Lorelei Bachman's Blog, page 4

Because I can

A few times, I have made the mistake of mentioning running my kids lunches to work or school.  Other mothers will invariably say something like, “Your kids are old enough to make their own! Don’t do for them what they can do for themselves!" The most recent time was this week when I ran a forgotten lunch from my house on the West side to the Fritz Sick Pool where my son was working. An elderly lady at the counter made a comment and my son, who is 19 said:“She has to do this pretty often.”“Has to?” The grandma answered.“No, I mean, is willing to.” He corrected.“That’s more like it!.” She smiled.It’s true, have 5 able-bodied children ages 12-19. They can all make a sandwich. I know that and so do they. But they also live in a very different world than I did at their age. They have pressures and dynamics among friends that didn’t occur to us 30 years ago. And while some things never change, others do. I watch them juggle middle school, high school and university, band, dance, volunteerism, jobs with long hours and the inherent stresses that come with bosses, irritable adults and closing facilities alone. They don’t always have the foresight to think about mealtime.And so I make them lunches. Because I can.Female radars are the most wonderful things. At least I think they are. The day you feel like you just can’t run one more errand may be the day someone needs it most; that stable calm reliance that someone is there who cares about you and knows that life is that much easier with a kind word orsomething in your stomach. How many times have you been helped in your hour of need by someone who said, “You came into my mind today and I thought I’d call.”Nobody needs to qualify random acts of kindness. They occur to us and we do them because we can. Don't let anybody dissuade you from small things that you know made a big difference.

Mindfulness as a Superpower

"Mindfulness is the ability to know what's happening in your head at any given moment without getting carried away by it."Years ago while picking up my daughter from kindergarten, I pulled into a spot in front of the school and sprinted across the lawn as the class was letting out. A man across the street, waiting in his car for his daughter, began yelling. As I turned around to see what the commotion was, it turned out he was yelling at me. I was pretty flustered. I had no idea what was going on. I asked him if he was speaking to me. He said yes and went on an extended rant out loud in front of everybody picking up their kids, calling me reckless, dangerous and a bunch of other things. His daughter, waiting into the front seat of their car shrank. This was obviously not new behaviour to her.Being that I live a block and a half from the school, was alone and just trying to get my girl, I stopped responding to him. I hadn't sped, nobody was jumping out of the way of my minivan. Was it because I hurried across the lawn? Everyone does that when it's chilly. Teachers are pretty good about the time it takes for little ones to gather their belongings and file out. But I stewed over it for a long time, wondering why a complete stranger would yell at me until I realized that his behaviour likely had nothing to do with me and could have been brought on by anything.This brief video is narrated by Dan Harris and animated by Katy Davis for Happify. It gives us an average, everyday scenario similar to mine. How we internalize it and handle it is what matters because it doesn't have to affect us for the rest of the day, or ever again for that matter. The more you practice mindfulness, the less you will be affected by external influences. And that my friends, as the video says, is a superpower.

The Other Half of Gratitude: Asking for Help

During a Thanksgiving service I attended this week, a story was shared of a family in Guelph, Ontario who were in the final moments of preparation for their daughter's backyard wedding. Imagine their panic when the zipper on the bride's dress split! As they hurriedly tried everything possible to pin, tape or secure the gown in someway, the mother of the bride ran next door in hopes of a solution. As it turned out, the neighbours were hosting a Syrian refugee family whose father happened to be a master tailor. A few minutes the later the dress was mended with guests none the wiser simply because the mother of the bride had been willing to accept her limitations and ask for help. The Syrian family, whose need to survive had been most desperate were getting ready to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in Canada. As a result, they were willing to help someone else in need, no matter how small or insignificant it might have seemed given their journey.This following except is drawn from author M. Nora Klaverin her book Mayday!: Asking for help in times of need:Most people will tell you they don’t ask for help because they don’t want to experience rejection. This may be true, but at least as many fear being seen as weak or exposed. Possessing gratitude means that one has seen and acknowledged what is, and has chosen to disregard what may be missing. Fear, the voice of the ego, whispers repeatedly that asking for help telegraphs powerlessness, a position of want and lack. It’s as though we see a neon sign flashing above our heads that advertises, ‘I’m weak! Take advantage of me!’In truth, a deliberate focus on the gifts you have been given keeps you strong and resolved. Asking for help will no longer be a mark of vulnerability, but a declaration of your worth as an individual. Your words and behaviours reflect the joy you feel inside. All of this enables you to ask confidently for what you need. Your mayday signal will reflect that self-assurance.Instead of being concerned your request will be interpreted as a sign of weakness, you will feel nothing of the kind. Instead, being ashamed that you lack something in your life, you will recognize and accept that you cannot do or have it all. Instead of worrying whether you will be rejected, you will know with certainty that, even if this person says no, assistance will arrive somehow, anyway.Gratitude not only liberates you from fear, but it frees your helper, too. As long as you feel blessed, those around you will naturally be more comfortable responding to your request for aid. Instead of reacting to a perceived weakness with pity, others will more likely respond to your strength with compassion- a willingness to share and alleviate your pain.

