tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15057364514289100062024-03-05T08:06:13.889-08:00Sue Scheff - Depression and Your TeenLearn more about Depression in TeensAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-16766355340223479122009-05-20T07:32:00.000-07:002009-05-20T07:33:50.901-07:00Sue Scheff: Learn More About Teen Medicine Abuse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9HhB4buXpi3trkJ8zURoOexEvkvSgD_mMXXcRsGf711R6i4x20VE2uoLk5Yo5CLx4fv_l4omAtqAM468MSahySniKrfrRkyoLdEn64aYRKdE_-kOXS6dENlspcqbzGYN0DBe65KM-9Y/s1600-h/stopmedabuse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337914153311292882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9HhB4buXpi3trkJ8zURoOexEvkvSgD_mMXXcRsGf711R6i4x20VE2uoLk5Yo5CLx4fv_l4omAtqAM468MSahySniKrfrRkyoLdEn64aYRKdE_-kOXS6dENlspcqbzGYN0DBe65KM-9Y/s400/stopmedabuse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>How can you help?</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/2009/05/11/more-parents-talking-with-their-teens-about-cough-medicine-abuse/">More Parents Talking with Their Teens about Cough Medicine Abuse</a></div><br /><div><br />Posted by Five Mom, <a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/?page_id=29">Christy Crandell , on Monday, May 11, 2009</a></div><br /><div><br />Our efforts to educate parents about medicine abuse have reached thousands of families in the United States. With your help, more parents than ever are learning about this risky teen substance abuse behavior and are talking with their teens. According to <a href="http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/Research/2008_Parents_Attitude_Tracking_Study/Risk_of_teen_prescription_drug_abuse">the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study</a>, released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 65 percent of parents have talked to their teens about the dangers of abusing OTC cold and cough medicine to get high-an 18 percent increase in the number of parents who talked to their teens in 2007.<br />My fellow Five Moms and I are excited to share this promising news with you, but there is still much work ahead. Although nearly two-thirds of parents have talked with their teens, 35 percent of parents said that they have not had this important conversation.</div><br /><div><br />We know that when parents talk to their teens about the risks of substance abuse, their teens are up to fifty percent less likely to abuse substances. If you have not already talked with your teens about the dangers of cough medicine abuse, visit our <a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/page/talk">talk page</a> for some helpful ideas on how to have this discussion.</div><br /><div><br />It is also critical that we share this information with our friends and communities as well. Too many parents are still unaware that some teens are abusing OTC cough medicine to get high, and it is important that we talk with them about this behavior. By talking with other parents, we can make sure that every family has the knowledge and tools to help keep teens safe and healthy.</div><br /><div><br />Sharing information about cough medicine abuse is easy. It only takes a moment to start a conversation, and thanks to Stop Medicine Abuse, you can <a href="http://ga6.org/five_moms/tellafriend_step1.html">Tell-A-Friend through e-mail</a> or <a href="http://www.stopmedicineabuse.org/take-action/widget/">post the Stop Medicine Abuse widget</a> to your blog or web site. The more parents are aware of cough medicine abuse, the better we can prevent this behavior from happening in our communities.<br />Have you talked with other parents about cough medicine abuse? Share your advice about having this conversation at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-Medicine-Abuse/45153057729">Stop Medicine Abuse Fan page</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-73308873598316979382009-05-05T06:17:00.000-07:002009-05-05T06:29:21.198-07:00Teen Help Programs - Don't be a Parent At RiskAre you a parent and your teen is escalating in negative behavior? Wanting to drop out of school? Using drugs? Running away? Defiant and disrepectful? Struggling with peer pressure and simply not the child you raised? Are you at your wit’s end? Especially if your teen is nearing 17 years old, don’t waste time in finding help.<br /><br />For many that have read my book - <a href="http://witsendbook.com/">Wit’s End</a>! (Published by <a href="http://hcibooks.com/">Health Communications Inc</a>.) - which give my experiences with WWASPS and my daughters experiences with <a href="http://aparentstruestory.com/">Carolina Springs Academy</a>, it is a wake up call for all parents that are at their wit’s end and desperately looking for help for their struggling teenager.<br /><br />Are you worried or concerned about your teens recent behavior? Do you believe it is time for outside help? Local therapy is not working?<br /><br />Visit my organization, <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Parents Universal Resource Experts, </a>that I created to help educate you on researching for safe and quality alternatives for your family.<br /><br /><strong>Are you considering these programs or talking to these sales reps?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br />Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (CLOSED)<br />Bell Academy, CA (CLOSED)<br />Canyon View Park, MT<br />Camas Ranch, MT<br />Carolina Springs Academy, SC<br />Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)<br />Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)<br />Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.<br />Gulf Coast Academy, MS (CLOSED)<br />Horizon Academy, NV<br />Jane Hawley - Lifelines Family Services<br />Kathy Allred - Lifeline Sales Representative<br />Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) and Teens in Crisis<br />Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley<br />Mark Peterson - Teen Help Sales Representative<br />Majestic Ranch, UT<br />Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)<br />Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)<br />Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica<br />Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)<br />Reality Trek, UT<br />Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)<br />Respect Academy, NV<br />Royal Gorge Academy, CO (CLOSED)<br />Sherri Schwartzman - Lifelines Sales Representative<br />Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)<br />Spring Creek Lodge, MT (CLOSED) Rumors they have re-opened in another area of MT.<br />Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)<br />Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)<br />Tranquility Bay, Jamaica<br />Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.<br /><br />There is a rumor a new program in <strong>Mexico</strong> is open - parents need to be aware of this. It is believed they have re-opened Casa By the Sea with another name - possibly <strong>Discovery</strong>. Another rumor that was heard is <strong>Jade Robinson</strong> is running this program - he was formerly at Horizon Academy, Bell Academy (closed) and Casa by the Sea (closed).<br /><br />Do your homework! Don’t be a parent at risk! Learn from my <a href="http://suescheffvictory.blogspot.com/2008/12/sue-scheff-wits-end-miami-herald.html">experiences</a>, my <a href="http://aparentstruestory.com/">daughter’s abuse </a> and <a href="http://suescheffvictory.blogspot.com/2008/12/weston-mother-helps-other-parents.html">gain from my knowledge </a> through the <a href="http://suescheffdefeatswwasps.blogspot.com/2009/01/sue-scheff-parents-true-story-still.html">legal victories </a> I have accomplished.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-70781260590447352522009-04-28T12:45:00.000-07:002009-04-28T12:47:09.237-07:00Sue Scheff: The Choking Game?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNXGGKFIgrYbS0oWEbeeMt_pXpP9WmWfUj87s720D5r3qz5HLa_76XyDT-WyYIqdCfP5hlxW-2cG_LXlhrKwd-F1PpwZ-O7tK4ESHs4bzICPgyom31H8O4CGeJ90Uit8eaLASL4DREk/s1600-h/chokinggame2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329830961524491954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 65px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNXGGKFIgrYbS0oWEbeeMt_pXpP9WmWfUj87s720D5r3qz5HLa_76XyDT-WyYIqdCfP5hlxW-2cG_LXlhrKwd-F1PpwZ-O7tK4ESHs4bzICPgyom31H8O4CGeJ90Uit8eaLASL4DREk/s200/chokinggame2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>The Choking Game - a teen thing?</strong> What is the Choking Game? It is definitely not a game any parent want to learn about the hard way. Learn more now about this horrific game through <a href="http://gaspinfo.com/">G.A.S.P.</a> (Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play).</div><br /><div><br />I received an email from a <a href="http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_076113047.html">mother</a> that almost lost her son to this game. She is now part of an advocacy group to help inform and educate others about this choking game. She understands she almost lost her son, as a matter of fact, she thought she had. Miraculously, her son survived after several days in a coma following this incident. As a <a href="http://suescheff.com/">parent advocate</a>, I always encourage others to share their stories, mistakes, experiences etc in an effort to help others. This is one of the many parents that is hoping you will learn from her <a href="http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_076113047.html">firsthand experiences</a>.</div><div><br />Source: <a href="http://gaspinfo.com/">G.A.S.P.</a></div><br /><div><br />It’s not a game at all—just an act of suffocating on purpose. </div><div><br />Adolescents cut off the flow of blood to the brain, in exchange for a few seconds of feeling lightheaded. Some strangle themselves with a belt, a rope or their bare hands; others push on their chest or hyperventilate. </div><div><br />When they release the pressure, blood that was blocked up floods the brain all at once. This sets off a warm and fuzzy feeling, which is just the brain dying, thousands of cells at a time.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-15554492065643641342009-04-15T06:19:00.000-07:002009-04-15T06:21:38.531-07:00Sue Scheff: Teenage Back Acne and Self Esteem<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBciO0b0Sfh1lDRP5DcVIt7ZfVsz5IdKvqTTwTnbsz2T3T2hhyjPI57monZtJdLTOV-DjCx59KTcj-7Ke4rv7p5HVnSlcoT7bQCD34XvH86CZB34KUQfm5pUXQHEe3K68fIbfClh01Pc/s1600-h/acneback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324907573776575954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBciO0b0Sfh1lDRP5DcVIt7ZfVsz5IdKvqTTwTnbsz2T3T2hhyjPI57monZtJdLTOV-DjCx59KTcj-7Ke4rv7p5HVnSlcoT7bQCD34XvH86CZB34KUQfm5pUXQHEe3K68fIbfClh01Pc/s200/acneback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <strong><a href="http://teenage-acne.net/">Johanna Curtis</a></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">Back Acne Treatment</a> Helps Teens with Self Esteem Issues<br /><br />As parents we are all aware at how fragile a teenager’s self esteem can be sometimes. Hormones at the onset of puberty don’t do much to help with that. As hormones rage, often times so does acne. Acne occurs frequently in teenagers to varying degrees and typically occurs on the face and back. For active teenagers, this can be a cause of embarrassment. But <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">back acne treatment</a> can do wonders in alleviating the self esteem issues caused by excessive acne on the back.<br /><br />Teenage boys are often active in sports and have to deal with their peers in the locker rooms and while competing. Having back acne can be highly embarrassing and make someone feel self conscious. Teenage girls have an equal number of problems pertaining to back acne. Imagine getting ready for a high school dance, picking out a fashionable dress and being appalled by the back acne that is visible. Of course, acne in general is something that all teenagers go through to some extent. But we do want our kids to be confident and healthy so it is important to understand the <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">causes of back acne</a> as well as the <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">cures for back acne</a>.