The Better Mental Health Show: Recent Episodes
Christopher Fasano, Ph.D.
The Better Mental Health Show focuses on the current topics in mental health with a particular focus on how our brain is affected and strategies to overcome. Dr. Fasano uses language all ages can understand and always finds a lesson for the younger audience and their parents to increase awareness at the family level.
Do you ever feel like you’re behind in life? Like everyone else is further ahead and you’re running out of time? In this episode, we break down the truth: you’re not behind — you’re in the middle of becoming. Using neuroscience, real-life perspective, and practical strategies, we explore why growth often feels slow and invisible, why comparison distorts your timeline, and how to trust the season you’re in… even when it doesn’t make sense. This is the reminder you didn’t know you needed: you are right on time for your life.
The odds of you being alive are 1 in 400 trillion. And yet, here you are. This episode explores why life itself is already enough — beyond achievements, possessions, or comparison. Using neuroscience, perspective, and practical strategies, we’ll look at how shifting from chasing “more” to realizing “enough” can transform the way you live, even on your hardest days.
Your thoughts shape your reality — but most of us let our minds run on autopilot, rehearsing fear, doubt, and anxiety until they feel like facts. In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience of why the brain fixates, why it can’t always tell the difference between real and imagined, and how repetition wires thoughts into beliefs. More importantly, you’ll learn seven powerful strategies to “train your thoughts” — from reframing your inner story to visualization, gratitude, and mindfulness. Think of it as neural fitness: simple daily reps that rewire your brain for resilience, focus, and peace.
Life is hard and often, the stuggle can make us feel like the only thing to do is to quit...to give up. But while giving up might offer a tempmorary reprieve, it is not void of pain. Deciding to not give up also comes with pain and offers the rewards of grwoth on the other end. So if both decisions come with pain, with one leading to growth, is it really a choice? Isn't the only thing to just Keep Going?
Life is more rain, then sun, and what's the best way to combat the rain...a sturdy umbrella. On this episode we use this metaphor to discuss the concept of looking within yourself and doing the work. Fixing that umbrella so that when it does rain, you'll be dry and ready for that sunny day.
How much is life worth to you? What is that thing driving you forward and when you identify that thing, will you be relentless in your pursuit of it? Lets talk about it!
I have failed you. I lost discipline and went a long time without an episode. But, I'm back, and on this episode, we talk discipline and what it means to life, to our kids, and how I look to be disciplined in my every day life.
It is so hard for all of us, but in particular children, to do something that does not involve a digital device. On today's episode we talk about why that is so bad for kids and some strategies to help them find non digital hobbies.
We spend so much time talking about our kids as it relates to cell phone usage. But how much of that problem is actually our, the parents/adults, fault? We are more addicted to cell phones than them. So are we the cause of the problem, or at a minimum, making the problem worse? We discuss on this episode.
Routines are habits, and not all habits are good for you. When we get in a routine, we are basically on autopilot and therefore remove real emotional and physical pleasure from our lives. On today's episode we discuss how routines can be detrimental and ways to shake it up.
With all of the digital devices our kids have available to them, life void of digital inputs is just plain old boring. How do we combat this? How do we get our kids to love and be pleasured by life outside of the phone, ipad, TV, social media, etc? So glad to be back for another episode to talk about this topic.
I have been away for 3 months, and I am so sorry for that. But in that time, I looked inside myself, and learned. On today's episode I share my learnings and hope you resonate with what I found.
So many times we might hear our kids, or even ourself say "I'm nervous" about something we are doing. On this episode, we talk about a different way of looking at being "nervous". Rather than being nervous, be excited! In fact, I argue we should get rid of using the word nervous all together. Take a listen and let me know what you think!
Humans need healthy relationships to help them through the challenges of life. One concept younger kids have a hard time understanding is with friends, less is more. It's not the number of friends we have, but it's the quality of the friendships that really make the difference. Today we discuss the value of having just a few, true friends and how to talk kids about this concept.
The digital, online word kids grow up in can cause real problems as they are constantly being critiqued and compared. How can we counter this? Today we discuss the the only true answer to this question.
On this episode we discuss the following article.
As humans and parents in particular, we want to immediately address feelings of confusion for our kids. The idea of them struggling with something should worry us, but would should not rush to fix the problem. What should we do? Take a listen as we discuss.
So many of us post the details of our life on social media for the world to see. Why do we do it, what does it mean for your mental health, for your kids? Join me as we answer these questions.
Communication is key to living a healthy, mentally strong life. On Episode 116 we talk about why communication is so important and ways to improve yours.
Kid's can have panic attacks just like adults. Recently my son suffered a panic attack at his summer camp and we spent some time working through it. On Episode 115 I talk about this experience, what I learned, and how we talked him through it.
Life is all about learning from your past to help you in your present and future. In other words, you have to be Ok going back before forward. In order for an arrow to fly it must first be drawn back, held with strength, and let go. On today's episode we discuss what other lessons we can learn from the arrow.
School shootings are here to stay and we need to start focusing on how we will harden our schools for when another happens. Not only will this help save lives, it will help us reassure our children that serious measures are in place to keep them safe. On today's episode I talk about how this will help kids, teachers, and parent's anxieties.
Sexting is something all kids will have to deal with and it's our job as parents to talk to them about it. Lately there has been a rise in "Sextortion" where kids are being blackmailed by strangers after they send pictures of themselves. The anguish and shame this causes has led to many kids ending their life by suicide. We discuss this and practical ways to talk about this with our kids.
Over 40% of teenagers surveyed reported feeling depressed or persistent sadness. This is a trend that has been on the rise even before the pandemic. Why is it happening? On this episode I discuss an article written by Derek Thompson that cites possible explanations for this crisis.
Anxiety is a normal response to a potentially dangerous or threatening situation. While we typically think about anxiety as a bad thing, numerous studies suggest that anxiety has many benefits to humans. What are they? We discuss on Episode 110, Anxiety Benefits.
On this show we discuss the following articles:
Article 1
Article 2
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
A new study recently showed how addicting TikTok is on young brains. The result of this addiction is the wiring of brains to think the world exists as a fast paced, loud, bright, pleasurable place. The problem is, the world does not work that way. Today we discuss TikTok brain, the repercussions, and strategies to help kids limit this.
On this show we discuss this article.
Our world today is saturated with pleasures. The problem? Our brains are designed to handle very limited, fleeting amounts. Things like sugary foods, social media, TV binging, and other additive substances all leave us in constant state of pleasure. On today's episode why talk about the problem this causes and the anxiety it can create.
On this show we discuss this article.
Last week Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, and all I kept reading were debates as to who was wrong. For me, I saw something completely different. I saw two humans suffering and their mental health disease manifest in violence in front of millions of people. To me, this is an excellent teachable moment, and on this episode I discuss what those lessons are.
Being defensive is a common behavior of many humans and can wreak havoc on our ability to communicate and form healthy relationships. Why are humans so defensive? How can we become less defensive? How can we raise our kids to be less defensive? Join us on episode 106.
On this episode we use and discuss the following articles:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-is-2020/202109/why-certain-people-get-so-defensive
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-defensiveness-5115075
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/201805/how-stop-getting-defensive
The family dinner is becoming a lost tradition and it is needed now more than ever. Sitting together as a family for a meal has a long list of documented benefits for the overall health (mental and physical) of both adults and kids. On Episode 105 we discuss the various benefits of sitting down together and sharing a meal.
On this episode we discuss the following article
War is terrible, and for for kids in particular, it can evoke anxieties around feeling safe. When kids hear about or see images of war, they often don't understand why or where it is happening. This unknown can make them feel like it will happen in their neighborhood next. Should we talk to our kids about war, and if so, what should we say? We discuss on Episode 104.
