Publications on Mental Health Topics
How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids, by Brigit Katz, Child Mind Institute.
“Help yourself, and them, by learning techniques to manage stress in a healthy way. ”
Military Children, Deployment and Behavioral Health Care, by Health Net - TRICARE.
“There are more than 1.2 million U.S. military children between the ages of zero and 23 years old. Their lives are filled with the inherent danger of military operations, frequent moves, intermittent separation, the threat of a terrorist attack, and dramatic and graphic television coverage of military conflict. Children of active duty service members are potentially at a higher risk to develop behavioral health conditions common among children in the general population. ”
When Parents Divorce, by Mary Garner Ganske , www.parenting.com.
“Explaining divorce to a child is incredibly difficult. Ease the blow with these tips. While it's just about impossible to put a positive spin on such a negative event, there's a lot parents can do to ease the difficult transition from intact family to divided one. Target your initial broaching of the topic to your child's age (if you have kids of widely differing ages, you might consider talking to each of them separately). And then be prepared to have your child come back with more questions as the years pass and she comes to understand the situation more fully. Some guidelines for talking to kids of various ages when a marriage splits apart. ”
How Supportive Parenting Protects the Brain, by Olga Khazan, The Atlantic .
“The other day, a mother of a 15-month-old walked into Andrew Garner’s office, oozing frustration. “Is it normal for them to never sit still?†she asked. Garner, a pediatrician in Westlake, Ohio, leapt on the remark as a teachable moment. “He doesn’t sit still?!†he said, “That’s a compliment to you! You want him to do that.†At 15 months, he explained, children are itching to explore, and then toddle back, and then wander off again. It’s a sign the baby is developing apace. The goal is to make the woman feel confident in her mothering abilities. If he builds up her self-esteem, Garner hopes, she’ll be more invested and engaged as a mom, and the child will grow up smarter and healthier as a result. Garner bases this chain of events on a spate of recent studies that have shown that supportive parents breed better-off children. ”
Depression In Teens, Mental Health Of America .
“Depression In Teens It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life. Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs. Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action. Dealing With Adolescent Pressures When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents. Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’ self-esteem and provide an important social outlet. Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors. Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests. Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help. But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns. Recognizing Adolescent Depression Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression. Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help. These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks: Poor performance in school Withdrawal from friends and activities Sadness and hopelessness Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation Anger and rage Overreaction to criticism Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals Poor self-esteem or guilt Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness Restlessness and agitation Changes in eating or sleeping patterns Substance abuse Problems with authority Suicidal thoughts or actions Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends, family, law enforcement or school officials. Treating Adolescent Depression It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt, professional treatment. Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice. Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better. Some of the most common and effective ways to treat depression in adolescents are: Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. Psychotherapy also teaches them coping skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving. Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier relationships at home and at school. Medication relieves some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy. When depressed adolescents recognize the need for help, they have taken a major step toward recovery. However, remember that few adolescents seek help on their own. They may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help and follow treatment recommendations. Facing the Danger Of Teen Suicide Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth. Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts. Recognizing the Warning Signs Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs: Suicide threats, direct and indirect Obsession with death Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death Giving away belongings Dramatic change in personality or appearance Irrational, bizarre behavior Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection Changed eating or sleeping patterns Severe drop in school performance REMEMBER!!! These warning signs should be taken seriously. Obtain help immediately. Caring and support can save a young life. Helping Suicidal Teens Offer help and listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture. Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life. Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly! Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life — family, friends and teachers. Looking To The Future When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing that their outlook can improve. But professional treatment can have a dramatic impact on their lives. It can put them back on track and bring them hope for the future. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). ”
Older Adults and Depression, National Institute of Mental Health.
“Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. It may be overlooked because for some older adults who have depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They may have other, less obvious symptoms of depression or they may not be willing to talk about their feelings. Therefore, doctors may be less likely to recognize that their patient has depression. ”
Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Families and Professionals, by James C. Harris M.D..
“A comprehensive resource that will be of importance to anyone with a personal connection to a child or adult with a neurodevelopmental disorder. ”
The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs, by Andrew and Rachel Wilson.
“Andrew and Rachel Wilson know what it means to live a life they never expected. As the parents of two children with special needs, their story mingles deep pain with deep joy in unexpected places. With raw honesty, they share about the challenges they face on a daily basis—all the while teaching what it means to weep, worship, wait, and hope in the Lord. Offering encouragement rooted in God's Word, this book will help you cling to Jesus and fight for joy when faced with a life you never expected. ”
Face-to-face therapy best to treat binge eating disorder, by Andrew M. Seaman, Reuters.
“People should opt for face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy if they're looking for the fastest way to address their binge eating disorder, suggests a new study from Germany. Researchers found that while an internet-based self-help program did help people binge eat less often, face-to-face therapy led to a larger and faster reduction in binge eating episodes. ”
An Uncomplicated Life: A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter, by Paul Daugherty.
“A father’s exhilarating and funny love letter to his daughter with Down syndrome whose vibrant and infectious approach to life has something to teach all of us about how we can better live our own. ”
Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality, by Terri Couwenhoven.
“Parents of children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are accustomed to paying close attention to their child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This proactive approach should also include their child's sexual development, which for many parents may not seem as obvious or urgent, especially to those with young children. ”
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