http://www.iDECIDEmyfuture.org/

Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion and Empowerment, Boston, MA (2025)

02/25/2025

Excited to highlight a recent publication from our center: “Understanding Adolescent Mental Health Symptom Progression in School-Based Settings: The Substance Use and Risk Factors (SURF) Longitudinal Survey”.

To Read the Study:
Visit: https://shorturl.at/F3dN5
or scan the QR code on the screen.

Dr. Meghan A. Costello introduces this work and it’s importance in this “Meet the Author” saying: Amid the youth mental health crisis, school-wide screening is often used to track symptoms, but each of these surveys only captures a single snapshot of an adolescent’s mental health. I believe that longitudinal research is key to understanding how mental health develops over time, but doing repeated survey research with youth can be challenging. Our team developed an algorithm to use answers to 7 “silly” questions (think: eye color, third letter of your first name, number of older siblings, etc.) to link together survey responses across time without needing any personally identifiable information. This method promotes honesty (through anonymity), youth research autonomy (by not requiring traditional parental consent), and privacy (by foregoing any individually identifiable information). Thank you so much to the high schoolers and team who make this possible!”

Study synopsis: The adolescent mental health crisis has prompted a need for improved understanding of developmental trajectories of psychopathology to promote understanding of risk and protective factors and bolster prevention and intervention efforts. This work aims to characterize longitudinal trajectories of mental health including substance use in large, community-based samples, as well as the individual school and community-level risk and protective factors that may modulate the expression of mental health symptoms over time.

Key Words: adolescence, mental health, substance use, longitudinal development, school-based screening

01/30/2025

The National Association of School Psychologists School Safety and Crisis Preparedness Training curriculum provides evidence-based resources, consultation and training related to school safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, intervention, response, and recovery.

The PREPaRE model emphasizes the following hierarchal and sequential set of activities:

P—Prevent and prepare for crises
R—Reaffirm physical health and welfare and perceptions of safety and security
E—Evaluate phycological trauma risk
P—Provide multitiered interventions
a—and
R—Respond to mental health needs
E—Examine the effectiveness of crisis prevention and intervention

To learn more visit: naspprepare.inreachce.com

01/21/2025

Are you feeling down? Are you no longer enjoying activities you used to enjoy? It’s common for us to experience the “winter blues”, but some people can be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a major depressive disorder that has a seasonal pattern, especially during the winter months.

As the temperatures drop, remember that you are not alone and that your feelings are valid. Scroll to see common symptoms of SAD and what you can do to manage these symptoms.

Image description:
Title says “What is Seasonal Depression?” with a man and a woman shivering underneath. Below that image says “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of major depression that has a seasonal pattern, most commonly during the winter months.” The next slide highlights six common symptoms of SAD. The third slide title says “Who is Affected by SAD?” And lists those at higher risk of developing SAD. There is also a melting snowman icon. The fourth slide’s title says “How Can I Manage Symptoms? Surrounding the title are six sections with tips for managing SAD symptoms. These include: “Go outside and get some sunlight” with a sun icon, “Spend time with family and friends” with a family illustration, “Exercise” with a man and woman stretching , “Regular sleep” with a woman sleeping, “Add more Vitamin D into your diet” with a Vitamin D prescription bottle, and “Talk to a mental health professional” with a woman doctor. The last slide depicts a snowy landscape with text validating the reader’s feelings during the winter months and reminding them to speak to a mental health professional if symptoms worsen.

01/06/2025

✨🎉 Happy New Year from all of us! 🎉✨
As we welcome the new year, we’re excited to share some of our favorite holiday moments and cherished traditions from our incredible team. 💕 From festive gatherings to cozy nights with loved ones, these memories remind us of the joy that comes from connection and celebration.

We’re also stepping into 2025 with renewed energy and a few resolutions to inspire us.

Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and meaningful moments.

[Image description:
Slide 1: “blue background with text saying “Happy New Year! From all the team 2025. Swipe for holiday photos and resolutions.”

Slide 2: photo of dog on the beach- “My favorite holiday tradition is reading a book fireside with my wonderful partner, ridiculous dogs and fabulous family”
Family photo- “Movie and pajama parties with my husband, daughters, and pup!”
“In Spain, it is tradition to eat a grape with each of the 12 clock chimes at midnight on December 31st to celebrate the start of the New Year”
“Lots of baking!”

Slide 3: photo of a Christmas tree - “ We listen to all of the Christmas hits and reminisce about the memories connected with each of our ornaments. Our cat, Mickey actively tried to undo our work by swatting ornaments off branches as we go”
Childhood photo of siblings with cookies and milk - “Putting out milk and cookies for Santa!”
Childhood photo wearing Christmas pajamas and holding gift box - Christmas pajamas”

Slide 4: beige page with blue text “ And New Year’s Resolutions” with 2025 ornament. “complete 1-2 triathlons”, “be more optimistic & start the day with a smile”, “have 1 screen free hour before bed”

Slide 5: “write a letter once a month”, eat more Whole Foods”, “read 15 books” ]

12/20/2024

Today we are spotlighting the Massachusetts School-Based Health Alliance. This organization manages 65 School-Based Health Centers across Massachusetts.

School-Based Health Centers provide:
- primary care
- mental health care
- care coordination
- dental care
- a safe place for children and their families to find an accessible medical home

This service allows families access to physicals, sick visits, therapy and social outreach that they may not otherwise have the time or resources to obtain.

Visit MASBHA.org to find a School-Based Health Center near you

Please Help Support the Massachusetts School-Based Health Alliance today by visiting their site MASBHA.org or scanning the QR code.

