Blog
Stay connected with Erika’s Lighthouse. Read personal stories, hear about program updates, explore ways to improve mental health and stay relevant with commentary on the latest topics.
Positivity Pledge Prevails
Last month, more than 375 students, parents, and educators took the Erika’s Lighthouse Positivity Pledge. That is at least 11,625 acts of putting some positivity in the world. How great is that?? Many thanks to all of you who signed the pledge and those who engaged...
Implementing The Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ALIGNING YOUR TEAM An important part of a well-rounded school policy around suicide prevention is alignment across various levels within a school or district, including all staff. Students spend most of their time each day in school and, for...
The Relaxing Days of Summer
Parents and educators are as ‘over’ this school year as the students are. The Erika’s Lighthouse team has read countless parent posts on various websites saying the same thing; they are beside themselves witnessing their once-strong student now struggling or losing...
Team Resilience – Runner, Volunteer and Young Adult Board Member
Team Resilience is comprised of all of the amazing athletes that have come together to support Erika's Lighthouse in the mission to Get Depression Out of the Dark. Our team ranges from twenty to seventy-year-olds, first-time runners, to marathon experts. What do they...
Go Light Your World
I have often felt that the month of May in a school year is busy, even more so than December and all of those holidays, shopping, preparations, and planning. This year, May felt like a climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius, followed by a marathon sprint to the finish...
Erika’s Lighthouse urges teens to take Positivity Pledge
 WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) -- Erika's Lighthouse is asking teens to take the Positivity Pledge in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month. The Positivity Pledge Calendar includes themed weeks and daily challenges. The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois are bringing...
NEW Resource Portal – Expand, Empower, Engage
Introducing realigned classroom education and a new level of programming… In early 2020, Erika’s Lighthouse published our new strategic plan: Vision 2025: Expand, Empower, Engage. We are thrilled to demonstrate how we are fulfilling our ambitious vision - starting...
Staff Training – A Guide To Being A Confident Trusted Adult At School
Did you know that Erika’s Lighthouse offers staff training? This 2-hour training can be completed in either a group setting or individually and is always available on demand. As an organization, it is our goal that all potential trusted adults have the confidence to...
Practicing Mindfulness
There is some confusion about what mindfulness is. One definition of mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally. - Jon Kabat-Zinn This means you are choosing to focus your mind on what is happening right now...
Understanding Your Thoughts
  Your thoughts play a huge role in how you feel and behave. A lot of times we aren’t even aware of how we are thinking and that is impacting our reactions and emotions. So the more you understand and...
Local Nonprofit Spotlight: Erika’s Lighthouse Illuminates Hope with Adolescent Depression
Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms Local Nonprofit Spotlight, where we highlight and introduce a local nonprofit’s inception and mission. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and thus, CNSMoms is kicking off this special month a few days early to help spread...
Shine A Light On Mental Health
You have the power to help address the serious and increasing mental health challenges affecting teens today. Shine a Light is your opportunity to help get depression out of the dark and to recognize, honor, and celebrate the people and events that are important to...
Join Us in Taking The Positivity Pledge
May is Mental Health Awareness month. It is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. The staff at Erika’s Lighthouse is encouraging everyone to take the Positivity Pledge. The...
Classroom Accommodations For Students With Depression
  When a student is struggling with depression, there should be an expectation of a certain level of disorganization, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating. The good news is, there are accommodations that...
Family Engagement – Another Step Towards Depression Awareness
Extend meaningful discussions around mental health from the classroom to the home by engaging parents and caregivers with these free resources. Every parent or caregiver can spread a message of hope and protect those who need it most. By connecting classroom education...
Get Involved: Join Our Young Adult Board
The Erika's Lighthouse Young Adult Board (YAB) is composed of post-college members who host activities to raise funds and awareness about teen depression and mental health among their peers. While Erika's Lighthouse is based out of Chicago, we invite members from...
Are We Really Connecting?
The Social Challenge Today we live in a society where news and information are always at our fingertips. Communications of all kinds, photographs, information, and videos are available to download and view with just one click. We are bombarded with news, and these...
Integrate Mental Health into Physical Education
Physical Education is a key area to help bridge this divide with students. By highlighting the impact on their mental health while engaging in physical activity, students of all ages are able to understand that good physical health can promote good mental health. Here...