Parents Archives | Page 51 of 107

How Do I Know if My Teen Needs More Intensive Treatment?

Mental Health Support For Teens One of the most difficult things about parenting a teenager is watching them struggle with things you can’t control. If your teen has a mental health disorder, you may feel helpless, sad, anxious, or angry about what they go through every day. You do everything you can to support them. You work with teachers, therapists, tutors, and school administrators. However, some teenagers require substantial intervention,

September 15, 2020

Is Moving Traumatic for Adolescents?

As a parent, you may be faced with an impending move to a new house. Or perhaps you’ve already moved. You may have made the decision to move because of finances, career, schools, location, family, or other factors. Now you wonder about the effect moving can have on adolescents and teens. Perhaps you notice some changes in your teen, or maybe there are no changes. In any case, it’s still

September 12, 2020

Does Your Child Think Your Depression Is Their Fault?

“It’s my fault mom gets sad.” Even if you don’t say they’re at fault or give your children a reason to have thoughts like this, they may blame themselves for your depression. And if they do, they’re more likely to suffer from their own depression and anxiety, say researchers from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Moms with depression may have difficulty getting out of bed, playing with their kids, keeping up

September 11, 2020

Psychosis, Schizophrenia and Prodromal Symptoms in Teens: What’s the Difference?

If your teen is experiencing hallucinations or delusions, you might hear certain terms being thrown around by mental health professionals. Like “psychosis.” “Prodromal symptoms.” “Schizophrenia.” What exactly do these terms mean? And how are they different? What is Psychosis? First, let’s talk about psychosis. When someone is experiencing psychosis, they are experiencing “a break from reality,” says Lauren Cona, LCSW, Clinical Program Director for Evolve Treatment Centers in Woodland Hills.

September 10, 2020

Suicide Prevention Month During COVID-19

This year, Suicide Prevention Month – as well as Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day – feels different than in years past. That’s because it’s taking place during a pandemic. With COVID-19 now being our new normal, many new things have become commonplace. Masks are as essential as our keys. Social distancing is expected. In many cities, virtual school is the rule rather than the exception. Most states

September 9, 2020

How to Keep Teens Connected to the LGBTQ Community During Covid-19

This year, many teens are starting the new school year from home. While some teens benefit from the flexibility of distance learning, nearly every student worries about the loss of in-person time with classmates, teachers, and friends. For teens who identify as LGBTQ, a semester of social distancing may mean being apart from the only LGBTQ people they know. Even when they live with supportive family members, spending time with

September 8, 2020

National Recovery Month 2020: Celebrating Connections

For over 20 years – since 1999 – the Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) organized and promoted National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) every September. The goal of Recovery Month is to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and educate individuals and families about the importance of mental health and substance use treatment and services. This goal has four core elements: Behavioral Health Awareness. Mental and behavioral health are an essential

September 4, 2020

How Do I Help My Teen Succeed at Virtual School This Fall?

This time last year, parents and teens were buying new school supplies and getting excited to go back to school. This year, though, the situation looks drastically different. Some school districts say they won’t open for in-person classes at all. Others are considering a hybrid schedule of virtual learning combined with limited face-to-face lessons. And other schools are still not sure what they’re going to do. Many parents are anxious

September 3, 2020

My Grandchild Needs Mental Health Treatment: What Can I Do?

Grandparents have a unique role in a child’s life. Often serving as quasi-parents, grandmothers and grandfathers have the opportunity to shower their grandkids with love and attention while avoiding the typically difficult duties of parenting, such as discipline, changing diapers, mealtimes, and bedtime. In their exceptional roles, grandparents may see sides of their grandchildren that parents don’t see, or don’t see clearly. Sometimes a teen feels more comfortable confiding in

September 2, 2020