<br /><br />If a teenager is embarrassed by their back acne, they will have a tendency to avoid situations where it may be visible. This can be really unhealthy for a teenager. Avoiding sporting events, social activities and friends can lead to depression. But there is good news regarding the causes of back acne. We know what causes are real and what are myths. Because of this, we also know ways in which back acne treatment can benefit the self conscious teenager.<br /><br />Amazingly, many people still buy into the myths associates with the causes of back acne. We know, though that food, clothing, dirt and sweat do not cause acne. In some cases one or all of those issues may exacerbate acne to a small degree but none of them actually cause it. So, in order to effectively find cures for back acne, the root cause of it should be examined and there is basically one main cause of acne in the face, back and body.<br /><br />The culprit is hormones. Yes, a hormonal imbalance is the reason the skin breaks out and why so many teenagers are afflicted with acne problems. So in order to treat it, two things must occur: The hormonal imbalance must be addressed and a proper skin care regimen must be started. The truth is both of these issues can be controlled with skin care products, diet and vitamins.<br /><br />With <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">back acne Retin A</a> is often used and touted as a cure. However, many Retin A products are very expensive and often do not cure the back acne completely. High cost advertising programs are what draw consumers to these products and while some may work, they are not addressing the complete picture so they can not stop the back acne from occurring.<br /><br />Instead, there are a few products that are recommended because of the testing that was conducted and the means to which a complete system of hormonal cures as well as skin care treatments are used. The reason they work is that they address back acne from the inside out and do not leave anything out of the picture.<br /><br />There are many products on the market today but often the reason they are popular is due to expensive advertising campaigns as opposed to actual positive results. It is important to start off with a topical treatment to clean the skin and protect it. These may include a body wash, body cream and scrubs. Getting into the habit of cleaning the face regularly will instill a sense of responsibility and self respect in a teenager also.<br /><br />Not only should the topical skin treatment be addressed but the hormonal imbalance should also be treated with natural supplements. The hormonal imbalance is addressed with the use of the supplements and acne issues are washed away with the topical products. The results include fewer blemishes and a restored balance to the hormones. This allows the skin to naturally go back to its intended condition, free from acne.<br /><br />Choose products that are independently tested and rated for its effectiveness in treating back acne. Also choose all inclusive solutions. They all have one thing in common. They each address all the issues regarding back acne and its root cause. They provide a topical acne wash and cream to help maintain the skin’s appearance but they also include a dietary supplement intended to help restore the proper hormonal balance.<br /><br />Hormonal imbalances can go well into adulthood but teenagers are especially prone to it. Back acne can be embarrassing and can greatly affect a teenager’s self esteem. However, with proper treatment, the self consciousness from back acne can be eliminated. Your teenager can be confident knowing he or she is acne free.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-59661087636910318952009-04-02T07:10:00.001-07:002009-04-02T07:11:22.724-07:00Sue Scheff: Teen Depression<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MVnxl3f6jZjvBa8u6Be5RSgFAmNjdY-TrVoVlvfVqA3Qw5Kz0PDa-rj-Z0p0qsTrd4YANkMwFsHc_c0BMBMTnn-Msp3BIHk3CF3ICG7PSEH9XJoeGexe3hMgkD8f7Oo3oQFkmGatI-U/s1600-h/usatoday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320096327539967698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MVnxl3f6jZjvBa8u6Be5RSgFAmNjdY-TrVoVlvfVqA3Qw5Kz0PDa-rj-Z0p0qsTrd4YANkMwFsHc_c0BMBMTnn-Msp3BIHk3CF3ICG7PSEH9XJoeGexe3hMgkD8f7Oo3oQFkmGatI-U/s200/usatoday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/betterlife/2009/03/experts-doctors.html">USA Today</a></div><br /><div><br /><strong>Experts: Doctors should screen teens for depression.</strong></div><br /><div><br />If you have teens or tweens, government-appointed experts have a message: U.S. adolescents should be routinely screened for major <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?li=USA&articlekey=42217">depression</a> by their primary care doctors. The benefits of screening kids 12 to 18 years old outweigh any risks if doctors can assure an accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, says the independent <a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/USpstfix.htm">U.S. Preventive Services Task Force</a>.<br />It’s a change from the group’s 2002 report concluding there wasn’t enough evidence to support or oppose screening for teens. The task force, though, says there’s still insufficient proof about the benefits and harms of screening children 7 to 11 years old.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://suescheff.org/">Depression</a> strikes about 1 out of 20 teens, and it’s been linked to lower grades, more physical illness and <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2009/02/sue-scheff-20th-annual-teen-study-shows-25-drop-in-meth-use-over-3-years-marijuana-down-30-over-10-years/">drug use</a>, as well as early pregnancy. </div><br /><div><br />Questionnaires can accurately identify teens prone to depression, plus there’s new evidence that therapy and/or some antidepressants can benefit them, the expert panel says in a report in today’s <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/current.shtml">Pediatrics</a> . But careful monitoring is vital since there’s “convincing evidence” that antidepressants can increase suicidal behavior in teens, the report says.</div><br /><div><br />Accompanying the task force advisory in Pediatrics is a research review saying there have been few studies on the accuracy of depression screening tests, but the tests “have performed fairly well” among adolescents. Treatment can knock down symptoms of depression, say the reviewers from Kaiser Permanente and the Oregon Evidence-Based Practice Center in Portland, Ore. </div><br /><div><br />In a “show me the money” volley back, pediatricians also weigh in on the topic in today’s issue of their journal. Insurance plans and managed care companies that stiff or under-pay pediatricians for mental health services throw up barriers to mental health care in doctors’ offices, says the <a href="http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/depression.cfm">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>. Kids’ doctors should be compensated for screenings, as well as consults with mental health specialists and parents, AAP recommends.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-56720610205174761712009-03-29T07:07:00.000-07:002009-03-29T07:09:18.756-07:00Sue Scheff: Teen Stress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk2XFOl4or6Nrfn7oxqC7PprXnh3t0HMr886o5xDOeeTCracr7vya7ViquCAl7KaoLIuwb0s8B5OXcYu105Iyltpl0uG79LXEEr6qIpO7XLTQDB_3JQj6K4sgJ-PQfKkLy3_bMkAqlnk/s1600-h/teenhealth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318611341817846466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 65px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk2XFOl4or6Nrfn7oxqC7PprXnh3t0HMr886o5xDOeeTCracr7vya7ViquCAl7KaoLIuwb0s8B5OXcYu105Iyltpl0uG79LXEEr6qIpO7XLTQDB_3JQj6K4sgJ-PQfKkLy3_bMkAqlnk/s200/teenhealth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />School is winding down, finals are piling up - the stress of getting good grades as well as keeping your GPA up to be able to get into that college or university you dream to go to, can be stressful. Compound that with summer coming and if you are like many teens, looking for a summer job is in the plan but may be more difficult than last summer. The economy is hitting all levels of employment, and parents are not the only ones having stressful times.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a great article I found on <a href="http://teenshealth.org/teen/">TeensHealth</a>. Take the time to learn more about your teen and how stress can effect them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>What Is Stress?</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.<br /><br /><br /><br />The events that provoke stress are called stressors, and they cover a whole range of situations - everything from outright physical danger to making a class presentation or taking a semester’s worth of your toughest subject.<br /><br /><br /><br />The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The <a id="link1" href="http://suescheffblog.com/teen/your_body/body_basics/endocrine.html" name="link1">hypothalamus</a> signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Blood vessels open wider to let more blood flow to large muscle groups, putting our muscles on alert. Pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases some of its stored glucose to increase the body’s energy. And sweat is produced to cool the body. All of these physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to handle the pressure of the moment.<br /><p>Read more: <a href="http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html#a_Good_Stress_and_Bad_Stress">http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html#a_Good_Stress_and_Bad_Stress</a></p><p> </p><p> </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-61841223439630172552009-03-10T05:29:00.000-07:002009-03-10T05:31:27.559-07:00Sue Scheff - Teenage Depression<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9oyuUj1x7-paZGmzjZMeilRTg0JLJv2jO6zmjPExDlwwPxEndI59OhavLSOcBnUT2YpuUmhSgDPrNEfPp9eG5rLc3igE8r2CbsDNwdIQRYFl41SdAG4MxBfiUoOrsfavEUqFnznCWuY/s1600-h/teensuicide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311535644684763314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9oyuUj1x7-paZGmzjZMeilRTg0JLJv2jO6zmjPExDlwwPxEndI59OhavLSOcBnUT2YpuUmhSgDPrNEfPp9eG5rLc3igE8r2CbsDNwdIQRYFl41SdAG4MxBfiUoOrsfavEUqFnznCWuY/s200/teensuicide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <strong><a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>“Just this gloom was like hanging over my head and I knew something wasn’t right but I wasn’t exactly sure what it was.”<br /><br />– Amy, 16 years old<br /><br />New research from Columbia University finds that nearly 50 percent of teens suffer from some form of depression, anxiety, or a number of other psychiatric disorders.<br /><br />“A lot of people I know get depressed all the time about lots of stuff,” says 15-year-old Meagan.<br /><br />“It’s like everything’s all on your shoulders and you have to take everything at once,” says Meredith, 14.<br /><br />Sixteen-year-old Amy agrees, “Just this gloom was like hanging over my head and I knew something wasn’t right but I wasn’t exactly sure what it was.”<br /><br />“My parents went through an awful divorce my ninth grade year and I was devastated, worse than my heart could ever imagine,” says 18-year-old Brittany, “and it hurts a lot, and I still hurt to this day and I’m a senior in H.S.”<br /><br />The symptoms vary: some kids may be lethargic and withdrawn; others may show agitation and frustration, even aggression. Often, there is a drop in grades.<br /><br />And sometimes these symptoms can cause parents to punish the child, instead of providing treatment.<br /><br />“Rather than thinking of children’s misbehaviors as discipline problems or misbehaviors as deliberate,” says psychologist Sunaina Jain, Ph.D., “it’s important to see them as communications from the child.”<br /><br />Experts say lots of kids experience depression or anxiety, often mild and temporary, but not always. And that’s why parents need to constantly check their child’s emotional pulse.<br /><br />“You know it doesn’t take hours and hours. Even a few minutes of checking in with each other every day is a great way of saying you know I’m here, I’m interested in you,” says Jain.