As summertime comes to an end, and you begin to prepare for the new school year, everyone in your home may be experiencing some type of back-to-school anxiety. Understanding what causes the anxiety and how to cope with it effectively can help the transition from the end summer break to the start of the new school year be less stressful.  And while back-to-school stressors may look different for an elementary student versus a teenager in middle school or high school, there are many similarities on how to help your child overcome their anxiety. What Triggers Back-to-School Anxiety Summer pr ..read more

Many adolescents grapple with suicidal thoughts, and parenting a suicidal child can be overwhelming. Fear and uncertainty are natural responses when confronted with this harsh reality. We hope that this guide will help you understand what to do when your child is suicidal. We’ll discuss the complexities of suicidal prevention and offer actionable steps on how to help a suicidal child. Throughout this guide, remember that you and your family are not alone. Working with behavioral and mental health professionals can empower you with the tools and compassion needed to address life-threatening beh ..read more

It’s natural to look forward to summer and the end of the school year with excitement and plans for what to do during that time. However, for some people, boredom can feel daunting and lead to negative emotions. Boredom can be uncomfortable, especially if we struggle with ruminating over that feeling. Mindfulness can be a helpful practice in managing boredom and other challenging emotions. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can develop greater awareness of their internal states and external surroundings. This awareness enables them to observe their thoughts and&nb ..read more

The adolescent years are full of milestones and changes, and not all of them are easy. Between navigating school and familial obligations and developing their own identity, teens can easily become overwhelmed. This overwhelm can compound and spiral into more serious concerns, such as depression and suicidal ideation. If you’re concerned about a teen in your life, know that there is hope — here is what you need to know and how you can help. In This Article Understanding Suicidal Thoughts in Teens Ways to Help Cope With Suicidal Thoughts as a Teen Don’t Make a Decision Today Go to a Safe Place ..read more

Perfectionism is a trap that we unwittingly set for ourselves. So, when does perfectionism become maladaptive? Ascribing to themes associated with inferiority, unworthiness, failure, and guilt constitutes maladaptive perfectionism. It masks overcompensating. Maladaptive perfectionism can be described as a trait involving extremely high performance standards and an obsessive concern over making mistakes. Studies show that individuals who have maladaptive perfectionism are less likely to enjoy pleasurable experiences, suffer from depression, and use coping skills such as disengagement, denial, s ..read more

Hillside is thrilled to announce our commitment to transforming our culture and organizational structure by adopting the Sanctuary Model. This trauma-informed approach will foster a community built on connection and compassion, enhancing our clients’ and staff’s care and experience. By integrating the Sanctuary Model with our existing organizational and therapeutic practices, we aspire to enrich our treatment offerings and achieve Sanctuary certification from the Sanctuary Institute. This certification marks our dedication to a higher standard of care, a trauma-sensitive environment, and an im ..read more

Children’s mental health has become an increasingly critical concern for parents and caregivers. Between social media, online content, and video games, a new era has emerged that presents both opportunities and challenges for the younger generation. From the aftermath of COVID-19 isolation to the nuanced patterns of technology use, parents need practical strategies to help their children strike a healthy balance between the digital and real world. What Are the Most Significant Factors Contributing to the Current State of Children’s Mental Health? The COVID-19 Pandemic: The rates of mental hea ..read more

Your child’s mental health is extremely important. Do not be shy about asking questions about any treatment program you are considering for your teen. Any reputable program should be happy to take the time to ensure that you have all the information you need and that you feel comfortable trusting them with your child’s mental health treatment. Below are some questions to ask when looking for higher levels of care mental health treatment for your teen: What is the Program Structure and Time Commitment? Here are some key things to know: Programs vary in the length of stay and frequency of meeti ..read more

Parenting in the tech world is hard. Figuring out how to balance encouraging a healthy relationship with technology and safeguarding your child’s mental well-being has become increasingly difficult. This article offers insightful recommendations and practical tips, including defining key terms, implementing effective behavioral plans, and addressing cultural influences. With better insights and strategies to navigate the complexity of technology and parenting, parents can create positive digital experiences for their children. How Can Parents Build a Healthy Relationship Between Their Children ..read more

Valentine’s Day extends beyond adults and romantic connections; it offers children and adolescents a meaningful opportunity to explore and strengthen their relationships and connections. Integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles into the celebration can provide valuable skills for young individuals navigating the complexities of teenage relationships. This aligns seamlessly with Hillside’s mission to empower young individuals. By equipping them with essential skills for emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and navigating the middle p ..read more