On this episode we discuss the following article
The world is imperfect, so we should teach kids how to embrace imperfection. This is not an easy task in a society that promotes perfection ubiquitously. On today's show we discuss strategies to help kids learn to embrace imperfection.
On this episode we discuss the following article
Masks have been a critical tool in the battle against COVID. While they have been effective, it didn't come without a cost. For the past two years our kids had to navigate their first experiences of learning to read, taking the bus to school, middle school crushes and senior prom all with half of their face covered. This, coupled with isolation and the inability to socially interact has had a profound effect on their current and possibly long term mental health. On Episode 102 we discuss the current state of masked kids and its affects on mental health.
We take showers to rid our bodies of the daily dirt and sweat we accumulate. These leave us feeling fresh and clean for the next part of our day. Our minds accumulate a lot of "dirt" in the forms of stress from work and school each day. Why not take a mental shower to help us transition our day? How do we do that? We discuss on Episode 101.
On the 100th episode, I explore 10 lessons I have learned these past three years in my battle with anxiety. These range from therapy, to CBD, to parenting, to avoiding the news. Join me for this milestone episode and make sure you catch up on all previous 99 episodes!
My 9 year old recently came to me and said, "Dad, I have something on my mind" and I was so proud. Why? One of the most critical factors in being a more mentally strong human is the ability to recognize when you are feeling a certain way and then being able to talk about it. So how to do encourage this behavior in our children, our students, even our adult partners? Today on episode 99 we talk about ways to promote this critical behavior.
We discuss these articles on today's episode.
Workplace stress is often cited as a major driver of mental health deterioration. The pandemic has made this worse withe labor shortages forcing the remaining employees to pick up the slack of their depleted teams. Increased workload, shifting responsibilities and inter-personal conflict are just a few of the issues cited by many employees. While employers are becoming more aware and cognizant of the mental health of their employees, more work is still needed. Today we discuss some quick strategies to lower the stress burden from work and keep your mental health on track.
We discuss these articles on today's episode.
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273
https://www.cbia.com/news/hr-safety/workplace-mental-health-siginificant-issue/
As a parent I often struggle with how much to encourage a broad set of activities to my son versus letting him pick a few he feels he is "good at". I never want him to feel it is OK to give up, but there is something to say for having a natural talent for one thing and focusing on that. Early specialization is the idea that the earlier a kid specializes in something, the more exceptional that human will become. In this episode we discuss this idea and what some psychologists think.
We discus this article on today's episode.
The unknown is the root of many, if not all anxieties. Sometimes, the anxiety is not actually caused by the fear of bad happening, but rather, whether or not that bad will in fact happen at all. There are numerous scientific experiments that actually prover this theory correct. So what can we do about this fear of uncertainty and how can we teach our kids to not go down that rabbit hole? cWe discuss on Episode 96.
Facebook recently announced its name change to Meta, aligning with its focus on building a virtual reality internet. What does this mean? A place for people to escape the real world by entering a fake world where they can have coffee with friends, visit a cafe in Rome, or check out the ancient pyramids in Egypt. Sounds great right? The only problem is you aren't actually visiting with friends or a foreign land, you're at home sitting on your couch. What does this mean for our own and our kids mental health? We discuss on Episode 95.
Sleep. We all know a good nights rest matters, but how many of us actually get one. It's a vicious cycle. People with poor sleep habits are more prone to mental health issues and people with mental health issues are less likely to get good sleep. So what can we do about this and what does the data say? Let's talk about it.
This podcast featured information from the following articles.
https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/child-and-adolescent-healthy-mental-development/aap-aacap-cha-declaration-of-a-national-emergency-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health/
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/sleep-mental-health-study
Touch is so powerful, more so than we think.. Evolutionarily, it is the most important way that mammals communicate safety to one another and as such, a touch has been shown to lower stress, alter heart rates, reduce anxiety, and promote calm. So what does the mean for our mental health and how can we us it to our advantage? We discuss on today's show.
This episode references the following article:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-touching-your-partner-can-make-both-of-you-healthier#Touch-and-comfort-are-innate
Being afraid of something can lead to strong feelings of anxiety, even when that trigger is not present. Some of these fears go well beyond extreme anxiety and can be categorized and diagnosed as a phobia. Not all fears are classified as phobias and on Episode 92, we discuss what a phobia is, how it is different than general anxiety, and some strategies to utilize if you do have a diagnosable phobia.
This episode references the following article:
Article 1
Article 2
Instagram and Facebook have been associated with mental health issues amongst young people for quite some time, but the company has always downplayed it. This past week, evidence has emerged that Facebook conducted its own research and learned that in fact Instagram is harming the mental health of young girls in particular at high rates, and has done nothing about it. What does the evidence show and what does it mean? We discuss on Episode 91.
This episode references the following article:
Article on Instagram Discussed
Wall Street Journal Article
Listening is not hearing. When we actively listen we are consciously receiving information and processing what it means. Through this process, the person sending the message feels comforted in knowing the person on the other end is thoughtfully engaged in what they have to say. This makes them feel relieved, safe, and help build confidence. Being an active listener goes beyond the benefits for the one telling the message as active listeners themselves are often less judgemental and less likely to create more stressful situations . Communication is the key to living a mentally strong life and not just saying what's on our mind. It's listening to people actively when they talk to you about those same things on their mind. Do you listen? Or just hear. On Episode 90 we discuss tips to become better active listeners.
This episode references the following article:
https://positivepsychology.com/active-listening/
Another school year in a pandemic, more mask mandates, and more angry parents screaming about the harm masks are causing their children. But what about that harm, is it real or made up? Do masks harm kids, in particular, do they affect their mental health now or down the road? I hear a lot of people talking about how COVID has affected kids mental health, and while this is very true, no evidence suggests it comes from the masks. In fact, masks are the way kids can be more mentally healthy by allowing them to go to school and interact with their peers safely. So what does the science say about masks and mental health of kids? We talk about it on Episode 89, Masks and Mental Health.
This episode cited the following articles:
Article 1
Article 2
Image courtesy of Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
By now most of us have heard about gymnast and Olympian Simone BIles withdrawal from Olympic competition citing mental health problems. And along those lines, I bet a lot of you heard some of the negative comments and criticism thrown her way calling her weak, immature, and a shame to our country. Over the past 5 years we have seen more and more celebrities come out and admit to their mental health suffering, and that has mattered to the conversation. But Simone Biles, the most decorated athlete and olympian of all time, pulling out of the Olympics because she just couldn't mentally do it is the most significant event in the mental health movement this far. And on today's episode, we talk about why.
Image courtesy of Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Accepting criticism is not easy for most humans but I argue it is one of the best ways we can grow. Often times we get defensive and act out of emotion in response to criticism rendering that critique useless and the opportunity squandered. On today's episode we discuss ways to better open yourself up to critique, offer critiques as a parent, and why it matters to your mental health.
Articles discussed on this episode can be found here:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2016/05/7-tips-for-dealing-with-criticism-when-youre-a-highly-sensitive-person#Ask-questions
Being bored is viewed as a negative state, something we are constantly trying to escape. Feeling bored? Take your phone out and scroll, problem solved. Waiting on a line at the store? Boring. Take your phone out and scroll. While this may be temporarily satisfying, avoiding the ability to be bored and idle is doing long term damage to our brains by wiring them to constantly expect action and stimulation all of the time. Then, when the time comes for us to actually focused, our brains are no longer wired for that ability. How do we fix this? We learn and teach our kids to practice boredom, and on today's episode we talk about how.
