From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: September 2024

It is an unfortunate fact that many homes these days have “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt on their bookshelves and bedside tables. The title alone tells you something about the tough analysis provided from start to finish in this The New York Times bestseller. The premise of the book is that childhood as we have always known it has been changed (not for the better), and mental health challenges among children are increasing – all as a result of reliance on and addiction to electronic devices and social media.

I’ve heard several parents of young children remark how healthy it felt to know their children were “unhooked” from their electronic devices while they were away at overnight summer camp. Though they might not want to admit it, a lot of young people would tell you they felt better being unattached from their phones too (at least temporarily).

While not a magical cure, unhooking from devices from time to time or practicing good habits when it comes to electronic devices can be remarkably healing. Forcing ourselves to communicate with our mouths (and not our thumbs) can provide relief from the instantaneous and constant flow that oftentimes occupies too much of our neurological and emotional space.

This isn’t a commercial for the book. Rather, it is notice that September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and a reminder that our community’s Annual Mental Health Education Conference is coming up on Oct. 20. The annual gathering began more than two decades ago, and one of its primary goals was to destigmatize mental illness. With the challenges in today’s world, exacerbated by social media, destigmatizing mental illness is happening somewhat organically, as we all must face the issues our young people (and older people too) are managing.

It’s always been true, and it certainly will be this year, that the mental health conference provides good information on identifying and managing mental health issues. Whether you are a professional, community member, or supporter of mental health, we hope you’ll consider attending. For more information about the conference and to register, visit www.jfcsmpls.org.

With best wishes for a very healthy and sweet New Year. JFCS is Here for all. Always.