ARCHIVE

Childhood cancer is heartbreaking. No child should ever have to endure such a dreadful disease. Sadly, an estimated 10,470 kids under the age of 15 will receive a cancer diagnosis in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, thanks to advances in treatment, 85% of kids with cancer will survive at least 5 years. Many will live for decades. However, chemotherapy, one of the primary treatments used to fight childhood cancer, can have a negative impact on the developing brain that leads to lasting cognitive dysfunction. Up to 75% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy struggle with “chemo brain.” These impairments can have a significant impact on a cancer survivor’s quality of life and can lead to problems at school, in the workplace, in relationships, and with self-esteem. Chemotherapy, one of the primary treatments used to fight childhood cancer, can have a negative impact on the developing brain that leads to lasting cognitive dysfunction.
Click to tweet

CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED BRAIN CHANGES IN CHILDHOOD CANCER

Chemotherapy treatment for childhood cancer can lead to many negative changes in the brain, including: The brain SPECT imaging work on tens of thousands of patients at Amen Clinics, including many childhood cancer survivors, shows the negative effects of chemotherapy on the brain. SPECT is a brain imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. SPECT scans reveal areas of the brain with healthy activity, too little activity, and too much activity. The scans of Amen Clinics patients who underwent chemotherapy treatment for cancer often show a pattern called scalloping, or overall decreased activity.

SYMPTOMS OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS

Children who have undergone chemotherapy treatment for cancer are at increased risk for many symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, such as: Some research also suggests that genetics may contribute to the cognitive dysfunction seen following childhood cancer treatment with chemotherapy. A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that among survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, those with certain genetic polymorphisms were more at risk for cognitive problems.

WHAT CAUSES COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY?

Contributors to cognitive dysfunction following chemotherapy treatment include:

Toxicity of chemotherapy:

There is compelling evidence that chemotherapy drugs are potent neurotoxins that can cause brain injuries. For example, a 2019 study published in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology suggests that the underlying causes of cognitive issues following treatment with the chemotherapy agent, doxorubicin, may be related to disruptions in the immune system’s response, a reduction in neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain.

Chronic stress:

Having cancer is a major stressor that can elevate levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels get stuck on high, it also causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. This leads to detrimental changes in the brain, including a drop in the calming neurotransmitter serotonin, leading to a range of psychological issues. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, found that chronic stress generates other disruptive changes in the brain that contribute to a higher incidence of brain health/mental health disorders later in life. In particular, chronic stress produces more white matter and fewer neurons (gray matter) than normal, skewing their balance and interfering with communication within the brain. Ultimately, high levels of cortisol increase the likelihood of developing lasting psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety or depression, or PTSD, according to research in Scientific Reports.

Poor diet:

Many parents understandably want to soothe their children to decrease stress. However, giving kids sugary treats and other types of junk food can further drain the brain and can negatively impact focus and attention, moods, and mental clarity.

Gut bacteria imbalances:

Cancer treatment can mess with gut health. A 2019 study in BMC Cancer shows that chemotherapy adversely impacts the gut microbiota and can lead to gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria. It is also associated with an increased likelihood of leaky gut, which occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes excessively porous. Leaky gut is associated with an increased risk for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADD/ADHD.

7 WAYS TO TREAT COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

After more than 30 years of helping people at Amen Clinics to change their brain and change their life, it is clear that you are not stuck with the brain you have. If you are a childhood cancer survivor, or if you have a child who is undergoing or has undergone cancer treatment, there is hope to enhance and heal the brain. Here are 7 science-backed ways to manage cognitive dysfunction following chemotherapy treatment for childhood cancer.

1. Practice stress reduction:

Chronic stress harms the brain, so it’s important to learn how to calm stress at any age. Even small children can learn how to use effective stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing. Simply inhale for 4 seconds, hold it for 1 second, exhale for 8 seconds, and repeat 10 times. This can induce a greater sense of relaxation almost immediately. Getting out in nature is another great stressbuster, but if that is not possible, try listening to nature sounds. One study found that listening to water sounds effectively lowered stress.

2. Eat a brain-healthy diet:

Focus on clean protein, foods rich in omega-3s (such as avocados, nuts, and cold-water fish like salmon and tuna), and in particular, choose foods that are high in antioxidants. Colorful vegetables and fruits are full of brain health benefits, and they boost the level of antioxidants in your body, which reduces the risk of developing cognitive impairment and depression. Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals in the body, which play a major role in many illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to research in Neuropharmacology, and depression, based on findings in Plos One. Research also shows that increasing antioxidants has been found to help many conditions, including anxiety and depression.

3. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

HBOT is a non-invasive therapy that uses the power of pure oxygen to accelerate healing. HBOT promotes healing after insults to the brain. Before-and-after brain SPECT imaging studies on people who have undergone HBOT treatment have shown dramatic improvements in blood flow to the brain. Better blood flow enhances brain function.

4. Nutritional supplements:

Nourish the brain with nutraceuticals, such as antioxidants, including glutathione, quercetin, vitamin C, astaxanthin, and green tea extract.

5. Individualized education plan (IEP):

If your child needs academic accommodations, check into an IEP. Having specialized education and services that fit your child’s needs can be very beneficial for school performance, self-esteem, and more.

6. Interactive metronome training:

The human brain has an internal clock that helps its billions of cells communicate effectively. Injuries and other insults to the brain can disrupt this internal timing mechanism. Interactive metronome training (IM) is a unique intervention that helps reset the timing in the brain and to boost activity in the cerebellum. IM training has been found to have beneficial effects on focus and concentration, working memory, executive functions (planning, judgment, and forethought), self-control, organization, and more.

