For 18+years, I’ve worked as a Clinical Social Worker in schools, nonprofits, crisis response, and private practice.
One truth has never changed: mental health is not optional.
Yet even in 2026, too many schools and companies treat mental health as an “extra” — nice to have if there’s a little budget left over, like a yoga class or free snacks. You can tell by reading or watching the news that …
That mindset isn’t just outdated — it’s dangerous.
We seem to invest in physical wellness everywhere: gyms, virtual reality, standing desks, wellness rooms. Why? Because healthy bodies = higher productivity, less absenteeism, more profit. Mental health works the same way.
In the same way,people that have access to consistent, quality mental health care, they’re more focused, more productive, and more motivated. Absent this essential wellness piece, the same or more burnout, absenteeism, conflict, and even violence — in schools, workplaces, and high–stakes industries like sports and entertainment have become common in the last 20 years.
Think about it: elite athletes and C-suite executives rely on their mental readiness to perform. They get therapy.
QUIETLY… Shhhhhh.
However, in many cases the professionalssupporting them often earn a fraction of other critical roles, despite carrying heavy emotionalresponsibility.
Becoming a MSW Master Social Worker (MSW) costs over $160,000 in state education ( for an undergraduate degree) then a further two year graduate degree for MSW licensing – and yet at the start … salaries barely touch student loans.
For a License in Social Work $275.00 for LMSW Example : graduate …
60 credits
900 total practicum hours (420-hour foundation practicum + 480-hour advanced year practicum)
Offered full time (2 years) or part time (3 years)
Graduate costs fluctuate-
This is not sustainable in the future!
If we don’t advocate for change – the next generation of talented, passionate mental health professionals will look elsewhere.
The new generation •inspired by us •High-risk of burnout •Risk of higher turnover rates • In search of for less demanding •looking for higher-paying work . RESULT – The system suffers. People Suffer!
Here’s the bottom line:
Mental health isn’t a luxury – it’s foundational.
It belongs in every system, just like physical health.
Professional’s doing this work deserve pay that reflects their impact — including help with student loans.
We must invest in care, not crisis.
People going to therapy shouldn’t be visible — it means it’s working. It means they’re safe and learning skills to thrive.
Mental health care is the bedrock of our society. Let’s value the professionals who provide it – because they matter.
Kwippy is a rather unique inspirational app that sends you prompts and challenges every day. You need to accomplish these tasks and post them in your feed to allow other members to see your entries. If you get many likes from other subscribers, you can increase your Kwippy score and climb the leaderboard.
The Shine app aims to be a mental health support system for your struggles with stress and anxiety. If you are looking for an affirmation app that can connect you with other people, we recommend trying this one. This app will help you remember that you are not alone.
Unique Daily Affirmation App
Unique Daily Affirmations Free is a creative affirmation tool that helps you succeed in your endeavors, bring you out from under the clouds, and make positive changes in your life. Through uplifting statements and quotes, you’ll believe in yourself with these one-a-day affirmations.
Simple / Fun
There are so many more easy phone / tablet apps out there to give you just the right amount of positive energy each day, or when you feel it’s necessary! Choosing color, music or reading through positive affirmations that make sense to you, raise your emotional awareness about yourself!
Power
What’s so incredible about these options is that the technology may provide the METHODS but, you are taking charge of your life and emotions by using it. Essentially, the strength to know what you need, when, and making a healthy he choice to feel better- are within your power!
Customization
What I love most is the ability to choose the type of app, affirmation, or music ( spa, nature) to calm, empower or energize you. Every person is moved into utilizing their own method or it won’t fit their mood (which can change in a given day). Altering the amount of times you would like affirmations delivered to you, and on what topic is what makes it most useful!
Challenge Yourself
Initially, I needed a higher quantity or I would forget to look, and power behind it. Eventually, I wanted to challenge myself into my own use of it. After, seeing the benefits of even two minutes a day on reframing your thoughts, or mindful resting, you’d Be amazed how different life could be. This type of reassurance, or taking solace in visual customization of backgrounds or colors, music, or natural sounds, can not only take you away from challenging moments, but bring you to peace, clarity, and leave you feeling uplifted.
Prior to this, I was not a person that saw the value in it. Once I tried it, no matter what was going on in my day, this shifted it for the better! It was as if there was a gift, a reminder in the middle of my day to take moments and recharge! Now, I share this gift of technology with you.
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Disclaimer: this is not by any means an exhaustive list of all of the great apps and technology out there today!!
*These ARE NOT paid advertisements they are apps that I’ve personally tried.
Research-Based Creators
•If you have a research based product that you’d like to share that has helped people with anxiety please feel free to send me a message via the website!
I’d be happy to try out your product. I do not test any meds, supplements, shock therapy or anything with potential risk factors, beyond a calming effect from apps (visual/ audio) books etc. If I gain positive benefit from it or see it’s potential -I’m happy to share! I do not get to test everything offered, but feel free to reach out.
