Negativity is a common aspect of life, and teens aren't immune to its effects. Adolescence is a time of significant change, and with it often comes self-doubt, social pressures, and a barrage of negative thoughts. As parents or guardians, supporting our teens through these challenges is essential for their mental well-being and [...]
Depression among teenagers is a serious and often misunderstood issue. It can manifest in various ways, making identifying challenging, especially in its early stages. As parents, educators, and caregivers, it's crucial to recognize the signs of teen depression to provide timely support and intervention. Let's delve into the early signs of teen depression. Why [...]
Discussing depression and anxiety with your children can be one of the most challenging conversations a parent faces. Explaining complex and often stigmatized mental health conditions in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner requires careful consideration. Let's discuss a few strategies that can help you discuss depression and anxiety with your kids. Before initiating the [...]
I was working out this morning and heard a song by Chris McDaniel titled Somebody Like Me. It inspired me to write a blog post about how the stigma of mental health affects males. Boys and men are far more likely to die by suicide. According to the AFSP, men died by suicide 3.90x [...]
In years past, spirituality was seen as a negative. Jean Charcot and Sigmund Freud linked religion with mental instability. The DSM3 inferred that religious and spiritual experiences were examples of mental illness and a troubled mind. However, we now know that spirituality can play a significant role in promoting mental health by providing individuals [...]
When a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, it can be difficult to know how to help or which therapies are effective. Finding different techniques can be a crucial step. Equine-assisted therapy, commonly known as horse therapy, is gaining recognition for its impact, and many studies show it is effective in helping [...]
Living with depression is difficult. It can feel like you are navigating life through a dense fog. There is hope, and coping strategies can help. Let's explore 12 strategies that may help. Seek Professional Support: Depression is complex and often requires professional guidance. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and integrative doctors can offer valuable insights, support, [...]
The relationship between hormones and depression is complex and multifaceted. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate various physiological processes, and imbalances in certain hormones can contribute to the development or exacerbation of depression. Let’s explore some common hormone imbalances that can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Stress plays a critical role. Hormones [...]
Animal therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy or pet therapy, can be particularly beneficial for children struggling with mental health challenges. We used to volunteer at an animal therapy center in AZ and saw an autistic child who wouldn’t speak. Once they placed him on a horse, he would not stop talking. It was [...]
Research is turning towards omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in fish oil in the quest for more holistic approaches to mental health. Emerging research suggests a compelling connection between fish oil consumption and the management of depression. Fish oil has many amazing benefits for the brain. Here are just a few: Fish oil is [...]