<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong> </div><br /><div><br />All teens experience ups and downs. Every day poses a new test of their emotional stability – fighting with a friend, feeling peer pressure to “fit in” with a particular crowd or experiencing anxiety over a failed quiz – all of which can lead to normal feelings of sadness or grief. These feelings are usually brief and subside with time, unlike depression, which is more than feeling blue, sad or down in the dumps once in a while.<br /><br />According to the Nemours Foundation, depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months or even longer. It also interferes with a person’s ability to participate in normal activities. Often, depression in teens is overlooked because parents and teachers feel that unhappiness or “moodiness” is typical in young people. They blame hormones or other factors for teens’ feelings of sadness or grief, which leaves many teens undiagnosed and untreated for their illness.<br /><br />The Mayo Clinic reports that sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times, it seems to occur spontaneously, with no identifiable specific cause. However, certain risk factors may be associated with developing the disorder. Johns Hopkins University cites the following risk factors for becoming depressed:<br /><br />Children under stress who have experienced loss or who suffer attention, learning or conduct disorders are more susceptible to depression.<br />Girls are more likely than boys to develop depression.<br />Youth, particularly younger children, who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder. </div><br /><div><br /><strong>Possible Symptoms:</strong><br /><br />Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells<br />Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns<br />Irritability, anger, worry, agitation or anxiety<br />Pessimism or indifference<br />Loss of energy or persistent lethargy<br />Feelings of guilt and worthlessness<br />Inability to concentrate and indecisiveness<br />Inability to take pleasure in former interests or social withdrawal<br />Unexplained aches and pains<br />Recurring thoughts of death or suicide </div><br /><div><br />It is important to acknowledge that teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. According to the National Mental Health Association, teens may also express their depression through other hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behaviors. These behaviors will only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends and family, as well as difficulties with law enforcement or school officials.<br /><br />The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs in the last 20 years has revolutionized the treatment of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, and it has become the first line of treatment for most types of the disorder. Psychotherapy may also help teens cope with ongoing problems that trigger or contribute to their depression. A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy are usually effective if a teen suffers from mild to moderate depression. For severely depressed teens, initial treatment usually includes medications. Once they improve, psychotherapy can be more effective.<br /><br />Immediate treatment of your teen’s depression is crucial. Adolescents and children suffering from depression may turn to suicide if they do not receive proper treatment. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-24. The National Association of School Psychologists suggests looking for the following warning signs that may indicate your depressed teen if contemplating suicide:<br /><br />Suicide notes: Notes or journal entries are a very real sign of danger and should be taken seriously. </div><br /><div><br />Threats: Threats may be direct statements (“I want to die.” “I am going to kill myself”) or indirect comments (“The world would be better without me.” “Nobody will miss me anyway”). Among teens, indirect clues could be offered through joking or through comments in school assignments, particularly creative writing or artwork. </div><br /><div><br />Previous attempts: If your child or teen has attempted suicide in the past, a greater likelihood that he or she will try again exists. Be very observant of any friends who have tried suicide before. </div><br /><div><br />Depression (helplessness/hopelessness): When symptoms of depression include strong thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, your teen is possibly at greater risk for suicide. Watch out for behaviors or comments that indicate your teen is feeling overwhelmed by sadness or pessimistic views of his or her future. </div><br /><div><br />“Masked” depression: Sometimes risk-taking behaviors can include acts of aggression, gunplay and alcohol or substance abuse. While this behavior may not appear to be depression, in fact it may suggest that your teen is not concerned about his or her own safety. </div><br /><div><br />Final arrangements: This behavior may take many forms. In adolescents, it might be giving away prized possessions, such as jewelry, clothing, journals or pictures. </div><br /><div><br />Efforts to hurt himself or herself: Self-injury behaviors are warning signs for young children as well as teens. Common self-destructive behaviors include running into traffic; jumping from heights; and scratching, cutting or marking his or her body. </div><br /><div><br />Changes in physical habits and appearance: Changes include inability to sleep or sleeping all the time, sudden weight gain or loss and lack of interest in appearance or hygiene. </div><br /><div><br />Sudden changes in personality, friends or behaviors: Changes can include withdrawing from friends and family, skipping school or classes, loss of involvement in activities that were once important and avoiding friends. </div><br /><div><br />Plan/method/access: A suicidal child or adolescent may show an increased interest in guns and other weapons, may seem to have increased access to guns, pills, etc., and/or may talk about or hint at a suicide plan. The greater the planning, the greater the potential for suicide. </div><br /><div><br />Death and suicidal themes: These themes might appear in classroom drawings, work samples, journals or homework. </div><br /><div><br />If you suspect suicide, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately. A counselor or psychologist can also help offer additional support.<br /><br /><strong>References</strong><br />American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<br />American Foundation for Suicidal Prevention<br />Columbia University<br />Johns Hopkins University<br />Mayo Clinic<br />National Association of School Psychologists<br />National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association<br />National Institute of Mental Health<br />National Mental Health Association<br />Nemours Foundation<br />Thomson-Reuters </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-25157346044971093732009-03-04T10:47:00.000-08:002009-03-04T10:49:29.703-08:00Sue Scheff: Teen Anxiety<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxgll35dhvPl45zV9nsqcCgOQIrbjeAt3-xFpookjCrNybAGumNNWRWjS1EDX4ca6gP6gkoc5cszO3F4EgPGsx2wHalI-1ku8bg8qUAXNxehEvWYjsxCD1AyXAW_gErgkTTsOrS0BBfk/s1600-h/teendepression.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309406345645689698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 107px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 83px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxgll35dhvPl45zV9nsqcCgOQIrbjeAt3-xFpookjCrNybAGumNNWRWjS1EDX4ca6gP6gkoc5cszO3F4EgPGsx2wHalI-1ku8bg8qUAXNxehEvWYjsxCD1AyXAW_gErgkTTsOrS0BBfk/s200/teendepression.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The lesser known relative of depression, anxiety, afflicts people of all ages and can be especially detrimental for teenagers. It is completely normal and even common for individuals to experience anxiety, particularly during stressful periods, such as before a test or important date (think Prom). For many, this is beneficial, serving as motivation to study hard and perform well; however, for many, anxiety goes beyond standard high-stress periods. While occasional stress is nothing to worry about and can even be healthy, many people experience anxiety on an ongoing basis. People, especially teenagers, who suffer from anxiety disorders, find that their daily life can be interrupted by the intense, often long-lasting fear or worry.<br /><br />Anxiety disorders are not fatal; however, they can severely interfere with an individual's ability to function normally on a daily basis. The intense feelings of fear and worry often lead to a lack of sleep as it makes it very difficult for people to fall asleep. Those with anxiety disorders also commonly suffer from physical manifestations of the anxiety. The anxiety can cause headaches, stomach aches, and even vomiting. In addition stress can cause individuals to lose their appetite or have trouble eating. One of the more difficult aspects for students to deal with is difficulty concentrating. When one is consumed with worry, his or her mind continuously considers the worrisome thoughts, making it considerably harder for teenagers to concentrate on school work and other mentally intensive tasks. These affects of anxiety can make it difficult for teenagers to simply get through the day, let alone enjoy life and relax.<br /><br />While there seems to be no single cause of anxiety disorders, it is clear that they can run in a family. The fact that anxiety disorders can run in families indicates that there may be a genetic or hereditary connection. Because a family member may suffer from an anxiety disorder does not necessarily mean that you will. However, individuals who have family members with this disorder are far more likely to develop it.<br /><br />Within the brain, neurotransmitters help to regulate mood, so an imbalance in the level of specific neurotransmitters can cause a change in mood. It is this imbalance in a neurotransmitter called serotonin that leads to anxiety. Interestingly, an imbalance of serotonin in the brain is directly related to depression. For this reason, SSRI medications, more commonly referred to as anti-depressants, are often used to help treat an anxiety disorder. Medication can provide significant relief for those suffering from anxiety disorders; however, it is often not the most efficient form of treatment.<br /><br />In addition to medication, treatments for anxiety disorders include cognitive-behavioral therapy, other types of talk therapy, and relaxation and biofeedback to control muscle tension. Talk therapy can be the most effective treatment for teenagers, as they discuss their feelings and issues with a mental health professional. Many teens find it incredibly helpful to simply talk about the stress and anxiety that they feel. Additionally, in a specific kind of talk therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy teens actively "unlearn" some of their fear. This treatment teaches individuals a new way to approach fear and anxiety and how to deal with the feelings that they experience.<br /><br />Many people attempt to medicate themselves when they suffer from stress or anxiety. While individuals find different ways to deal with the intense worry that they may experience, self medication can be very detrimental to their body. It is not uncommon for people who suffer from anxiety disorders to turn to alcohol or drugs to relieve the anxiety. While this may provide a temporary fix for the afflicted, in the long run it is harmful. By relying on these methods, individuals do not learn how to deal with the anxiety naturally. Reliance on other substances can also lead to alcohol or drug abuse, which can be an especially significant problem if it is developed during the teen years.<br /><br />Statistics on teen anxiety show that anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disorders among adolescents:<br /><br />8-10 percent of adolescents suffer from an anxiety disorder </div><div><br />Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include: anger, depression, fatigue, extreme mood swings, substance abuse, secretive behavior, changes in sleeping and eating habits, bad hygiene or meticulous attention to, compulsive or obsessive behavior </div><div><br />One in eight adult Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder totaling 19 million people<br />Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem among American women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men </div><div><br />Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. $46.6 billion annually </div><div><br />Anxiety sufferers see an average of five doctors before being successfully diagnosed </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://suescheff.org/">Learn more click here.