Anxiety & Depression

U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis Further Exposed by COVID-19 PandemicU.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Presentation

Teen depression: How to spot the signs Find out about depression treatments for adolescents

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Health Tip Publication

Recognizing Depression in Your Child or Teen: Two Key Signs

Why Are So Many Teen Athletes Struggling With Depression?When high-school sports replicate the training methods and intensity seen at the college level, players feel the toll.

2019 PAYS Survey

UCF School District as compared to Chester County and the Commonwealth of PA

FOCUS partnered with the UCF Administration to present the results of the 2019 PAYS survey which shares perspectives on what these numbers tell us about our children's risky behaviors and their social/emotional health.

Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?

More comfortable online than out partying, post-Millennials are safer, physically, than adolescents have ever been. But they’re on the brink of a mental-health crisis.

Click here to read this article from The Atlantic

Suicide Prevention

FACTS- Warning Signs for Suicide.pdf

Worried_About_My_Child how to get help (002).pdf

Talking_to_your_Kids_About_Suicide.pdf

When_a_Friend_of_Your_Child_Attempts_Suicide.pdf

“13 Reasons Why”

by Maura Wheeler, MINDING YOUR MIND

The Netflix original series “13 Reasons Why” has been a popular topic of conversation among adolescents, teens, and their parents both in person and all over social media.The series has been praised by some for raising the issue of teenage suicide and providing a starting point for parents and children to have some important conversations. In contrast, it has been criticized by some mental health advocates and groups that it may glamorize “revenge suicide” and does not address the mental health component that is present in 90% of suicides.

Individuals who choose to watch this show should do so with the full understanding that it is a work of fiction. Throughout the process, parents and adults should have open conversation and honest discussions with adolescents and teens about the realities of suicide and mental health. These discussions should not be limited to this series and should continue on a regular basis.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or is feeling suicidal, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255). Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak with and provide support.

Crisis Text Line: Text “Start” to 741-741

Please use the links below to access articles recommended by Minding Your Mind:

What Viewers Should Consider, Victor Schwartz, MD

Talking Points for Viewing and Discussing “13 Reasons Why” , JED Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

“13 Reasons Why” Should Parents Be Concerned About This Netflix Series?, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

“13 Reasons Why” Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators, National Association of School Psychologists

For Families of Teens at Suicide Risk, “13 Reasons” Raises Concerns, New York Times

Book Recommendations for Parents

Below is a list of parenting books. Some we have read and found to be interesting and helpful; others come highly recommended. Enjoy!

The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Madeline Levine

A must-read for any parent. A great primer on how to raise healthy, happy children. Particular guidance for those parenting teenagers/tweens.

How to Talk So Kids will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Elaine Mazlish

Great book with important communication strategies that will help enhance the dialogue between parents and their children.

Queen Bees & Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends & Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman

Good reading for parents and daughters. It offers the tools you need to help your daughter feel empowered and make smarter choices.

“Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?”: A Parent’s Guide to the New Teenager by Anthony E. Wolf

The Optimistic Child: Proven Program to Safeguard Children from Depression & Build Lifelong Resilience, by Martin E. Seligman

A guide to help your child view the world in a more positive way to help him/her lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcome Your Child's Fears, Worries, and Phobias, by Tamar Chansky

The Whipped Parent: Hope for Parents Raising an Out-of-Control Teen by Kimberly Abraham, Marney Studaker-Cordner, with Kathryn O’Dea

A practical, realistic resource for dealing with serious behaviors. Helps parents learn to stop blaming themselves, handle disappointment from unmet expectations, and work with courts and schools.

Reality Gap: Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex – What Parents Don’t Know and Teens Aren’t Telling by Stephen Wallace

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

An engaging step-by-step guide to help teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, get along with their parents, and much more.