The Clean Fight- 10 Steps to Keep Your Dignity Intact

Nearly every relationship has thorny moments. Add to that all the things that make us who we are as individuals: our upbringings, our filters, our biases, our insecurities, birth order, etc. Certain cultures argue semi-routinely without ever fearing a threat and categorize it as passionate behaviour. Others find emotional outbursts outrageous and unnecessary, a sign of very little self-control. Regardless, disagreementscanhappen in a respectful way by remembering a few simple rules.Most of us will fall into one of three categories:Conflict Avoiders- those calm, rational types not prone to upset.Volatiles- Fight about anything and everything.Validators- Sometimes you win, others you lose. But you try to be fair.No matter which type you may be, in every upset two things are going on: the issue at hand and the words and emotions that go with them. So how can you tackle difficult situations with your dignity in tact?1.Find the goodIn fact, start and end with the good so the other person knows you see their efforts. The balancing act is important. Some call this a compliment sandwich.2. Talk it outNot nag it out, whine it out or shriek it out. Talk face to face and don't interrupt.Not everybody is a natural conversationalist but most rational people can sit down for 15 minutes and clear the air about something that has taken place. Think of it like routine maintenance that keeps things running smoothly. Make sure you are speaking to the appropriate person. Don’t blame someone close to you for a frustration with a parent, co-worker or friend. They are not the cause of someone else's actions.3.Speak from your perspective"I am feeling this way..."rather than"You always..."4.No swearing or name-calling.Keep your cool. Anger silences the message.5.The topic stays between you twoNot what you heard in the staffroom or what your mother said. You, the other party and the issue. Period.6.Admit it is possible you are mistaken or there is a piece of the situation you (or they) do not know.Sometimes you may be unjustly accused of something but you know the true explanation includes throwing someone else under the bus. Then the issue will grow exponentially. Weigh your options carefully as to how much to tell the other person. Listen carefully to what they tell you. You may be surprised.7.Learn when to leave it alone.If it can’t be resolved or if one person has been waiting for their chance to get even you will likely not get out peacefully. Admit all you are responsible for is your own behaviour. Acquit yourself as honourably as you can and then walk away.8.Resist passive aggressive forms of communicationFor example, the text that begins with“You know what you did”.This is not an episode of DeGrassi Jr. High. Don't throw shade on social media in cryptic tones. Insist on face to face or phone if distance is a factor.9.Beware the stockpile.One of the dirtiest tricks is to unload everything you’ve been harbouring for months or even years. Remember those things cannot be unsaid. They show that your position was conditional on perfect behaviour and none of us can measure up to that. Don’t stockpile ammunition to fire at a person. That’s not fair.10.Timing matters. Have the sensitivity to find the appropriate time. If the discussion is resolved, do not bring it up again at a later date.