Articles discussed on this episode can be found here:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/202004/5-benefits-boredom
Article 2
As the pandemic is winding down, the mental health pandemic has already begun. In particular, anxiety rates have gone way up amongst all ages, and rightfully so. For the past year and half we have been isolate, scared, and unknowing of when and how things will change. All of these things are the perfect ingredients for high levels of anxiety. So how can we handle this as we emerge from the pandemic and keep our anxiety at bay? WE discuss on today's episode.
Data reported in this episode comes from the CDC and found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm
Having high expectations can cause stress and anxiety. The idea of tying some sort of pleasure or reward to something that may or may not happen is really just a disaster waiting to happen. But we humans do this all the time. It isn't wrong to set expectations for oneself, but it wrong to set too many, and in particular expectations that are just not realistic. So what can we do to lower expectations which in turn will make us focus more on what is happening now? We discuss on today's episode of the Better Mental Health Show.
The following articles were used as a reference for this episode:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-neurochemical-self/201608/stop-anxiety-adjusting-expectations
https://medium.com/personal-growth/the-secret-to-life-is-low-expectations-8f1a19377129
https://www.supportiv.com/tools/lower-your-expectations-avoid-disappointment
Another important lesson learned during the COVID pandemic was that smiling matters. As the world became masked, we quickly recognized how different societies are when we can't see someone's facial expressions, in particular a smile. Studies have shown that smiling can not only boost your emotional health, but also the person that you are smiling at. Why is this and what have we learned? We discuss on Episode 83.
Information from the following articles was used on this episode:
Article 1
Article 2
We care way too much about what others think. This is not an opinion, this is a fact. And in the age of social media, where everything is instantly shared and compared, it is almost impossible to escape. But caring too much about what others think can have grave consequences for out self-esteem and mental health. So why is it that we care so much about what others think and what are some ways we can stop? Join me as we discuss on episode 82, "What Others Think"
Information from the following articles was used on this episode:
Article 1
Article 2
Empathy is the ability to 'feel with' another person, to identity with them, and sense what they're experiencing. Anxiety is a feeling of uncertainty or fear caused by not being able to control or know what will or might happen. The more anxious we are, the more individualistic we become, and when that happens, the only thing we care about is ourself. Empathy is the exact opposite. It is wanting to be connected with others and share our common experience. Thus, the more anxious we are, the less empathetic we can be, and vice versa. The more empathetic we can become, the less anxious we will be. Today we talk about this concept and go though some actionable ways for us to be come more empathetic.
Information from the following articles was used on this episode:
Empathy: The Ability That Makes us Human
Feeling Anxious? Being Kind Can Change That
5 Actionable Tips to Develop Empathy & Become a More Empathetic Person
April is designated as Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of children in those families. This life of uncertainty can lead to a variety of mental health problems when kids are young and as they get older. But, research also shows that military kids are amongst the most resilient humans on the planet. On today's episode I talk about the unique situation and sacrifice military families/kids endure, offer my take on establishing a constant in the unknown, and my thanks for their sacrifice.
Read more: https://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/Military-Child-Month.cfm
Guard rails are a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas. The most common of these are the guard rails we see on the high ways to prevent us from veering off the road and limiting damage during an accident. Our mental health is a progress, a road if you will, and without guard rails we run the risk of driving off the mental health road. So how do we establish some mental guard rails? What are some easy things we can do to be preventative about our mental health and deter access to some dangerous or off limit areas? We discuss on Episode 79.
It seems like whenever a mass shooting occurs, mental health or illness makes its way into the conversation. Why? Because mental illness is always tied to the cause and reason someone picks up a gun and goes into a store and kills people. But is that true? And better yet is it fair to further stigmatize mental illness and tie it to violence with no evidence just to avoid the inevitable conversation about guns? On this podcast I do my best to never push an agenda other than promoting mental health and I find it very dangerous to link gun violence with mental illness without any evidence to support it. So what does the data say about mental illness and violence? Are the mentally ill more likely to pick up a gun and kill someone else? We discuss on today's episode.
On today's episode i reference the following articles.
https://www.theweek.co.uk/102642/gun-violence-why-does-the-us-have-so-many-mass-shootings
https://time.com/5645747/gun-violence-mental-illness/
Critical thought is what defines as a human. Our ability to use rationale thought allows us to take the emotion out of our decisions to ensure the choices we make will be the right ones for not only the present moment but also the future. Critical thought nowadays, however, has become harder and harder with saturation of social media, and curated news feeds that only show us things we like, and get us to hate the things we don't. All of that uses emotion as the driving factor and really clouds our critical thinking process. So how can we become better critical thinkers and more importantly, how can we teach our kids this? Join us as we discuss this on another episode of the Better Mental Health show.
The following article was used in th
A major source of anxiety for many people, kids and adults included, is the constant worrying about all of the bad stuff that surrounds us. Bad stuff in our environment, bad stuff in our food, bad stuff in our homes, everywhere we go we can find bad stuff to make us anxious. If only there was a place we could go to get more information about this bad stuff and learn about alternatives to make everyday things less "bad" and more "good". Well, my guest on today's episode, Maia James, has created such a place called Gimme The Good Stuff, and she joins me to discuss how these bad things can harm us and create anxiety and how the business she built aims to combat this.
It is known that negative experiences during childhood can have a poor outcome on our mental health as we get older. But what about those that have a positive, supportive childhood upbringing? Does this eliminate or reduce mental health problems later? And if not, do these different environments predict what type of mental health problems we will have? A recent study from Australia aimed to address these exact questions and today we discuss the results, implications, and what this means for how we raise our children and our own mental health.
We used these articles in our discussion:
Article 1
Article 2
Weighted Blankets have been suggested to help soothe anxiety and reduce insomnia. The theory behind weighted blankets is rooted in neuroscience and the concept of "pressure therapy". When our bodies feel pressure, our parasympathetic nervous system increases activity which in turn, lowers our hear rates, and increasing our feeling of calm. There has been limited studies performed directly assessing the efficacy, but the majority do report a benefit in terms of reducing anxiety and helping with sleep. I have been using one myslef for about a year now and the benefit has been enormous.
We used these articles in our discussion:
Article 1
Article 2
Through this historically difficult time, one shining light that has emerged is the expansion of mental health therapies made possible through innovated technology and the use of smart phones and tablets. It is no longer necessary that we find a local therapist we can physically go see to talk through our struggles, the rise of digital mental health companies, rooted in real scientific research, have changed the game in terms of how we can receive mental and behavioral health care. Today we speak with Dr. Derek Richards, the Chief Scientific Officer of Silver Cloud Health about this very topic.
It is not easy to begin our mental health journey and sometimes the concept of getting help can seem daunting and scary. The landscape of mental health and behavioral therapy has changed so much in the past 4 years, and with increased resources and digital technologies, starting that journey has never been more attainable. The only way for us to begin this journey, however, is to take the first step. On this episode, the first of 2021, we talk about how we can take this first step and embark on a journey that will change our life.
2020 has been a nightmare, or a perpetual hail storm as I have said before. But with any hard time, we have to take it in and make sure we learn from it, so next time, we might be better prepared. While the hard times are still not over, there are some things I have learned is this terrible storm, and this episode I discuss what they are, and how I will use them to better help in the future.
