Depression is the most serious mental health issue facing our teens today. This year 2.8 million American teens will experience depression. Of those 2.8 million, 30 percent will also develop a substance use disorder, and a depressed teen is 12 times more likely to commit suicide.
Read MoreIn sports it is said that one rises to level of his competition. I suppose it could be conversely stated that one can also lower them to inferior completion. Overall I think this means that when presented a challenge that we are encouraged or expected to meet, we generally will outperform our expectations. This does not exempt us from failing to succeed or that we always reach our desired outcome, but it does make us think twice about how we set the bar for our challenging teens.
Read MoreThe year it all comes together. Yes, being a senior in high school is a time for reflection, a time to prepare for the next chapter, a time to say goodbye, and a time to celebrate. Wait a minute; it is still a school year, isn’t it? Doesn’t that mean there are still expectations to perform well and finish strong? With college admissions often based on the condition of maintaining academic performance, and scholarships dependent on performance as well, it is critical that senior year be taken just as seriously as all others. Enter the dreaded senior-itis.
Read MoreNoted psychologist, Erick Erikson, described the period of adolescence in psycho-social terms of ego-identity vs. role confusion. I think all of us can relate to this explanation if we remember what life was like as a teenager. What clothes do I wear? What music do I listen to? How do I stay current with movies and shows so I don’t seem out of place?
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