Saturday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. This day was established in 1992 to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional help. The World Health Organization predicts that in 20 years more people will be affected by depression than any other health problem. That’s certainly a prediction I hope does not come to pass.
Thank you
As many know my Mom died on September 21st after four months in the hospital. I would like to thank you for your kindness, compassion, cards, thoughts and prayers during this time. I consider the folks I see in my practice part of my extended family and your patience with me during this time means a great deal. I realize the phone calls, paperwork, scheduling, or administration of my office may have not been as expedient over the past few months. So I want to thank you for understanding.
God bless.
Internet Addiction Treatment Center
The first residential treatment center for Internet addiction has opened it’s doors outside of Seattle. The center’s first and only patient at this time describes his addiction to the online game “World of Warcraft” as destructive as alcohol or drugs. With the explosion of social networking, text messaging, and gaming this syndrome is no longer a joke parents use to exaggerate how much time their teen spends online.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FEA_LIFESTYLES_ADDICTED_TO_INTERNET?SITE=TXDAM&TEMPLATE=HOME.html&SECTION=HOME
Back to School
Thankful my daughter & all the kids & teens I know survived their first week back at school. It’s always a time of adjustment & if you’re anything like me this first week seemed really long. My daughter was thrilled that today was Friday & she would have 2 days to play. I didn’t have the heart to tell my little first grader that she had 9 months to go. These first couple of weeks is always a perfect time for kids & parents to make a fresh start & do things better than we did the year before. I really like these tips for their simplicity. Listen…don’t fix. Take the time to listen to your child each day without attempting to give advice, give a lecture, or fix their problem. Just listen. Be involved without smothering. Don’t overextend yourself or your child. Live more simply. Make it a great year!
Can a preschooler be depressed?
Many people still believe very young children are immune from depression because they are too emotionally immature. I’ve done my best to educate folks that clinical depression is prevalent even amongst very young children. Previous research suggests that depression is observed in approximately 2% of American preschoolers. A newer study now points out that depression among children ages 3-6 can be chronic even over a period of two years. I agree that the use of medication in children this young is risky and not well researched so should largely be avoided. Instead a child needs a thorough assessment and active participation in psychotherapy individually and with his or her family.
Cell phones as dangerous as alcohol?
Researchers suggest talking or texting while driving poses the exact same hazards as drinking and driving. Drivers using phones are reportedly four times more likely to cause an accident. We’ve got a lot of work to do to educate our teenagers and change their behavior as well as our own.
Row your own boat
Listen to Dr. Wayne Dyer’s version. A profoundly simple yet powerful lesson to teach our children & live out in our own lives.
Video Game Timer
Dad’s Day
More and more Dads are discovering it’s cool to be an active, involved father. They don’t feel the pressure most Mom’s do & aren’t necessarily afraid of being judged. The priority for them is raising good kids. Now there are websites such as DadLabs, blogs, and online communities devoted to fatherhood. More resources and education than ever are available to us guys to give our families our very best.
Family Time Decline
From 2000 to 2005 people reported spending on average 26 hours per month with their family. By 2008 this number had dropped 30% to only 18 hrs. Technology, mobile phones, and social networking has fundamentally changed the way family members interact. While its easier and more convenient for families to communicate instantly the quality and quantity of time spent together has deteriorated. We have to remember that a Blackberry or iPhone may give us instant contact and convenience but it has eroded the time and attention we give our families. I confess I am often a culprit of technology checking email or text messages while playing with my kids. My Father’s Day resolution is to put down the iPhone.