Coping 101

When barriers exist that limit access to vital community resources, we can wait for the system to fix itself - or we can be the solution. Black Coffee NW in Shoreline, WA is actively breaking down as many barriers as cups of coffee are sold in their gathering space just a few miles north of Seattle. The Black-owned, family-owned organization provides local youth with job training, free mental health services, and all sorts of community resources. In this episode our student hosts are joined by Diana Muuru and Haben Haileslassie - two of Black Coffee NW's Youth Program Directors - as they discuss their experience on the frontlines of wellness activism in Seattle's Black and African-immigrant communities. 

Art makes people happier. It can not only lift moods, but it's been proven to carry loads of positive health benefits. Internationally recognized artist Catherine Mayer knows the powerful role arts can play in wellness, which has led her to found the L.A.U.G.H app and workshop series. An acronym for Let Art Unleash Great Happiness, the app applies sensory tools and visual arts to help users with relaxation, mindfulness and building self-esteem. Her workshops have been held in schools, nursing homes and the Fred Hutch Cancer Center - using art immersion for measurably positive health effects and improving the learning experience of chronically stressed children. Join our student hosts in learning how tech and art can combine to improve mental health, along with self-care practices that can lower stress, increase concentration and boost moods.

Families are complicated, whatever they may look like. On a mission to help families heal and understand one another is Dr. Anthony Pennant - Marriage and Family Therapist, Faculty member at Antioch University and Director of A Place for Us online therapy group. In addition to specializing in Structural Family Therapy with emphasis on LGBTQ+ youth and their families, Anthony practices Socially Just Therapy - a way to understand and normalize the spectrum of social identities and how they impact a person's life. In this episode our students uncover all sorts of practical tips for improving family dynamics especially when intersecting stigmas are a factor.  

No matter our age or background, some of us are just naturally more tense, reactive or prone to unhealthy coping tactics when feeling overwhelmed and it's all about managing the curve balls that come our way. It's important to take care of ourselves as well as help those in our lives who are impacted by mental health challenges, and here our student hosts learn ways to effectively navigate these conversations with friends or loved ones in need. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and in this special episode of Coping 101 we're joined by Brandon Bazemore - dedicated father and CEO of Audian, a cloud solutions provider based in Kirkland  Washington. Here he shares his experience as a survivor of suicide, how he and his team have coped with the loss of a colleague, and practical ways to increase suicide prevention in the workplace. 

Presented by C89.5 in partnership with Seattle Children's, Coping 101 is an ongoing series that destigmatizes mental health from a teen's perspective, made possible with support from Crisis Connections, Carter Subaru, Hansmire Builders and Audian.
 
No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are healthy ways to cope. Get started with more episodes and explore resources to better understand and prevent Suicide, online at c895.org/coping101

Social Anxiety is a completely normal experience and more than ever is increasingly common among all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Listen in as Nathan Hale High School students share their own questions and concerns with Dr. Kendra Read, Director of Seattle Children's Mood & Anxiety Program. Learn what Anxiety looks and feels like, its relationship with Depression and addictive behaviors, and simple coping tips for self care when triggers arise.

Presented by C89.5 in partnership with Seattle Children's, Coping 101 is an ongoing series that destigmatizes mental health from a teen's perspective, made possible with support from Crisis Connections, Carter Subaru, Hansmire Builders and Audian.
 
No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are healthy ways to cope. Get started with more episodes, and find many tips and educational resources for navigating anxiety, online at c895.org/coping101