U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Protecting Youth Mental Health
The Surgeon General put out an emergency advisory statement this month to call attention to the current state of pediatric mental health, which has shown alarming increases in the prevalence of challenges since 2019. This Advisory offers recommendations for supporting the mental health of children,
adolescents and young
adults, including essential proposals for the institutions that surround young people to help foster systemic change.
Read the full U.S. Surgeon General Advisory.
Helping Parents Identify Anxiety & Depression in Teens As children become adolescents, they experience several developmental changes that can cause them to be irritable, withdrawn or overwhelmed. While some of these behaviors are natural, others can serve as red flags for teens experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Use this CHOC guide to understand the difference. When to Seek Professional Help for Your ChildEveryone experiences distress from time to time. However, distress can also be a symptom of different mental health disorders that require professional support. There are some key indicators that signal your child’s distress may require professional guidance. Know the signs.
Holiday Support for Kids with Eating Disorders The holidays can be a time of mixed feelings for children diagnosed with an eating disorder. They may be excited to celebrate and spend time with family, while also feeling a variety of emotions related to the emphasis on food and eating. Help your child navigate the season in a safe and healthy way. New Year's Resolutions Adults aren’t the only ones who benefit from setting New Year’s resolutions. They can help teach children about self-discipline and the value of setting reasonable goals. On top of that, there’s always room for improvement. Work with your child to set kid-friendly resolutions for 2022.
Talking to Kids About RacismA new study, focused on a group of adolescents' transition to adulthood, showed that young adults who experience discrimination have a greater risk of dealing with mental health problems. Though difficult, talking with kids of all ages about the value of diversity and the need for racial equality is important. Follow our tips on how to talk to kids about racism. 