*Please note – I do not support, nor claim to have any information regarding the political affiliation,, or production, or malware associated with these apps. This is simply a recommendation from my personal use. This only represents my personal opinion.
When facing new and uncertain experiences, our coping mechanisms can use a little fine tuning. Some of the most valuable tools we can have is accepting the element of surprise. It can be beneficial to have the ability to explore the methods created for safety, why they are important. How adept we are at keeping our responses fluid can directly equate to how we cope. In addition, our most vulnerable populations next to the medically fragile, seniors and kids; demand our full attention and more resources.
The bottom line is that however we can help ourselves face these changing issues in society, will allow us to better manage our responsibilities to ourwork, family, and community. Our personal well-being and health is imperative to supporting others.
United By Distance 😷
When we can open our minds to different perspectives, we can share and understand the community goals. This will allow distance to unite us!
Flexible Responses ⛑
When we can accept the unforeseeable and roll with the unexpected we can be more FLEXIBLE with our responses.
Succeed For Seniors 👵
When we want to accept the actual state of the current conditions, there will be movement. We WILL want more for our loved ones. We WILL accept things are NOT good enough,we WiLL want more for OUR future.
The Elephant at Dinner🐘
Current situations (Covid, Vaccines, US government, injustice and racial inequality, sexual harassment, the situation in Afghanistan, Terrorism, School and society gun violence) , and all current events need to be explained to children. Family debates and discussions can be healthy. . This is a time to remember. These are issues that can shape young minds and change the world. Try not to ignore these at home. These are not topics we want them to learn anywhere else. Please don’t let them remain the “elephant at dinner” 🐘
Motivate, Collaborate & Create👏
Motivate yourself, your community, and our government to be aware of people that need advocacy. Collaborate with your community to stay vigilant about health and safety, and help educate on various topics that you believe in. Create an atmosphere at home, in yourcommunity or within organizations where you can be supportive to others, and know who to go to for yourself!
Is it Worth It? ➡️
Name 2-3 reasons for yourself it’s worth it to focus on these items …. If any lead you to want to speak more .. Contact me! 📱💻
Welcome to the InspireAmind®️ Presents Summer of 2021 The Real Friend Reboot!
It’s over a year since our kids and teens have been 100 percent carefree! Here we are approaching quite the odd summer of 2021. As vaccines approved this emergency use become available to younger age groups many things will happen.
There are some that will not be able to get the vaccine for various issues, and others that will still contract Covid after vaccination, and still even additional, that may choose not to participate. As I am not a physician, I can only do I what I feel best doing. I encourage others to make an informed decision and do what is best for their health, and their family. I also know that that ideally we should respect the rights and health and safety of others, while doing so.
Socialization: I can say one thing for sure, there is value in children, and teens socializing this summer, even if it’s in a cautious manner.
I have been thinking about the issue of isolation and socialization since March of 2020, when I first focused my energy on isolated seniors. This population, similar to children can be very vulnerable in that they rely on others for socialization, care and for many to keep a positive mindset, and not regress in cognitive functioning. After successfully creating a program serving seniors in a facility and in turn, assisting isolated graduate social work students during Covid.. my mind has shifted back to pre-teens, and teens.
I have been speaking with my children about it, and some of their friends and other parents for months. Since last summer, we had created ways of getting together with friends that felt safe. However, everyone shared similar experiences when all schools were remote. All friends ended the 2020 school year remotely, as most businesses n NYS remained closed, and it wasn’t until closer to fall into spring that everything opened. Larger amounts of parents, kids, families were going through things together at the time.
After a recent discussion came up to share those same thoughts – I realized that not only are we in the most “Covid awkward” time regarding ever changing mandates for safety and access to the vaccine, but at the same time normalcy is almost 90 percent expected.. yet we are still using an FDA emergency approved vaccine for a pandemic. I mean we are still in a NEW normal . That’s okay, we need to cope and move forward but, there is still a lot we don’t know Re: boosters, strains, safety and preparedness for all to function and remain open through yet another issue.
I pushed those thoughts out of my head.. I thought more about what actives we as a family came up with for kids, and teens to do safely. Then I thought about my girls, and even the seniors I started to support- you can’t always start with the activity! I thought so much comes before.. kind of the horse.. and bringing it to water but, not getting it to drink.
Prepping for Summer, Next School Year, Travel or Any New Change to Schedule!
Everything is NEW AGAIN
The Real Friend Reboot- it’s like Starting Again!
This idea of friendships, and reuniting with people that you haven’t seen regularly or even seen on Zoom, let alone passed by in the halls can be a tougher concept then you’d expect.
Did it impact kids/teens? Most definitely.
In many ways, as I’ve spoken with parents, students, young adults through seniors… it impacted EVERYONE! It impacted friendships, emotional ( self-esteem ) due to loss of regular sports, walking, shopping and daily movement! For many people, that led to health issues, emotional concerns and weight gain. This had a chain reaction…less time out of home and less time with peers. This pandemic was time when we needed the very MOST support from others, yet couldn’t be around anyone.