COVID spread is the highest it has been since the pandemic began, and kids are still in school. Should they be? Is it safe for kids to be in school? This question is being asked by kids, parents, and teachers all over the country and as a significant contributor high levels of anxiety. The anxiety stems from the lack of clarity around whether or not schools are a major source of COVID spread and transmission. On today's episode we try to provide some answers and clarity to these questions by looking at the data from states reporting infection rates within school districts and comparing this to the community level transmission data. Join me for an important discussion regarding COVID in schools. Information used on this episode was taken from the following articles: Why schools probably aren’t COVID hotspots. As COVID-19 soars in many communities, schools attempt to find ways through the crisis. NY State School COVID-19 Report Card
The 2020 COVID Holiday season will have a different feel this year, and with many families choosing to not get together, an already isolated year can become that much more depressive. Unless, of coursed, we take this crazy situation and completely flip it around to make it the reason we start feeling better. Join us as we discuss ways to boost your holiday mood during this very different holiday season.
The changing of seasons, especially heading into the colder and darker months can lead to a type of depression know as Season Affective Disorder (SAD). This year, with COVID restrictions still in place this will be worse given our inability to interact with more people. So what are some ways to combat this for you and kids? We discuss on Episode 68.
Tantrums are inevitable with kids, and if you are a parent like me, you are always looking for new effective strategies to control and stop them. "Tech Tantrums" are a tantrums induced when a form of technology such as a video game or phone is taken away from the child when they are not ready to stop with it. They get angry, mean, yell, stomp, and become almost animal like. I've tried all of the strategies with little luck....until NOW. Take a listen to the new strategy that has been a game changer for me. In this episode we discuss the following article.
How much time do you spend each day thinking about the future? New research suggests that our minds tend to live in the future, and when these future events become distorted with fear and negativity, anxiety comes rushing in. On Episode 66 we discuss an article published in the NY Times about this concept, and how we can train our minds to think of a more positive future. In this episode we discuss the following article.
What does Cocaine, Alcohol, and Social Media have in common? They both manipulate our brains into raising the pleasure and addiction chemical, dopamine, in our brain. You. know what else? They are both addicting and can lead to serious harm. Harm in different ways, but harm none the less. So why is one illegal, one age restricted, and the other not? Join me as I make an argument we should start treating social media more like the drug it is and start thinking about age restrictions.
How are you doing? This is the question we must take time to ask ourselves during this difficult time. It is so important we recognize the mental toll we are feeling and be willing to admit we need something. It all starts with checking in, and asking "How Am I Doing?" Join me as we do it together on Episode 64.
Will kids go back to school this fall? This question is getting a lot of attention right now, and rightly slow. Kids have been out school since March with many districts trying their best to keep learning going through online measures. While it is clearly in the kids's and parents best interest for in class school to resume, what does the data say? And in my opinion, most importantly, how do the teachers feel, and what is their risk? We discuss these topics on Episode 64.
We are still going…still in the first wave of this pandemic. And while the second wave hasn’t started just yet, I argue the real 2nd wave has already begun and it is here to stay. Mental health was already on the decline and the coronavirus has accelerated it. What does the data say and what can we do?
Isolation was a necessary step at first to combat the unknown of this virus. But not that we know a lot more about it, how it spreads, and how it kills, there are ways we can protect the most vulnerable while living our lives as social beings. Has the isolation helped and worked? Absolutely. But the longer we remain isolated the longer we suffer mentally in the short term, and physically in the long term. We can't become sterile and isolated, we must continue the fight agains microbes and viruses, and the data out suggests we can do it in a smart way.
In this episode I argue that homeschooling needs to end. While we have really tried our best to continue educating our children through this unprecedented time, humans are in survival mode and can't possibly worry about making sure our kids are doing their assignments. The toll of this experience will have more of a an affect on our kids mentally than it will intellectually, and the sole focus right now should be keeping our kids healthy and loved.
We are living through scary, unprecedented times. People are sick, dying, losing their jobs, working from home, all while watching and home schooling their kids. The fear, stress, and anxiety is real. So how do we cope? How do we make it through. My answer? Don't be a hero, do what you can, and most of all, keep yourself and family safe. Join me on this episode as we discuss some ways I try not to be a hero in this difficult time.
The spread of the coronavirus across the world has everyone on high alert for good reason. Never have we watched something like this spread so rapidly and kill thousands of people. In addition to causing the obvious physical health problems, the constant news coverage is causing all of us to suffer sever anxiety, stressing when we will see this virus in our own communities and if we in fact will contract the virus. On top of this, if you are a parent, your biggest fear is your children and whether our not they will contract it, and if they do, what will happen to them. This is exactly the topic we will discuss today with some hard facts and latest statistics.
Screen time is the number one topic I get asked about, in particular, is too much bad for my kid . While the answer is impossible for me to say definitively, it is my opinion that it is. There is a lot of information out there and some will say one thing and some say the other. So who should we believe, and is the hysteria real? On today's episode I make the case from a biological perspective as to why too much screen time during the preschool age is harmful to the brain and future learning.
Articles mentioned in this episode.
Brain Scans.
Screen time not as serious.
Is your child anxious or just shy? If you have ever thought about this, you are not alone. A lot people have asked me what the difference is, and also if they are easy to confuse. On today's episode we talk about some of these key differences and and how long certain symptoms need to persist before anxiety can be officially diagnosed. Yes there is a clear difference, but like everything else, the earlier we can determine and help kids identify and work through anxiety, they better they will handle it as they get older. Take a listen, share with your friends, and us know what you think.
Related anxiety content.
It all Starts With You. No one else. In this new year 2020, let us all take some time to focus on ourselves and figure out a way to live a more joyous, thankful life, and in turn, our mental health and well-being will follow. On the first episode of 2020 we focus on just this, and discuss some strategies to live a more joyous life. Remember, the people around us feed off our being, so when are happier, so are they. Enjoy Episode 55, and be sure to stay tuned all year for new episodes and interviews.
It has finally happened for me...I am about to enter the world of being a parent of a kid with a video game set. Along these lines, I have spent the past few months researching different strategies on how to introduce them with balance into kids lives, and on today's episode I share some of those strategies.
Thankful and Thanksgiving go hand in hand, so on Episode 53 we discuss ways to be more thankful. We live in a fast paced world, and often we don't stop to take stock in all we have and how lucky we actually are. While it is understandable to lose sight of these things, learning to be more thankful will ultimately lead to a more compassionate, empathetic human race. When we are willing to say thank you, we are willing to engage, and show others that we appreciate who they are, why they are here, and what they do for us and our lives. I hope you all enjoy the show, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Episode 52 marks the one year anniversary of this show, and I want to thank everyone that has joined me on this journey. When I started one year ago, my goal was to share my passion for mental health with the world in the hopes that a few of you would listen and learn along with me. Well it turns out a lot more than a few have listened and I have learned maybe more than any of my listeners. On Episode 52, I share some of the lessons I have learned over this past year and talk about how they have helped me in my struggles. I hope you have learned with me and I would love to hear what you have learned along the way. Thanks for joining me on this journey, I look forward to another year.
A new study was has caused quite a stir in the national news and on social media reporting an association between taking Tyelnol while pregnant and having a child with Autsim and/or ADHD. While there have been numerous studies linking exposure to chemicals and common medication to children with Autism, not many can conclude a direct cause and effect. This new study appears to be another one where the data is suggestive and correlative, back has some serious limitations to what it actually means.
Given the attention this paper has been receiving, I wanted to breakdown the conclusions and talk about what the data actually means, and how it relates to the field of Autism and ADHD. Join me for episode 51 and I look forward to your feedback and comments.
The world is becoming an increasingly judgmental place. That, coupled with rising depression and anxiety rates , can lead to a mentally unstable future generation. One way to fight this is with the power of self-confidence which allows us to brush off the negative and the unnecessary distractions. While easier said then done, like most things relating to the brain, the early you start, the more your brain wires to be that way.
