Dr. Jamie Rishikof

02/26/2026

How to Build Family Resilience and Stay Strong in Unpredictable Times

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Busy parents managing child behavior shifts and teenagers carrying school and social pressure often feel stuck when plans change overnight and emotions run high. Navigating uncertainty can turn small disagreements into ongoing family conflicts, especially when communication breaks down and everyone is trying to feel safe in their own way. Mental resilience isn’t about pretending things are fine; it’s about building steadier responses when life is unpredictable....

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Busy parents managing child behavior shifts and teenagers carrying school and social pressure often feel stuck when plans change overnight and emoti…

02/23/2026

Guest Post:How Parents Can Help Kids Thrive Through Major Life Changes

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Parents of children and teenagers often notice that managing major life changes, a move, separation, a new school, a loss, a new caregiver, doesn’t just alter schedules; it can change how everyone feels and behaves at home. The emotional challenges of transitions can show up as irritability, shutdowns, clinginess, defiance, or sudden conflict, leaving caregivers unsure whether they’re seeing a phase, a deeper struggle, or both....

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Parents of children and teenagers often notice that managing major life changes, a move, separation, a new school, a loss, a new caregiver, doesn’t …

11/20/2025

Guest Post: Thriving Through Life’s Major Transitions: How to Stay Grounded When Everything Shifts

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Life changes fast — sometimes beautifully, sometimes brutally. Whether it’s a new career, a relationship ending, becoming a parent, or moving to a new city, transitions test who we are. But they also reveal who we can become. The ability to navigate these moments with clarity, courage, and compassion determines not just our resilience — but our growth....

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Life changes fast — sometimes beautifully, sometimes brutally. Whether it’s a new career, a relationship ending, becoming a parent, or moving to a new ci…

11/12/2025

Despite what seems to make sense the common idea of "venting" to reduce and relieve anger does not actually work well, and deescalating, soothing, and calming activities are far more effective:

Despite what seems to make sense the common idea of “venting” to reduce and relieve anger does not actually work well, and deescalating, soothing, and calming activities are far more ef…

10/23/2025

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Mental well-being isn’t just about eliminating stress; it’s about creating conditions that allow you to thrive. In an age of digital overload and social fragmentation, small, creative adjustments can make a profound difference. TL;DR Improving mental health means adopting both unconventional and evidence-based practices. Try sensory grounding, micro-adventures, and “dopamine fasting” to reset your focus....

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Mental well-being isn’t just about eliminating stress; it’s about creating conditions that allow you to thrive. In an age of digital overload and social …

10/21/2025

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Mindfulness isn’t a luxury or a trend — it’s a simple shift in how you experience daily life. By paying full attention to what’s happening right now — without judgment — you can reduce stress, increase focus, and find calm even in chaos. TL;DR Mindfulness means noticing the present moment — what you’re seeing, feeling, or thinking — with openness....

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Mindfulness isn’t a luxury or a trend — it’s a simple shift in how you experience daily life. By paying full attention to what’s happening right now — wi…

10/10/2025

08/04/2025

Debunking the common myths of catharsis (including rage rooms and exercise) or venting as methods for managing and reducing anger, and exploring what has proven more effective:

Debunking the common myths of catharsis (including rage rooms and exercise) or venting as methods for managing and reducing anger, and exploring what has proven more effective:

08/04/2025

https://www.sciencealert.com/venting-doesnt-reduce-anger-but-something-else-does-says-study

Venting when angry seems sensible.

08/02/2025

In 2013, Finnish wildlife photographer Lassi Rautiainen documented a rare bond in Kuhmo, Finland, between a young female grey wolf and a male brown bear. They met nightly for ten evenings, from 8 PM to 4 AM, even sharing meals.

The reason for this interspecies friendship remains unknown, but it highlights how animals can form connections beyond their own species.