The attachment theory argues that a strong emotional and physical bond to one primary caregiver in our first years of life is critical to our development. If our bonding is strong and we are securely attached, then we feel safe to explore the world. If our bond is weak, we feel insecurely attached. We are afraid to leave or explore a rather scary-looking world. Because we are not sure if we can return. Often we then don't understand our own feelings. 

One of every five children and adolescents has a mental disorder, and one in ten has a serious emotional disturbance that affects daily functioning. But four out of five children who need mental health services do not receive them. At the highest levels, government policymakers and public health experts recognize the need to transform the mental health service system, including its early intervention components, to assure children who need services get them.
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for promoting social and emotional development and preventing mental disorders— many major mental health disorders now are recognized to have their onset in childhood. Fortunately, prevention and early intervention efforts can minimize negative consequences for children and their families, as well as costs to society.

At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don't know where to turn for help. However, depression is largely preventable and treatable. Recognizing depression and seeking help is the first and most critical towards recovery. In collaboration with WHO to mark World Mental Health Day, writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the "black dog of depression".

To truly be able to work with a student with ADHD, you must understand the ends and outs of the diagnosis. Here is a great fun way to learn more.

Recognizing the signs of schizophrenia in yourself or a loved one can be frightening. But with the right treatment and self-help, you can manage the disorder and lead a fulfilling life.

Increasing emotional labour demands in the educational profession have negatively impacted teacher’s mental health resulting in high levels of stress, burnout, and subsequently leaving the profession altogether. The desire to improve the mental health well-being and retention rates in educators has given rise to research efforts examining individual factors that may assist in buffering the effects of an adverse occupational environment.

Here is a great way to take a deeper dive into the fundamental facts of mental health. 

Mental health has been hidden behind a curtain of stigma and discrimination for too long. It is time to bring it out into the open. The magnitude, suffering and burden in terms of disability and costs for individuals, families and societies are staggering. In the last few years, the world has become more aware of this enormous burden and the potential for mental health gains. We can make a difference using existing knowledge ready to be applied.
We need to enhance our investment in mental health substantially and we need to do it now.

The Motor Imitation Scale (MIS) was developed as a research tool to assess motor imitation skills in young children with ASD. It consists of 16 single-step actions that are modeled by an adult within a structured interaction. Half of the items require imitation of actions with objects, and the other half require imitation of body movements. The object actions are further divided into those involving “meaningful” vs “non-meaningful” actions.

Could you guess a person's disability on sight? Not all disabilities are apparent or surface level.  Take a look at some awkward assumptions, judgments, good humor, and be enlightened by those with various disabilities.