Raising a self-confident kid requires consistent strategies that promote their self-esteem and validation of their ideas and curiosity. These strategies do not have to be elaborate or involved, but rather simple and consistent.
On Episode 50 we discuss 10 strategies to help build a more self-confident human.
*this episodes cites this article
Eye contact is one of the most important things for humans to learn and practice. Why? Well to start, eyes are designed to be looked at and much can be inferred by simply looking someone in the eyes. While the importance of this is widely known with numerous studies highlighting the benefits, eye contact amongst younger generations is on the decline.
On today's show we discuss the importance of eye contact and some strategies we can use to help younger kids practice this important form of communication. Join me for an important episode as we discuss the safety of this rising trend.
We reference this article in the episode.
Is Vaping safe? Vaping has been in the news for its association to mysterious string of lung diseases across the country. Over 800 people have now been hospitalized and 8 people have died. Numerous sates have issued bans on related products, and the FDA and CDC are now investigating. With all of this scary information out there and the fact that over 25% of high school students reporting to have vaped, the question everyone has right now is, "Is Vaping Safe?"
On today's show we try to answer that question by providing the latest information on what is going on. We will approach the answer from two angles. The first is the general problem, that is, before all of these people started getting sick, was vaping a good idea? The second topic we discuss is the new problem and why all of these people are getting so sick, and so rapidly. Is it just people that vape nicotine? Is marijuana involved? What about CBD? Join me for an important episode as we discuss the safety of this rising trend.
We reference this article in the episode.
Reading and writing was once considered not just a necessity of life, but also a way for humans to communicate effectively, engage their minds, and expand their knowledge. With the advent of technology and the rise of tv and tablets, some wonder if the creative arts including reading and writing are gone forever. While I definitely agree that reading a book is not as popular with the youth and even adults for that matter, our primitive brains do prefer a good old fashioned story to engage with, and if more kids engage with the arts in some fashion, it might make them feel more connected and engaged with society as a whole.
To discus this fascinating topic I welcome poet and author Joseph Fasano to the show talk about his experience with teaching kids about the arts, his experience as a writer, and what his take is on if the art of reading and writing is lost and gone forever.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE!
Mental Health issues will arise with all humans, the question is, how do we handle the down turn when it hits us or those we love. It is easy for a mental health illness to take us over quickly, forcing us to a dark place where the light is more and more scarce and harder and harder to re-kindle. So how does one prevent this and even more, how does one pull themself out of such a dark place, once it takes hold.
Strong families and friends are always great to keep our mental health in check and keep that light burning, but sometimes, and in most instances, it is not enough. And that is where our guests for our show today come in. Only Human is an organization that aims to provide a safe place for people struggling with varies aspects of life to connect with others with similar struggles. It is the concept that we are not alone and that all humans struggle, and sometimes, it is this shared burden that can lift people up, and get their mental health back on track. Join us on Episode 46 as we speak to founder and owner Bree Pear and Crissy Saint-Massey as they discuss their struggles, how it lead to the creation of Only Human, and what the mission is.
On Today's Episode we discuss:
some alarming stats on suicidethe organization Only Human and their missionstories from real people who struggle and how they channeled their struggles into goodwhat they would say to people who are struggling looking for help
Watch on YouTube
Kids and young adults that feel disconnected from their peers are more likely to feel anxious and depressed, and since suicide is the second leading cause of death in kids now, we need to take this seriously. Extracurricular activities are a common way for kids to be more involved and integrated into the social fabric, and on today's show we discuss a new study that highlights the positive effects of these activities on kids mental health.
Correlation of poor mental health to lack of societal integrationAffects of extracurricular activities on young kids mental healthAffects of different activities on mental healthHow team sports vs individual sports vary in their effects
This article was utilized in this podcast.
Dr. Chris Fasano is the creator and founder of MentalSrongKids.com and host of the Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents Podcast. Chris Fasano is a developmental neuroscientist and mental health advocate.
The end of summer is upon us and that can lead to changes in routine and increases in stress, especially if you are a parent or teacher. So how will we will deal with this? I argue this is the perfect time for us to do an assessment of our mental health, and I challenge all of you our there to "Identify Your Struggle" to be ready for the stresses to come. The more we can identify the things that make us struggle, the more we will be able to combat them, calm the stress, and be more present to help our kids identify and cope with their stress.
what happiness to stress after summerbenefits to identifying your struggleswhy sharing them with others is importantthe importance of keeping track of the things that cause us the most stress and anguish
WATCH ON YOUTUBE!!
Chris Fasano
Dr. Chris Fasano is the creator and founder of MentalSrongKids.com and host of the Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents Podcast. Chris Fasano is a developmental neuroscientist and mental health advocate.
Our kids are not OK...if you don't believe me, believe the numbers that are coming out regarding kids mental health, depression, loneliness, and suicide. In the beginning of this episode I lay out some of these alarming statistics, and then use a recent article from the NY Times to guide the discussion on how children are growing up very differently nowadays, and how a paradigm shift is needed. Some of the topics discussed are:
alarming rise in depression and lonelinessthe move to keep children indoorsthe loss of the community and community parenting systemthe importance and new focus on how schools and teachers need to be more involved in social skill learninglack of social interaction time in schools, recess, lunch, etc..suggestions as to how we can change this
On this episode we reference the following articles:
We Have Ruined Our Chid-hood
Cigna Loneliness Study
WATCH ON YOUTUBE!!
Dr. Chris Fasano is the creator and founder of MentalSrongKids.com and host of the Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents Podcast. Chris Fasano is a developmental neuroscientist and mental health advocate.
Despair and depression can strike anyone, at anytime, no matter how much money you have, or how famous you may be. Our guest on Episode 41, celebrity trainer and motivational speaker Tony Horton, can attest to this and discusses this at length in a lively, candid interview.
Tony Horton has trained celebrities like Billy Idol, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen and is best know as the creator and lead trainer for the hit fitness series P90X. Tony rose to stardom from nothing, with no money in his pockets, and enjoyed great success and all that came with it. And then one day he got a bad headache, and his world changed; diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder that left him immobilized and 25 lbs lighter, and damage that would change him forever. Through this time, Tony was stricken with despair and depression and got to a very dark place, that forced him to reach deep down inside to pull himself out.
Join us for this fascinating interview and learn about how being physically strong, can increase your mental strength, and pull you through the darkest of times.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE!!
Dr. Chris Fasano is the creator and founder of MentalSrongKids.com and host of the Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents Podcast. Chris Fasano is a developmental neuroscientist and mental health advocate.
One of the hardest things for me as parent is being able to stay calm in the face of my son's bad behavior. Especially when that behavior seems to be on purpose, knowing it's wrong. I am inherently one who struggles with patience, and this combination can leave me quick to raise my voice and offering discipline by means of yelling. While this yelling gets his attention, it really doesn't teach him anything, and in fact, can have a negative impact on his mental health. So what is the right way to discipline? How can we stay calm and help our kids understand right vs wrong without the yelling?
On this episode I will discuss 7 ways to discipline your child without yelling.
We reference this article on today's show.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE!!
Dr. Chris Fasano is the creator and founder of MentalSrongKids.com and host of the Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents Podcast. Chris Fasano is a developmental neuroscientist and mental health advocate.
