Social/Emotional and School

 Creating Emotional Connection with teachers and peers is just as important as the academic program. Creating connection is more difficult with online classes, but some schools are building it into their curriculum. Check to see if your school is offering support for student’s overall well-being online. This article is informative https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/07/31/covid-online-school-kids-mental-health-teachers/5529846002/

ADHD and Executive Function

 Some experts feel ADHD is a disorder of executive function. ADHD affects emotional regulation which uses the same processes of the frontal lobe that executive function utilizes. It can be especially difficult for young people with ADHD to manage both their positive and negative emotions which can be rapid and drastic in the ups and downs. Chadd.org recommends "cooling down the brain". Techniques are: taking a deep breath, meditation and yoga, relaxation exercises, taking a bath, exercise, play with the cat or dog, get out in nature, draw or paint, listen to music, talk to someone.

Eco-anxiety

You may be surprised to learn that in this time of unrest and pandemic, some teens and young adults are also suffering from eco-anxiety- a chronic fear of environmental doom. They have a fear of what is to come, and this uncertainty can heighten clinical anxiety. Consider asking your teen what their thoughts are about the future and the future of the world. You might be surprised as to the dystopian outlook that can make hope difficult for some young people. 

Current Developmental Factors Affecting Youth

“The Origins of You” is a new book out on human development. In an interview with Psychology Today, the authors describe 4 developmental factors that are the most under appreciated in development. 1. Randomness, 2. Early Traits, 3 Historical Changes, 4. The Cost of Resilience. There are implications here for children and teens living through this current time.   

Article. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202004/what-makes-you-who-you-are   Book.  https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674983458

What Happened to Time?

We think we now have time on our hands, but maybe we always did. A new book (The Clock Mirage, Our Myth of Measured Time by Joseph Mazur https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300229325/clock-mirage

explores time and its intersection with our human consciousness. Time and Clocks are man-made, but does a clock really measure time or fully encompass what time is. The author posits that time lives within us. What do I want for my birthday?  Time.

Mental Health/Substance Use-Online Therapy and Group

While sheltering in place, many of our mental health/substance use support systems are impacted. Fortunately, many organizations are creating online support meetings. Please visit my website at https://www.miltnerconsulting.com.com to learn about low-cost online therapy, online group support for depression/anxiety, substance use and co-dependency.  Stay well.

ADHD and Positivity

The Euphoria of ADHD. According to experts Dr. Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey, this is an area often overlooked as a real positive for the student with ADHD. The search for stimulation is not all bad. It can drive a person to create and build. Encouragement and Positive Praise are so important. A person with ADHD will thrive on recognition. Learn more here-  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/recognition-responsive-euphoria-adhd/