Articles by Gene Beresin

November 15, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Can Kids Get Mental Illness?

What does the average person think about mental illness in kids? We went to the streets to ask people this very question, and their responses and stories were both enlightening and heartwarming. The Clay Center have partnered with filmmakers Eric I. Lu and Elaine Coin to produce a series of short films on issues including […]

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Our 1st Episode! (Season 1, Episode 1)

  Mental health made simple? Phpht. Who are we kidding? It can be really complicated. Which is why we’re psyched to launch Season 1 of our new video podcast Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple, to begin to wrapping our brains around it all. Openly talking about the challenges we face — from mental, to […]

November 11, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Memories Of A Veteran’s Son: Living With Undiagnosed PTSD

In honor of Veterans Day and all of the men and women who have and continue to serve this great country, we’re reposting Dr. Gene Beresin’s memories of his father and his sacrifice below. *** Waking my dad early in the morning was terrifying. I learned not to do it—not an easy thing for a […]

November 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Why Are We Denying Purple Hearts To Veterans With PTSD?

I have seen Arthur Segaloff* for psychiatric care for over 20 years. He suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his two tours of duty in Vietnam. Arthur attended the University of Massachusetts, and graduated in 1969. Although he was drafted upon losing his student waiver, he chose instead to enlist as a volunteer. […]

October 13, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Using the Power of Narrative to #StopSuicide

Increasing public awareness of suicide is not an easy task. To truly grapple with the issue, we have to face some difficult and painful feelings. For these reasons, when we at the Clay Center collaborated to tell the true story of a young sophomore at Harvard named Luke, who tragically took his own life, we […]

October 2, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters (The Weather Channel)

Over the past month, the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria has topped the headlines and media outlets. The earthquake in Mexico has shocked the world. These events have shaken countless individuals, families, and communities, including our children. While natural disasters, like terrorist attacks, are rare and terrifying, they raise additional concerns for our […]

September 11, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

When Teens Talk of Suicide: What You Need to Know

Suicide can be a scary topic to think or talk about. Yet, suicide is often preventable when family members, friends, and entire communities know what signs to look for in a young person, when to worry, and what to do upon any concerns. The multi-media resources on this page share information to help you in […]

September 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Older Not Wiser: Senior High School Drivers Take More Risks Than Younger Teens According to New Study

Back to school. For seniors, it’s often a stressful time as they prepare for a new era in life after high school, but also one of enthusiasm as they feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s also a time parents worry more – about their teens’ future and about risky behaviors. And while […]

September 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

School Refusal: When Back-to-School Is a Struggle

Jump to: Ways to Help Most school-age kids are typically eager to head back to school after a break. Sure, they’ll miss their vacation, but the prospect of seeing friends again, moving up a grade, or even having a new teacher can be exciting. Yet, for a few kids, it’s a nightmare. And when children […]

August 3, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

In Memoriam: Landon T. Clay, 1926-2017

Every year, Steve Schlozman and I travel on behalf of the Clay Center to speak with the 1,400 kids at Lake Wales High School. We really look forward to this event. As much as we enjoy our relationship with the high school students and staff, the highlight of this annual excursion is staying with the […]