Majority Of Teens Mental Health Negatively Impacted By The Pandemic (St. Louis, Missouri): A recent survey found that the majority of parents reported that their teen’s mental health was negatively impacted by the pandemic. The mental health concerns reported to be most prevalent included anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. According to insurance reports, the number of mental health insurance claims for US teens doubled during the pandemic. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported that the second leading cause of death among teens is suicide. Therapist and former elementary school principal, Dr. Bryan Pearlman, believes that education and awareness are two of the critical components of addressing the mental health crisis, “If parents, educators and the community are not aware of these statistics, they really need to be and right away. An important first step in addressing the mental health epidemic is education. From education comes action. Research shows that the sooner a person receives care for a mental health concern, the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome.” The increased numbers of teens seeking care for mental health concerns has been rapidly increasing in the St. Louis area as well. Dr. Pearlman sees this increase firsthand, “Five years ago, the average age of a client in our practice was approximately 40 years old. Today, the average age of a client is closer to 18 years old. We have also seen a rapid rise in the number of children under 12 years old that are coming in with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health concerns.” Dr. Pearlman has some advice for parents, “You know your child the best. If you begin noticing changes in their behavior, appearance or attitude, this is something that you want to address right away. It is always best to err on the side of caution. You can reach out to your pediatrician for guidance or contact a therapist who specializes in working with children and teens.” ### Dr. Bryan Pearlman is a therapist with Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, a mental health practice located in Creve Coeur. The practice specializes in working with children, teens, and families. More information about Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is available at: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com. The office can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147.
Here is the video from the web discussion “Parenting During A Pandemic”. https://zoom.us/rec/play/7Jx5deisrG03SIXAsASDA_AqW43oJ6us0CZL_PEMy06yUXBRMVH0ZrYRMfOPiUQYBcuT0SfIVpjf6pw Thank you to the panel: Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW Michael Dittrich, EdS
Working From Home, Kids At Home, Anxiety, Stress, Self-Care, Isolation, Social Distancing, Etc. Free Webinar Discussion And Q&A Tuesday, March 24th at 6 pm CT Led By: Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW – Therapist Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW – Therapist & Educator Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW – Therapist Meghan Boyer, EdS – School Administrator Michael Dittrich, EdS – School Principal Dr. Roxxi Davis, PhD – Assistant Professor Mary Gismegian – Assistant Professor Dr. Jessica Whelan, FPMHNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Use The Below Link To Join: https://zoom.us/j/870169525?pwd=OTNuaDN3anZ3N0hsaklUVTRjWTRWZz09 Password: parenting Sponsored by: Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates – https://www.stlmentalhealth.com Most Valuable Professional Development, LLC – https://mostvaluablepd.com Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness – https://dsmhw.org
Free Webinar Discussion and Q&A “Maintaining Your Mental Health While Dealing With Coronavirus” Wednesday, March 18th at 9 am CT Link: https://zoom.us/j/690245119?pwd=SlJKbEdIRkZnYWUrT1FqS1ArSlBXZz09 Password: wednesday Led by Mental Health Therapists: Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Rebecca Dougherty, LCSW Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW For More information: Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates STLmentalhealth.com 314-942-1147 bryan@STLmentalhealth.com
March 16, 2020 – I’m a therapist who treats anxiety. I’m also a mom and this is what I’m telling my own kids about COVID-19 also known as coronavirus: PERSPECTIVE TAKING: Yes, this is a new virus and sometimes something new can be seen as scary, especially in an age of technology in which we do not have all of the answers. You, just like your children, have a right to feel scared at times given all of the information both fact and fiction that is being pushed through various media platforms. Remember, your children will learn how to cope and manage their fears from you. You are their role model and if this is a worry for them, they will look to you to understand and manage their fears. It is your responsibility to help them better understand the information they are receiving. They have little experience in managing stress and information. They need you now. Children of all ages will have common fear-based questions related to COVID-19. Remember your child’s level of understanding is based on their age, past experience with fear and current life challenges. Make a point to sit down with your child and ask them what they know about this new virus, ask them what questions they have and what facts and/or rumors they have heard. LISTEN: Listening to what your child says can be powerful. It can create a strong relationship between you and your child. When your child feels able to express big emotion (like fear) and the thoughts behind them, a greater depth of trust has just been established. Depending on their age, their fears and or questions may seem silly, not connected and minimal to you. It is important to remember that children understand the world very differently, at different ages, because of brain development and personal experiences. To them, their thoughts and fears are very strong and very real. LISTEN to them. VALIDATE: Once they have shared their thoughts and feelings, validate them. Say things like: “Wow, that sounds scary for you” “I’m sorry to hear you have been worrying so much about this” Let them know what you appreciate