Allison Schmitt is competing in her third Olympics and has won six medals. However, her greatest achievement in my opinion is her fight against depression and especially it’s stigma.
Summer Newsletter
Half of teens addicted to their phones
I’m sure we could’ve all guessed this was a growing problem. But the fact that 80% of adolescents indicate they check their phone hourly is disturbing although not surprising. It’s an issue for us as parents as well! We could all use some of the digital detox suggestions from the article. Limiting social media posts to 3 times per week, keeping phones, computers and tablets out of the bedrooms at night and making family meals or family time a phone-free zone.
Teens need sleep
Another reason adolescents need more sleep was discovered in a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC analyzed 50,000 questionnaires given to adolescents. Teens who got less than 7 hours sleep were more likely to engage in risky behavior versus those who slept 9 hours a night. This type of “risky behavior” includes texting and driving, drinking and driving, riding with a driver who was drinking, and not wearing a seat belt in a car or a helmet while on a bicycle.
Spring Newsletter
All teenagers should be screened for depression
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending all pediatricians and physicians screen for depression in adolescents. Clinical Depression effects approximately 8% of youth ages 12-18. This is a much needed recommendation as physicians are usually the first line of adolescent mental health. Physicians are now being called to screen and then have a system in place to connect teens with mental health care. About 17% of high schoolers have considered suicide in the past year and 8% have attempted it. This task force also reiterates the benefits of therapy and the use of antidepressants in adolescents is safe and effective. Prozac and Lexapro are approved medications for teenagers.
concussions occur not only in football
Coppell Middle Schooler Nicolas Reyes studied concussions for a Science Fair Project that won first prize. Then he suffered one playing soccer. Football head injuries have thankfully received a tremendous amount of news coverage and attention of late. There’s even an award winning movie starring Will Smith that is currently in theaters. Nicolas is part of landmark study led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center following several hundred youth some as young as five years old. The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are 3.8 millions sports-related concussions each year. Like Nicolas, my daughter has played soccer since she was four years old. I’ve worried about her suffering a concussion although you do not usually associate soccer with head injuries. Last Sunday evening I had my biggest scare watching her play indoor soccer. She crashed into the plexiglass 3 feet from where I was sitting. I wasn’t sure she was going to get up. Fortunately, she apparently only suffered bruises to her elbow and knee along with a scared psyche. She’s pretty sure she didn’t hit her head. Hopefully, studies like the one at UTSW will help us better understand, prevent and treat brain-related injuries for our kids who play sports.
I’ve got a teenager!
Now I can truly empathize with all who are parenting adolescents. My daughter turned 13 over the Holidays. She’s an absolute joy to me but your prayers would be appreciated!
ADHD is not just for boys
Historically, ADHD has been associated with hyperactive, impulsive boys. Years ago few girls were diagnosed because their symptoms were more easily masked because they tend to be less stereotypically hyperactive. However, a new study shows that from 2003 to 2011 there has been a 55% increase in ADHD diagnoses in girls. A prevalence rate increase from 4.7% to 73%. There are a lot of folks who believe that ADHD is over diagnosed. However, this 7.3% prevalence rate in girls probably more accurately represents reality. It’s a relief that more girls are being assessed and treated for this condition because they struggle with the same academic, social and emotional issues as boys even if they can more easily mask their symptoms.
A Dallas Middle School’s relationship driven discipline
My best friend who happens to be a family therapist in East Texas is fond of telling everyone that “rules without relationship equals rebellion.” He’s found that principle applies to most every family he’s met and I agree. That also could be applied to our schools. At Medrano Middle School in the Dallas I.S.D. they have initiated “restorative discipline.” The great part is that it works! I cannot think of a better approach because this allows students and faculty to get to the underlying issues rather than just punishing behavior.
