Heading back to school can be a mixed bag of emotions for teens. Teenagers often look forward to being around friends again. Yet, at the same time, they may dread the expected homework and studying that comes along with a new school year. Fortunately, creating good habits at the start of the school year can reduce unnecessary time spent on schoolwork and encourage teens to live a life full of new experiences and joy. Here are three tips and habits to make this school year less overwhelming and more productive, leading to better mental health for teens. Tip #1: Establish an Enjoyable Routine Es ..read more

Is there a connection between ADHD and anxiety?   Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders. The American Psychiatric Association says anxiety disorders affect approximately 30% of adults at some point in life. While ADHD affects fewer individuals, ADHD diagnoses have increased in recent years. This could be due to wider availability of assessments or simply because more people recognize ADHD symptoms. Interestingly, research shows both conditions often occur together. It begs the question…     ADHD AND ANXIETY… IS THERE A CONNECTION?   Well, the topic i ..read more

If you are the parent or grandparent of a child or teen with access to the Internet, for fun or school, this article is for you. It is no secret children of all ages can access anything on the Internet with the tap of their smartphone. This makes them vulnerable and presents worries for many parents. In this article, we review risks children face on the Internet. We also provide 4 ways to protect a child on the Internet.     CHILDREN AND THE RISKS OF INTERNET USE   The worry with having a child on the Internet commonly revolves around what they may come across. With smartphone o ..read more

With the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory about the effects of social media on children, we wanted to explore the topic. Social media has become a central part of the world we live in. And it is continuing to evolve with each passing day. All ages, from senior citizens to children as young as 8, are using social media on a regular basis. When it comes to young developing brains, what are the effects of social media on children? We want to share what we found. Incidentally, much of what is share below applies to adults as well.     CHILDREN, SCREEN TIME AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE Now more th ..read more

In this article, we provide four simple steps to handle challenging situations when you feel stressed, anxious and fearful. Some challenges are welcomed such as moving to a new state, getting a big promotion, or welcoming a new baby. Challenges that are usually not welcomed are losing a job, being diagnosed with a chronic illness, or losing a valued relationship. When unexpected and serious challenges arise, our stress, fear and anxiety can flair up. Navigating the situation in this state can be very difficult and unproductive. It’s important to calm our emotions so we can make decisions with ..read more

Some who have witnessed or been the victim of a traumatic experience can be described as having “trauma brain.”  In this article, we explore the symptoms of trauma and trauma brain. We also share how to help a loved one suffering after a traumatic experience.   FIRST, WHAT IS TRAUMA?   Trauma is a buzzword floating around our communities and media. For good reason. According to The National Council, 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrib ..read more

How do some build resilience and cope well with negative life events? It starts with the things we can control versus the things we cannot.   Life is full of unexpected challenges. As adults, we undoubtedly experience negative circumstances that are completely out of our control. We are unexpectedly laid off at work. Hail damages our car. A pipe bursts destroying our beautiful hardwood floors. Perhaps you can add to the list. These events may be completely out of our control and naturally will influence how we feel and react. Why is it however, that some of us are more resilient and ..read more

Positive thinking. Easier said than done. Did you know our subconscious mind is working overtime, putting information in front of us that supports what we’re already thinking? To illustrate, think of a time that you wanted to buy something and then started seeing it everywhere. Like a car for example. Once you knew which car you wanted, you suddenly started seeing that car everywhere when you hadn’t noticed it much before. In this article, we explore how our thoughts influence what our brain brings to our awareness throughout our day. In other words, what is on our mind is what our brain will ..read more

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, nearly 6 million adult Americans are affected by bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder is often misunderstood. After reading this article, you will better understand what is bipolar disorder and the typical symptoms. You will also learn ways you may be able to support a loved one living with it.   WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?   Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive disorder or manic depression) is commonly a genetic disorder and often develops during teenage years, though it can develop earlier or later in some cases. It i ..read more

Contrary to popular belief, a mental illness is not something you are condemned to live with your whole life. Though it can feel this way and this may cause hopelessness and a belief that you cannot heal.   But we believe you can heal.   WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS? Mental illness general term for a change in the functioning and behavior of the brain. This results in an unbalanced mental state commonly experienced as distress and intense emotional suffering. They are often caused by past trauma, unhealthy coping strategies, or improper physical conditions. Mental illnesses can affect anyo ..read more