Teens may turn to substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs as an escape or a way to feel differently, among other reasons. As parents, it’s important to know some of the common warning signs that your teen may be engaging in substance use.  There are also things you can do to support your teen in practicing healthier ways to manage tough emotions like depression, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and anger. 

Being concerned about your teen’s mental health can be a terrifying and lonely experience for any parent.  It’s often hard to distinguish normal teenage behavior from something more concerning, and to know when you just need to be supportive and patient, versus when you need to get outside help. 

Parents often are not familiar with this level of care, so it’s important to communicate that getting intensive, coordinated, interdisciplinary support early can often prevent crisis visits to the ED or avoidable inpatient stays

Escalating war and conflict around the world has followed years of a deadly pandemic and economic insecurity. It’s hard for kids to process what it all means and can cause depression, anxiety and other issues. There are some basic tips that parents can follow when talking to kids about war and conflict.

Tom Petty’s famous song American Girl has become a staple American rock song. Urban legend says this song was inspired by a girl who attempted suicide. Recently, the song’s lyrics have rung true for too many American girls.