Breakdown to Breakthrough: 10 Steps of Growth

"Breakdowns are usually breakthroughs that we just haven't seen the other side of yet."Change is uncomfortable. But it's a lot harder than it needs to be when drenched in self-doubt. When it comes to emotional state, there can be a tug-o-war inside as we grow and change, a feeling that we are shedding old thoughts and feelings that have been home to us for as long as we can remember.It is okay for things to work for us in certain times of our lives and not others. The security blanket you had as a child was warm and comfortable; it was familiar and always there when you needed it but once you went to school, your need for that particular thing was replaced by something new that was helping you to learn, challenge yourself and feel comfort in other ways (like friendships). And so it is in adulthood. As we continue to peel off layers, grow in wisdom and ask what being true to ourselves really means rather than following what has been prescribed, the opportunity for growth opens up. The following (modified) list is complements of Brienna Weist for Thought Catalog.10 Steps of growth:1. You question everythingJust when you thought you had life figured out, you start to finally ask yourself what you really believe, rather than what you’ve been told. Sometimes, questioning feels like pushing a boulder off a ledge and it won’t stop rolling. Let it roll, my friends. Opening yourself up to different philosophies, ideas, thoughts and spirituality is your personal journey, one that will ultimately lead to your own truth and less internal conflict.2. “I see a pattern here”When you take a step back, you may notice that your expectations in life, love, work and relationships are products of your ideals rather than reality. Since you can’t control the outcome of most of this, it may be worth adjusting expectations and letting things play out in a more natural way so you’re not constantly disappointed with things you can’t change.3. You’re ticked offOne of the times anger is a good emotion is when you feel it at yourself. Why is this the precursor to change? Because anger is a strong enough emotion to prompt action, fuelling you to a new destination. Other emotions may be uncomfortable but they don’t call us to act the way anger does.4. You wonder if there’s something moreEverybody has seasons that feel like a hamster in the wheel, going nowhere. This restlessness can bring about the desire for change or modifications to every day life. Let it inspire you.5. You fear you’re overreactingMaybe you’re depressed or anxious and don’t have a reason. You can’t sort out what you’re feeling and it’s because you are trying to make sense of it and refine that skill. Feel what you need to feel.6. Who Am I?All our lives we hear feedback about ourselves and sometimes it doesn’t line up with what's going on internally or the changes we are making and we fear appearing inconsistent. How you define yourself should not be dictated by anyone but yourself.7. Childhood resurfacesMajor life shifts seem to call us back to childhood fears and worries, a foundation we’d sometimes rather avoid. Change can be frightening but primitive reactions are normal. It sounds Freudian but seeing a shadow in your closet in the night is simply your mind reverting to its earliest triggers. It will pass.8. Fear of lossIt’s not uncommon to start to fear that one specific thing you feel would save you, will be lost. This stems from the realization that you can only save yourself. It’s not really the loss itself you’re afraid of but rather being forced to give something up before you’re ready.9. The acceptance that some things just aren’t right for youI’ve said it before: Life is not “One size fits all”. This doesn’t mean you’re giving up in general, it means you’re giving up your expectation that things should be different than what they are or squeezing into a box where you've been uncomfortable trying to fit.10. You learn to go where the road leads youKeep in mind if you feel you're in the midst of mental or emotional upset you are likely in the process of major life change with something new just over the horizon. When you know better, you do better. Going backward would mean a life of the old you without growth and experience and that would be settling for less than your full potential.Every end has a beginning; think of  your life as a loop rather than a line. Trusted friends can be invaluable during this period of your life to offer love and support. If you fear your path may jeopardize these friendships because beliefs and opinions are in flux, remember what your grandma told you,"...then they weren't real friends to begin with."Never fear, others who respect your journey will come out of the woodwork to share their wisdom and understanding with you.Related links:https://www.powerofpositivity.com/5-signs-youre-on-the-right-path/