There has been a lot of news around a bill recently passed in the state of Oregon that would allow students to take days off from school for mental health problems. The bill was prompted by a staggering increase in the suicide rate of young people and hoped to break the stigma that still surrounds talking out loud about mental health issues. I have been arguing for years that kids health should include mental health to the same levels as it does physical health. All kids go for an annual physical, and by extension, all kids should go for an annual mental health exam. We are long way away from this given our political landscape, therefore, educating our youth about mental health and talking about it is a good place to start.
On today's episode we discuss what this new law actually does and why some people are saying they don't like it and feel its more of us making our kids too soft. I argue that this is not in fact correct, but in fact the responsible thing to do. For example, if we were made aware of a new cream we can put on our kids when they are growing up to significantly reduce their chances of getting cancer when older, wouldn't we use this cream? Of course. So what's the difference with mental health? We know talking about mental health, being open with kids about it, and letting them take a day when needed will in fact make them a more healthier adult. So, what's the difference? Join me and let's discuss!
A kid's health and mental health can be negatively affected by too much screen time during development. Research shows that kids who grow up with too much screen time develop mental health problems such as depression, general anxiety disorder, and focus and attention issues. It is becoming harder and harder to keep kids away from screens and devices, but it our responsibility as parents and educators to limit this time in order to avoid mental health issues down the road.
On today's episode I go through 5 strategies to help regulate kids screen time that are easy to implement. Join me as we improve kids health by teaching them sound mental health strategies, and showing them that mental health care, is just as important as physical.
Research shows that Family Vacations are excellent for a child's development and mental health. Thinking back on my childhood, I have countless memories of my family vacations, and I am confident that it had a significant affect on my social skills and overall mental health. It makes sense. When families get together, away from their daily routine and the stresses of life they tend to be more relaxed, upbeat, and happy. On today's episode we will discuss six different ways family vacations positively affect the mental health of kids and children, and why even taking a quick day trip can do the trick.
Death can be a confusing subject for kids to understand. Depending on their age, many kids have a difficult time understanding the concept of permanence. That is, the idea that someone or something is gone and never coming back. On Monday of this week I lost my grandfather and my wife and I were discussing how we handle talking to our son about this and what we would do about the wake and funeral. We went back and forth on what we should say, how direct we should be, and what to do if he asked questions. Luckily, there is a wealth of knowledge out there by experts who know a lot more than me, and so I decided that is was the perfect time to an episode on this topic. While a bit sad and morose, death is a part of life, and the sooner and more we can talk our kids about it, the more comfortable they will be with the concept, and the less scary and anxious it will make them. Join me on Episode 37, "Talking to Kids About Death" on our quest to build an army of mental strong kids.
Topics discussed on this show:
What my grandfather meant to me.Being direct with kids about death.Don't dumb it down, make them confused.They will ask questions, and you should answer them directly.Keep their routines as normal as possible.Ask your kids if they want to attend the funeral.Exposing kids to death, teaches them it's OK to express emotions.Death will teach kids that life goes on after tough, traumatic events.
"Don't just be strong, be mental strong!"
Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. As a parent I struggle with this with my kid. When I see him hurt, or about to get hurt, I want to make it better. We all want to make it better. But are we making it worse by always running to our kids and trying to protect them from everything? By doing this we are not teaching them to be resilient. We aren't teaching them to bounce back. We aren't teaching them to problem solve and to be ready for the inevitable downturns ahead. Today on Episode 36 we bring on parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa to teach us more about this important topic of resilience.
Topics discussed on this show:
Introduction to Dr. G and her passion for teaching resilience.What is resilience at relates to kids and parents?Why is it so important to teach kids to be resilient?Strategies to help build more resilient kids.The concept of empathy and how this relates to resilience.Is there such think as tough love, what does this mean?Teaching resilience to anxious children.
"Don't just be strong, be mental strong!"
Virtual reality (VR) is an experience taking place within simulated and immersive environments that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. While VR has been typically thought about as a form of entrainment, a means to escape the real world and enter into a different reality, scientists and researchers are now using VR as a tool to help diagnose and treat disease. In particular, VR has been reported to help with mental health disorders like PTSD and anxiety, and on Episode 35 we discuss this, and talk about the ways VR might be the next big thing in the mental health movement.
Topics Discussed on Episode 35:
What is virtual reality?What is the history of VR's use in medicine?How has VR been used in the field of mental health?What are some examples of diseases VR can help with?Studies that show benefit in helping diagnose disease using VR.
"Don't just be strong, be mental strong!"
Laughter is indeed the best medicine, but what is it about the comedic mind then lends itself to darkness? Many comedians suffer from mental disease including depression and substance abuse, but when they walk on stage, their only job is to make people laugh. So interesting. To talk about this fascinating topic on Episode 34, it is my great pleasure to introduce comedian, television personality and podcast host Paul Gilmartin. Since 2011, Paul has been the host and executive producer of the podcast The Mental Illness Happy Hour. The long-format interview style show examines lives affected by mental health issues, including depression, addiction, fear, anxiety, abuse, and gender identity. We are so excited to welcome Paul to the show for some great discussion around comedy and darkness.
Topics Discussed on Episode 34:
Information on new places to find the better mental health show podcastIntroduction to comedian and actor Paul GilmartinWhat type of person/mind is drawn to comedyWhy do comedians tend to have a strong dark sideHow deep in the darkness did Paul getHow did Paul channel his darkness into his current projectLessons from Paul on ho we can pull ourselves out of the darkness
"Don't just be strong, be mental strong!"
Drinking alcohol has been associated with serious physical and mental health risks, so any news showing drinking to be on the decline would be warranted. As we move into this era of wellness and mental health awareness, people are becoming less likely to go out with their friends to have a drink and a whole new spectrum of products are popping up to support this new "sober curious" culture. Are we getting sick of drinking? Is drinking not cool anymore? In Episode 33 we discuss this and how alcohol affects our brain and alters its chemistry.
Topics Discussed on Episode 33:
A new mental health policy proposal from Democratic Presidential candidate Seth MoultonHow alcohol affects your bran transmissionWhy alcohol can cause a relaxed feelDrinking incidence on the decline, reasons, and implicationsNew products popping up to support the growing wellness and mental health movementThe concept that drinking might no longer be "cool"
In this episode we reference the following article.
"Don't just be strong, be mental strong!"
Burnouts used to be something completely different when I was growing out, but nowadays, being a burnout is steadily in the rise, and on today's show we talk about what is going on. Being a "burnout" is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. And while we all think we experience this at some point, the World Health Organization has just officially made being a "burnout" a diagnosis, meaning people will be able to get diagnosed as such, and thus allow them to get some sort of mental and or physical relief. How do you feel about this? Are you a burnout? Do you disagree with this or is this another just another way we are creating a bunch of soft humans. Join the discussion and take a listen.
Grudges will kill you and I wish I was joking. Research has shown that people who hold grudges are more likely to suffer from an adverse cardiovascular event and are at more risk for heart disease. And in addition to this lovely fact, on the way to this accelerated death because of the grudge you hold, your mental health is in ruins dealing with the ongoing onslaught of up and downs the grudge brings with it. On today's episode we discuss how grudges affect our health, ways we can prevent holding a grudge, and an interesting way to get rid of a grudge we hold.
Over the past few weeks I have listened to your questions and in Episode 30 I discuss one of the most frequently asked...How do I know when my kid is having a problem? Join me as I discuss an article that lists the 14 questions to ask our kids... many of these can apply to adults as well. Enjoy!In this episode we discuss the following article
A high school in Ohio just announced it will be removing the valedictorian and salutatorian awards from graduations as part of their overall effort to improve student wellness. Rather then use these labels, the school is moving to a more broader based award system, similar to colleges, that award multiple students, rather than 2, based off their GPA. This announcement received some strong reaction from both sides of the argument, including professional football player from Ohio Baker Mayfield who went to social media to proclaim "People are too soft?" Are we too soft? What do you think about this move? Are we being too soft in an effort to make our kids more mentally strong? Lets talk about it today on Episode 29, "Too Soft".