7. Neurofeedback:

This noninvasive form of brain training has been reported to help with focus, anxiousness, moods, cognitive function, and more. A 2019 study found that cancer survivors reported improved quality of life after neurofeedback therapy. And an exciting 2022 pilot study from UCLA researchers shows that neurofeedback may be beneficial in improving the chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits—“chemo brain”—facing many cancer survivors. It is never too early or too late for a childhood cancer survivor to start improving brain health after chemotherapy. When you have already won the fight for your life, it’s time to begin the ongoing fight for your brain health and quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Children and teens in the U.S. are struggling with mental health disorders more than ever before—and they are not getting the help they need. Before the pandemic, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicated nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. suffer from mental health disorders, yet only about 20% of those children receive care from a mental health provider. Estimates from the U.S. Surgeon General indicate most children struggling with mental disorders do not receive treatment, even in cases of well-recognized conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD). Late last year, amidst the added stressors of the pandemic, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory claiming a mental health crisis amongst youths. Indeed, one published analysis found depressive and anxiety symptoms in kids doubled to 25.2% and 20.5%, respectively. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. suffer from mental health disorders, yet only about 20% of those children receive care from a mental health provider.
Click to tweet
Primary care doctors only catch the signs of a psychiatric issue about 25% of the time—and that usually results from a parent alerting them to a potential problem, according to one study. It underscores the critical role a parent can play in getting their child properly diagnosed and treated for mental health conditions.

DIFFICULTY RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN KIDS

It can be difficult for a parent to recognize a potential mental health issue in their child or teen. Research shows this to be true. The implications of treating a potential psychiatric problem—such as finding the right help and dedicating financial resources—and the existing stigma surrounding mental health issues can factor into a parent’s inability to see the signs and take action. A general lack of knowledge and understanding about the signs of mental health disorders is another major reason why so many mental health issues go undetected and untreated, according to a 2021 study. This can be especially true for struggling teens, who are expected to rebel, make poor decisions, act impulsively, be prone to moodiness, and keep their inner lives hidden from adults. A parent may write off certain signals of mental health distress as simply “teen” behavior. However, an educated parent can tell the difference and take action. If you are a parent of a child or teen, here are the warning signs that tell you it’s time for your child to have a psychiatric evaluation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN KIDS AND TEENS

Let’s first look at the signs of more severe cases of psychiatric illness. About a decade ago, officials from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Center for Mental Health Services tasked a group of highly skilled child mental health epidemiologists, parent/advocacy representatives, and policy experts from top research institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and others to determine simple, easily understood, scientifically derived warning signs of mental health issues in children specifically for parents, teachers, school counselors, and lay people. They analyzed epidemiological data from more than 6,000 children and parents and sought to identify symptoms of severe but mostly untreated mental health problems. They came up with the following 11 warning signs, which was published in the medical journal Pediatrics. Keep in mind that these warning signs are differentiated from other problematic behavior when the behavior persists over time, impacts a child’s functioning, or affects other people.

11 WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

  1. Feeling extremely sad or withdrawn for greater than 2 weeks
  2. Having made or making serious plans to harm or kill themselves
  3. Sudden, overwhelming fear not tied to any particular reason sometimes experienced with a racing heart or fast breathing
  4. Getting involved in multiple fights; using a weapon, or strongly desiring to hurt others
  5. Severe, out-of-control behavior that can endanger themselves or others
  6. Not eating, throwing up, or taking laxatives to make themselves shed weight
  7. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of their day-to-day activities
  8. Immense difficulty in concentrating or remaining still that puts them in physical danger or causes school failure
  9. Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
  10. Strong mood swings that cause problems in relationships with others
  11. Dramatic changes in their behavior or personality
If you observe just one of these behaviors in your child or teen, it is recommended that you take them to see a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation.

MORE TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN KIDS

In addition to the warning signs noted in the meta-analysis above, the NIMH also provides a general list of more nuanced symptoms/signs for parents to look for, which are specific to a child’s age. Again, remember that some behavioral problems may come and go, but when there’s likely a mental health issue the signs and symptoms last weeks or months. If you notice that any of the signs interfere with your child’s daily life at home and at school, or with friends, it’s time to contact a mental health professional.

SIGNS A YOUNG CHILD MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

SIGNS AN OLDER CHILD OR TEEN MAY NEED A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION

These are not the only signs of a mental health issue, but they are the most studied and common. Remember that no one knows your child as you do. Do not discount your own “gut” feelings when something is amiss.

PRIORITIZE YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends that parents start early with regular emotional “check-ins” with children to ensure better mental health. They suggest making a safe space for your child to share openly without fear of retaliation. Listen and validate your child’s experiences. It’s important for them to feel you are eager to hear about their life in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Starting this practice early in life teaches your child the language of emotional expression and makes it much more likely that they will open up when they are struggling mentally. Mental health issues in a child or teen can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Have you noticed anything about your child’s development or behavior that makes you think your little one might have autism? Maybe they don’t look you in the eye, don’t respond to their name, or don’t smile when you smile at them. These are some of the most common early signs of autism, but there are many more symptoms. Before detailing the many signs of autism, let’s look at some basics of this condition.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by differences in social interaction and communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and often intellectual and language impairments. As a spectrum disorder, cases can range from mild to severe with varying signs and symptoms. On one end of the spectrum are severe cases of ASD, which often (but not always) involve intellectual impairments. Children and adults with severe ASD may not be able to function independently. On the other end of the spectrum are milder symptoms in those with high-functioning autism (HFA), formerly referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. Autism is more prevalent today than ever before. According to findings published in JAMA Pediatrics, about 1 in 30 U.S. kids and adolescents had autism in 2020. This represents a shocking 52% increase in autism rates compared with 2017. To ensure early detection, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months and screening for autism at ages 18 and 24 months. However, despite these efforts, autism continues to be missed. The CDC reports that most children are diagnosed with ASD after age 4, even though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2. In cases of high-functioning autism (HFA), sometimes the disorder is not recognized until adolescents or adulthood. The CDC reports that most children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after age 4, even though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
Click to tweet
It’s important for parents to know the signs of autism as parents are more likely to notice developmental deficits than anyone else. Recognition of these early signs can lead to early diagnosis, which can be critical to your child receiving treatment that can help social skills. It’s also necessary to set up an autism-friendly environment to support your child’s ability to meet challenges, according to experts.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?

