Mental Health Archives - Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

Suicidality: Let’s Talk About It

30December2025Alexis SanteeMental Health, prevention, Risk, Suicide, training

A conversation with Yeates Conwell, MD, and Anna Precht, PsyD, on understanding the basics of suicide, how to recognize who is at risk, and what to do if someone is struggling. Click here to view this training. Please submit a short summary or a certificate (if received) to Alexis to receive 1 hour of continuing

Decoding Distress – BPD, PTSD, and the Fine Line Between

30December2025Alexis SanteeBorderline Personality Disorder, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Treatment

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two very distinct mental health conditions—each marked by specific diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches. But BPD and PTSD symptoms often overlap, and it’s not uncommon for someone to struggle with both challenges. Far too frequently, the resulting confusion leads to misdiagnoses and delays to the

Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Community

30December2025Alexis SanteeChallenges, Community, Gender, Identity, Mental Health

Mental health challenges impact people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. But research suggests that members of the LGBTQ+ community face these challenges at higher rates than heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Why? The experts point to stigma and discrimination as likely contributing factors, while also noting that many face additional barriers to treatment. So

Early Childhood Mental Health

29December2025Alexis SanteeAttachment, Childhood, Development, Mental Health, Trauma

The Nebraska CASA Association is pleased to announce a free virtual training, entitled, “Early Childhood Mental Health” by Jason J. Dillard MSEd, LIMHP, LADC, NCC. This session goes through development and attachment of early childhood in addition to providing a simplified understanding of how traumatic events in a child’s life can alter that development and

The Intersection of Mental Health & the Arts

26November2025Alexis SanteeArt, Artist, Community, Mental Health

There is a strong relationship between mental health and creativity. The stereotype of the “tortured artist,” where the best creators have endured the most suffering—and mental illness—only further solidifies stigma in the community. People may be less inclined to try creative outlets to work through difficult moments and feelings. In turn, people may be afraid

Supporting the Mental Health of Student Athletes

26November2025Alexis SanteeAthletes, Mental Health, Student

Young adult mental health is a rising concern—and athletes are no different. The pressures many student athletes feel, whether self-imposed, put on by others, or both, are higher than average, and can contribute to rapid declines in mental health. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and substance misuse are just some of the obstacles that

Recognizing and Understanding Complex PTSD

26November2025Alexis SanteeExperts, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Treatment

Chances are pretty good that you’re familiar with the term post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. PTSD has long been recognized as a psychiatric condition that can develop in the wake of trauma. But in recent years, experts have begun using a separate, less well-known term—complex PTSD (C-PTSD)—to describe the distinct mental health challenges

Promoting Positive Mental Health in K-12 Students

26November2025Alexis SanteeGrowth, Mental Health, School, Students, training

There’s no question that teachers and faculty members at elementary, middle, and high schools play critical roles in the educational growth of the students in their care. Through their work, they have the power to impart knowledge, foster a love of learning, and help shape future careers. It’s becoming increasingly clear, though, that these school

Addressing Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents

30October2025Alexis Santeeadolescents, Mental Health, Personality Disorder, Support

Adolescence is often marked by intense emotions, and it’s not unusual for young people to experience mood swings or act impulsively. Typically, these patterns are dismissed as part of growing up, but sometimes they’re actually signs of a complex, frequently misunderstood mental health condition known as borderline personality disorder, or BPD. And while it might

Acceptance & Commitment Skill-Building for Adolescents

30October2025Alexis SanteeAnxiety, Mental Health, OCD, Skill, Therapy

To some, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is associated with treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder. However, the strategies used in ACT can be beneficial for folks with depression, anxiety, substance use, and other conditions. In fact, its principles can be applied to anyone, at any age, regardless of their mental health status. What are the

Sarpy County, Nebraska CASA

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