A place where people share stories about turning difficult moments, days, and situations around.
Growing Hope in 2025
Contributors share personal stories about how they built or maintained hope during 2025. Nine personal essays cover topics including finding inspiration in nature; encouraging hopefulness in teenagers; rebuilding hope when dealing with health struggles; valuing the higher purpose of a school community; and finding ways to prioritize personal time.
Trees as Teachers: Lessons in Hope
“Where no growth would seem possible, this tree took root and now grows strong….”
How Keeping a Reading Log Increased My Hope
“There were moments we thought (the problems) would never let up. These were times when it was difficult to keep our hope alive.”
Inspiring Hope in Students
“When they tell you what they would change, it’s important to let them know that change is possible.”
Hopeful Moments of Helping Teens Soar
“Butterflies in groups remind me of teenagers in groups. They move in ways that seem both joyful and chaotic, with sudden bursts of energy.”
Growing Hope Through Family
“Although I’m currently navigating a health downside, I am also enjoying the upside of seeing my granddaughter’s accomplishments.”
Teenagers Share Messages of Hope and Empathy
“I left the words of real teens where it was – to keep their feeling of connection through story and life alive.”
Family Mental Health
In our update for Summer 2025, Menderist shares resources from major U.S. and Canadian mental health organizations. We also highlight children’s books (for ages 8+) with mental health themes, and share family stories about helping young people overcome anxiety and other challenges.
Mental Health Support for Families, Caregivers in the United States
Mental Health Support for Families, Caregivers in Canada
Family Mental Health Support from 12 Step & Other Substance Disorder Programs
Menderist provides an overview of family and caregiver help from leading groups whose programs are based on 12 step or other approaches: including Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Smart Recovery and Learn2Cope.
Winter Reading: 10 Children’s Books with Mental Health Themes
“Finn Connelly is nothing like his dad, a star athlete and firefighter hero who always ran toward danger….” (from a review of ‘The Trouble With Heroes’)
Popular Stories
Mermaids and the Warrior: Memories of My Mother
My Journey to Better Mental Health
“As I entered middle age, my mind and body changed — and my stress relievers no longer served their intended purpose ….”
Think Big: My Mother’s Enduring Message
Remembering Others in Joyful Times
How to Find Family Mental Health Support When a Youth is Struggling
“After the person affected is getting help, however, it’s common for other family members or caregivers to realize that they need assistance, too….”
