The uncertainties from the first two years of the pandemic brought newfound fear and anxiety for families and individuals across the globe. Unfortunately, as a result, these harmful emotions and characteristics still linger within some of us today. Not only have adults been left with lingering fear and anxiety because of the pandemic, but adolescents […]
COVID-19
Ways the Pandemic Has Made Bullying More Prevalent Today
The pandemic has triggered a variety of mental health symptoms, including bullying. Over the past year and a half, self-esteem and self-identity have taken a big hit, causing more adolescents to become targets or perpetrators of bullying. Bullying is about power. Those who are hurting from a mental or emotional disorder such as low self-worth, […]
Ways to Help Kids Emotionally Prepare for School After Covid-19
It has been nearly a year since half of U.S. students have stepped foot on a school campus. While a decrease in academic performance has been one of the adverse effects of long-term distance learning, the lack of social interaction and on-campus instruction has also taken a toll on many students’ mental health. Understandably, several […]
How to Have Hope After a Year of Turmoil
Stress over the past year’s events, including the pandemic, presidential election, and racial tension, has threatened our nation’s mental health, particularly those from Generation Z (born after 1996) – kids, teens, and young adults, according to a recent national survey from the American Psychological Association. After a year of turmoil, you may not be in […]
Ways to Make This Year’s Holidays Special for You and Your Family
With COVID-19 cases spiking and more stay-at-home orders imposed, the holidays are likely to look a little different for everyone this year. For some, holiday traditions may need to get altered or skipped altogether, like other celebrations and events from this year. After an exhausting year of letdowns and changes, it may feel like the […]
Ways to Feel Happy and Grateful At the End of a Hard Year
For many people, 2020 has been a challenging year. So much this year has felt adverse, complicated, and even disappointing. With the fear of the pandemic, the apparent divide in our nation, kids home from school, and the holidays approaching, it can be hard to feel grateful or even happy – especially if you’re feeling […]
How to Help Teens Who Are Suffering from Depression and Anxiety
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have recently seen many kids who say they “feel stuck,” bored, “have no place to go or no one to turn to,” and “feel like they’re in a dark cloud and can’t get out.” These are signs of depression. Depression and anxiety are affecting an alarming amount […]
The Ways Covid-19 Has Changed Bullying
While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly all of us, the adverse effects experienced by children may be the ones with the direst consequences, primarily because those are the ones that are most likely to be overlooked and unaddressed. Media has covered the economic and other hardships that have impacted adults; however, as a therapist, […]
Things You Need to Know About Teen’s Social Connections During the Pandemic
Social interaction and screen time are two topics that often get researched regarding children’s emotional health. In February 2020, as a follow up to a study on teen loneliness, I wrote How Social Media & Digital Technology Can Make Teens Feel Lonely. Since then, came the pandemic, which has increased screen time usage by 500%, […]
How to Get Through COVID-19 with Peace and Hope
Within a few weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to our lives and world. Here’s how to replace feelings of anxiety and depression with peace and hope. COVID-19 has drastically affected the lives of nearly everyone. Almost all of us have experienced significant disruptions and changes in our lives. School and business closures, […]