A child or adult with ASD might exhibit many of the signs or just a few, and signs may change according to gender and age. However, there are a number of core signs observed across the spectrum.

Core Signs of Autism

Nearly all of the core signs (except for social isolation) can be seen in early ASD, with some additional signs being observed as early as 6 months. Below is a list of the early signs.

Early Signs of Autism

Social Communication Behavioral While this is not an exhaustive list, it does cover many of the most common signs to look for in your infant or young toddler.

DEALING WITH AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS

For parents, learning your child has autism can be devastating. It’s not unusual to experience feelings of panic, fear, denial, and distress while letting the reality of a diagnosis set in. One of the major concerns a parent has is worrying if their child will have a full and happy life. Make room for grief and sadness. No one imagines their child will navigate life with ASD. If your child was diagnosed later in life, parents may also experience feelings of remorse around not getting the diagnosis and the right kind of support sooner. It is advised that parents seek the help of a professional or inquire about grief support or an ASD parental support group if needed. On a brighter note, once parents move into acceptance, a world of opportunity, support, treatment options, and hope begins to open up.

THE UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF AUTISM

In time, parents of ASD children discover the unique gifts their children bring to the world. Some might say that these unique differences are “superpowers.”

Focused Concentration

Those with HFA have a strong ability to concentrate. They can develop special interests and devote considerable time and attention to learning about them. Their focused knowledge can lead to careers or experiences that benefit others.

Associative Memory and Visual Learning

Some evidence suggests that HFA children have strong associative memory and visual learning. These attributes tend to create out-of-the-box thinking. One study found that individuals with ASD were able to problem solve an average of 40% faster than individuals with neurotypical brain development due to their enhanced visual processing.

Exhibit Traits for STEM (Science, Tech, and Math) Fields

There’s research from Cambridge University showing that people working in STEM fields have more autistic characteristics than those in other fields, which indicates that people with ASD may be well-suited for careers that require high intellectual functioning. Additionally, another study showed a strong link between child prodigies and ASD traits.

Honest, Accepting, and Reliable

Those with ASD, especially HFA, will nearly always tell you the truth. They see right through pretentious behavior. They tend to be nonjudgmental and lack manipulative behavior and prejudice. They tend to accept people as they are. Those with HFA have a high level of integrity and conscientiousness and are very dependable. THE POWER OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS IN AUTISM If you suspect your infant, toddler, or child is exhibiting any of the signs of autism spectrum disorder, reach out to a professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is key to getting them the support they need. Autism spectrum disorder and other mental health disorders can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Being bullied in childhood is associated with a range of negative effects, with physical changes taking place in the brain and a greater risk of anxiety, depression, suicide, and substance abuse. It’s devastating for any parent to discover their child is being bullied—but finding out that your child is the bully can be just as troublesome. There are warning signs that may indicate whether your child may be prone to—or already engaging in—bullying behavior. When faced with such a situation, the initial instincts of a parent may generate feelings of denial, anger, dismay, or indignation. But it’s a better idea to evaluate the situation with a calm head, sit down with your child to discuss the issue, and take gentle steps to point toward healthier ways of interacting with peers. Read on for the potential signs of bullying and some healthy ways to face it. While many equate bullies with irresponsible parenting or troubled households, not every bully is the product of a dysfunctional or fractured home life.
Click to tweet

WATCH OUT FOR THESE BULLYING RED FLAGS

According to the governmental organization StopBullying, bullying is defined as an aggressive act that involves a power imbalance, often occurring repeatedly over time. Though many picture this behavior as stereotypical physical aggression on the playground, bullying doesn’t stop (or start) there—it can also include actions like threats, rumors, verbal attacks, or excluding someone from a group with harmful intent. Today, it may even take place virtually, with cyberbullying a growing problem in the age of social media. While many equate bullies with irresponsible parenting or troubled households, not every bully is the product of a dysfunctional or fractured home life. The Child Mind Institute notes that bullies can be basically good kids who simply made mistakes, perhaps as a result of wanting to fit in with friends, a desire for extra attention, or a tendency to incorrectly perceive peers’ behavior as threatening. However, there are some red flags that a young person may demonstrate before or while engaging in bullying behavior. STOMP Out Bullying, an organization for kids and teens, notes that a bully may exhibit a range of signs or characteristics, including:
  1. Trouble with authority figures. Does your child behave aggressively toward adults, teachers, parents, etc.? Emotional dysregulation can lead to outbursts and bullying behavior in adolescents.
  2. A need for control or dominance. The child may be excessively competitive or overly preoccupied with social status.
  3. Impulsive or limit-testing behaviors. Failure to think before acting, as well as rule-breaking and pushing boundaries, can accompany a tendency toward bullying.
  4. Lack of sympathy for those who are bullied, or positive views of violence in general. Studies have shown a link between violence on TV and video games with decreased sensitivity to others’ suffering, and an increase in aggressive or harmful behavior.
  5. A hot temper. Be aware that excessive anger issues can also signal a more serious mental health condition.
  6. A knack for talking their way out of difficult situations. Bullies’ manipulative and controlling tendencies may fashion them into smooth operators.
  7. A history of being bullied. Interestingly, some bullies are simply trying to regain a sense of control after they have fallen victim to bullies themselves, including within their own family system, such as by a sibling.

