Seeking Professional Insight: Enhancing a Curriculum for Overcoming Toxic Stress for Teens "
Dear Andrew, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere admiration for your podcasts; they have been a source of inspiration and learning for me. I am reaching out to seek your assistance with a project close to my heart: the development and enhancement of a curriculum aimed at helping individuals overcome toxic stress. This journey began eight years ago with a transformative conversation with Bessel van der Kolk, during which he generously shared his insights on what would constitute an effective curriculum for overcoming trauma. His guidance laid the cornerstone for Mind Matters: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience. https://dibbleinstitute.org/our-programs/mind-matters-overcoming-adversity-and-building-resilience/ Five years ago, in collaboration with the Dibble Institute, a non-profit organization, I had the privilege of publishing Mind Matters. Comprising 12 one-hour sessions, this program focuses on equipping individuals with skills to combat toxic stress. It is essential to note that while the program is comprehensive, it is not intended to replace therapy; rather, it serves as a platform for skill-building. Over time, it has garnered nationwide adoption and is increasingly being utilized in English-speaking countries worldwide. We are also in discussions to introduce this program in all middle schools across Oklahoma, and efforts are underway to translate it into Spanish. In 2021, the University of Louisville conducted a study involving a diverse sample of youth with trauma histories, which yielded promising results. Participants who underwent the Mind Matters program demonstrated significant improvements in coping skills and a reduction in PTSD symptoms compared to the control group. The program consists of 12 modules covering various coping skills, brain science, trauma concepts, and future planning activities. These modules encompass: • Self-Soothing Skills • Observing Self Skills • Relationship Skills • Self-Compassion Skills • Self-Care Skills • Intentionality Skills As we embark on the development of the second edition of Mind Matters, I am keen to ensure that we incorporate any advancements or updates that may have emerged since its inception. Your expertise and insights would be invaluable in this regard, and I would be deeply grateful for any assistance you and your team can offer. Rest assured, your contributions will be duly acknowledged. Thank you for considering my request, and for the invaluable work you do. Warm regards, Carolyn Rich Curtis, Ph.D. carolynrichcurtis@gmail.com Ps. If your team would be interested in a free digital review copy, please contact me.
Why does anxiety increase in the evening, and why do things seem better in the morning?
Since childhood, I've felt a low level anxiety in the evening. However, the vast majority of the time, the next morning, I feel better able to cope with whatever was causing me anxiety the night before. What might cause anxiety to rise towards the end of the day, and what is it about sleep that removes it? Thanks!
My Son suffers from full adrenal crisis and hypopituitarism after a Pituitary tumor was removed. We need help.
Dr. Huberman my son is treated an Lucille Packard children's hospital at Stanford for a craniopharyngioma that was removed by Dr. Manuel-Fernandez two years ago. The tumor has not returned but unfortunately he has lost the use of his pituitary gland as a result. Though initially we were hopeful cause Dr, Fernandez was able to save a small sliver of his pituitary stalk. We are under current care for Endocrinology at Lucille Packard. As you are aware his condition is pretty rare and we are struggling to find any resources or specialist that can help improve his situation. He is currently on thyroid medication (levothyroxine) , steroids (hydrocortisone) Desmopressin, HGh (Nutropin) , Testosterone and he has to carry around an emergency dose of Hydro solu-cortef in case he goes man down . He is very run down and always tired . He is gaining excessive weight despite a strict diet of reducing sodium and and excess sugars. He gets on average 9- 10 hours of sleep every night. He is very sensitive to any excessive heat especially in the sun. His desmopressin dose is always varying and hard to manage . He drinks close to a gallon of water a day. There is just nothing out there for us to help improve his condition. Is this the life he is destined to live or is there anything we can change or pursue to improve his situation.