It is OK to not be OK...and that is what we discuss on Episode 28. Our title is taken from a recent campaign by Burger King to push this same narrative during Mental Health Awareness month offering new boxed meals available in a wide range of feelings. As they put it, sometimes, we're not happy, and deserve a meal that's not "happy". Join me as we discuss ways to be more comfortable being uncomfortable on today's show.
On this show we discuss this article.
Here is the link to the Burger King Ad.
Did you know that kids are more likely to come back home to live in their parents home then previously before? In fact, 31% of young adults from 18-38 are living on their own compared to 62% back in the 1960s? Why are more young adults "boomeranging" home, and what is the effect on their mental health. On today's show we discuss a new article to be published in the journal of Society and Mental Health by Jennifer Caputo. Let's talk about this today on Episode 26, "Boomerang Kids". Enjoy!
On today's episode we reference the following article.
Episode 25 is part two of our conversation about the rise of suicide and how we should approach this topic with our kids. On today's show "Talk About It" we discuss how to bring up the topic of suicide with younger children and what those conversations should look like depending on their age. Using an article from an interview of parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa, we will go over the various strategies and what to expect. Enjoy!
With more reports coming out showing suicide on the rise, these next two episodes will be dedicated to this topic, in particular relating to how we get kids to 1) talk about how they feel before it gets to suicide or suicidal thoughts and 2) how to talk to young people directly about suicide. On part 1 today we begin with the concept that just like the body, the mind too get sick, and sometimes so sick that a doctor or treatment is needed. Treating diseases of the mind similarly to that of the body will provide context to such a drastic event like suicide. Humans that grow up understanding how and when to get help for when their mind gets sick will be much less likely to approach or attempt suicide. Join in for part 1 of the discussion on Episode 24!
Pollution of our environment, in particular our air, has been on the rise over the past decade and its negative effects on our physical health well documented. Recently, more evidence has come out suggesting pollution may negatively affect mental health by increasing depressive and psychotic episodes. This new work ties into reports published over the past two years suggesting living in a city increases your likelihood of having mental health issues. On today's show we discuss the concept of pollution and mental health and what some of the reasons behind this could be. Enjoy!
In this podcast we reference the following articles:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2729441
http://www.sci-news.com/othersciences/psychiatry/air-pollution-adolescent-psychotic-experiences-link-07043.html
Being strong encompasses two facets, mental strength and physical strength. The beauty of this arrangement is that each one can help and increase the other. So for example, those that are more physically fit tend to be less depressed, more happy and confident, and less prone to depression and anxiety. There is a ton of research out there supporting this, and has gone as far to conclude in some instances that routine physical fitness is just as good, if not better, at treating depression than taking a daily antidepressant or attending psychotherapy. Because of this, it is imperative that all of adopt some sort of physical fitness routine and by extension promote a healthy physical fitness regimen to our children so they can understand how being physically strong can enhance their mental strength and well being. Lets talk about this today!
Marijuana use for therapeutic purposes has been an intense area of research for decades now. Recently, this theory has extended to mental disease, with the focus on Cannabidiol (CBD), as the holy grail for relieving anxiety and depression. The beauty of CBD is that it can elicit an effect on our brain, without causing the "high" you get after smoking marijuana. That high comes from THC, not CBD, and that is why it is so powerful as a therapeutic. On today's show we discuss CBD, what it is, why it can be useful in helping with mental disease, and what the data says. Enjoy!
This episode references the following article.
The FDA recently approved a new drug to treat severe depression using a derivative of the street drug Ketamine. What makes this drug so interesting and appealing is that its form of delivery is via a nasal spray like common allergy meds. This announcement received a lot of national press, and a bunch of people reached to ask what this was all about, and how it can help with depression. On today's show we discuss the pros and cons of this new depression medication, and talk about what types of depression it is intended to treat.
*this episode references the following article
Have you seen this viral topic circulating on social media and the news lately called the Momo Challenge? Apparently Momo is a devilish figure that appears spliced into children's shows on YouTube that encourages kids to harm themselves and in some instances commit suicide. Obviously, very serious, scary stuff. But, after some research, this challenge has been shown to be nothing more than a hoax, exploiting the anxieties and fears of parents, and the curiosity of young children. But, just because it is a hoax, should parents or kids not be concerned. We discuss this and more on today's show.
If you or a loved one hurts themselves physically in some way, you know exactly what the response should be. Since we were kids, adults have taught us to call 911 or the police when there is an accident or a serious emergency. But when the people around us are struggling with mental illness, do you know how to recognize the signs, and better yet, do you know what to do to get them the help they need? On today's episode I talk about a Mental Health First Aid course that is available to anyone who is looking to do exactly that. Much like a CPR certification, the class is an 8 hour course designed to help us recognize people who are struggling with mental health issues, and offers solutions to how best to direct them to get the help they need. I hope you enjoy!
*this show references an article from bustle.com
The growing sentiment in the USA is that the mental health issues are on the rise amongst children and that many of these children are not currently getting the help they need. To bolster this claim with some real hard data, a new study recently published highlighted some alarming statistics on the rate at which children are suffering from mental health disease, how many of them are getting help, and how those rates vary amongst different states. The authors cite the stigma of mental health disease, lack of health insurance coverage, and the shortage of mental health providers as some of the major reasons for children not getting the help we need. Join me on this episode as I discuss the results of this study and their implications. Info sourced from study referenced above and a summary article from CNN.
When our computers or phones freeze up or get stuck in a loop, sometimes a "Reset" is all it needs to get things back on track. The same logic applies for our brains. Sometimes, especially in children, the brain can get stuck in a loop, and if this loop is instructing a bad behavior or poor focus, the brain will keep going and going...so what can we do? We can perform a brain reset. Join me on today's episode as I explain this concept and talk about some easy ways this can be achieved and utilized at home and in school.
Critical thought is what separates humans from the other animal species. Our ability to stop, think, plan, and then make a decision is what separates us and truly makes us special. Nowadays, humans are thinking less and less thanks to technology that can think for them. When we need to know something we don't ask questions, we ask Google. When we go online and read an article about something, we don't ask where it came from or entertain the possibility that the article might not be factual, we take take it for face value. Kids do this more than adults, and therefore are more susceptible to the problems this blind acceptance brings. Teaching kids, especially the 21st century kids, how to critically think is so important to raising a sound, highly functioning human being. On today's episode I discuss an article that talks about ways we can model critical thinking behaviors to teach children how to use their brains, and think!
Classrooms have begun to look more like a Best Buy story than a school nowadays. With TVs, and Chromebooks, and tablets everywhere, why are schools pushing so much technology at younger and younger grade levels? And how is it hurting or helping kids? Did you know that technology activates some of the same centers in the brain as drugs do? So every time we watch TV, or use our phone, our brain is creating a reward so that we always seek this 3 dimensional, bright, highly dynamic, button pressing, feed scrolling behavior. And because a child's brain is more plastic and less experienced, these behaviors and rewards are heightened, and is laying the ground work for an addiction…that is, a brain wiring to constantly seek technology. On today's show I talk about this topic and in particular what the research is saying about how this technology push is helping or hurting our kids. We discuss the difference between preparing kids for a world of technology, versus immersing them in it and where this mandate for technology is coming from.