BULLYING AND THE BRAIN

Plenty of researchers have looked at the link between bullying and the human brain. A study published in 2019, which examined the interaction between the brain’s amygdala activity and being shown angry and fearful faces, showed that a combination of higher amygdala activity to angry faces and lower amygdala activity to fearful faces predicted more bullying behavior. On the other hand, lower amygdala activity to both angry and fearful faces predicted less. In other words, the participants more prone to bullying were more reactive to anger and less disturbed by fear (i.e., of potential victims). The report noted previous studies’ findings—for example, that bullying adolescents have shown heightened activity in the brain’s emotion and motivation regions during risk-taking, and decreased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex when they anticipated a reward. Bullies have also demonstrated “enhanced sensitivity toward social exclusion,” a topic explored in another 2019 study. It found that adolescents’ bullying was associated with greater activation in certain brain regions, including the ventral striatum, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and insula, when viewing social exclusion. “Activation in these regions is commonly associated with reward-learning, salience monitoring, and motivational processes,” the study noted, which suggests that bullies may simply process things differently when it comes to interpreting interpersonal cues and experiences.

HOW TO INTERVENE IN YOUR CHILD’S BULLYING BEHAVIOR

With research showing clear links between bullying and the brain, technology such as brain SPECT imaging can help determine activity in the still-developing brain of a young person (and if deeper issues may be lurking). Since young brains continue to develop until their mid-20s, issues that go undetected have the potential to alter brain development and potentially lead to lasting effects on how the brain functions. Behavioral problems are some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in adolescents, and receiving the proper treatment can make a lasting impact—not only on the child in question but on everyone who interacts with that child, including victims of bullying. If you suspect bullying, it’s a good idea to sit down with your child and look at the behavior, without overreacting or jumping to conclusions. The Child Mind Institute reveals helpful tactics for this kind of talk: By employing a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach, you’ll not only encourage better behavior—you’ll be an exemplary parental model for solving problems without the use of anger or aggression. Bullying behaviors and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Does your child have difficulty containing their emotions, exhibiting explosive bouts of anger, or crying? Do you have a teen struggling with excessive anxiousness, depression, or suicidal thoughts, or who engages in self-harm or dangerous, impulsive behavior? Or do you have trouble managing your own emotions, to the point of losing jobs, friends, or romantic partners? These are signs of emotional dysregulation, also called affect dysregulation.     Emotional dysregulation can be devastatingly destructive to relationships, family life, school life, work life, and overall well-being.
Click to tweet

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Defined as an incapacity to manage emotional responses well or to keep them within an acceptable range of typical emotional reactions, emotional dysregulation is believed to affect roughly 5% of the population. It can be devastatingly destructive to relationships, family life, school life, work life, and overall well-being. Although it is more commonly seen amongst children and adolescents, it can persist into adulthood. Emotional dysregulation is not a disorder in itself, but it often plays a central role in a number of mental health conditions. Research suggests affect dysregulation may have a variety of causes including:

EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

A child’s capacity to regulate their emotional state and emotional responses positively impact their family, peers, academic success, and long-term mental well-being, as well as their ability to successfully navigate life as they grow into young adults. It’s a critical component of development. Yet, some children struggle to manage their emotions. They may experience difficulty registering emotions, responding with emotions that are appropriate to a given situation or regulating emotional responses in social interactions. Signs of emotional dysregulation in early childhood may include: Adolescents may cry more intensely than what is appropriate to a situation or have angry outbursts for no justifiable reason. They can show aggression towards themselves or others, or they may exhibit impulsive behavior that involves harmful risk-taking. They may swing between emotional extremes—blissfully happy one moment and deeply depressed the next. Overall, emotionally dysregulated adolescents have trouble interacting socially and often show marked signs of behavioral issues, especially at school. All of these symptoms are magnified in teens, and it can be alarming for parents. Their anger destroys relationships. Fear can manifest as debilitating anxiety or panic attacks. Sadness can turn to excessive crying, extreme depression, and self-harm. Behavior becomes extreme and risky: They might drive too fast, spend all their money, possibly shoplift, start smoking or drinking and be promiscuous without using protection.

EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Emotional dysregulation is often a precursor to or a major symptom of a number of mental health disorders, research suggests. It has been linked to: For example, up to 80% of children with ADD/ADHD report problems with emotional dysregulation, according to experts. It can also manifest in those with ADD/ADHD as socially inappropriate behavioral responses to strong emotion, which is compounded by guilt and shame. In adolescents, research indicates that eating disorders and other compulsive behavior is believed to be a strategy to manage affect dysregulation. It’s important to seek assessment so that mental health disorders can be treated along with emotional dysregulation since they are so closely linked.

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION

Research suggests that children and adolescents who experience childhood trauma are twice as likely to develop a mental health disorder. It also predisposes them to attachment disorders. And as it turns out, it may increase their risk of emotional dysregulation too. Indeed, they are all interrelated. This may be because of the neurobiological impact of trauma on brain function. When a child experiences trauma—ranging from neglect to physical abuse—the brain is affected. One brain SPECT imaging study in Plos One on trauma survivors found increased activity in the limbic system, which is considered the emotional center of the brain. Another study in Neuropsychopharmacology examining trauma-exposed teens found compromised function of the prefrontal cortex (involved in emotion regulation and impulse control) and amygdala (involved with fear and the encoding of emotional events), in addition to difficulty regulating emotions. Invalidation of a child’s experience or feelings is another form of relational trauma. This occurs when a person’s emotional expressions are dismissed, neglected, or criticized by caregivers. Research suggests there may be a generational aspect involved in emotional dysregulation. A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that parents with this trait are more likely to disregard their adolescent’s emotionality, resulting in greater odds that their offspring will also develop problems managing emotions. Hence, adults must check for affect dysregulation in themselves.