Parenting Moment: The Beauty of the Messy Room

I stood in the doorway of my son’s room. It was like a bomb had gone off. The carpet was speckled with all sorts of papers and threads and the bedding was kicked to the foot of the bed. It smelled a bit like a stable. Just a bit. He mentioned he was de-cluttering and de-junking for the past month and didn’t need help. So I let it be. And I figured today would be a good day, to deep clean it for him since he was out.(Image: Maggie Siner, 2011)And then it hit me.This was much more than a messy room.I realized that this particular son of mine, in my memory, has never actually had a messy room before this past month. Ever. Nor has he ever had to be asked to do his homework, or budget his time wisely, or practice his instruments, or shower or give me a hand with something or any of the other things a mother usually has to chide her teenager about.In fact, there is a watch on his shelf, a Christmas gift that he never opened because he was worried he would scratch it and it would be ruined. There is a bright blue novelty trumpet that has never been played for the same reason. I explained the idea of nostalgia and the beauty of distressing an item with wear. He tried to process it but still clung to his perfectionism like a security blanket.The past school year was rough on him; advanced classes that happened to be devoid of any known friends, too many extracurricular activities but reticence on his part to give any of them up, pressures at work and coping mechanisms that began to have his siblings and I worried. He bore his soul to me one night before bed and we talked about things that could ease his pressures. Some of the things he told me honestly gave me pause for thought; a thing or two I had imagined were benefitting our family were stressing him out. He agreed to speak with somebody about his school schedule and his worries. I mapped out a few little things we agreed could make a difference. I subscribed him to a mail order snack service, something he had mentioned he liked. I lowered the bar at home. And little by little, things began to shift.While I vacuumed his room, I went over all the little details of him in my mind and realized how they have slowly started to change for the better lately. He goes out with friends after work, he listens to more music. His nails, once bitten down to the quick now have a nice white ridge on the ends. Instead of constantly answering that he was okay or stressed, his response has been upgraded to good. And I realized that as a parent, if I hadn’t stopped to stand there and stare at his messy room for a minute, I might have missed the beautiful growth that has come to him in learning to let go, to live and to be a little kinder to himself.So often we make it into adulthood pushing so hard, using coping mechanisms to control the minutiae in our lives when the larger picture is somewhat out of our grasp. We rush through life, never stopping to smell the roses so to speak. We give others permission to care for themselves but deny ourselves the same kindness. I wondered if I had unwittingly taught my son this lesson by my own behavior and by neglecting the opportunity to just let go more often. After all, the messy room will still be there whenever you get back. It’s not going anywhere. But sometimes the opportunities to enjoy the moment have fled.When I called out that I was taking the dog for a walk in the evening, my son offered to come. We chatted about all sorts of things and I asked how he was doing. He said, “Better. I am doing better, mum. This Spring was a little rough.” I said that I knew it had been but that I admired how he had caught himself and turned things around so quickly, that he was learning things now people in their 40’s are still trying to and he laughed and said, “I guess so.”Gone are the days of playing outside until the streetlights come on. Our teens are savvy and hip but also sometimes overrun with pressures in a world that has  created a competition for their time and focus; a contest between fast-paced, over-stimulating technologies versus the simplicity of a walk around the lake or a hike in the mountains. Solace is there, trying to whisper over the din, “Slow down. Breathe. You have done enough today. Tomorrow is not going anywhere. You are a human being, not a human doing. Just be. That is enough.”Sometimes as parents, the messy room, getting the homework done, or nagging about a haircut become the hill we die on. We want the best for our kids and we know the value of structure, schedule and routine. But frequently when we look at the bigger picture, other things are simply more important. Like every generation before us, we compare their young lives to ours worrying they have tool little work or too much luxury. But how often do we worry about nurturing their spirits? About sound mental health? About letting them live without the pressures and decisions of adulthood that we know are just around the corner?To the Teenager: Live your life to the fullest.Take chances. Stay out late. Go for the person you’re in love with. Stand up for what you think is right. Laugh all the time. Stay confident. Have amazing friendships. Dance. Blast music as loud as you can. Be yourself. Sleep late on the weekends. Try new things. Take amazing pictures. Make great memories. Always remember that the people who judge you aren’t worth it.*Ah, parenting (sigh). That job of trying to help the beings in your care become their best without ruining anybody.Here’s to healthy, happy kids and letting go,Lorelei*lovethispic.com

The Wolf you Feed

“You only have to forgive once. To resent, you have to do it all day, every day. You have to keep remembering all the bad things.”― M.L. Stedman, The Light Between OceansMost of us have heard the anecdote where a Native elder counsels a young person about the conflicting emotions inside of us. This short clip narrated by Sharon Salzburg and animated by Kathy Davis for Happify, beautifully illustrates the effect it has on us personally.Feelings are just feelings, let them come and go.My oldest son, while teaching his younger brother to drive before the impending road exam insisted at our kitchen table that he was owed and apology for words of frustration exchanged in the car. I explained to him that anyone learning to drive is in both a position of insecurity and vulnerability, relying on instructors and a seemingly endless list of rules from a manual that nobody could possibly remember without practical application. We've all been there. He was insistent. I finally said, "If an apology is the hill you die on, you die alone."When we fixate on something like an apology, we are giving our power to someone else when really, we have no control over anything but ourselves. We delude ourselves into thinking one magic bullet will resolve how we feel. Of course, as is usually the case with brothers, all was forgotten in a day or two."That doesn't mean we try to deny or hurt or kill the angry wolf. If we did that, we'd end up in a long battle, all while somehow making that wolf more powerful through our hostility and fear. Hating that wolf sucks the strength right out of us. Instead, we calmly pay attention to the angry wolf, and let go of believing they have the answers. If we can do that, they end up lying next to us. No longer an enemy."What I appreciate most about this story is that we all have wolves, every single one of us. It's how we deal with them that matters.

