Articles
Well-Being and Happiness: A Positive Psychology Outlook
We often talk about distress, anxiety, depression, and any other behavioral health conditions that people have. What about happiness? The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence has happiness as an unalienable right: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The field of Positive Psychology, and arguably its founding father, Martin Seligman, at…
KIDS, TEENS, AND SCREEN TIME:WHAT’S THE LATEST NEWS
Just as parents and all of us evolve and change our thoughts as we learn in life; so do we, as clinicians and researchers. Initial guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on screen time for children was specific with the recommended amount of time kids and teens should spend on screen time according to developmental stages. The new guidelines from AAP published in 2026 focus more on the conceptual framework of a socioecological model depicting circles of care…
ANXIETY IN KIDS AND TEENS
We all have worries and stress in our lives. Anxiety in young children at specific times in development is normal. For example, between the ages of about 8 months to preschool years (4-5) healthy kids may show intense distress at times of separation from their parents or other people they are close to. Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or a fear of strangers. Worries, fears, and stress can become an anxiety…
Is Childhood and Teen Depression Different than Adult Depression?
Yes. Depression often looks different in children and teens than it does in adults. In addition to sadness, loss of interest in activities, and withdrawal, children and teens may show intense irritability, anger, unexplained physical symptoms, sleep or appetite changes, or behavioral acting out. Symptoms can also differ between younger children and teens. Younger children may complain of headaches or stomachaches, refuse to go to school, become clingier with a parent, or have sudden severe tantrums or defiant behavior. In…
Rest Isn’t Something You Have to Earn
Have you ever noticed thoughts like these when you consider taking a break? As summer begins, many of us think about everything we want – or feel like we have to accomplish. But how often do we intentionally make space for rest? For many people, rest is not as simple as taking a break. It can feel like a betrayal of expectations, productivity, or responsibility. Slowing down may bring feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety. We may worry about disappointing…