Healthy Hearts & Minds

09/12/2026

Su***de Prevention Month: Supporting our children

When we think about su***de prevention, we may not immediately think about young children but children can experience thoughts about death, dying, or not wanting to be here as well.

Young children often don’t have the emotional vocabulary to explain exactly what they’re feeling. Sometimes, instead of saying “I’m struggling,” their emotions show up through their behavior, play, body, or words.

You might notice:
• Increased tantrums, anger, aggression, or emotional outbursts
• Becoming unusually quiet, withdrawn, clingy, or fearful
• Changes in sleeping or eating
• Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or wanting to stay home
• Losing interest in playing or activities they usually enjoy
• Play, drawings, or stories that repeatedly focus on death or dying
• Saying things like “I wish I wasn’t here,” “I want to disappear,” “I wish I was dead,” or “Everyone would be better without me”
• Giving away favorite or meaningful belongings
• Significant changes that simply make you think, “Something isn't right.”

How can we support children? Get curious about behavior.

Instead of only asking “Why are you acting like this?” try:
“You seem like you're having a really hard time. Can you help me understand what's happening?”

Help them name their feelings. Young children may need adults to give them language try:
“I wonder if you're feeling really sad, angry, scared, or overwhelmed right now.”

Create regular opportunities to check in.
Try feelings charts, drawing together, talking during bedtime, or asking about the best and hardest parts of their day.

Listen before trying to fix it.
Sometimes children need to hear:
“That sounds really hard. I'm glad you told me.”

Don't dismiss concerning statements because of their age.
Even if a child says something during a tantrum or appears to “move on” quickly afterward, take the statement seriously and check in.

Ask directly when you're concerned.
Using clear, developmentally appropriate language about su***de or wanting to die does not put the idea into a child's head. Asking gives them permission to tell you what they're experiencing.

And perhaps most importantly:
Make home a place where ALL feelings are allowed, not just the comfortable ones. Children don't need us to have the perfect response. They need safe adults who will notice, listen, believe them, and help them get the support they need.

If you are concerned about something your child has said or a significant change in their behavior, reach out to a qualified mental health professional or pediatric healthcare provider.

If a child may be in immediate danger, stay with them and seek emergency support. For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for additional support.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders, service members, and everyday people who stepped forward with courage and compassion.

For many, this day can bring up grief, fear, sadness, or memories that still feel close, even 25 years later. There is no “right” way to feel on an anniversary connected to collective trauma and loss.
Today, may we make space for remembrance, kindness, and care for one another.

We remember. We honor. We hold space. 🇺🇸

09/10/2026

🌊 You Don’t Have to Fight the Wave

Have you ever had an emotion or urge feel so strong that you felt like you had to do something about it right away?

One DBT strategy, often called urge surfing, encourages us to think about urges like waves.

A wave begins to build.
It gets stronger.
It reaches its peak.
And then… it comes back down.

Our emotions and urges can work the same way.
Instead of immediately reacting to an uncomfortable urge or trying desperately to make it disappear we can practice riding the wave.

Notice what you're feeling.
Name the urge or emotion without judging it.
Pay attention to where you feel it in your body.
Breathe and remind yourself: “I can feel this without acting on it.”
Give the intensity time to rise and fall.

The goal isn't to stop the waves from coming. It’s learning that you can experience the wave without letting it carry you away. 🌊

Sometimes progress looks like creating just enough space between feeling and reacting to choose what comes next.

“You don't have to stop the wave. You can learn to ride it.”

09/08/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month

This month, we’re creating space for conversations that can be difficult but incredibly important. Su***de prevention isn’t only about responding in moments of crisis. It’s also about connection, awareness, listening, and reminding people that they don’t have to carry difficult things alone.

Throughout September, we’ll be sharing information about:
• Recognizing potential warning signs
• Supporting children, teens, adults, and older adults
• How to check in when you’re worried about someone
• Supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Resources for getting help
• Creating conversations around hope, connection, and mental health

Sometimes support begins with something as simple as:
“How are you really doing?” You don't need to have the perfect words. You just need to be willing to listen.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Healthy Hearts & Minds

08/28/2026

Yoga in Knightstown this weekend! Check it out!