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-9625525389109552372009-02-19T06:28:00.001-08:002009-02-19T06:30:08.894-08:00Sue Scheff: Teens and Sleeping Pills<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC7bW0ePSNcUcVYuLeUAoLpI5ny2zC7vJguj_Aum986zpMCy2HnZt5ggDVVHGygZySldoj8ytT-h7IKnJL77fbVZlzYJxlL3bTdkbPNvp1azquaQMX_EinjneP5PtIttT7Gl-k3c26nk/s1600-h/sleepingpills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304515446812522626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 50px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC7bW0ePSNcUcVYuLeUAoLpI5ny2zC7vJguj_Aum986zpMCy2HnZt5ggDVVHGygZySldoj8ytT-h7IKnJL77fbVZlzYJxlL3bTdkbPNvp1azquaQMX_EinjneP5PtIttT7Gl-k3c26nk/s200/sleepingpills.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>“Part of it I think now is there is so much more pressure in the academic settings. There are kids who are working tremendous numbers of hours each evening to get their schoolwork done. I get a sense that many of them worry about how they are doing academically, and that tends to spill over into difficulties with sleep.”<br /><br />– Richard Winer, M.D., Psychiatrist<br /><br />Whether it’s an over-the-counter medication like Nyquil, or a prescription drug like Ambien or Sonata, more and more teens say they often take something to get to sleep.<br /><br />“It’s mainly just stress… you want to study and then you realize you need to sleep because you have a test the next day and then you just take something,” says Chelsea, 19.<br /><br />“An Ambien to knock me out,” adds 19-year-old Jessica.<br /><br />“I’ll take Nyquil or something like that, just to help me get to sleep easier,” explains Allison, 19.<br /><br />Why do kids today need help getting to sleep? Experts say there are several answers: greater academic pressure, more stimulation late at night, with cell phones, TV, computer games, instant messaging, more kids with ADHD taking stimulants like Ritalin, and an explosion in the use of caffeine drinks.<br /><br />The result: at bedtime, many kids are looking for help in a pill.<br /><br />“Our culture is certainly turned more toward a living better through chemistry approach,” say Psychiatrist Richard Winer, M.D.<br /><br />He says the problem is the obvious: Sleeping aids can be habit forming. “My bias is toward keeping kids away from medication for sleep if at all possible. Because you don’t want to create some habits that’ll be even harder to break as time goes on in adulthood.”<br /><br />He says for many kids, the solution is routine: Relax for a while, and then go to bed at the same time every night.<br /><br />But, for some, the problem is more serious.<br /><br />“There are a number of kids out there that have honest to goodness insomnia difficulties,” says Dr. Winer, “They have sleep disorders that do require treatment.”<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong> </div><div><br />A study performed by researchers at Stanford University found that teenagers require approximately one to two hours more sleep than 9- and 10-year-olds, who only require about eight hours of sleep. This goes against the school of thought that allows older kids to stay up later. Parents may want to be on the lookout for the following things, which could be caused from sleep deprivation:<br /><br />Difficulty waking in the morning<br />Irritability in the afternoon<br />Falling asleep during the day<br />Oversleeping on the weekend<br />Having difficulty remembering or concentrating<br />Waking up often and having trouble going back to sleep<br />Sleep deprivation also can lead to extreme moodiness, poor performance in school and depression. Teens who aren’t getting enough sleep also have a higher risk of having car accidents because of falling asleep behind the wheel.<br /><br /><br />As the lives of children seem to be getting busier, their sleeping habits may be one of the first things impacted. Sleep, though being something that often gets sacrificed, is actually one of the most important things in a child’s life. Experts say taking sleep medications unauthorized by the FDA for teenage consumption is not the answer, however. Here are some suggestions about sleep:<br /><br />Sleep is as important as food and air. Quantity and quality are very important. Most people need between seven-and-a-half to eight-and-a-half hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you want to press the snooze alarm in the morning you are not getting the sleep you need. This could be due to not enough time in bed, external disturbances or a sleep disorder. </div><div><br />Keep regular hours. Try to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. Getting up at the same time is most important. Getting bright light, like the sun, when you get up will also help. Try to go to bed only when you are sleepy. Bright light in the morning at a regular time should help you feel sleepy at the same time every night. </div><div><br />Stay away from stimulants like caffeine. This will help you get deep sleep, which is most refreshing. If you take any caffeine, take it in the morning. Avoid all stimulants in the evening, including chocolate, caffeinated sodas and caffeinated teas. They will delay sleep and increase awakenings during the night. </div><div><br />Use the bed just for sleeping. Avoid watching television, using laptop computers or reading in bed. Bright light from these activities and subject matter may inhibit sleep. If it helps to read before sleeping, make sure you use a very small wattage bulb to read. A 15-watt bulb should be enough. </div><div><br />Avoid bright light around the house before bed. Using dimmer switches in living rooms and bathrooms before bed can be helpful. Dimmer switches can be set to maximum brightness for morning routines. </div><div><br />Don't stress if you feel you are not getting enough sleep. It will just make matters worse. Know you will sleep eventually. </div><div><br />Avoid exercise near bedtime. No exercise at least three hours before bed. </div><div><br />Don't go to bed hungry. Have a light snack, but avoid a heavy meal before bed. </div><div><br />Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep. </div><div><br />Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of the night. It can cause anxiety.<br />If you can't get to sleep for over 30 minutes, get out of bed and do something boring in dim light till you are sleepy. </div><div><br />Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature.<br />If you have problems with noise in your environment, you can use a white noise generator. A fan will work. </div><div><br />References<br />American Sleep Apnea Association<br />National Sleep Foundation<br />Shuteye<br />Thomson Reuters </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-89782498126168364262009-02-07T11:57:00.000-08:002009-02-07T11:58:58.488-08:00Sue Scheff: Low Self Esteem - Teen DepressionTeen low self esteem can lead to <a href="http://suescheff.org/">teen depression</a>. Author <a href="http://www.survivingteendepression.com/about.html">Gary Nelson </a>has written a most compelling story of his journey with his son and family dealing with <a href="http://www.survivingteendepression.com/index.html">teen depression</a> in his <a href="http://www.survivingteendepression.com/index.html">new book</a>.<br /><br />Read his <a href="http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977586655&nav=Namespace">recent post </a>- that can help many parents take a moment to pause and consider their own teens and how they are feeling.<br /><br />Source: Dr. Gary Nelson - Author of “A Relentless Hope, Surviving Teen Depression’<br />Depression hides under a lot of rocks, including “low self-esteem.” It is truly amazing how many different ways depression can hide and fail to be recognized for what it is - a potentially very dangerous illness that can wreck and even take the lives of teens and adults. Many times I’ve listened as a pastoral counselor and pastor as teens have told me that they believed for a long time that they had suffered from “low self-esteem.” In most cases that meant they had been suffering from depression but never knew it. They and others around them simply thought they had “low self-esteem.” That also means the teen went all that time suffering instead of getting the necessary help. Learn to look under the rocks. When you hear a teen say they just suffer from “low self-esteem,” take a closer look. You might just lead them toward the help they need.<br />For more information on <a href="http://survivingteendepression.com/">teen depression</a> check my website: <a href="http://www.survivingteendepression.com/">www.survivingteendepression.com</a><br /><br />My new book, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635309X?ie=UTF8&tag=parensunivere-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=155635309X">A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression</a>” is available at Amazon and other outlets.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-76277608041216355132009-02-04T07:24:00.000-08:002009-02-04T07:25:46.040-08:00Sue Scheff: Parenting Blogs and Parenting Teens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2fEHYWCbHqZGHfsEK28J4ucpsVrfNFCr-Iwdc9NjTBvgnmYDLY9CcdbwN5VlvopJ6iYtsIw3Xxo1ScaBKAXwURyNcH4IRjC3k01DTFzRnHMjMsGNN5ONVG8cBppxuTFeu2gaEPsMngE/s1600-h/micheleborba.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298963628312327042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2fEHYWCbHqZGHfsEK28J4ucpsVrfNFCr-Iwdc9NjTBvgnmYDLY9CcdbwN5VlvopJ6iYtsIw3Xxo1ScaBKAXwURyNcH4IRjC3k01DTFzRnHMjMsGNN5ONVG8cBppxuTFeu2gaEPsMngE/s320/micheleborba.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"It's not enough in today's challenging world to just love our kids. We must give them the tools to be prepared to cope with life’s challenges in a caring and humane way. It's our job to give them the direction they need to avoid negative influences, and become successful, caring human beings. We all need to work together... educators, moms, dads, caretakers, communities... we all have a stake in helping our kids create a better world... as a mom of three, I've been there." – <a href="http://www.micheleborba.com/">Dr. Michele Borba</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-61110168444594416782009-01-23T14:51:00.000-08:002009-01-23T14:54:20.426-08:00Depressed Teens and New Years Resolution by Gary Nelson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU49kEd41m1Q3Ovh-lXXLmYBu79Ucm0ofwf6hQA11x3L1Oclkp4DD8nLC86q8HfLIZhl3hUYnUYiOmN3zc95JFJQ811aPASSf6lQPa3GAYSiBqRKUOJRTeVGF3MKaXGEDXvj7dDRdsRkc/s1600-h/relentlesshopebook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294626008546209602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU49kEd41m1Q3Ovh-lXXLmYBu79Ucm0ofwf6hQA11x3L1Oclkp4DD8nLC86q8HfLIZhl3hUYnUYiOmN3zc95JFJQ811aPASSf6lQPa3GAYSiBqRKUOJRTeVGF3MKaXGEDXvj7dDRdsRkc/s320/relentlesshopebook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Teens suffering from depression and related illnesses like anxiety and bipolar disorder find it very difficult to even make New Year's resolutions, let alone keep them. Depression and its relatives very quickly tend to overwhelm teens. When faced with the idea of change depressed teens often see a mountain so huge that it seemingly can never be climbed or chiseled slowly into a molehill. They quickly feel overwhelmed and often respond with some thought or statement like, "It's too big. I'll never be able to do it... so why bother to even try." The teen then falls deeper into their pit of despair. One of the first things that the depression "steals" from the depressed teen is their ability to take large, seemingly impossible tasks and break them into smaller, manageable pieces. Most of us take this ability for granted and practice this making of mountains into manageable molehills everyday. Depressed teens want to change. They want healing. They just don't see a way over the mountain. The depression has them hog-tied, leaving the teens looking like they're just lazy and don't "want" to try. These depressed teens need help, not judgement. They need hope. For more information on this and other aspects of teen depression check out my new book, <strong><a href="http://survivingteendepression.com/">A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression</a></strong>. If you have a teen who is struggling you might also want to check out Sue Scheff's new book, <strong><a href="http://witsendbook.com/">Wit's End</a></strong>.