12/19/2024

Looking for food resources around Boston? Here are 11 food pantry options to get you started.

Food pantries help supply those in need with food for themselves and their families. Some pantries require clients to be registered for SNAP, or other forms of financial assistance (MassHealth, WIC, etc,), while others will serve anyone in need. Be sure to look at pantry specific requirements before you go. Also, look at open hours (call or check their website to see how holidays affect hours) and other resources the pantry offers to find the best fit for you.

You can find pantry websites and more resources at: https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-justice/find-your-food-pantry.

[Image description:
“Title says “Food Pantries, Greater Boston” with a box and a bag of groceries underneath. Below that image says “before you go, know: pantry specific requirements, service times, other potential resources available.” The next three slides have 11 food pantry options with address, hours, requirements, and other resources available. On the last slide there is a QR code to SNAP assistance and a food resource locator.

12/13/2024

It’s that time of year when burnout can sneak up on us – between finals, holiday stress, and trying to keep up with everything, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
It’s okay to take a step back, ask for help, and prioritize your well-being. Small breaks, setting boundaries, and giving yourself grace can make a big difference.
Remember: You are more than your to-do list. 💪✨

[Image description: The post is titled “Coping with Burnout,” and is designed to promote self-care during busy seasons like the holidays or finals. The background is light purple and yellow. At the top, the title is displayed in bold, with cartoon brain graphics on both sides. Below the title, a short message reads: “Burnout can sneak up on us during busy times. If you’re feeling drained, you’re not alone. Give yourself permission to pause, rest, and breathe. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup!”

Then some tips for managing burnout are listed in bullet points that read:

Prioritize rest: Sleep is essential for both your body and mind. Sleeping is a win-win: you’ll feel and be more productive, and it reduces your stress levels!
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that overwhelm you.
Take breaks: Step outside, meditate, or do something that brings you joy.
Lean on support: Share how you’re feeling with friends, family, or a therapist.
Don’t forget the basics: Hydrate, eat nourishing meals, and move your body gently.
Tap into creativity: Whether it’s journaling, painting, or baking, try making some time to express yourself!]

12/12/2024

Today we are shining a spotlight on the FindHelp.org search engine. This resource allows you to enter your zip code to find free or reduced cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, healthcare, legal assistance, caretaking, transportation, and more.

Scan the QR code to be directed to the webpage or use the link findhelp.org to explore the many community resources available near you.

[image description: “Resource spotlight” text with image of findhelp .org logo and a QR code linked to their webpage. The short description above of the resources findhelp.org provides is also present in the image.]

12/10/2024

The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions, and that’s okay. Whether you’re spending it with loved ones, enjoying quiet time alone, or navigating through tough moments, your feelings are valid. 💙 Take time to fill your cup in ways that nurture you—whether it’s baking, creating, meditating, or simply taking a walk. Substance-free activities can help you stay present and grounded. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all for self-care, and your journey is uniquely yours.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and self-compassion this holiday season. ❄️

[Image description: The post depicts an image of a white mug with a red heart on it, with whipped cream and a gingerbread man on top of the mug. Above this, there is a caption which says “Fill your cup with substance free activities!” Surrounding the cup, there are a few suggestions: “have a movie marathon”, “go for a walk”, “bake some holiday treats!”, “explore your creative side”, “volunteer or donate”, “write in a journal”, and “meditate”. These suggestions connect to the cup with small black arrows, and all of these images are laid on top of a light blue background. In the top right and bottom left corner, there are five snowflakes of varying sizes.”]

11/21/2024

The holidays look different for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether you’re surrounded by family, spending time solo, or feeling the weight of grief, your experience is valid.

Take the time you need to care for yourself, however that might look. No one’s holiday journey is the same, and what matters most is that you’re honoring your needs and your emotions. Wishing you peace, love, and self-compassion this Thanksgiving—whatever it means to you. 💛

[Image description: Slide one depicts a watercolor harvest background with a painting of a pumpkin, corn, apple, and berries and says “Thanksgiving isn’t the same for everyone”. Slides 2-4 depict pumpkin art with the text “it’s okay to be alone”, ‘it’s okay to struggle to feel gratitude”, “ it’s okay to grieve”, “it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by expectations”. The last slide depicts blue text on a mustard background “Be kind to yourself. Set realistic expectations. Establish necessary boundaries. Show love to yourself. You matter.”

11/19/2024

Setting boundaries around drinking during the holiday season can be tough, and it can be especially hard to say no to friends and family. Try these four tips the next time you’re struggling to set boundaries!

1) Politely decline
It’s ok to say no! You can plan and practice how you will do this beforehand. Preparing and using an excuse like “I have a busy day tomorrow” may be helpful.

2) Come prepared
Bring a soda, non-alchololic drink, or even make some mocktails for you and your family or friends! The internet has a lot of great recipes. This could be a fun activity to do together.

3) Focus on new traditions
Bring a new card game, engage in meaningful conversations, or help plan an event! Try focusing on what you’re gaining: clarity, control, well-being, and genuine connections, over what you’re “missing out” on.

4) Take care of yourself
Remember: Drinking or not drinking should always be your choice. If you feel pressured by the people around you, it’s okay to leave! Your mental and physical health should come first.

[image description: orange theme post with fall leaves, clipart bottle, and list of tips on how to maintain boundaries

Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion and Empowerment

02/25/2025

01/30/2025

01/21/2025

01/06/2025

12/20/2024

12/19/2024

12/13/2024

12/12/2024

12/10/2024

11/21/2024

11/19/2024

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