What's that you said? Tuning into the frequency of your inner voice

“You have the gift of a brilliant internal guardian that stands ready to warn you of hazards and guide you through risky situations.”-Gavin de Becker,The Gift of Fear.It goes by many names: intuition, the universe, going with your gut, an epiphany, the a-ha or lightbulb moment. But regardless of how it is classified, how do we recognize our inner voice and why is it important? Why do we sometimes mute it or stop listening altogether?The increasing popularity of mindfulness and meditation comes in response to living in an incredibly busy world with lives full of responsibility. Often this comes at the cost of our physical and mental health. Moments of solitude have to be scheduled in between work and parenting responsibilities. Furthermore, all kinds of societal norms and values dictate to us who we should be, what we should be doing and what we need to change until it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The result is feeling burned out and disconnected from who we really are. These outside sources sometimes scream loud enough to obliterate what we really need to hear and can be identified easily because their purpose is to somehow hold you back.You don’t exercise enoughYou really blew that board meetingIf you make the wrong decision, this will not end well.Your inner voice represents truth- your truth, what is best for you. It nudges you in a kind and peaceful way towards reaching your full potential or realizing the truth of a situation or decision. Keep your individuality in mind. What is working for your best friend may be completely different than what will work for you. Resist boxing yourself into a paradigm where you may not belong. Life is not one-size-fits-all.You are on the right pathYour input really matteredWhat you just did was very kindAnd sometimes, it can be a warning, of something approaching or to buffer a difficult event that’s impending.Change is comingIt will be okayYou are strong enough to do thisCharacteristics of your inner voice:-It removes anxiety-It clarifies your purpose short & long term-It guides gently, without force or coercion-Decision-making becomes simplified as you trust yourself and eliminate self-doubt-It fosters creativity and kindness to others-It protects youKeep in mind if the thoughts and ideas coming to you do not share these characteristics or encourage harm to yourself or others, seek professional help. For example: after the birth of my third child, I struggled with postpartum depression. This was an era where I had to focus on myself and simplifying my life while dealing with the issue at hand. I relied on my counsellor and my family doctor until my equilibrium was restored.Years ago, a dear friend who was struggling in his marriage shared with me that he was trying everything in his power to save it. It was messy and had dragged on for a long time. He was willing to swallow everything, forgive all his wife had done during her breakdown just to save the union and avoid the effects of divorce on his two children.  One night, he took his son to a theatre to see a movie and escape for the evening. His heart was heavy. There was a moment between the trailers and the beginning of the movie where he was sitting silently in the dark. A voice clearly said to him,“She will never come back.” The thought pained him so greatly that he inwardly railed against it and said to himself,“NO!”But it quietly came to him again and he recognized it as truth, understanding that despite all he had done and would have continued to do, the outcome would not have changed.All that is required is to be calm and listen. Just like carefully tuning the knob of an old radio until you get a frequency that emits a clear signal. It may take a little practice but will start to become second nature.Trust that your life matters and that your journey has a purpose unique to you. In my own experience, the inner voice uses mediums familiar to each of us, it is often music or the words of others for myself and is accompanied by a feeling that prompts me to pay attention. Sometimes it’s goose bumps or a shiver that accompanies a thought. Generally the message is not complex but actually clear and simple, often unexpected.Sometimes these experiences alert us that change is required. Change is difficult and we always have the choice not to listen. But it comes at a cost to our well-being. You can stay in a dead end job because you choose to listen to the doubt that says you will never find another one and perhaps become financially destitute. However, it will take a toll to deal with a difficult boss or go back day after day to a situation where you are undervalued. In staying, you are choosing not to make room for something else that may be awaiting you. Remember, not making a decision is also making a decision- to live with the status quo and whatever that entails.Major life decisions take time and careful consideration. If you’re not certain what to do, be patient. It will come. Don’t rush it. Go where the path leads you. And then watch how your life changes for the better and how it becomes increasingly easier to be at peace and find the happiness that is waiting.“Intuition is always right in at least two important ways;It is always in response to something.it always has your best interest at heart”-Gavin de Becker,The Gift of Fear.