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-28544384869492808762009-01-12T15:12:00.001-08:002009-01-12T15:13:55.267-08:00Sue Scheff: ADHD ODD - Parenting the Defiant Teen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AvodP15ee4e-RzH-V3pYqkGUYLr_5lDifdabRaHR1tU5PnT9BhisGk-3hrEQBgrJAqO0TDy3bTPH2mpQKeyzBigq2ScJNTFClbG9FjPp7mRBqaF2Ngh3LJT7Ved9z0WGP70MTfgkaZg/s1600-h/ADDODD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290549212907259378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AvodP15ee4e-RzH-V3pYqkGUYLr_5lDifdabRaHR1tU5PnT9BhisGk-3hrEQBgrJAqO0TDy3bTPH2mpQKeyzBigq2ScJNTFClbG9FjPp7mRBqaF2Ngh3LJT7Ved9z0WGP70MTfgkaZg/s200/ADDODD.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As a mom of an ADHD son, I remember the adolescent years - they were not always the easiest. ADDitude Magazine has some great parenting tips, ideas and answers to help parents today. Years ago I don’t recall as much information was available to us. </div><br /><div><br />Source: <a href="http://additudemag.com/">ADDitude Magazine</a></div><br /><div><br />ADHD behavior issues often partner with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) — making discipline a challenge. Try these strategies for parents of ADD kids.<br />Every parent of a child with attention deficit disorder knows what it’s like to deal with <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-behavior-discipline.html" target="_self">ADHD behavior problems</a> — sometimes a child lashes out or refuses to comply with even the most benign request. But about half of all parents who have children with live with severe behavior problems and <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/topic/parenting-adhd-children/behavior-discipline.html">discipline challenges</a> on an almost daily basis.</div><br /><div><br />That’s because 40 percent of children with ADHD also develop <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oppositional-defiant-disorder/DS00630" target="_blank">oppositional defiant disorder</a>, a condition marked by chronic aggression, frequent outbursts, and a tendency to argue, ignore requests, and engage in intentionally annoying behavior.</div><br /><div><br />How bad can it get? Consider these real-life children diagnosed with both ADHD and ODD:<br />A 4-year-old who gleefully annoys her parents by blasting the TV at top volume as soon she wakes up. </div><br /><div><br />A 7-year-old who shouts “No” to every request and who showers his parents with verbal abuse.<br />An 11-year-old who punches a hole in the wall and then physically assaults his mother. </div><br /><div><br />“I call them tiny terrors,” says Douglas Riley, Ph.D., author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0878339639/additudemagaz-20" target="_blank">The Defiant Child</a> and a child psychologist in Newport News, Virginia. “These children are most comfortable when they’re in the middle of a conflict. As soon as you begin arguing with them, you’re on their turf. They keep throwing out the bait, and their parents keep taking it — until finally the parents end up with the kid in family therapy, wondering where they’ve gone wrong.”</div><br /><div><br />The strain of dealing with an oppositional child affects the entire family. The toll on the <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/adhd/article/3239.html">marital relationship</a> can be especially severe. In part, this is because friends and relatives tend to blame the behavior on ‘bad parenting.’ Inconsistent discipline may play a role in the development of ODD, but is rarely the sole cause. The unfortunate reality is that discipline strategies that work with normal children simply don’t work with ODD kids.</div><br /><div><br />Fortunately, psychologists have developed effective <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/adhd/article/1563.html">behavior therapy</a> for reining in even the most defiant child. It’s not always easy, but it can be done — typically with the help of specialized psychotherapy.</div><br /><div><br />Looking for links</div><br /><div><br />No one knows why so many kids with ADHD exhibit oppositional behavior. In many cases, however, oppositional behavior seems to be a manifestation of ADHD-related impulsivity.<br />“Many ADHD kids who are diagnosed with ODD are really showing oppositional characteristics by default,” says Houston-based child psychologist Carol Brady, Ph.D. “They misbehave not because they’re intentionally oppositional, but because they can’t control their impulses.”<br />Another view is that oppositional behavior is simply a way for kids to cope with the frustration and emotional pain associated with having ADHD.</div><br /><div><br />“When under stress — whether it’s because they have ADHD or their parents are getting divorced — a certain percentage of kids externalize the anxiety and depression they’re feeling,” says Larry Silver, M.D., a psychiatrist at Georgetown University Medical School in Washington, D.C. “Everything becomes everyone else’s fault, and the child doesn’t take responsibility for anything that goes wrong.”</div><br /><div><br />Riley agrees. “Children with ADHD know from a young age that they’re different from other kids,” he says. “They see themselves as getting in more trouble, and in some cases may have more difficulty mastering academic work — often despite an above-average intellect. So instead of feeling stupid, their defense is to feel cool. They hone their oppositional attitude.”<br />About half of all preschoolers diagnosed with ODD outgrow the problem by age 8. Older kids with ODD are less likely to outgrow it. And left untreated, oppositional behavior can evolve into conduct disorder, an even more serious behavioral problem marked by physical violence, stealing, running away from home, fire-setting, and other highly destructive and often illegal behaviors.</div><br /><div><br />Getting treatment</div><br /><div><br />Any child with ADHD who exhibits signs of oppositional behavior needs appropriate treatment. The first step is to make sure that the child’s ADHD is under control. “Since oppositional behavior is often related to <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/680.html" target="_blank">stress</a>,” says Silver, “you have to address the source of the stress — the ADHD symptoms — before turning to behavioral issues.”</div><br /><div><br />Says Riley, “If a kid is so impulsive or distracted that he can’t focus on the therapies we use to treat oppositional behavior,” he says, “he isn’t going to get very far. And for many ADHD kids with oppositional behavior, the stimulant medications are a kind of miracle. A lot of the bad behavior simply drops off.”</div><br /><div><br />But ADHD medication is seldom all that’s needed to control oppositional behavior. If a child exhibits only mild or infrequent oppositional behavior, do-it-yourself behavior-modification techniques (see <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/additude/article/1744.html" target="_self">Getting Your Child to Behave</a>) may well do the trick. But if the oppositional behavior is severe enough to disrupt life at home or school, it’s best to consult a family therapist trained in childhood behavioral problems.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-7694073714488239592009-01-04T06:50:00.000-08:002009-01-04T06:51:39.506-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Depression and Inhalant Abuse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3VUTGd2d3csPSF_aYq4TzLgEFbpPOsSLFYEaivR3YWxGOwKHvYd9EMJidy-ruaIi6toxgCbHD8vEmYYyrbbRS-puSHtLCtBdAV3xpP2n6Cr0odBvhaZlVUN0qjAojD1bpvSxRxjEkzc/s1600-h/inhalant3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287451245949531570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3VUTGd2d3csPSF_aYq4TzLgEFbpPOsSLFYEaivR3YWxGOwKHvYd9EMJidy-ruaIi6toxgCbHD8vEmYYyrbbRS-puSHtLCtBdAV3xpP2n6Cr0odBvhaZlVUN0qjAojD1bpvSxRxjEkzc/s200/inhalant3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As the new year has started, parents need to become more educated and informed about today's teens and the issues they face.</div><br /><div><br />Many parents know about <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/12/sue-scheff-drug-free-america/">substance abuse</a>, and teach our kids to say no to drugs - but do you know about <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-inhalant-abuse-and-teens-substance-abuse/">Inhalants</a>? Ordinary household items that can be lethal to teens looking for a quick and inexpensive high? More importantly, sometimes deadly high.</div><br /><div><br />Parent learn more about <a href="http://inhalant.org/">Inhalant Abuse</a>.</div><br /><div><br />Here is a great "<a href="http://www.inhalant.org/parents/tips.php">talking tips</a>" page from The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) - take the time to learn more today. You could save a child's life. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-12565741085605357602008-12-22T11:56:00.000-08:002008-12-22T11:57:39.046-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Depression and the HolidaysWe hear about many people that are suffering this year with saddness and depression. Whether it is an economy that leaves us frustrated we can’t give our kids what we would like to, or simply the feeling of hopefulessness.<br /><br />Teens can suffer too. Teen Depression can lead to negative behavior and sometimes worse.<br />Learn more about <a href="http://suescheff.org/">Teen Depression.</a><br /><br />Teenage depression is more than just bad moods or broken hearts; it is a very serious clinical illness that will affect approximately 20% of teens before they reach adulthood. Left untreated, depression can lead to difficult home situations, problems at school, drug abuse, and worse, violence toward themselves and others.<br /><br />Certain young teens suffer from depression as result of situations surrounding their social or family life, but many are succeptable to the disease regardless of race, gender, income level or education. It is very important for parents to keep a watch on their teens - and to maintain a strong level of communication. Understanding the causes and warning signs of the illness can help parents prevent their teens from falling in to depression.<br /><br />Learn more about surviving Teen Depression in <a href="http://www.survivingteendepression.com/">Gary E. Nelson’s </a> book, <a href="http://suescheffbooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/sue-scheff-teen-depression-learn-more.html">A Relentless Hope: Suviving the Storm of Teen Depression.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-18063815963255125912008-12-08T07:11:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:12:47.792-08:00Sue Scheff - Parenting Teens - Teen RunawaysTeen Runaways are on the increase. Many teens think that the grass is greener on the other side.<br /><br />They are confused and following the crowd of peers making poor choices. Teens want to escape the "rules of a household" and we as parents, become their number one enemy. They feel that they are fearless and can prove they can survive without their parents and our rules. Rules are put in place for a reason; we love our children and want them to grow up with dignity and respect we try to instill in them. Their flight plan, in some ways, is a cry for attention. Many times runaways are back home shortly, however there are other situations that can be more serious. This is not to say any child that runs away is not serious, but when this becomes a habit and is their way of rebelling, a parent needs to intervene.