By Officer Gomez Parents who think they can monitor their kids’ social media are like thinking they can beat a professional basketball player one-on-one. Kids are actual professionals at social media and parents are not. Kids have coaches and technical support teams (other kids) that advise them every day. Parents have their work group or …
By Len Lantz, M.D. WHAT IS BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION? Behavioral activation is the process of proactively increasing your activity level of positive activities. Behavioral activation strategies can be traced back to B.F. Skinner’s 1957 book, Science and Human Behavior, and were further elaborated in 1973 in Charles Ferster’s paper, “A Functional Analysis of Depression.” Dr. Ferster …
By Staff Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative to traditional painkillers and mood enhancers. However, beneath its seemingly harmless facade lies a myriad of dangers that pose significant risks to both physical and mental health. One of the most alarming dangers associated with …
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By Barbara Bessette, Certified Prevention Specialist Inhalants, also known as volatile substances, are chemicals that produce mind-altering effects when inhaled. These substances typically include household products or industrial solvents, such as glues, paint thinners, aerosol sprays, gasoline, and cleaning fluids. Common terms for inhalants include whippets, poppers, huffing, sniffing, or bagging. When inhalants are inhaled, …
By Emily Turner Hankins Stress levels are rising. It is difficult to find ways to deal with it all. For our children, this can manifest as tantrums, fights, and misbehavior. For teens and adults, pent up stress can lead to destructive behaviors or harmful choices like substance use. What can we do to help …
By Natural High Staff Stress happens. It’s a part of life. A healthy one, in fact. Psychologists are quick to remind us that stress is neutral, if not a positive experience. Stressful situations cause us to be stretched and grow. Kids experience stress — a lot. Try to remember or imagine what a typical …
By STAFF This is the time of year where parents start to fret over what to do with their children over the summer. If they’re young enough, summer camps may be the answer. If they’re old enough, specialized camps and jobs are probably the ticket. The question then comes up, “What’s too much or …
By Natural High Staff Self-medication isn’t a new concept, but it’s getting a lot of attention lately. Recently released reports show a frightful number of adolescents have turned to self-medicating in an attempt to avoid depressive symptoms, numb their own pain, and escape feelings of hopelessness. With the accessibility of substances through social media, …
By SUSAN FREW, LCPC, LMFT As a mental health clinician, I spend a great deal of time touching base with parents and caregivers about their children and their behaviors. I get asked all too often, “What is appropriate for their age and when should I be concerned?” For your peace of mind, and for the …
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The Importance of Older Generations Connecting With Youth In a rapidly changing world marked by technological advancements, shifting societal norms, and evolving cultural landscapes, the connection between older generations and youth has never been more crucial. While generational gaps and differences in perspectives may sometimes seem impossible, fostering meaningful intergenerational connections is essential for the …
