How Healthy Habits Address Stress, Anxiety and Pressure
Tweens and teens today are under intense pressure. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, adolescent stress levels top those of adults, and the National Institute of Mental Health reports that 32% of teens will experience an anxiety disorder. And while the pandemic exacerbated already-high levels of teen stress, teens identify their top […]
Why Lucero is Needed Now
Did you know there are 1.3 billion tweens and teens in the world today? Adolescents make up 16% of the global population, and 100% of our future. The transition from childhood to adulthood has never been more complex or more critical than it is right now. Rising rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm indicate a […]
Helping Your Teen Manage Social Anxiety
For teens with social anxiety, each day brings a battle inside their brains: a chronic sense of dread, constant self-criticism and fear of humiliation. Their anxiety may be triggered by walking down a crowded hallway at school, being called on in class, talking on the phone, or any other situation that involves interacting with others. […]
Why Now?
It’s time to get serious about protecting teen mental health. Over the past decade, rates of depression, anxiety, mood disorders and self-harm have escalated sharply among teens. One in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness – a 40% increase between 2009 and 2019. Death by suicide is also now the […]
Tips to Reduce Teen Anxiety
Butterflies in your stomach. Sweaty palms. The unshakeable feeling of worry or dread. Everyone has some experience with anxiety, but statistics are skyrocketing among teens. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in three adolescents between the ages of 13-18 will experience an anxiety disorder. If you think your child may have an […]
4 Ways Your Teen Can Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is simple: Inhale. Exhale. Pay attention. Repeat. Can something so simple really make a difference to teens? A recent study of nearly 400 11th-graders says yes. The more students practiced mindful breathing techniques, the more they reported feeling capable of managing stress. Lead researcher Deborah Schussler says that’s because mindful breathing buys teens […]
Why Teens Need Routine
There is no easy answer to the ongoing crisis in teen mental health, but one powerful solution may be found in rethinking how teens’ daily lives are structured. Research suggests that stable routines support teens’ overall mental health and well-being, while a lack of routine makes them more vulnerable. A recent study from the University […]
The Importance of Teen Friendships
Friendship is important at every age, but it has special significance during the teenage years. Friends help teens shape their identity, learn social skills, develop empathy, and feel a sense of belonging. Supportive friendships protect teens’ mental health against stress, depression, and even bullying. And even though teens may prioritize peers over parents at times, […]
Meet Jillian Domingue, CEO
We\’ve been building an app for \”framilies.\” Framilies are any combination of youth and adults who want to radically support each other. Jillian Domingue, Lucero\’s CEO, has a Bachelor\’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas and over a decade of experience building programs, products, and services to improve the […]
Choosing the Right Therapist for Your Teen
The relationship between a therapist and a client is important for building the trust necessary for healing. Choosing the right therapist for your child is an important step, and with teenagers, it is typically best to allow them some “voice” in the process. Where do we begin? First, have a talk with your teen. Find […]