Yes, kids have, and will continue to bounce back and rekindle old, and make new friends. Adults may have been forced into different choices in their lives that they would not have chosen otherwise : a particular college, no college, loss of employment, early retirement, loss of a business, and even loss of loved ones due to serious medical issues, or death during this challenging time. What people don’t know (especially kids) is that there is a way out, a way to make changes, and it doesn’t have to feel hopeless…..
CHANGE is not a comfortable space for most. When YOU are in charge of it.. (rearranging the furniture, new clothes – sure). None of us have been in charge the changes we have been rolling through during the Pandemic. We are only in charge of our mindset, and responses to everything around us.
The most basic human emotion after learning of a tremendous CHANGE – a reduction in their ability to move freely in society, school etc., isolation is discomfort. This also can come out later, or BEFORE returning to their environment. The mind, and body are funny that way. If we do not address certain topics they will come out in some way, at some point.
TIPS for Addressing CHANGE and CHALLENGE with Your Children in Friendships
The Beginning – it all depends on the personality of your tween, teen or young adult child.
Challenge #1 Friend? What do I say? Does that mean it’s okay for more friends if they ask? What can we do?
Result #1 This feels overwhelming… just forget it.
Challenge #2 Thinking of the challenges ahead, becoming nervous or used to not getting together outside school or being remote… staying NONVERBAL about the reasons.
Result #2 Worry that the child or teen is depressed or continue to self isolate due to mental health issues.
Instead of the worry that your child has mental health issues, it may be that your child became used to the current norm.
Simply put, some of you have an age group where it doesn’t even get as far as the first example.
You simply may have a bit of an introvert, or a child who became more of one. They began to THINK some of these things and is avoiding articulating them. They are in their comfort zone!
Remember its been over a year since the Pandemic began, everyone is older and more used to the new norm.
In what way might your child show that they need a bit more support? Thinking about our children and their reactions … how do we know when they need skill building? Depending Upon Your Family Circumstance (Health) and Comfort Level . Some options of summer activities include:
sports that you can make group competition in an individual way.
solo basketball ( everyone in the group has a ball),and games of shooting, or competitive skill go on)
soccer ( use your feet ), walking , bike riding can be done at safe distances, Canvas art
Drawing , Graffiti my driveway or a piece of paper about all the cool stuff in our Friendship
Listen to music, Make or write music Watch or create independent positive message film
WANT TO SEE YOUR IDEAS on the Website ? Create your own cool ideas and send them to InspireAmind.net@ protonmail.com
and they will be featured here. You will be given credit by choosing an emoji of a star, lightbulb, sport, theater or professional nature to represent your idea.
I am not able to post names for confidentiality. Sharing Ideas is helpful to everyone- thank you!
Helping you find your peace with social skills and transition groups –check out the homepage and specialties Page!💡
If you liked this then check out #3 Get connected, Stay connected on the next Blog
It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.
1. Be grateful for the good & the bad.
Research shows, grateful people are happy people. It’s also important to understand that happiness is not the absence of negative feelings. Gratitude is a focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more. Embracing gratitude, as a state of mind, can have a positive affect on all aspects of life including our happiness and overall satisfaction.
Up your mood by taking a moment daily to think of your world with gratitude. Start a gratitude journal or take a walk in nature paying attention to all the gifts around us. Think of a person that helps you on a daily or weekly basis – a spouse, parent, friend, pet, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter.
Quiz: How grateful are you? Take the Gratitude Quiz published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
2. Flex your creativity muscles.
Do you have a passion or hobby? It doesn’t have to be a formal activity, simply engaging in creative thinking can enhance well-being by enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A recent study out of New Zealand, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology explains that creative activities can trigger an “upward spiral” of well-being.
“Practicing an art — no matter how well or badly — is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut.
Make some space in your day to create, even if it’s just for the sake of it. Try exploring unique textures or even natural and recycled materials to make something for your home or a friend. Looking for some tips on how to add more creativity into your daily life? Read this list of 101 creative habits to explore.
3. Get connected, Stay connected.
*If you Like this then check out The Real Friends Reboot Blog!
Being apart of something larger than yourself can help bring perspective as well as a sense of belonging. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that feeling like you belong and generally feel close to other people is a core psychological need; essential to feeling satisfied with your life. The pleasures of social life register in our brains much the same way physical pleasure does.
So take the time to nurture a friendship that is important to you. Make an extra effort to show you care, send a card, make a plan to have lunch, or give them a call and really listen to what they say. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Tell a story when someone asks how your day is going. Notice how you feel when you share something with someone new.
Struggling and need support? Join a support group and talk to others that can relate. Find your tribe: support.therapytribe.com – a free online support community brought to you by TherapyTribe.
Tip: Check out the wellness tracker. It’s a simple but powerful tool designed to help you remember the promises you make to yourself. As you complete wellness activities your tree will blossom, and so will you!