The Balancing Act: Kind Ways of Saying No

Remember Phoebe Bouffet on Friends? That quirky, direct and unapologetic character played so brilliantly by Lisa Kudrow? She had a great way of saying no:“Oh I wish I could, but I don’t want to.”Or you could pull a Simon Cowell and state authoritatively:“It’s a no from me.”If only it were that easy right?Part of what makes politely declining yet another demand on our time is that often, those asking refuse to take no for an answer. This is especially true of interactions with women. When men say no, it is more often assumed they mean it. Sometimes women’s answers don’t get credit for being iron clad. Call it socialization, politeness or worry of causing offence. Regardless, no means no.I always tell my kids there's a kind way to do everything. The following list is complements of Julie de Azavedo Hanks.* You may find having a ready answer in your back pocket is just the thing you need to stand your ground.-I can’t give you an answer right now. Will you check back with me closer to the time?-I want to but I’m unable to.-I’m not able to commit to that right now.-I really appreciate you asking me, but I can’t do it.-I understand that you really need my help, but I’m just not able to say yes to that. I’m so sorry.-I’m going to say no for now. I’ll let you know if something changes.-I’m honoured you would ask me, but my answer is no.-No, I can’t do that but here is what I can do. Would that help?-I just don’t have that to give right now.I would add:-That sounds amazing! Sorry I can't make it but have the best time!-I think you will be fantastic. Will you fill me in on everything afterward?-I can't help you with that but I know someone who could.Try to remember you do not owe a reason, explanation or justification for your response. If your schedule loosens up, you can always call back and ask if the offer is still open or change your mind. You can also call when you see a time with a spot where you could offer help on your terms. But taking on too much can easily lead to burnout.Certain personality types are simply not wired for constant stimulation. The idea of a party every Friday night is overload. To others, this may seem like you’re a party pooper. To you, it may be valuable recharge time. I recently attended an event for a friend because I genuinely cared about her, was proud of her and wanted to support her. She is a beautiful, social butterfly and outstanding extrovert. But everything in me would have otherwise avoided that type of event. That’s okay. When you feel comfortable doing it, you can. Other times you can’t. The same friend drove 6 hours to my Convocation ceremony despite a full calendar and work and family pressures at home.No doesn’t mean no forever. But yes all the time makes you a martyr and that’s not helping anybody. Have the strength to claim what is best for you now and share that strength with others when you deem the time is right.*© 2013. Julie deAzavedo Hanks from The Burnout Cure: An Emotional Survival Guide for Overloaded Women. JulieHanks.com. "Helpful Phrases for Saying No."

UK Doctors to Start Prescribing Books to Teens with Mental Health Issues

The program intends to spread information about mental health through fiction and nonfiction.A new initiative in England is attempting to get supportive books into the hands of teens suffering from mental health issues. But this is not run through a library; the initative works by having doctors prescribe these books to their younger patients.The Reading Agency, a UK charity dedicated to reading awareness, established the Reading Well Books on Prescription program in 2013 to help adults cope with phobias, dementia, and other mental health issues. Now, the charity has expanded its effort to young teens, creating a list of titles from both fiction and non-fiction that examine those issues in an empathetic, empowering way.The 35 books, selected by both health experts and teens that have struggled with mental health issues, cover a variety of common ailments—from depression and anxiety, to bullying and exam pressure. General practitioners, counselors, and school nurses can prescribe these titles, but they can also be self-prescribed and will be widely available in libraries across England. Some of the books included are already popular titles with teens, such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Check out the full book list here.Not only is The Reading Agency providing a crucial resource, but it could end up saving England money. The Reading Agency cites in its press release that 1 in 10 young people suffer from a diagnosable mental health issue, and that the number of 15 and 16-year-olds who frequently feel anxious has doubled in the past 30 years. Currently, England spends £105 billion ($150 billion US) annually on mental health care, but this program costs only £1 per reader. While it’s no substitute for medical attention, having wider access to books that can give advice to young adults and help them cope will hopefully lead to greater ease with which they manage difficult situations and emotions.Full article:https://www.thereadingroom.com/article/uk-doctors-to-start-prescribing-books-to-teens-with-mental-health-issues/1534?trr_article_source=recent-posts-module