*The article written by Eliane Glaser mentioned in this podcast can be found here.
All kids know that when they have a cut or a bruise they can go to the nurse for a band aid located in a first aid kit. But what about when they are feeling down, sad, anxious, or depressed? Is there a first aid kid to handle this? Is there an emotional toolbox available to them help through their struggle? All humans should have their own emotional toolbox and we should she be teaching children from a young age how to fill this toolbox up with all of the tools they will need to handle life's struggles. What are some of those tools? Join us for today's episode as we discuss just this.
Pet's have been apart of the family unit for roughly 11,000 years with obvious and known accounts of how pets can increase happiness and the disposition of all family members. In addition to these accounts, research has been performed asking if owning a pet can have a positive affect on children's mental health and overall being, and today on Episode 12 we discuss some of these results. Among the numerous benefits cited, there are some caveats and I discuss them as well, but the overwhelming majority of studies suggest owning a pet can be beneficial to children's overall wellness and mental state. Enjoy!
Disciplining children is one of the most researched and sought out topics by parents looking for better ways to teach right from wrong. Over the course of time, parents are now less inclined to use physical punishment on their children, but yelling has remained a routine method of discipline in the household today. Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new policy outlining the dangers both physical and mental these types of adversive discipline techniques can have on children. In today's episode I talk about this new policy and outline some alternative discipline strategies that can be used for both short term behavior and long term mental benefit. Enjoy!
Every year should be better than the next. Often we hear of people making New Year's resolutions that revolve around physical improvement or betterment. This year I propose all of us make mental health a primary focus and make some small goals to live every day with our mental health in mind. On today's show I discuss an article that discusses different ways we can do this, and brings in suggestions from medical professionals to over small but concrete steps we can take. Wishing everyone a mentally strong, 2019!
Remember the time when we counted down the days until Christmas arrived? Remember when the holiday season was a stress free, joyous time of smiling and celebrating with those we love? What happened to that feeling as we got older? How did the holiday season become so stressful and such a source of negative energy and mental anguish? On today's episode, right before Christmas, I discuss this exact topic and offer a few tips on how we can practice "Holiday Wellness" to ensure we capture some of that holiday magic, and keep the holiday time joyous and stress free. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful time with your friends and family. Enjoy!
On today's show we talk about a topic that I think is really important to a healthy mindset and something that should really be taught and reinforced while kids are young....bravery. In today's world of parenting we have become so protective of our children, we never ever want them to feel any sort of discomfort or displeasure. But as we know and have discussed, that is setting kids up to fail because the world inevitably will make our kids feel discomfort of some sort, and they're going to have be able to deal with this on there own. In addition to bravery, I feel the rise in anxiety is directly proportional to this feeling of overt safety that we provide our children. The more kids think that everything is and will be OK, the more anxious they will be if the feel like something bad or wrong is going to happen...SO, we have to be better at teaching our kids how to be brave, and how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable . How can we do that? Give a listen and let me know your thoughts!
Welcome to another episode of The Better Mental Health for Kids and Parents podcast. On today's show we discuss the affects of social media on mental health and bring on Dr. Melissa Hunt, the Associate Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to having an active clinical practice, Dr. Hunt conducts research on the cognitive and affective bases of depression, anxiety disorders and chronic GI disorders. In a recent study just published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Dr. Hunt and her team describe, for the first time, a causal connection between social media usage and the mental health disease depression amongst young adults.
We hope you enjoy, please leave us your comments!
Bullying can come in many different forms. Sometimes, kids bother others on the playground, in the halls at school or even online on social media sites, in email, and in text messages. About one in every four kids at school has reported being bullied. Experts estimate that about one out of every seven kids in any of the school grades is either a bullying victim or a bully. Schools that have a big problem with bullying seem to have students that don't perform as well. These schools may score as much as 6 percent lower academically than schools with less bullying.
On today's show I discuss with psychologist Dr. Kelly Lynn Mulvey how programs and prevention of bullying are guided by research. Kelly Lynn provides us with some results from her own research looking at how different types of bullying affect children difficulty. We also discuss how this research can then be used for better programs designed to prevent bullying. For more information on Dr. Mulvey's latest publication click here.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!
Nowadays spending quality time with family is becoming more rare than ever do to a more hectic work life for both parents. Research has shown that over the past three decades, family time at the dinner table and family conversation in general has declined by more than 30%. Families with children under the age of 18 report having family dinners three to four times per week. One third of families with 11- to 18-year-olds eat one or two meals a week together and only one fourth eat seven or more family meals per week. In addition to this, the experience at the table has also declined in quality with the increase in distractions such as television watching, Smartphone apps, text messaging, and telephone conversations.
There has been plenty of research that suggests a positive affect on children's mental health when greater time is spent with family and on today's episode I talk about what those benefits are, and tell examples from my life on how family time has helped me. Enjoy!
Screen time, that is, how much time someone spends in front of a TV screen or device is one of the most discussed and arguably controversial subjects in the world of parenting today, screen time. While there have been numerous studies out there looking at smaller scale studies, a very recent study looking at the result of over 40K participants on the impact of screen time amongst children and teens and their associated mental health was just released, so I wanted to go over the results and implications on today's show.
To begin the show I speak a bit on how I approached this issue with my own child and then get into the results of the study that show a correlation of higher screen time uses, to poor behavior and mental health outcomes.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!
The practice of mindfulness is one of the simplest ways to help lead a more mentally healthy life. While the techniques of mindfulness can be quite simple and attainable for kids and humans of all ages, it does require discipline and some help from the people around you. I have found personally that practicing mindfulness has greatly helped me stay present in the moment and fight off the some of the daily struggles thrown my way. As a parent I have already introduced these techniques to my 6 year old in hopes of getting his brain wired to be more present in the moment and understanding that life is nothing more than a collection of moments that pass and get followed up by more.
On today's show I discuss what mindfulness is, ways we can achieve it, and give examples I think might be helpful to you and your children. Towards the end of the show I bring on Samara Zelniker, a certified holistic wellness coach and creator of Mindfulness Matters, a company aimed at spreading the positive message and benefits of mindfulness, to further the discussion.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental disorders and the numbers in children have been increasing over the past years. Anxiety is a complex issue and on this podcast we will discuss this topic frequently. To begin our discussion, this episode will focus on what anxiety is, why our brains are wired to be anxious, what happens when we get anxious, and thoughts as to why children are becoming more and more anxious.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!
It is time for an intervention, so lets get it over with on the first episode. On Episode 1 we are going to have an intervention together and talk about the reality that is mental disease. During this show we will discuss the inevitability of mental disease, and how we should approach ourselves and our children with this in mind. We can not wait until mental health symptoms manifest, we must be proactive and take preventative measures early with our kids to avoid the problems that arise later. At some point in our lives we will experience and mental disorder, and our children are suffering earlier and earlier. Why? What is happening? How can we address this? Join me as we discuss on today's show.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!
This episode will be an introduction to who I am, what the show will be, and why it was created. Each show will be published early Sunday morning and last approximately 15-20 minutes. When the topics demand more discussion or if a guest is brought on for an interview, the shows will longer. On each show we will discuss different topics relating to mental health and i particular how it affects kids and those that care for them. We will talk about current topics, scientific facts, statistics, tools to help approach the mental care of our youth, and how all of us can improve the current decline of mental health we are in. As soon as you are finished listening to this introductory show please check out Episode 1 which is now available.
Please remember that your feedback will greatly help guide and steer this show, please leave a message on our website www.bettermentalhealthshow.com, send an email to bettermentalhealthshow@gmail.com, and leave a review on iTunes. ENJOY!