The Rise in Loneliness and What to Do About It
2023 marked the release of a public health advisory unlike any other in history. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community calls out the profound impact of loneliness on mental and physical health, with a special focus on adolescents. Dr. Vivek Murthy […]
How the Pandemic is Still Impacting Your Teen
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of people of all ages, but teens were hit especially hard. According to the CDC, more than a third of high school students (37%) reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. “These […]
5 Ways to Foster Connection
Connection is a core component of adolescent mental health. Without supportive relationships, tweens and teens are far more likely to experience depression and anxiety and to be at risk for self-harm. Positive relationships with family, friends and others build tweens’ and teens’ self-esteem, increase their resilience, lower their risk of anxiety and depression, and even […]
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, […]
Growing Mental Health Crisis Shows Need for More Teen Support
Numerous studies have shown us that in the last two years teens are struggling with shifts in school, pressures from COVID19 changes, and social media anxiety. This week an insightful New York Times article by Matt Richtel cited some of those struggles in the article, It’s Life or Death: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. […]