AFFECT DYSREGULATION IN ADULTS

Adults need emotional regulation just like children and adolescents. A high degree of emotional regulation in adults is associated with higher levels of well-being, disposable income, and socioeconomic status, according to research in the journal Emotion. Conversely, emotional dysregulation can lead to a lifetime of struggles including problems with interpersonal relationships, trouble with academic performance, and the inability to function effectively in a job or at work. For adults, emotional dysregulation may manifest as a big emotional response that is overblown to the situation at hand. Dysregulated adults also have trouble calming down after an emotional trigger, as well as a tendency to avoid difficult feelings and to focus on the negative. They may exhibit impulsive behavior surrounding out-of-control feelings of fear, sadness, frustration, and anger. An emotionally dysregulated adult may have difficulty discerning what they are feeling when they get upset. Strong emotions may feel so confusing, overwhelming, or riddled with guilt, a dysregulated person often has trouble making decisions or controlling their own behavior.

SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER EMOTIONAL REGULATION

There’s hope for both children and adults with affect dysregulation. If you recognize emotional dysregulation in your child or yourself—or both, it’s important to seek the help of a mental health professional. Once it is identified and a comprehensive assessment is made to identify root causes, emotional regulation techniques can be learned and related mental health—and brain health—disorders can be addressed. Research in Frontiers in Psychology showed improvement in emotional regulation with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, hypnosis, and meditation.  Neurofeedback also has been shown to support emotional regulation in patients with PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders, according to a 2019 study in Neuroimage. Additional tools and strategies are available to treat past trauma, brain injuries, and related mental health issues. Finding the root causes of affect dysregulation is the key to discovering the most effective solutions. Problems with emotional dysregulation and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. When the responsibilities of parenting, work, and life are too much, parents can fall into overload, or worse, burnout—a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by parents and caregivers. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, trouble concentrating, marital conflict, and even illness. Since the spring of 2020, we’ve been living in a time of parental overload. The world pandemic brought an avalanche of responsibility on parents’ already burdened shoulders.   At times, you need a break from your kids, and they need a break from you.
Click to tweet
A survey called “Stress in the Time of Covid-19,” conducted on behalf of the American Psychological Association from earlier this year found that 46% of parents with children under 18 said their stress level was high. Fast forward to today, and parents are still overloaded. Even though many parents have returned to work and kids have returned to school, the question of vaccinations and mask-wearing are new stressors. A study from Yale University that examined stress on children during the pandemic found that parental “buffering” of stress was critical to the well-being of a family, and “parents who reported higher levels of parenting stress and anxiety-related symptomatology were less likely to effectively buffer stress.” Parents can take measures to reduce stress and prevent overload. Here are several ways to help right now.

5 WAYS TO PREVENT PARENTAL OVERLOAD

1. Rest Better, Eat Right, Move More

Parents who take care of their brains and bodies by ensuring restful sleep, a brain healthy diet, and regular exercise are at less risk of having brain health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Sleep disturbances are associated with an increased risk of a host of problems that busy parents shouldn’t have to contend with such as depression, diabetes, and heart health issues. It’s recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Good sleep is associated with sharper brain function, stable mood, healthy weight, better athletic performance, healthy blood sugar levels, and stronger immune function. A diet of brain healthy foods such as colorful vegetables, antioxidant-rich fruits such as berries, whole grains, healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, and lean proteins will support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and mood. There are even anti-anxiety foods that you can incorporate into your diet such as asparagus, avocado, and pumpkin seeds. Daily exercise, either aerobic or strength training, is one of the best ways to keep stress levels in check while boosting your brain health and mood, according to research. Proper sleep, diet, and exercise help to regulate parents, and make children feel secure. When parents are off, children know and tend to act up, making things worse.

2. Reduce Your Load

If you have the financial means or the support of family, take simple tasks off your plate. Are you carrying a heavier load than your co-parent? Ask for help. Instead of spending 5 hours on your day off cleaning your home, hire a cleaning professional or ask the entire family to pitch in. If you have in-laws nearby or another family member who can help with childcare, ask for help. The Wall Street Journal recently featured the development of new apps that will match families with an assistant to organize schedules, appointments, meals, and errands. If you can afford this kind of support, sign up. Perhaps the greater load you are carrying is an emotional load. Mental health professionals almost uniformly recommend that parents have support in the form of friends, family, or professionals to talk to. Sharing your emotional concerns regularly with someone you trust can do wonders for your spirit as well as help you to find new perspectives or solutions you would not have come to on your own. If expressing your emotions verbally is challenging, consider journaling to release your burdens. One study noted both emotional and physical benefits from expressive writing. Writing can help you to find ways to further lighten your load.

3. Notice What You’ve Done

Have you ever heard of the Zeigarnik Effect? It’s based on the work of Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. He found that people remember and fixate on uncompleted tasks much more often than finished ones. Uncompleted and interrupted tasks take up mental space and cause tension. We get anxious when we can’t complete things. For busy parents, living with never-ending to-do lists is a way of life. There are to-do lists at work and at home to manage, and they can cause significant stress. Begin the practice of noting tasks completed each and every day. Have a list that you add to. Take note and savor the progress. You will never get your to-do list done, but you can find satisfaction and relief by giving your attention to what you have achieved.

4. Take Time to Be

One simple way to avoid being on overload is to take time out to just be. Do nothing. Maybe in the morning before the kids wake up, sip a cup of tea and daydream looking out the window. Schedule a bit of time on the weekend away from family not to do anything in particular. Maybe drive to the beach or a park and just sit and look out at the ocean or up at the clouds. Research shows that there’s great value in doing nothing. It’s a precursor to creativity. Taking these pockets of time may allow you to come up with creative ideas to better handle the load of work and parenting. Consider time carved out to be a time of enriching solitude. When one deliberately chooses to have solitude time, research indicates that it can be beneficial to well-being and highly restorative. If you choose to be in nature, the benefits multiply. Spending just 20 minutes in nature will significantly lower your stress hormones, according to a 2019 study.

