Tag Archives: mental health

U.S. Surgeon General Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. The Surgeon General pointed out that before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.  According to the Surgeon General, the pandemic added to the pre-existing challenges that America’s youth faced. It disrupted the lives of children and adolescents, such as in-person schooling, … Continue reading →

Study: Negative Mental Health Not Linked to Teen Tech Use

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A study was published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science on May 3, 2021. The study was titled: “There Is No Digital Evidence That Associations Between Adolescent’s Digital Technology Engagement and Mental Health Problems Have Increased”. The results of the study may bring peace of mind to parents who worry about the amount of time their teenagers spend online. The Abstract of the study explains: Digital technology is ubiquitous in modern adolescence, and researchers are concerned that it has negative impacts on mental health that, furthermore, increase over time. To investigate whether technology is becoming more harmful, we examined changes … Continue reading →

Some Insightful Viewpoints on Special Needs

Often, when parents go online to find information about the special need, or health condition, that affects their children, they are seeking facts. This is perfectly reasonable. Sometimes, it is good to read some opinions, or blog posts, written by other parents or therapists that state their views of situations regarding children with special needs. Here are a few interesting ones to start with. The Huffington Post has a article that was written by Sean Bean. It is titled: “My Son Had Autism. Then He Did Not.” He discusses some of his son’s early behaviors that indicated that he appeared … Continue reading →

Massachusetts Bill Will Strengthen Mental Health Services

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick has created a bill that, if it becomes law, would help strengthen mental health services in the state. It is part of the gun control legislation he recently filed. The Governor feels treating mental health is critical to reducing gun violence. The gun control bill that Governor Deval Patrick has several different parts to it. It is the first I have heard of that will, if passed into law, require gun owners to purchase gun liability insurance. for their firearms. It also has some portions that are intended to strengthen access to mental health treatment. … Continue reading →

New Gun Control Laws and Special Needs

Today, January 15, 2013, Vice President Biden delivered his policy proposals to President Obama regarding ways to reduce gun violence. New York Governor Cuomo also unveiled rules to prevent gun violence. Some of the new regulations are going to affect children, teens, and adults who have mental illnesses. Here is what parents need to know. Now is the time to do something. The tragedy that happened in Newtown, Connecticut, has sparked a push for legislators to enact laws that are intended to reduce the amount of gun violence in the United States. Some feel that this is what we have … Continue reading →

Giving Teens a Mental Health Day

I would like to take credit and say that I came up with the idea of giving teens a mental health day but it was actually a friend of mine. A few years ago, when my children were younger, our church had a special service for the graduating seniors in our youth group. Every year they do something unique and that particular year the seniors had put together a video where they expressed thanks to their parents and how their parents had helped them during high school. My friend’s daughter talked about a stressful time she was going through and … Continue reading →

Do a Mental Health Check

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a good time to do a mental health check on how you are doing. It’s important to understand that mental health is about more than just mental illness. You can not have a mental illness but still be mentally unhealthy. There are some specific things that you can take a good look at in your life to determine how you are doing mentally. First of all, what is your outlook on life? Are you able to enjoy life? Or do you find that life is something you are simply trying to … Continue reading →

Tame that Bloated Belly

How’s your belly today? If you’re feeling a bit bloated, you’re not alone. There are a few different causes for bloating — like PMS, constipation, or gas — but the most common cause is simply a slow digestive system. Bad news, ladies: a slow digestive system is a common problem for women over the age of forty. If your puffed-up belly is making you feel uncomfortable and unattractive, here are some foods that can help! Combine your fibers. Studies have shown that eating two kinds of fiber together is the most effective way to keep things moving through your digestive … Continue reading →

Tabby’s Special Powers

Right after my mom died my heart hurt, but not to the extent it’s been hurting the last few weeks. I think I was sort of numb the first several days following her passing. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically, and to be honest, a little relieved. Knowing something’s going to happen, but not knowing exactly when, then to see my mom tormented in the manner she was…I was just thankful she no longer had to go through any of that. That none of us did. But now the tears everyone said would spontaneously start to flow for seemingly … Continue reading →

More Questions to Help Relate to Your Child

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One of my previous articles began discussing how many parents become frustrated with their children and how their children respond to school and teachers. Many parents comment on how they cannot understand their children and their actions. However I think that if they truly think about it hard enough they can relate to their child’s actions. Most parents have been through the same actions and behaviors as their children; however they have forgotten what it was like. I began offering some thoughts for parents to consider when they try to relate to their children about school issues. It may even … Continue reading →