LEAN Blog

Starting conversations about mental health at home can feel uncomfortable for both parents and teens. It is not always easy to find the right words, and there may be a fear of saying the wrong thing or being misunderstood. However, avoiding these conversations can create...

Mistakes Are Part of Growing Mistakes are not always easy to accept, especially when you are the one making them. Being young and trying to figure out who you are and what you can accomplish may make your mistakes feel like the worst thing in the...

Social media is a huge part of everyday life for teens. This mass media form of communication offers opportunities to post photos, watch videos, chat with friends, or follow trends. And probably many of you have the skills to create interesting posts and videos. However,...

Everyone deserves to feel accepted for who they are. People in the LGBTQ+ community—those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning—may face extra challenges when it comes to mental health. These challenges often come from feeling misunderstood, judged, or left out. Why It...

Setting and communicating boundaries is one of the most important skills young people can develop. Boundaries are the limits you set for yourself in relationships and situations. They define what you are comfortable with and how you expect others to treat you. Without clear boundaries, it’s...

Feeling nervous before a test is normal. But when anxiety makes it hard to think, focus, or even show up, it can feel overwhelming. This is called test anxiety, and many students experience it even high achievers. The good news? Test anxiety is manageable.   What Is...

You don’t need THC or any substance to feel relaxed, happy, or alive. Your body already makes its own *feel-good chemicals* you just must help them flow! Try these natural “highs” that are safe, free, and make you healthier. Get Your Move OnExercise releases endorphins...

During February, it is easy to feel lonely, especially on Valentine's Day. Teens can feel left out and alone, especially when their caregivers or parents are celebrating together. Feelings of loneliness can also arise when classmates exchange Valentine's Day cards. There are options available, such...

Beliefs are ideas or convictions that a person accepts as true, often without needing proof. They shape how we understand the world, ourselves, and other people. In short, beliefs act like a lens—they influence how we interpret situations and respond to them.Are Your Beliefs Helping...