<br /><br />So many times we hear how "their friend’s parents" allow a much later curfew or are more lenient, and you are the worst parents in the world. This is very common and the parent feels helpless, hopeless and alone. It is all part of the manipulation the teens put us through. With their unappreciative thoughts of us, they will turn to this destructive behavior, which, at times, results in them leaving the home.<br /><br />Some teens go to a friend's house or relative they believe they can trust and make up stories about their home life. This is very common, a parent has to suffer the pain and humiliation that it causes to compound it with the need to get your child help that they need. If you fear your child is at risk of running, the lines of communication have to be open. We understand this can be difficult, however if possible needs to be approached in a positive manner. Teen help starts with communication.<br /><br />If you feel this has escalated to where you cannot control them, it may be time for placement and possibly having your child escorted. Please know that the escorts (transports) are all licensed and very well trained in removing children from their home into safe programs. These escorts are also trained counselors that will talk to your child all the way, and your child will end his/her trip with a new friend and a better understanding of why their parents had to resort to this measure.<br /><br /><strong>Helpful Hint</strong> if you child has runaway and you are using all your local resources – offer a cash reward to their friends privately, of course promising their anonymity and hopefully someone will know your child’s whereabouts.<br /><br />Having a teen runaway is very frightening and it can bring you to your wits end. Try to remain positive and hopeful and do all you can to help understand why your child is acting out this way. These are times when parents need to seek help for themselves. Don’t be ashamed to reach out to others. We are all about parents helping parents.<br /><br />Learn more visit <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">www.helpyourteens.com</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-1985957406216402102008-11-20T06:13:00.000-08:002008-11-20T06:14:13.469-08:00Parents Universal Resource Experts - Sue Scheff - Teen Depression<a href="http://suescheff.org/">Teenage depression</a> is more than just bad moods or broken hearts; it is a very serious clinical illness that will affect approximately 20% of teens before they reach adulthood. Left untreated, depression can lead to difficult home situations, problems at school, drug abuse, and worse, violence toward themselves and others.<br /><br />Certain young teens suffer from depression as result of situations surrounding their social or family life, but many are succeptable to the disease regardless of race, gender, income level or education. It is very important for parents to keep a watch on their teens - and to maintain a strong level of communication. Understanding the causes and warning signs of the illness can help parents prevent their teens from falling in to depression.<br />Learn more <a href="http://suescheff.org/">click here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-36486859229940831032008-11-14T11:13:00.000-08:002008-11-14T11:14:28.207-08:00Parents Universal Resource Experts - Sue Scheff - Teen DepressionTeenage depression is more than just bad moods or broken hearts; it is a very serious clinical illness that will affect approximately 20% of teens before they reach adulthood. Left untreated, depression can lead to difficult home situations, problems at school, drug abuse, and worse, violence toward themselves and others.<br /><br />Certain young teens suffer from depression as result of situations surrounding their social or family life, but many are succeptable to the disease regardless of race, gender, income level or education. It is very important for parents to keep a watch on their teens - and to maintain a strong level of communication. Understanding the causes and warning signs of the illness can help parents prevent their teens from falling in to depression.<br /><br />My name is <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Sue Scheff</a>™ and I understand how difficult it can be dealing with a troubled teenager because I have been there! My experiences lead to the founding <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Parents Universal Resource Experts</a>, an organization dedicated to parental support, education and resources. I work with parents like you every day, looking for help and answers in desperation. You are not alone!This website is dedicated to the bringing parents the best information about teenage depression; causes, symptoms, statistics and preventative measures.<br /><br />Please visit our newly added informative section on teenage anxiety, the lesser known, but equally serious, relative of depression.Learn more <a href="http://suescheff.org/" target="_self" rel="nofollow">click here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-9035786767232828702008-10-30T10:19:00.001-07:002008-10-30T10:20:40.708-07:00Sue Scheff: Mistreated DepressionSource: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a><br /><br />“Basically, psychiatrists are pretty busy. They don’t want to spend a lot of time with people. They want to get people in and out, maybe two or three an hour. … It pays better to do that than spending an hour doing psychotherapy.”<br /><br />– David Gore, Ph.D., clinical psychologist<br /><br />Fifteen-year-old Sarah McMenamin suffers from depression. It started a year ago with the death of her father.<br /><br />“I was just like, ‘I just want to die,’” she says, describing her feeling before seeing a therapist. “I would never kill myself, but I just wish I was dead, I just wish I was never going to wake up.”<br /><br />For depressed teens, experts at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry say what can help is medicine – combined with talk therapy.<br /><br />“I think the therapist helped me,” explains Sarah, “’cause it was talking, you know, I got it out. I didn’t bottle everything up.”<br /><br />“The advantage to getting some therapy along with medication is that you get to the root of the problem,” explains Dr. David Gore, clinical psychologist. “You get to see why you’re feeling that way. And if you start understanding why you’re feeling that way, chances are pretty good you’ll stop feeling that way.”<br /><br />But according to a new study from Thomson-Reuters, more teens than ever are getting medication without psychotherapy. Why? Gore has an answer.<br /><br />“Basically, psychiatrists are pretty busy,” Dr. Gore says. “They don’t want to spend a lot of time with people. They want to get people in and out, maybe two or three an hour. … It pays better to do that than spending an hour doing psychotherapy.”<br /><br />Three months ago, Sarah started seeing a new doctor.<br /><br />“Right away he put me on Zoloft,” she says. “He didn’t even know me for an hour and he put me on it.”<br /><br />But psychologists say medicine alone just won’t work as well.<br /><br />“You take your pill, you’ll get some immediate relief,” explains Dr. Gore, “but the problem’s going to crop up again in two months or four months or six months. You’ve got to get to the root of the problem.”<br /><br />Sarah will resume talk therapy again in a few months. She says she is looking forward to it.<br /><br />“You get it out on the table and you know your feelings’” she says, “and you go in thinking it’s one thing and you come out finding out it’s like 10 different things and you’re like, ‘Wow.’”<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong><br /><br />All teens experience ups and downs. Every day poses a new test of their emotional stability – fighting with a friend, feeling peer pressure to “fit in” with a particular crowd or experiencing anxiety over a failed quiz – all of which can lead to normal feelings of sadness or grief. These feelings are usually brief and subside with time, unlike depression, which is more than feeling blue, sad or down in the dumps once in a while.<br /><br />According to the Nemours Foundation, depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months or even longer. It also interferes with a person’s ability to participate in normal activities. Often, depression in teens is overlooked because parents and teachers feel that unhappiness or “moodiness” is typical in young people. They blame hormones or other factors for teens’ feelings of sadness or grief, which leaves many teens undiagnosed and untreated for their illness.<br /><br />The Mayo Clinic reports that sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times, it seems to occur spontaneously, with no identifiable specific cause. However, certain risk factors may be associated with developing the disorder. Johns Hopkins University cites the following risk factors for becoming depressed:<br /><br />Children under stress who have experienced loss or who suffer attention, learning or conduct disorders are more susceptible to depression.<br /><br />Girls are more likely than boys to develop depression.<br /><br />Youth, particularly younger children, who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder.<br /><br />If you suspect that your teen is clinically depressed, it is important to evaluate his or her symptoms and signs as soon as possible. The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association cites the following warning signs indicating that your teen may suffer from depression:<br /><br />Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells<br />Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns<br />Irritability, anger, worry, agitation or anxiety<br />Pessimism or indifference<br />Loss of energy or persistent lethargy<br />Feelings of guilt and worthlessness<br />Inability to concentrate and indecisiveness<br />Inability to take pleasure in former interests or social withdrawal<br />Unexplained aches and pains<br />Recurring thoughts of death or suicide<br /><br />It is important to acknowledge that teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. According to the National Mental Health Association, teens may also express their depression through other hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behaviors. These behaviors will only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends and family, as well as difficulties with law enforcement or school officials.<br /><br />The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs in the last 20 years has revolutionized the treatment of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, and it has become the first line of treatment for most types of the disorder. Psychotherapy may also help teens cope with ongoing problems that trigger or contribute to their depression. A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy are usually effective if a teen suffers from mild to moderate depression. For severely depressed teens, initial treatment usually includes medications. Once they improve, psychotherapy can be more effective.<br /><br />Immediate treatment of your teen’s depression is crucial. Adolescents and children suffering from depression may turn to suicide if they do not receive proper treatment. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-24. The National Association of School Psychologists suggests looking for the following warning signs that may indicate your depressed teen if contemplating suicide:<br /><br />Suicide notes: Notes or journal entries are a very real sign of danger and should be taken seriously.<br /><br />Threats: Threats may be direct statements (“I want to die.” “I am going to kill myself”) or, unfortunately, indirect comments (“The world would be better without me.” “Nobody will miss me anyway”). Among teens, indirect clues could be offered through joking or through comments in school assignments, particularly creative writing or artwork.<br /><br />Previous attempts: If your child or teen has attempted suicide in the past, a greater likelihood that he or she will try again exists. Be very observant of any friends who have tried suicide before.<br /><br />Depression (helplessness/hopelessness): When symptoms of depression include strong thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, your teen is possibly at greater risk for suicide. Watch out for behaviors or comments that indicate your teen is feeling overwhelmed by sadness or pessimistic views of his or her future.