Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. There’s no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness.
Watch this video to learn the common signs of mental illness… Read more ›
As we learn more about suicide, our language has evolved. We are trying to learn more about people who think about or attempt suicide, and to be compassionate and thoughtful when we talk about it.
The more we can use language that accurately and sensitively describes suicide, the more we encourage a healthy and respectful way to talk about suicide.
A few tips from beyondblue, an Australian mental health resource… Read more ›
An Epi-Aid is an investigation of an urgent public health problem. The focus of Epi-Aids is to try to determine the cause(s) and/or extent of a specific health problem and to develop prevention and control recommendations. From 2009 through 2015, there were a number of suicides among incoming, current, or alumni members in one school district in Palo Alto, in Santa Clara County. In response, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requested assistance from the CDC to understand youth suicide in Santa Clara County and the affected cities and school districts.
The preliminary results of the research are presented in a slideshow prepared by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Read more ›
Born This Way Foundation was launched in 2012 by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. The foundation focuses on researching, learning, and developing programs to support their mission—connecting young people in safe ways and empowering them with the skills and opportunities that will inspire them to create a kinder and braver world.
Born This Way Foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. Read more ›
The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) is part of University of California at Berkeley’s Institute of Human Development, which has been an organized research unit of UC Berkeley since 1927. GGSC studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. Read more ›
Adolescent Counseling Services teamed up with the Peninsula’s top mental health professionals to share their expertise on communication with teens.
Ninety-Nine Tips for Talking With Your Teenager is a free guidebook that offers practical, concrete tips written by local therapists skilled in helping parents of young people ages eleven to nineteen years old. Read more ›
What does it feel like to have a child with mental illness?
“When our daughter was diagnosed with OCD and clinical depression at age 12, we discussed treatment options with the psychiatrist. At first, we were wary of medication, as most parents are. “If your child had type 1 diabetes, wouldn’t you give her insulin?” the doctor asked. “This is a disease—in fact it’s a life threatening disease. Medication is required. And so is regular therapy.”
And that was the beginning of our journey to understanding that our daughter has an illness, it needs to be treated, and she requires ongoing special care.” Read more ›
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severe form of depression that lasts longer than two weeks and interferes with a person’s ability to function at home, at school, and interact with friends and family.
In February 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that physicians routinely screen children between 12 and 18 for major depressive disorder (MDD) “with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.” Read more ›
Palo Alto psychiatrist Dr. Adam Strassberg provides suggestions to help us all “Keep Calm and Parent On” in an article published in Palo Alto Online. Read more ›
According to the CDC, as many as 70 percent of high school students do not get enough sleep.
For decades, information about the importance of sleep has been targeted at parents and school boards. But now, Stanford University’s Center for Sleep Sciences is attempting to tackle the issue by taking their message directly to teens. Read more ›