This Saturday come see Jennifer Riggs for some Dolly Yoga at 9am!

08/11/2026

When depression tells you to stay inside… try stepping outside. 🌿

Depression can make even the smallest things feel heavy.
Getting dressed.
Leaving the house.
Moving your body.
Doing something you normally enjoy.

And sometimes we wait to feel better or feel motivated before doing those things. But what if we flipped that?

One strategy we use in therapy is behavioral activation, intentionally engaging in small, meaningful activities even when motivation is low.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

🌿 Water a plant or pull a few weeds.
🌿 Take a short walk.
🌿 Listen for the birds or wind in the trees.
🌿 Find one thing in nature that catches your attention.
🌿 Sit on your porch instead of inside.

The goal isn’t to take a walk or engage in an activity and suddenly make the depression disappear.

The goal is to gently interrupt the cycle of withdrawal and isolation and give your mind and body an opportunity to experience something different.

Start small. Five minutes counts.

Sometimes supporting your mental health looks like putting one foot in front of the other, even when you don’t really feel like it.

08/10/2026

We’re excited to welcome Life Coaching with John Davis to Healthy Hearts & Minds!
John brings nearly 20 years of experience in law enforcement, leadership, crisis response, and mentorship, along with a grounded, practical approach shaped by both professional and personal experience.
John will be working primarily with men who are ready to move forward—whether that means navigating divorce or a major life transition, rebuilding confidence, finding direction and purpose, or preparing for a career in law enforcement.
Because John is continuing his work in law enforcement, his coaching availability is very limited. If you’re interested in working with him, we encourage you to complete a brief inquiry form. John will review your information to determine whether his coaching services may be a good fit for what you’re looking for.

📞 Healthy Hearts & Minds: 765-856-3330
Coaching & Speaking Inquiry Form:
https://forms.gle/Ro61UCKnJ4zp8Tn8A

Life coaching is a goal-focused service and is not a substitute for mental health counseling or other clinical treatment.

Helping you heal, grow, and thrive.
🌿 Mental Health Counseling | 🏔️ Leadership & Wellness Retreats | 💡 Life Coaching
Serving individuals, couples & families in Knightstown, IN and beyond.
📞 765-856-3330

07/30/2026

We look forward to seeing you this Friday from 5:30-7:30 at The Cary Center.

07/25/2026

Have you ever noticed how one anxious thought can suddenly feel like the truth?

"I'm not good enough."
"Something bad is going to happen."
"I always mess things up."

Our minds are constantly producing thoughts, but thoughts are not facts.

One Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) technique we use is called Leaves on a Stream. Imagine sitting beside a gently flowing creek. Each thought that pops into your mind is placed on a leaf, and instead of grabbing onto it or trying to push it away, you simply watch it float downstream.

🍃 Notice the thought.
🍃 Name it.
🍃 Let it pass.

This practice isn't about getting rid of difficult thoughts. It's about changing your relationship with them. When we learn to observe our thoughts instead of becoming tangled in them, they often lose some of their power. We create space to respond intentionally rather than react automatically.

The next time you find yourself caught in worry, self-criticism, or overthinking, ask yourself:
💭 "Can I let this thought float by like a leaf on a stream instead of carrying it with me?"

Sometimes the greatest freedom isn't having different thoughts, it's realizing you don't have to believe every one of them.

Healing doesn't mean your thoughts disappear. It means they no longer get to steer your life. Instead, you can learn to make space for them while continuing to move toward what matters most.

At Healthy Hearts & Minds, we'd be honored to walk alongside you as you build that flexibility, create space for your thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward a life guided by your values, not your fears.

07/24/2026

We wrapped up an amazing second day of Confident Kids Camp yesterday! 🌟

Thank you to each child and family who joined us this week. It was such a joy to watch these incredible kids build confidence, form friendships, and grow throughout the camp. We are so grateful you trusted us to be part of their journey! 💙