you spending a lot of time and energy thinking or worrying about school, friends, relationships, family, holidays, global pandemics, politics, racial injustice? If you’re not feeling it now, maybe you have felt overwhelmed at some point in your life, so you can still raise your hand.
Welcome. You’ve come to the right place.
Holidays Can Be a Stressful Time
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
November 20, 2020
Even under normal circumstances, holidays can be a stressful time. And let’s be honest, we’re not living under normal circumstances. Your well-being is incredibly important to us here at UpStreet. So we want to equip you with some tools you can use to help you get through it all.
Meet the Team Advisory Board, Part 2
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
November 20, 2020
We are so happy to introduce you to part 2 of the wonderful group of Youth Advisors we have assembled here at UpStreet!
The Youth Advisory Board is a team of leaders recognized for their dedication to youth leadership, youth mental wellness, diversity, anduse accesible mental health care for all.
They each bring valuable youth perspectives to UpStreet’s work.
Meet the Team Advisory Board, Part 1
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
November 13, 2020
We are so happy to introduce you to part 1 of the wonderful group of Youth Advisors we have assembled here at UpStreet!
The Youth Advisory Board is a team of leaders recognized for their dedication to youth leadership, youth mental wellness, diversity, anduse accesible mental health care for all.
They each bring valuable youth perspectives to UpStreet’s work.
Let’s Talk About Sleep
Erin Barr – Clinical Coordinator of UpStreet
November 6, 2020
Sleep. It’s important to get enough. You’ve heard that. Maybe you even believe that. You should believe it. It’s true. Why is getting enough 😴 important?
You’ll be in a better mood
You’ll be be more productive and focused
Your mental health will get a boost
Your immune system will be stronger
Maybe you already knew why sleep is so important but you have a hard time getting enough sleep. Here are some things you can do that might help you.
10 Tips to Get Out of a Funk
Asha Edson – Youth Advisor
October 30, 2020
The world is throwing a lot at us right now. The weather is getting colder, days are getting shorter let’s be honest, 2020 has been a rough year. Even the happiest most positive people can find themselves in a bit of a funk every once in a while. Here is my top 10 list of things to do if you find yourself in one of these funks.
Wait… Are Relationships Really Supposed to Be Like That?
Natalie Dainesi – UpStreet Intern
October 23, 2020
You are scrolling through Instagram, looking at the photos on your feed from over the weekend. Through the mass array of content presented to you, you notice a trend. You frequently see posts of people with their friends, boyfriends, girlfriends or partners. The posts portray two or more people smiling at a pumpkin patch, laughing while celebrating a birthday or posing in front of a scenic overlook.
Using Art for Mental Health
Kelly Moore, Psychotherapist – Art Therapist
October 16, 2020
Art can be a helpful tool for our emotional and mental wellbeing, both as a therapeutic practice and as a type of counseling–Art Therapy. Art Therapy differs from art as a therapeutic tool, in that Art Therapy is when you seek out therapy with a trained Art Therapist, who has knowledge and experience in that field. In therapy sessions you will create art together as a way to explore emotions, feelings, develop insight, reflect within, develop insight, and other means to achieve therapeutic goals.