5. Get Out of Town

At times, you need a break from your kids, and they need a break from you. Get out of town. Visit friends, have fun, enjoy being out with your partner. If the idea of getting away for a couple of days is stressful, then start small with an afternoon or evening out with friends or a special date with your spouse. One study showed that traveling to new places was associated with stress relief and well-being even a month after taking the trip. What’s more, it’s a good practice for your children to learn that they can be without you and receive care from other trustworthy and loving adults.

Make Well-Being A Priority

Ultimately, preventing parental overload means going to whatever lengths necessary to ensure your wellness. If you are already on overload, reach out to a mental health professional for help. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. At face value, Nikki Leigh appears to have it all. A bright and attractive actress, model, and host of the Positivity Time podcast, Leigh boasts nearly 5 million followers on Facebook. But she wasn’t always so popular. In fact, in a revealing episode of Scan My Brain, Leigh admits that when she was in junior high, she was bullied. “I had no friends and felt super alone,” she tells Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics, in the video. “I had people beat me up.” She tried desperately to get the people who didn’t like her to change their opinion of her and become friends, but it didn’t work. The bullying eventually got so intense that Leigh fell into depression. “I told my mom one day that I just didn’t want to live anymore, and she broke. I didn’t realize why, but I learned later on that her dad committed suicide,” she says. Leigh’s brain SPECT scan showed overactivity in the emotional centers of the brain. Based on the Amen Clinics database of over 170,000 brain scans, the diamond-shaped pattern seen on Leigh’s scan is common in people with mood issues, anxiety, and worry. Based on the Amen Clinics database of over 170,000 brain scans, overactivity in a diamond-shaped pattern in the emotional centers of the brain is common in people with mood issues, anxiety, and worry.
Click to tweet
Can being unpopular in school lead to mental health problems later in life? The research is heartbreaking.

THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COSTS OF UNPOPULARITY

Being unpopular can have devastating impacts on mental wellness, according to a decades-long study appearing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. At the outset of this study in 1966, Swedish researchers asked 12,500 6th graders to choose the 3 classmates they liked working with best. The kids who were named by 7 or more of their classmates were deemed “favorites.” On the other end of the spectrum, students who were named by only one of their peers were considered “peripheral” and those who weren’t chosen by any of their schoolmates were categorized as “marginalized.” When the children turned 50 years old several decades later, the researchers analyzed hospitalizations based on their peer status categories. The children considered peripheral or marginalized were more likely to have been hospitalized for physical or mental health issues. For example, men and women who had been in the marginalized group were approximately twice as likely as those in the favorites groups to have received inpatient care for mental health and behavioral disorders, including alcohol or drug abuse. Adults who were marginalized as children were also more likely to have died by suicide and to have a range of lifestyle-related diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes. Another study out of Sweden in 2012 re-confirmed that being unpopular in school can make you unhappier and unhealthier later in life. In this research published in Plos One, middle-aged adults who had been unpopular in high school were more likely to have medical problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol ratios. By age 43, those who had been ostracized as teens had a higher risk of having metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of all of these conditions. Although this study only looked at physical health consequences, it’s important to note that these medical issues also increase the risk of psychiatric issues. For example, being obese carries a greater risk of depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia (fear of going out), and addictions. Being overweight is also associated with untreated ADD/ADHD and lower self-esteem. Research in the American Journal of Public Health also shows that among women, increased body mass index (BMI) is linked to a rise in suicidal thoughts. Similarly, diabetes can take a devastating toll on mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are 2-3 times higher in patients with diabetes than in the general population, according to a 2016 study and a 2018 study. Findings from a 2015 study show that people with diabetes are also at greater risk for eating disorders, such as binge eating. Feeling stressed from these findings? Take heart that even if you weren’t part of the popular crowd at school, you can overcome the health and psychological problems associated with being socially isolated. It starts with your mindset.

ADOPTING A MORE POSITIVE MINDSET

For Nikki Leigh, opening up about her difficult school days and starting a podcast called “Positivity Time” has helped her deal with the depression and suicidal thoughts she used to feel. On the podcast, she routinely expresses gratitude and shares random acts of kindness with her listeners. Leigh naturally gravitated to focusing her energies on being more upbeat, but there is science to explain why her strategy can be so helpful. Positivity bias training is a proven practice that can help you overcome negativity, low self-esteem, and other issues, even if they were embedded in your psyche during your formative years at school. Positivity bias training basically means actively seeking out the positive in life—noticing what you like more than what you don’t like, showing gratitude, and changing the way you think. With these techniques, you have the potential to emerge from decades of feeling bad about yourself due to your school experience. And when you feel happier and more self-confident, you are also more likely to adopt healthy habits that will further enhance your body and brain. It’s a win-win situation. Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. As much as everyone wishes discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic could be a thing of the past, the reality is that the consequences—not only of the virus but also from what we endured—will continue to be a part of the conversation for years to come. Even though many places have returned to at least some semblance of “normal” as things reopen and everyone tries to get back on track, many people still struggle with the stress of the past year and a half. And there isn’t a more vulnerable population doing just that than the children and adolescents around the globe whose lives were greatly disrupted by the pandemic. A study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics tells us just how profound the toll on the mental health of children has been. Through what is called a meta-analysis, meaning a review of multiple studies on a particular topic, the researchers analyzed 29 studies on anxiety and depression in children and adolescents from January 2020 to February 2021. Altogether, this encompassed 80,879 youth participants from North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. The outcome of this study found that rates of anxiety and depression in children between the ages of 4 and 17 had nearly doubled during the above-referenced time period, compared to pre-pandemic levels. This means: According to the researcher’s data, 1 out of every 5 kids has experienced an increase in anxiety symptoms, while 1 in 4 teens are suffering from depression. The prevalence of both conditions was higher in females—although that is consistent with statistics from previous years.