they shared and express empathy to them about what they are experiencing. Do NOT say: ”Don’t worry” “I’ll do the worrying for you” Statements like these are felt by a child as if their worry is not important to you. Statements like these can keep a child feeling less in control than before and even feeling “more stuck” which can then exacerbate worrying thoughts and behaviors. TALK/CONTROL THE NARRATIVE: This is a great opportunity to talk about this virus and help them with an appropriate and accurate narrative. Questions to ask your child: “What have you heard or read about this virus?” If you, as a parent are not worried, you can says things like: “I am not worried, you can be worried and I want you to tell me when you have worry thoughts so we can talk about them, but right now I am going to work on making sure you wash your hands, stop touching your face and practice being mindful of those who might be sick around you” Let them know “There are things in our control and we, as a family are going to focus on those (aka: prevention and planning).” TEACH: This is a great opportunity to involve your kids, of any age, in age appropriate planning and prevention. Kids love to be in control and just like adults, when they have some answers, have a trusted source to confide in, and can ‘do something’, their worry will lessen. Use this opportunity to teach them about the importance of information gathering, using trusted sources of information and recognizing when they are feeling information fatigue. Get them involved in prevention and planning around the house, just like you would for fire and disaster preparation. ©️Rebecca Dougherty-Froelke, MSW, LCSW – Therapist Mental Health Specialist Missouri Disaster Response Team, SEMA Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141 314-942-1147 bryan@STLmentalhealth.com STLMENTALHEALTH.COM
https://fox2now.com/am-show/how-to-manage-stress-and-anxiety-around-coronavirus/
Something To Think About: “When you put a kid who had experienced adversity in an MRI machine, you could see measurable changes to the brain structures.” -Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Did You Know? Social Anxiety Disorder affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population (ADAA). TED Talk – “This Could Be Why You’re Depressed Or Anxious”: In a moving talk, journalist Johann Hari shares fresh insights on the causes of depression and anxiety from experts around the world — as well as some exciting emerging solutions. “If you’re depressed or anxious, you’re not weak and you’re not crazy — you’re a human being with unmet needs,” Hari says. https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_this_could_be_why_you_re_depressed_or_anxious Article – “Teachers Experience More Stress Than Other Workers”: Teachers endure greater job-related stress than other professionals, according to the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). With pupil numbers rising and an increasing proportion of teachers leaving the profession, the report found that one in five felt tense about their job most or all of the time, compared with 13% of those in similar occupations. Although teachers’ working hours across the year were similar to those in other professions, working intensively over fewer weeks of the year led to a poorer work-life balance and higher stress levels, the NFER observed. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/feb/25/teachers-experience-more-stress-than-other-workers-study-shows Article – “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Kids With Long-Term Conditions”: The mental health of children and young people with some long term physical conditions could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), according to a recent study. The systematic review used robust methods to bring together and make sense of the best science in this area. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190524081638.htm We Are Accepting New Clients: We specialize in depression, anxiety, stress & relationships. Our practice sees kids, teens, adults, couples and families. We are staffed to ensure that we can get someone in to be seen within a couple days (if not sooner). We now offer an ONLINE option too. Please contact me for more information. Take care, Lena Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/ 655 Craig Road, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63141 314-942-1147 doctor@STLmentalhealth.com
Something to think about… “Don’t believe every worried thought you have. Worried thoughts are notoriously inaccurate.” -Renee Jain Let’s Connect On Twitter (Join My PLN): I share information about mental health, education, medicine & more. It is very important to be a part of a PLN (professional learning network). Join mine! https://twitter.com/drlenapearlman Mental Health Statistic: Over one-third of students with a mental health condition age 14 and older who are served by special education drop out—the highest dropout rate of any disability group. (NAMI) TED Talk – “Don’t Suffer From Your Depression In Silence” Having feelings isn’t a sign of weakness — they mean we’re human, says producer and activist Nikki Webber Allen. Even after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, Webber Allen felt too ashamed to tell anybody, keeping her condition a secret until a family tragedy revealed how others close to her were also suffering. In this important talk about mental health, she speaks openly about her struggle — and why communities of color must undo the stigma that misreads depression as a weakness and keeps sufferers from getting help. https://www.ted.com/talks/nikki_webber_allen_don_t_suffer_from_your_depression_in_silence/details?referrer=playlist-how_to_practice_emotional_first_aid Article – “How Much Does Poor Body Image Affect Mental Health?” Like it or not, most of us are aware of how we look. We have all had a bad hair day, or worried whether we are wearing the right clothes for a particular event. The traditional stereotype is that young women are more concerned about their appearance than young men. Societal pressures, media images, and doting relatives saying how pretty a female child looks all have an impact. But how serious an impact can it have on our wellbeing and our mental health? And just how much does our body image trouble us as we get older? Statistics by the charity the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), show that poor body self-image can affect all ages, not just younger people, and the reactions it can trigger range from anxiety and self-disgust to suicidal thoughts. