National Institutes of Health studies indicated that nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. 33% with a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Let that sink in. Depression is high too, so is ADHD. This skyrocketing trend was happening before the pandemic.


The world has been a quickly evolving place especially for young people especially over the past 15 years. The technology boom has put revolutionary programs, gaming, and communication at our fingers 24:7 and the social media is OUT OF CONTROL.


The quote from Jurassic Park reminds me they “were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Providing teenagers and children constant access to online content and screens have been detrimental to mental health and learning.


Schools in general have also struggled to adapt to the teenagers where they are now. There is a mismatch in the gigantic and slow moving education system between the “all-in use of technology” and the old school tactics and policies that desperately need updating—to meet the needs of 2021 students.


Now I realize that there are amazing schools with incredible teachers out there. I see them, know them, am related to them, and think the world of them. This is not what I am talking about. There are systemic reasons that teens are struggling with learning and thriving exist and we need to address this now.


The next entries will focus on changes that need to be made in the school systems today and practical ways to actually do this.

No Nonsense Psychology in 2021 from Dr. Heather



Give the teenagers their stuff back NOW!


Adolescents are meant for selfishness. Because of where they are in development, their world should be all about me, me, me. They feel that a light is shining on them and them alone. Everyone is looking at me. No one understands me.


This is not to be confused with impolite teenagers. Most of the teens I know are lovely people who have been taught courtesy, politeness, and values. This is NOT what I am talking about. This almost makes it worse. Teens know how fortunate they are but are still feeling like crap. Why is that?


Well teens are supposed to be spending their time focused on school, friends, fun, dances, activities, sports, art, clubs, work, and all all-around bright futures. It’s magic time for teenagers and that is how it is supposed to be in this fleeting time of youth and vitality. Unfortunately, in one year’s time these things have been erased and instead have been replaced by a virtual world full of screens that are exacerbating problems with focus, depression, and anxiety.


So I am here to say it’s time to give the teenagers all of their stuff back. Right now.
Mental health depends on it.



(Disclaimer: We live in a free country. Obviously for those with health issues or other factors, it would still be up to individuals and families to opt into these activities or out of these activities based on their individual views and situations).

By Dr. Heather Hurd

​After working for years with adults with Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD), I am convinced that it can be very helpful to share the ASD diagnosis with employers. I have heard concerns about discrimination and being judged for having ASD, but in my experience the benefits of sharing the disorder have far outweighed the disadvantages. 

​​Sharing the disorder can foster a more positive and effective work environment. One example of this is an individual was having a hard time working with some coworkers for years. It is likely that there was miscommunication occurring with nonsocial cues. After I wrote a letter to be shared with this individual’s supervisor and coworkers communication at work improved. There was an increased understanding, acceptance, and support that was not there previously. In fact, the coworker that had ​started off with the most rocky relationship actually brought in something special to celebrate Autism Awareness Day. 

By Dr. Heather Hurd
​
I have been asked many of times, how should I tell my child he/she has a disability? Should I tell them or keep it from them?   Around age 8 many children begin to realize that they are different from others. Point blank, without any explanation of why things are hard for them, and are not hard for others they can be at risk for low self-esteem and even some symptoms of depression.

For many children, if they have been to see mental health professionals or have an Individual Education Plan it is highly likely that they already know something is up. And if children have already overheard the word “disability” or another label it is better that they be able to ask questions and receive the
information you want to share with them.

By Dr. Heather Hurd
​
Kids with Autism and Social Skills Deficits are especially at risk for being bullied. Bam. They have trouble enough with things already, but being bullied on top of it all? Darn it, but yes.

 A common misperception about children, teens, and adults with Autism is that they do not pick up on social cues, so they do not understand or feel bullying. It is just the opposite, actually. An adult with Autism reported to me a few years back that he had been at a party in which the other men were laughing at his expense. He did not realize it at the time. But when it dawned on him later it was devastating. Even as adults words can sting us. 

By Dr. Heather Hurd
​
Bullying is no joke these days. Bullying used to be a big kid taking a little kid’s lunch money, or knocking them down. That bullying still happens. But today there is another kind of bullying, bullying with words. Examples include telling everyone in the class not to be friends with a child or teen, or texting the class that they should post mean things about a child or teen on facebook. Enough of these actions piled on and it can lead to significant depression symptoms or even worse.


This “new” kind of bullying is also called relational aggression. You may think of the movie “Mean Girls” and while it sort of hits the mark, unfortunately it can be mild compared with what some children/teens live through. If children/teens are unique in some way this can unfortunately make them easy targets for bullies. Children and teens that dress, act differently, have unique viewpoints, and have problems in learning or social areas are especially at risk for being
targeted.