Pandemic Stressors Contributing to Mental Health Problems

As with adults, children had to find ways to psychologically manage the unprecedented conditions necessitated by the pandemic. However, by virtue of their age, most kids don’t possess mature coping mechanisms, so the stressors likely exacerbated mental health problems for many of them. By virtue of their age, most kids don’t possess mature coping mechanisms, so the stressors of the pandemic likely exacerbated mental health problems for many of them.
Click to tweet
For instance, children need consistency in their lives in order for them to feel safe. However, the ongoing uncertainty prevented many from having the schedules and predictability they had been used to. In addition, changes to their lifestyles and home environments likely compounded the emotional strain that kids had to endure, including challenges such as these: Also, many children get specific needs met at school, including support from teachers and coaches, as well as receiving services for mental health. The absence of having these buffering relationships was an added challenge to their resilience.

Signs of Anxiety and Depression to Watch For

When children or teens have anxiety, it often manifests as having uncontrollable worries and feeling fearful, as well as hyperarousal which can present itself as: Kids who are struggling with depression tend to show symptoms of: While there is more freedom to move about now, the ongoing unpredictability of the pandemic and the related stressors are destabilizing for many kids. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness, which is one of the primary indicators of suicidal thoughts. To that point, in May of 2021, Jena Hausmann, the CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado declared that they were in a youth mental health “State of Emergency.” The demand for the hospital’s in-patient and out-patient services exceeded its capacity. Very sadly, by that point in time, suicide had become the #1 cause of death for children in Colorado.

Supporting Children in the New Normal

Talking to your children about their concerns and fears, while validating their feelings can provide an element of safety and comfort for them. Getting them back into a daily routine for school, meals, homework, screen time, and sleep will help give them a sense of control and the much-needed structure that was lost for the past 18 months. Most of all, if you notice new behavior problems or any of the symptoms listed above, be open and honest with your child and take the necessary steps to get them the help and professional support they need. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Peer pressure is nothing new, especially among teens and adolescents. The influence peers wield on their social circle has long been associated with driving behavior—both good habits and bad habits. For example, seeing a friend drink, smoke, use drugs, bully others, or binge eat increases the likelihood of engaging in that behavior oneself. Experts call this “social contagion.” Sadly, it also applies to self-harm. This is especially alarming in light of the dramatic increase in self-injury among teens since the pandemic began. According to an analysis of healthcare claims by FAIR Health, claims for intentional self-harm as a percentage of all medical claims for adolescents aged 13-18 skyrocketed by 99.8% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Experts suggest the number of teens engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury could continue to increase. Seeing a friend drink, smoke, use drugs, bully others or binge eat increases the likelihood of engaging in that behavior oneself. Experts call this “social contagion.” Sadly, it also applies to self-harm.
Click to tweet

WHAT IS NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY?

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the act of purposely harming oneself without the intention of taking one’s own life. People who hurt themselves often have a history of adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, being bullied, childhood neglect, or sexual assault. They may turn to cutting, skin-picking, burning, or other forms of self-mutilation as a way to numb their emotional pain. NSSI is most frequently seen in adolescents and young adults. Research in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health indicates that 17% of adolescents report at least one incident of self-harm. That’s higher than the 15% of college students who say they have engaged in self-injury at least once, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of College Health. And it’s more than 3 times higher than 5% of adults reporting self-harm. Approximately 65% of those who engage in NSSI are female, but experts suggest the behavior is likely underreported in males.

STUDY FINDS SELF-HARM IS SOCIALLY CONTAGIOUS

Long-standing research shows that among adolescents, exposure to a peer’s suicidal behaviors raises the chances of dangerous copycat actions. Newer findings in a 2020 Canadian study in Acta Psychiatrica Scandanavica indicate that having knowledge of a friend’s nonsuicidal self-injury is significantly associated with an adolescent’s own involvement with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. In this study, researchers administered the following 3 questions about NSSI and suicidal behavior to 1,483 Canadian adolescents ages 14-17. Based on the responses, females indicated awareness of a friend’s self-harm at a rate of nearly 3-to-1 compared to males. Compared to boys, girls also reported higher rates of their own engagement in NSSI (girls 11.4%, boys 3.4%), suicidal thoughts (girls 8.5%, boys 4.3%), and suicide attempts (girls 4.8%, boys 2.3%).

SELF-HARM AND MENTAL HEALTH

A wealth of scientific evidence shows that NSSI is associated with other mental health conditions. Among people who engage in self-harm may also struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, or obsessive compulsive disorder. The team of Canadian researchers also analyzed mental health status and its effect on NSSI, assessing any diagnoses for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, oppositional disorder, or conduct disorder. They found that adolescents who met the criteria for an anxiety disorder or depression were more likely to say they knew a friend who had been involved in self-harming behaviors. Those with some form of anxiety—including certain phobias—ranked highest with 28.6% reporting knowing a friend who engaged in self-injury. Among teens with depression, 20.4% said they knew peers who tried to hurt themselves. Engaging in NSSI as an adolescent also has detrimental effects on mental health in adulthood, according to findings in a 2020 study in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. In this study, researchers followed students in grades 7-8 for 10 years. Compared to youngsters who did not engage in NSSI, those who repeatedly injured themselves as adolescents exhibited significantly higher rates of anxiety, stress, NSSI, and problems with emotional regulation a decade later.

