Articles by Gene Beresin

February 24, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Why Activism Is Good For Teens — And The Country

When I was a ninth grader in 1964, I was suspended from school for selling peace buttons for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. I was a tad anxious about how my mom would react, but when I came home that morning, she was beaming. “Good for you! Just don’t sell any more on school property,” […]

February 19, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Preventing School Shootings: Playing the Mental Health Card is Off the Mark

Another senseless shooting and more loss of lives. We’ve said it before and we will say it again, our hearts go out to the families in the community of Uvalde. But how many times do we have to say this? While the individual responsible was clearly disturbed, this issue is not about mental illness. There […]

February 14, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shy Kids: Understanding Them and Helping Them Thrive

Some degree of shyness is normal and common in all children. For most, it’s a healthy cautiousness in reaction to a novel social encounter. Here’s an example: At a neighborhood barbeque, 4-year-old Tommy wouldn’t show his face, and buried his head in his mom’s skirt behind her. Mom gently encouraged him. “Tommy, there’s nothing to […]

January 24, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Political Angst in America? (Season 1, Episode 6)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** According to a 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, 2/3 of Americans feel stressed about the future of our nation, including a majority of each Democrats and Republicans. But who needs a survey to point that out – even our kids can tell how […]

January 10, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Films That Heal, featuring Eric I. Lu (Season 1, Episode 5)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** Films foster empathy and can even promote social action. Sharing stories of mental health through video allows viewers to deeply connect with storytellers. When we watch and listen to stories, we begin to expand our own perspectives and understand the lived experiences of others. Filmmaker […]

January 4, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Living in Fear of Criticism and Humiliation: The Problem of Social Anxiety Disorder

Most kids and young adults look forward to going back to school. But for those with social anxiety, school and all that comes with it can literally provoke dread. I’m going to show you what I mean. Let’s consider Sally. Sally is a sweet, sensitive, likeable 16-year-old girl.  In grade school, she was active in […]

December 13, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Navigating Divisiveness During the Holidays (Season 1, Episode 3)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** Differing viewpoints, feelings of frustration. We’re all constantly on edge today, and families can be home to a wide range of beliefs, which only adds stress to “together” time. But who has the energy for negativity? And what message are we sending to our kids […]

November 15, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Can Kids Get Mental Illness?

What does the average person think about mental illness in kids? We went to the streets to ask people this very question, and their responses and stories were both enlightening and heartwarming. The Clay Center have partnered with filmmakers Eric I. Lu and Elaine Coin to produce a series of short films on issues including […]

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Our 1st Episode! (Season 1, Episode 1)

  Mental health made simple? Phpht. Who are we kidding? It can be really complicated. Which is why we’re psyched to launch Season 1 of our new video podcast Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple, to begin to wrapping our brains around it all. Openly talking about the challenges we face — from mental, to […]

November 11, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Memories Of A Veteran’s Son: Living With Undiagnosed PTSD

In honor of Veterans Day and all of the men and women who have and continue to serve this great country, we’re reposting Dr. Gene Beresin’s memories of his father and his sacrifice below. *** Waking my dad early in the morning was terrifying. I learned not to do it—not an easy thing for a […]