Depression
Tips for Promoting Positive Children’s Mental Health
Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but physical health is often prioritized over children’s mental health–this is a mistake. Since the two are deeply linked, a child cannot truly be physically healthy without being mentally healthy as well. Many parents aren’t sure how to keep their children’s mental health up, though. As parents,…
Read MoreMore Than a Phase: Symptoms of Depression in Teens
Let’s face it, being a teenager can be hard. Your hormones are all out of balance and you’re growing rapidly, not a child but still not an adult yet. Adolescence can be difficult and uncomfortable for many people, but where is the line drawn between typical teenage angst and depression. Depression can become very serious…
Read MoreThe Real Walking Dead: Sleep Deprivation in Teens
When our children are small, sleep and sleep habits are at the forefront of our minds. When will our baby sleep through the night? Is our toddler going through sleep regression? We keep track of sleep disruptions and naps because we know how important sleep is to our children. But as our children get older,…
Read MoreThe Importance of Play for Young Girls with Depression
One of the defining features of depression is a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. This can make it difficult for young girls experiencing depression to feel rewarded by the positive coping mechanisms that they try to use. As hobbies and unstructured play are critical to identity development in childhood and adolescence,…
Read MoreHow to Deal with Depression in Middle School
Middle school places a lot of pressure on students to fit in. It can be difficult for pre-teens with depression to feel comfortable reaching out for support from their peers, if they are worried about being judged. Many middle schoolers don’t have the emotional vocabulary to understand why they’re feeling the way they’re feeling, let…
Read MoreYouth Sports Boost Later Mental Health
Recently, the US Department of Health and Human Services released the first National Youth Sports Strategy which hopes to increase access to participation in sports and investigate potential benefits for later mental and physical health outcomes. While teens may struggle to be physically active in their free time, teens who join organized sports teams are…
Read MoreAttending Family Therapy After Divorce Improves Child’s Mental Health
The negative effects of divorce can last for years after the divorce is finalized. While parents try to balance parenting responsibilities and their personal healing from the relationship, children are often caught in the crossfire. A recent study by Colorado State University suggests that more than 35% of parents indirectly or directly try to alienate…
Read MoreMy Daughter Refuses to Clean Her Room: Is She Depressed (or Defiant)?
Middle school girls are notorious for messy rooms. When they are younger, parents are more likely to clean up after their children, but as they reach adolescence, parents expect their daughters to take more initiative in staying organized and cleaning their rooms. This often involves a lot of pushback or lack of interest. If your…
Read MoreDepression Affects Girls Twice as Much as Boys
Girls are nearly twice as likely as boys to be diagnosed with depression. Some psychologists have suggested that girls may just be more likely to express emotions with other people, which makes it easier to identify signs of depression. However, a recent study suggests that boys may just be better at managing levels of stress…
Read MoreEasing the Emotions: Getting Help For An Emotionally Unstable Daughter
If your daughter is unable to control her emotions, this can make parenting tough. You may not be able when to predict when she will have an outburst and it can feel like a constant power struggle. If you have never experienced the struggle yourself, it can be hard to understand what they are feeling.…
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