<br /><br />“Masked” depression: Sometimes risk-taking behaviors can include acts of aggression, gunplay and alcohol or substance abuse. While your teen does not act “depressed,” his or her behavior suggests that he or she is not concerned about his or her own safety.<br /><br />Final arrangements: This behavior may take many forms. In adolescents, it might be giving away prized possessions, such as jewelry, clothing, journals or pictures.<br /><br />Efforts to hurt himself or herself: Self-injury behaviors are warning signs for young children as well as teens. Common self-destructive behaviors include running into traffic, jumping from heights and scratching, cutting or marking his or her body.<br /><br />Changes in physical habits and appearance: Changes include inability to sleep or sleeping all the time, sudden weight gain or loss and disinterest in appearance or hygiene.<br /><br />Sudden changes in personality, friends or behaviors: Changes can include withdrawing from friends and family, skipping school or classes, loss of involvement in activities that were once important and avoiding friends.<br /><br />Plan/method/access: A suicidal child or adolescent may show an increased interest in guns and other weapons, may seem to have increased access to guns, pills, etc., and/or may talk about or hint at a suicide plan. The greater the planning, the greater the potential for suicide.<br />Death and suicidal themes: These themes might appear in classroom drawings, work samples, journals or homework.<br /><br />If you suspect suicide, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately. A counselor or psychologist can also help offer additional support.<br /><br />References<br />American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<br />American Foundation for Suicidal Prevention<br />Johns Hopkins University<br />Mayo Clinic<br />National Association of School Psychologists<br />National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association<br />National Institute of Mental Health<br />National Mental Health Association<br />Nemours Foundation<br />Thomson-ReutersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-26066163240992625372008-10-15T15:49:00.001-07:002008-10-15T15:50:27.776-07:00Sue Scheff: Teens, Sex and Depression<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmsm9qSE9PIO2m38Y-sdjVSg0xsgmQaqXhvFAszAhdPUFhQpyhBZ3Qih5Dt-qIte1NyvkyY76fuYFqgDgdo5CXmH8VEMkEWhTZSwhiQkALI95fgIH3qP_yjOQWzywOna_Rum2qyo0xys/s1600-h/teensex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257516678529843058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmsm9qSE9PIO2m38Y-sdjVSg0xsgmQaqXhvFAszAhdPUFhQpyhBZ3Qih5Dt-qIte1NyvkyY76fuYFqgDgdo5CXmH8VEMkEWhTZSwhiQkALI95fgIH3qP_yjOQWzywOna_Rum2qyo0xys/s320/teensex.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>“It hurts, because I care so much about him.”<br /><br />– Teagan, 15 years old<br /><br />Fifteen-year-old Teagan says her new boyfriend is wonderful. “I never thought anyone like Preston could come along,” Teagan says. “He’s the greatest guy I’ve ever known.”<br /><br />But is she as lucky as she thinks?<br /><br />Studies show that romantic involvement brings adolescents down, rather than up. What’s more, researchers at the University of North Carolina find that teen girls who are sexually active are twice as likely to be depressed compared to girls not having sex.<br /><br />But, even among abstinent teens who date, one of the problems is trust.<br /><br />“Say your boyfriend went off to work and never called you that day,” Teagan says. “And you talked every single day on the phone. I mean you’d be kind of concerned and kind of wondering why. And then someone comes along and says ‘well maybe he’s cheating on you…’”<br /><br />Combine adolescent insecurity with imagination and the result is a lot of questions: Where is he? Why doesn’t she call? Does he really like me? Why is she talking to that other boy?<br /><br />That’s where most of the stress comes in,” Teagan says. “Getting thoughts in your head about what might be going on, when it probably isn’t going on at all.”<br /><br />Experts say parents can help ease their child’s pain by listening and taking them seriously. It’s not puppy love to them, it’s real. “It hurts,” Teagan says, “because I care so much about him.”<br /><br />Experts also advise teaching your child that early relationships may hurt, but they’re indispensable. “They will have many relationships before they finally settle on a life mate,” says Cheryl Benefield, a school counselor. “Let them know that when things happen, it’s maybe just preparing them for a better relationship in the future.”<br /><br />Tips for Parents<br />According to the National Institute of Mental Health, boys and girls seem to be equally at risk for depressive disorders during childhood, but during adolescence, girls are twice as likely as boys to develop depression. Family history and stress are listed as factors, but another factor that often causes depression in girls is the break-up of a romantic relationship.<br /><br />The authors of a study conducted at Cornell University titled “You Don’t Bring Me Anything but Down: Adolescent Romance and Depression,” found that females become “more depressed than males in adolescence partly as a consequence of their involvement in romantic relationships.” The reason? According to the study, “females’ greater vulnerability to romantic involvement explains a large part of the emerging sex difference in depression during adolescence.”<br /><br />At any given time, five percent of children suffer from depression. Children under stress, who have experienced a loss, or who suffer from other disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Here are some signs of depression from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (if one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help):<br /><br />Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying<br />Hopelessness<br />Decreased interest in activities, or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities<br />Persistent boredom; low energy<br />Social isolation, poor communication<br />Low self-esteem and guilt<br />Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure<br />Increased irritability, anger or hostility<br />Difficulty with relationships<br />Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches<br />Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school<br />Poor concentration<br />A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns<br />Talk of or efforts to run away from home<br />Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior<br />Getting an early diagnosis and medical treatment are critical for depressed children.<br /><br />Depression is a serious condition, which, if left untreated, can even become life threatening. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, leading to nearly 4,000 deaths a year. The rate has tripled since 1960. Therapy can help teenagers understand why they are depressed and learn how to handle stressful situations. Treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications prescribed by a psychiatrist may be needed to help teens feel better.<br /><br />Ways of treating depression include:<br /><br />Psychotherapy: to explore events and feelings that are painful and troubling. Psychotherapy also teaches coping skills.<br />Cognitive-behavioral therapy: to help teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving.<br />Interpersonal therapy: to focus on ways of developing healthier relationships at home and school.<br />Medication: to relieve some symptoms of depression (often prescribed along with therapy).<br />References<br />Journal of Health and Social Behavior<br />National Institute of Mental Health<br />American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<br />National Mental Health Association<br />University of North Carolina </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-36417589329362575082008-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:002008-09-29T09:12:12.400-07:00Sue Scheff: Following the RulesBy <strong>Lisa Medoff</strong><br /><br /><br />Nina posted some questions about her 10-year-old daughter lying about eating and drinking in the bedroom and watching TV with the door closed. Nina wants to how she can tell if her daughter is deliberately lying or simply forgetful, as her daughter was a micro-preemie, and Nina is worried that her premature birth has affected her behavior and memory.<br /><br />Nina is also wondering about the best way to encourage her daughter to tell the truth about her behavior.<br /><br />Her husband feels that their daughter plays both of her parents against each other, and he punishes her by saying that he is not going to take her anywhere for the summer; she won’t be allowed to go bike riding or have other interesting adventures. Nina wants to know if these are apt punishments for her daughter’s behavior.<br /><br />Unfortunately for parents, there is no absolute, surefire way to determine if your child is deliberately lying or has simply forgotten the rules. Therefore, instead of spending your time trying to figure out if your daughter is lying, shift your focus to trying to help her remember the rules.<br /><br />Tell your daughter, “I can see that it has been hard for you to remember our rules about not eating in the bedroom and watching TV with the door closed. Let’s see if we can figure out a way to help you remember.”<br />Try different ways to help her with her memory, such as having her write sticky notes with the rules and posting them near the TV, or making poster collages with pictures of food that is crossed out.<br /><br />Any extra practice with memory tricks will be helpful for children who have experienced developmental difficulties.<br /><br />Tell her that even though it may be hard for her to remember, she will still need to learn the consequences for breaking the rules.<br /><br />Discuss what those consequences will be and follow through on them every time. She needs to see that the end result is the same, whether she lies or forgets, and you won’t have to waste time or energy trying to figure out if she is lying.<br /><br />Be on the lookout for times when she does remember the rules. Give lots of positive attention, such as saying, “I noticed that you finished your snack in the kitchen before you went in to watch television. You must feel good about remembering to follow the rules. I’m really proud of you.”<br /><br />Make a behavior chart to keep track of days where she was able to follow the rules.<br /><br />Think of rewards that she can earn after a week or a month of good days.<br /><br />In terms of the consequences, discipline works better if it is specific, immediate, is appropriate for the situation, and allows the child to make up for breaking the rules.<br /><br />For example, a consequence of eating where she is not supposed to could be having to clean and vacuum the area.<br /><br />Read entire article here: <a href="http://www.education.com/magazine/column/entry/Following_the_Rules/">http://www.education.com/magazine/column/entry/Following_the_Rules/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-30364404650166232372008-09-23T04:43:00.000-07:002008-09-23T04:44:48.805-07:00Parents Universal Resource Experts - Sue Scheff - Tips for When Your Child Starts DatingSource: <a href="http://www.education.com/partner/articles/onetoughjob/">OneToughJob</a><br /><br />Your Child's Behavior at 12 -15 years old<br /><br />As your child moves from childhood into the teenage years, she will encounter many social and cultural challenges. It is an exciting time and yet a scary time for your child. As she moves more toward independence, she will be convinced she knows everything, you know nothing and you were literally born yesterday. In fact, at this time, she needs you more than ever. By knowing what to expect at this stage of your child's life, you are better equipped to interact effectively with her. By communicating clearly with your child and listening to what she has to say and the emotions she is expressing, you can help your child through this stage.