How to prepare your student for back-to-school season, before the anxiety finds them first. Students in a school hallway Every August, something quietly shifts. The lazy days of summer start to shrink. Group chats are filled with scheduled talk. Kids who seemed totally fine a few weeks ago start sleeping in until noon, snapping at their siblings, or going strangely quiet. As a parent, it is easy to chalk it up to the transition. "They just need a few weeks to adjust." And s

In Chad's work as a mental health speaker, he has seen firsthand how warning signs can go unrecognized, even by people who care deeply. Here are the signs to watch for, and the two questions that can change everything.

A message for Mental Health Awareness Month — from someone who's been in the dark. Every May, the world pauses to talk about mental health. Green ribbons appear. Social media fills with statistics. Campaigns remind us that it's okay not to be okay. And all of that matters, deeply. But I want to go further than awareness. I want to talk about what comes after the awareness. Because knowing you're struggling is just the first gear. "I kept asking myself one question: how do I t

Stress affects millions of people worldwide, influencing how they think, feel, and behave every day. During Stress Awareness Month 2026 , it is crucial to explore how stress interacts with mental health and what steps individuals can take to manage it effectively. This guide offers a clear understanding of stress, its effects on mental well-being, and practical ways to cope. What Is Stress and Why Does It Matter? Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or demands.

Over the past few years, one thing has become very clear: students are carrying more than just backpacks into school each day. They’re carrying stress. Pressure. Uncertainty about the future. And sometimes struggles they don’t feel comfortable talking about. Schools across the country are recognizing that academic success and mental health go hand in hand. That’s one reason more schools are bringing in mental health speakers like Chad Dunlap, founder of Upshift with Chad , to

Building resilience in students is more important now than ever. The pressures of academic life, social challenges, and personal growth can feel overwhelming. But resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about growing stronger through them. I want to share practical mental health strategies for students that can make a real difference. These tactics are designed to empower students, helping them face challenges with confidence and maintain their well-bei