Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common mental health conditions diagnosed in youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, ADHD affects about 10 percent of children between the ages of three and 17 years old. However, it is not often that we hear about “ADD,” or attention-deficit disorder, anymore. While this used to […]

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder each year. However, many parents have trouble recognizing when their child needs help. Some parents are reluctant to reach out for help, wondering if their child’s behavior is concerning, or simply a “normal” part of their development.  Most […]

Adolescence is a period of dynamic brain development, physical changes, and psychosocial growth. During this time, teenagers are navigating puberty—which brings changes in their hormones, emotions, priorities, and desires. They start to crave more independence, distance themselves from family, and discover a sense of self. This isn’t always easy, though; the dramatic changes in puberty […]

The holidays are often broadcasted as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but not everyone feels so merry and bright. In fact, the holidays often stir up many difficult emotions and past traumas, or become overwhelming for those struggling with mental illness. A survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found […]

There is an undeniable connection between drug abuse and mental health. Research shows that over 60 percent of adolescents in substance use treatment also meet the diagnostic criteria for another mental illness. In other words, young people who are battling drug abuse problems typically struggle with mental health disorders, too. Using drugs can affect mental […]

Olivia Rodrigo is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter and already a household name in pop music. She had a fast rise to fame after releasing her debut single, “Driver’s License” in early 2021. The song captured the hearts of many fans, held the number-one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and ranked as one of the top […]

It’s no secret that we live in a fast-paced and demanding world. Between academic obligations, career building, peer pressure, social media and the worldwide web, it’s no wonder that many of us do not consistently get high-quality sleep. In fact, only 1 in 10 people globally report sleeping “extremely well,” according to a 2019 survey. […]

Mental health is an important component of a child’s overall wellbeing. It involves the child’s emotional, mental, and behavioral state, and affects how they feel, think, and act on a daily basis. Ultimately, mental health will affect how children cope with stress, relate to others, build friendships, and make choices—therefore, it should be an important […]

Communication Between Teens, Parents, and Teachers about Mental Health  Parents: If your teenager was struggling with their mental health, would you know about it? Would your teenager tell you what is going on, or ask you for help?  According to a recent national poll, most parents do not believe their teens would confide in them. […]

Are you considering a mental health screening for your child? Or, are you considering implementing mental health screenings in part with your practice or curriculum? In this guide, we discuss why mental health screenings are becoming increasingly important for children and adolescents.  In the United States, about 1 in every 6 youth struggle with a […]