<br /><br />Tips for Dating<br /><br />1.Talk with your child about what she hopes for from dating and from relationships.2.Let her know your concerns and hopes for her as she goes out on dates.3.Know who your child is hanging out with and dating.4.Talk with the parents of those kids.5.Set clear rules about who can be with her in your home when there are no adults present.6.Teach manners and how to be respectful of others.8.Let your child know she can always call home if she is uncomfortable or feels worried.9.Tell your child to have fun—dating should be fun.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-15818917664981771562008-09-11T09:33:00.001-07:002008-09-11T09:34:38.924-07:00SOS - Teen Peer Pressure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqzROuqE5LDI_5lvGxVKJb6R_RnniWwPF2kahLei4fuTBzUme_LA-fA2pupBXGiAJzhpEgQ7olatnWrXm2T4HE5wEC5u8HTLe1YYO7yR9N-GaWLs2SHtBw31LiARrfMrHqEQI7wOydZM/s1600-h/bookpeerstressed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244802899206145554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqzROuqE5LDI_5lvGxVKJb6R_RnniWwPF2kahLei4fuTBzUme_LA-fA2pupBXGiAJzhpEgQ7olatnWrXm2T4HE5wEC5u8HTLe1YYO7yR9N-GaWLs2SHtBw31LiARrfMrHqEQI7wOydZM/s320/bookpeerstressed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was just recommended this dynamic book by Dr. Lisa Medoff and can’t wait to read it! As a <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Parent Advocate</a>, this can be one of the most trying times for parents as school is opening. Today with issues surrounding social networking, compounded with peer pressure - “Stressed Out Students” are at risk of making not so good choices.<br /><br />Here is the recent Press Release about “SOS” - which can be purchased on Amazon today!<br /><br /><strong>SOS: STRESSED OUT STUDENT’S</strong><br /><br />GUIDE TO HANDLING PEER PRESSURE<br /><br /><br /><br />Lisa Medoff, PhD<br /><br /><br /><br />In a society overloaded with media that glamorizes sex, drinking, and drugs, and where any outrageous, dangerous, humiliating thing a person does can be caught on a cell phone and posted on the internet for all to see, teens are feeling forced to succumb to peer pressure like never before. As peers become the pseudo “paparazzi,” teens need somewhere to turn for answers that give them the strength to reject the constant pressure to “fit in.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Now Kaplan - widely respected for helping millions of students prepare for every aspect of academic life - steps outside the classroom to guide teens, parents, and educators on the ever-increasing pressure-cooker of adolescence. Its SOS: Stressed Out Student’s Guide series offers realistic advice written by students, for students, on the topics of most concern to today’s teens. Every book in the motivational series also features advice from Education.com columnist, educator, and psychologist Lisa Medoff, PhD, who works with troubled teens and teachers in high-risk school districts.<br /><br /><br /><br />SOS: STRESSED OUT STUDENT’S GUIDE TO HANDLING PEER PRESSURE (Kaplan Publishing; September, 2008) hones in on and tackles the scourge of peer pressure and its effects on teenagers. As Dr. Medoff assures readers, “This book will help teens sort out the different influences that peer pressure is having on them. It will show them how peer pressure can manipulate them into making some very bad, life altering decisions about drugs, sex, cheating, stealing, and being cruel to others. They’ll learn to trust themselves and be proud of who they are.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Featuring frank, realistic language plus an engaging, highly illustrated layout, SOS: STRESSED OUT STUDENT’S GUIDE TO HANDLING PEER PRESSURE is designed to appeal to the modern teenager’s eye, attention span, and need for quick gratification. It is also an imperative handbook for adults who want to understand and open the lines of communication with the adolescents in their lives.<br /><br /><br /><br />Without preaching, each of the ten easy to read chapters in SOS: STRESSED OUT STUDENT’S GUIDE TO HANDLING PEER PRESSURE is packed with explanations, scenarios, stats, and fascinating facts such as:<br /><br /><br /><br />· 1 in 4 sexually active teens becomes infected with an STD each year.<br /><br />· Nationally, 6 out of 10 girls who had sex before the age of 15 report that it was involuntary.<br /><br />· Teens and juveniles make up 25% of all shoplifters, though not all steal because they want something. Many teens shoplift compulsively because of stress, anxiety, psychological problems, or abuse.<br /><br />· Teens with a history of habitually ditching school are also found to be at greater risk for involvement with gangs, drugs, alcohol, or violence.<br /><br /><br /><br />Along with SOS: Stressed Out Student’s Guide to Saying No to Cheating and SOS: Stressed Out Student’s Guide to Dealing With Tests, SOS: STRESS OUT STUDENT’S GUIDE TO HANDLING PEER PRESSURE is one of the exciting books in Kaplan’s new series SOS: Stressed Out Student’s Guides.<br /><br /><br /><br />ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br /><br /><br /><br />Lisa Medoff, PhD holds a B.A. in psychology, a Masters degree in school counseling and a PhD in child and adolescent development. She has taught courses at Stanford University, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University and DeAnza College. She has worked with all types of children including students with special needs, ADHD, learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety. Lisa Medoff, understands the needs and mind-set of modern teenagers, and has mastered the difficult task of appropriately reaching out to them at their tumultuous life stage.<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-944437160175201142008-09-04T07:50:00.001-07:002008-09-04T07:51:26.390-07:00Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) Teen Drug Use<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFdCOAZsSoFjCU-I6V7VwBeh72nmYrXSKraKChbCCskoxAC9a1HXG24EiksqaIHshM0ZUX8F8HbyDqQHZsyfBILQUa8_6FnzSN-yonLdM-ptPx0-Pp8UWhR0G6wAy7mnX-aIGm_I72ys/s1600-h/teendrug2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242178706959854082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFdCOAZsSoFjCU-I6V7VwBeh72nmYrXSKraKChbCCskoxAC9a1HXG24EiksqaIHshM0ZUX8F8HbyDqQHZsyfBILQUa8_6FnzSN-yonLdM-ptPx0-Pp8UWhR0G6wAy7mnX-aIGm_I72ys/s320/teendrug2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Why do they start? What Should I Look For?</strong></div><br /><div><br />A major factor in drug use is peer pressure. Even teens who think they're above the influence of peer pressure can often find it hard to refuse trying drugs when they believe their popularity is at stake. Teens may feel that taking drugs or alcohol to fit in is safer than becoming a perceived social exile, and may not realize that their friends will not abandon them simply for refusing a joint or bottle of beer. A popular adage that is thrown around regarding peer pressure says if your friends would abandon you for not accepting an illegal substance, they're not "real" friends- but try telling this to a teenager. A more effective method is to acknowledge the pressure to fit in and work with your teen to find solutions to these problems before they arise. Suggest that your teen offer to be the designated driver at parties, and work with them to develop a strategy for other situations. </div><br /><div><br />Even agreeing to back your teen up on a carefully crafted story can help enforce your bond with them- giving them the okay to tell their friends to blame you or that you give them random drug tests will go a long way. Knowing they have your support in such a sensitive subject can alleviate many of their fears, and knowing they can trust you helps instill the idea they can come to you with other problems. This is also an excellent time to remind them to never allow friends to drive under the influence and to never get into a car with someone under the influence. Reassure your teenager that if they should give in to peer pressure and become intoxicated or high, or if they have no sober ride home though they are sober themselves that it is always okay to call you for a ride home. Some parents may want to consider getting teens a cell phone for emergency use, or giving them an emergency credit card for cab fare.</div><br /><div><br />Depression is another major factor in drug use. For more in depth information on teenage depression, please visit <a href="http://www.susanscheff.org/www.suescheff.net">Sue Scheff™'s Teen Depression Resource</a>. Despite the fact that many substances actually make depression worse, teenagers may be lured in by the initial high, which in theory is only replenished by more drugs. Thus begins the vicious cycle that becomes nearly impossible to break without costly rehabilitation. If you notice your teen is acting differently, it may be time to have a talk with them to address these changes. Remember- do not accuse your teen or criticize them. Drug use is a serious cry for help, and making them feel ashamed or embarrassed can make the problem worse. Some common behavior changes you may notice if your teen is abusing drugs and alcohol are:</div><br /><div><br />Violent outbursts, disrespectful behavior<br />Poor or dropping grades<br />Unexplained weight loss or gain<br />Skin abrasions, track marks<br />Missing curfew, running away, truancy<br />Bloodshot eyes, distinct "skunky" odor on clothing and skin<br />Missing jewelry money<br />New friends<br />Depression, apathy, withdrawal<br />Reckless behavior </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1505736451428910006.post-55170574363624074112008-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:002008-09-02T08:21:27.789-07:00The Ballad of the Adopted Child by Jeanne DroullardDOES your teen,<br /><br />- always seem angry?<br />- have anger that turns into rage?<br />- show signs of depression, i.e., withdrawal, slipping grades?<br />- show disrespect to you or disrespect people in authority?<br />- self-protect by keeping people at a distance?<br />- lie, manipulate and steal?<br />- ever talk about his/her biological parents?<br />- want to find his/her biological parents?<br /><br />DO you,<br /><br />- feel comfortable about your teen's behavior?<br />- recognize signs of RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder)?<br />- believe you must be adopted to show signs of RAD?<br />- understand what is meant by the Primal Wound?<br />- think it makes a difference at what age a child is adopted?<br />- understand bonding and how it can be disrupted?<br />- understand the fear and pain of an adoptee?<br />- understand adoptee' difficulty in trusting and showing love<br /><br /><br />It can be difficult to know if your adopted teen's anger is normal and within the range of typical teenage behavior. Most teenagers get angry, especially during the years when their bodies are changing and the hormones can bring quick and severe mood swings. All teenagers are searching the world trying to find out who they are and what they want to become. They all want to know how the world will affect them and how they will affect the world.<br /><br />If not addressed as a child, an adopted teenager has a duality of conflicts to overcome. Whether adopted as a baby or as an older child, this teenager has had a separation from the birth mother and this is a strong link that is not forgotten. Nancy Verrier calls this the Primal Wound. In the womb, Psychologists now agree that the child is very aware of the mother, how she smells, how she laughs and feels, even how she sounds. The baby has been inside the womb for nine months. This baby even realizes if it was a wanted pregnancy or an unwanted pregnancy - this baby knows. It also has an awareness of the physical, mental and emotional connection with the mother. Bonding begins before physical birth and possibly shortly after conception. Many professionals used to laugh at this idea and thought it impossible for a little baby to know and remember being separated from its birth mother. Alas, the tide has changed and the professionals now believe that this child couldn't help but know the separation from the birth mom that carried it - and this is the primal wound that stays with that child forever.<br /><br />Read entire article here: <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/adoption/index.html">http://www.helpyourteens.com/adoption/index.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.com