The Teen Years: A Time of Great Growth and Development Along with Increased Conflict The teen years are a time of great brain development in which they are learning self-control and self-regulation skills. Oftentimes, they are not yet skilled in the ability to take other’s points of view, are still developing critical thinking skills, and […]
I Want to Feel Something: Depression and Its Association with Self-Harm and Suicide in Teens and Young Adults
Definition of Depression and How Common It is in Teens and Young Adults According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, depression is “a mood disorder that is marked by varying degrees of sadness, despair, and loneliness and that is typically accompanied by inactivity, guilt, loss of concentration, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.” It’s […]
Crying all the Time, Lazy, and Weak: Myths About Childhood/Pediatric Depression
Current State of Depression in Children in the U.S. According to the CDC, 3.2% of children (approximately 1.9 million) ages 3-17 have diagnosed depression. For a summary of statistics, symptoms, causes, and contributing factors to childhood depression, please see my previous blog (insert link to Sadness and Depression in Children 12 and Under: Facts, Causes, […]
My Child, Teen, or Young Adult is Having Symptoms of Depression Thanksgiving Letdown: Post-Parting Depression and Their Emotional Well-Being
November – Start of The Holiday Season and Emotional Highs and Lows November begins approximately 2 months of holiday festivities, traditions, and get togethers that we oftentimes look forward to all year long. During this time, we may be able to spend time with family members or friends we seldomly see in person. Each year, […]
I’m Anxious and Typical Coping Skills Aren’t Working! What are Some Unusual, Different, or Just Plain Fun Ways to Cope with Anxiety?
Anxiety is on the Rise in Teen and Young Adults Research suggests anxiety is on the rise in teens and young adults as they face so many challenges. Many experience anxiety as a temporary response and feelings of uneasiness or nervousness disappear when the triggering stressor is gone. For others, like myself, anxiety becomes a […]
OMG, GAD! What is It? Does My Teen or Young Adult Have It?
How Common is Anxiety and What Causes It? GAD isn’t the newest variant of the COVID-19 virus but stands for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In my last blog, I discussed basics of anxiety and the fight, flight, and freeze response, common appropriate fears and anxieties, and when anxiety becomes problematic for teens and young adults. Anxiety […]
Help! I Think My Teen or Young Adult Has Anxiety. What do I Need to Know?
Is it Common for my Teen or Young Adult to Have Anxiety? Yes, anxiety is normal during these times of growth and development. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in the US. Simply defined, mild anxiety is apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated bad event or situation. It’s a typical part of life to experience anxiety and it’s often considered a […]
Common Types of Child Anxiety: What to Do and What Not to Do
What is Anxiety Anxiety, simply defined, is apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated bad event. It’s common in children and a normal reaction by the fight, flight, or freeze response connected to our survival instinct. Certain fears and anxieties are developmentally appropriate and shouldn’t be considered alarming as most children will work through them. It’s important to know […]
Am I Worrying Too Much or Does my Young Child Have Anxiety? Signs Parents Need to Know.
Is Anxiety Normal in Young Children? Yes, experiencing anxiety is normal, even when very young. It’s one of the most common mental health issues in the US. A simple definition for anxiety is apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated bad thing. Anxiety is a typical part of life and often considered […]
How to Set Healthy Boundaries
Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up […]