HELPING TEENS PREVENT OR HEAL FROM SELF-INJURY

Preventing and healing from self-harm is possible. Recognizing that NSSI is socially contagious is an important step in identifying an adolescent’s risk for self-injurious behaviors. Providing teens with strategies to handle peer pressure—for example, saying no like they mean it, disagreeing respectfully, or asking questions—can be beneficial in the prevention of this increasingly common problem. It is equally critical for parents to know the warning signs of self-harm, including scars, frequent cuts or bruises, far-fetched tales about how an injury occurred, wearing long sleeves even in summer, carrying sharp objects, declining academic performance, and social withdrawal. In addition, addressing any co-occurring mental health issues should be part of an NSSI treatment plan. Investigating brain health with functional brain imaging may also be beneficial as it can reveal underlying abnormal activity. A 2019 brain imaging study found decreased brain function in regions of the brain that play a role in emotional regulation. Finding solutions that enhance overall brain health and emotional well-being is key to overcoming nonsuicidal self-harm. Self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. If you’re like most people you probably have 5 deep dark secrets stashed away in your brain that you’ve never shared with anyone else. That’s according to a 2017 study on secrecy that analyzed over 130,000 secrets. What’s your secret? Maybe it’s about your finances, a child’s adoption status, an illness or autoimmune disease, mental health issues, sexual orientation, gender identity, political beliefs, criminal behavior, past physical or sexual abuse, an extramarital affair, or any one of thousands of other things people keep to themselves. What does all this secret keeping do to us? Thinking about those skeletons in the closet causes stress…lots of it! It’s the same for family secrets—hiding mounting debt and impending bankruptcy from the kids, enlisting a sibling in staying quiet about getting in trouble at school, asking a child not to tell when they catch you in a romantic embrace with someone other than your spouse, and the list goes on and on. In general, people stay mum about things in an effort to avoid punishment, shame, or judgment. What’s so wrong with family secrets? Keeping family secrets can be extremely harmful, leading to anxiety, shame, trust issues, resentment, stress, and sometimes to the use of addictive substances as a coping mechanism.
Click to tweet

CONSEQUENCES OF FAMILY SECRETS

Keeping family secrets creates a toxic environment that poisons the whole family. It can be extremely harmful, leading to anxiety, shame, trust issues, resentment, stress, and sometimes to the use of addictive substances as a coping mechanism. An earlier study on secrets in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that thinking about hidden confidences makes physical tasks seem harder. It’s as if the secrets you’re holding on to make you feel like you’re carrying a heavy burden that makes everything else more difficult. Keeping things to yourself can also lead to physical symptoms related to stress and anxiety, such as headaches, digestive issues, and muscle tension.

7 HARMFUL TYPES OF FAMILY SECRETS

Not all family secrets are the same. There are several types of secrets, and they can have different effects on your emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Here are 7 types of secrets and the consequences they cause.

1. Healthy secrets

Some family secrets are actually beneficial. Think about an inside joke with your dad, a secret handshake with your sibling, or planning a surprise party for your spouse. These types of secrets promote bonding and stronger relationships.

2. Unhealthy secrets

Confidential matters that stem from taboo topics, criminal behavior, moral or ethical violations, or breaking rules can cause a breakdown in the family dynamics.

3. Solo secrets

When one person alone hides something from the rest of the family—say you are in a forbidden relationship, have mounting credit card debt, or have an addiction—it builds walls around you.

4. Parents keeping secrets from each other

When spouses hide things from one another it throws off the family dynamic. Whether it’s an extramarital affair, a shopping or gambling addiction, or questioning one’s sexual orientation, it introduces an unwelcome element into the relationship. The fear of having the significant other discover the secret causes increased friction in the relationship and can lead to marital conflict.

5. Keeping secrets from the kids

Parents who try to hide things from their kids—a health condition, a pending divorce, the fact that the child is adopted—often aren’t fooling the little ones. Children are highly sensitive and intuitive, and they may sense that something is going on in the household. These secrets are especially troublesome. Although youngsters may not know what the secret is, they often think that they are somehow responsible for the tension in the air. They take the blame for the problems and are filled with guilt, but they feel powerless to change the situation.

6. Split-family secrets

When only some of the family members are in the know about something while others remain in the dark, it splinters the family unit. For example, think of a mom confiding in her teenage daughter that she’s considering filing for divorce but pressing her to keep it to herself. This makes the daughter feel uncomfortable in the presence of her father, feeling like she is being disloyal to him for not saying anything but at the same time feeling bound to keep her mom’s secret. This may cause the girl to distance herself from her father or create feelings of resentment toward her mother. In more painful instances, there may be secrets surrounding physical or sexual abuse that is kept from others.

7. All-in-the-family secrets

Many family secrets are shared among all the members but kept stashed away from any outsiders. Examples of this include a dad who drinks too much, a mom who has psychotic episodes, or a child who has a learning disability. The pressure placed on all family members to keep quiet about the issues may lead to social isolation or trouble developing friendships.

OPENING UP ABOUT FAMILY SECRETS

Living with family secrets can be hard. Dealing with them head-on can be even harder. If a hidden secret comes to light, it can cause even greater rifts within the family. On the other hand, if you want to air your family’s dirty laundry, tread lightly. Think about the goals you have for addressing long-hidden issues. Is it because you want to create a healthier, more honest relationship that will enhance the family unit? Or are you motivated by revenge? Or do you want to prove you’ve been right about something for years? If a secret has been revealed or if you decide you want to have more openness with your relatives, you may want to consider doing it in a family therapy setting. With a professional therapist who can be a calming presence, you may feel safer exploring issues that have been stowed away for years or even decades. Traditional talk therapy may not be enough in all cases because there is one factor that can’t be fixed by simply hashing things out.

THE SECRET BEHIND MANY FAMILY SECRETS

The sad truth about many family secrets related to bad behavior or acting inappropriately is that parents, siblings, and children often blame each other for these issues. Or they view their family member with disdain because they assume they have a character flaw or personality defect. It’s easy to say someone is bad, it’s harder to ask why. But investigating why can reveal so much. Over 30 years of brain SPECT imaging at Amen Clinics shows that bad behavior is typically related to underlying brain dysfunction, not to a moral failing. When family members see a loved one’s damaged brain, it promotes understanding and forgiveness. At Amen Clinics, we have seen thousands of families reconnect and find a healing path forward when they realize that the secrets they have been hiding actually lie in brain health problems. Marital conflict and other relationship issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.