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/may/17/poor-body-image-mental-health Article – “Talking To Your Child About Their Mental Health” Whether your child is struggling with depression or you want to be proactive before a problem arises, these guidelines from experts can help start the conversation. https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/strategies-for-talking-to-your-child-about-their-mental-health/ Therapy, Counseling & Coaching: -Our team of five therapists sees patients of all ages, couples & families. -We offer AM/PM, Sat. & ONLINE appoints (available to all Missouri residents). -We specialize in anxiety, depression, and relationships. -Appointments available within a few days (if not sooner). Please contact us for more information at: 314-942-1147, bryan@STLmentalhealth.com or https://www.STLmentalhealth.com. Take care! Lena Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Clinical Director & Lead Therapist Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates https://www.STLmentalhealth.com 655 Craig Road, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63141 314-942-1147 doctor@STLmentalhealth.com On Twitter at: https://twitter.com/drlenapearlman “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Shipp
Something to think about… “Twenty years of medical research has shown that childhood adversity literally gets under our skin, changing people in ways that can endure in their bodies for decades.” -Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (California Surgeon General) Mental Health Statistic: At some point, anxiety affects 30% of children and adolescents, yet 80% never get help (Child Mind Institute, 2018). TED Talk – “The Unexpected Benefit of Celebrating Failure” “Great dreams aren’t just visions,” says Astro Teller, “They’re visions coupled to strategies for making them real.” The head of X (formerly Google X), Teller takes us inside the “moonshot factory,” as it’s called, where his team seeks to solve the world’s biggest problems through experimental projects like balloon-powered Internet and wind turbines that sail through the air. Find out X’s secret to creating an organization where people feel comfortable working on big, risky projects and exploring audacious ideas. https://www.ted.com/talks/astro_teller_the_unexpected_benefit_of_celebrating_failure Let’s Connect On Twitter: Article – “How Team Sports Change a Child’s Brain” Adult depression has long been associated with shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region that plays an important role in memory and response to stress. Now, new research has linked participation in team sports to larger hippocampal volumes in children and less depression in boys ages 9 to 11. Research by Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190321135154.htm Article – “10 Ways to Promote Positive Mental Health in Children” We receive many questions about what parents can do to help promote positive mental health in their children. This article shares 10 ways to promote positive mental health in children (i.e. sunlight, movement, learning new things, sleep..). https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/positive-mental-health-children/ Therapy, Counseling & Coaching: We see patients of all ages, couples & families. We offer AM/PM, Saturday & ONLINE appointments (available to all Missouri residents). Our therapists specialize in anxiety, depression, and relationships. Appointments available within a few days (if not sooner). Please contact us for more information. Take care! Lena Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates https://www.STLmentalhealth.com 655 Craig Road, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63141 314-942-1147 doctor@STLmentalhealth.com Dr. Lena Pearlman is the founder and clinical director of Dr. Lena Pearlman and Associates, a mental health therapy practice in St. Louis, Missouri.
I hope you are having an amazing weekend! Something To Think About:“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead Did You Know?18% of high school students reported thinking seriously about attempting suicide in the past year. (CDC, 2016) Article – “45 Simple Self-Care Practices For A Healthy Mind, Body & Soul”:https://tinybuddha.com/blog/45-simple-self-care-practices-for-a-healthy-mind-body-and-soul/ Article – “19 Celebrity Quotes On Mental Health”Whether you’re plagued by panic attacks, can’t control your moods or find getting out of bed a struggle most mornings, you’re definitely not alonehttps://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a44352/celebrity-quotes-mental-health/ TED Talk – “What We’ll Learn About The Brain In The Next Century”https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_rodriques_neuroscience_s_next_100_years/up-next National Non-Profit Helps Schools With Mental Health & Wellness:Learn more about “Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness”. A national non-profit (headquartered in St. Louis) that works with schools implementing a 12-month intensive training program in mental health and wellness (anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging students, perfectionism, teacher self-care, mindfulness, etc.). Schools that successful complete the program are nationally certified and recognized as a “Distinguished School”. More info at: https://www.dsmhw.org/become-a-distinguished-school/ We’re Here To Help!Our practice offers both in-person and ONLINE appointments that are confidential and ultra-convenient. Please let us know if we can be of assistance. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We can get someone in to be seen with in a few days (if not sooner). Thank you! Follow Me On Twitter (I Follow Back): Take care, Lena Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSWDr. Lena Pearlman & Associateshttps://www.stlmentalhealth.com/655 Craig Road, Suite 300St. Louis, MO 63141314-942-1147doctor@STLmentalhealth.com
