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At Amen Clinics, we routinely track the reasons why people call our clinics. It helps us understand your pain points and helps us focus on providing you with the information and care you need. One of the most common phrases we’ve been hearing from parents since the pandemic began is that their kids are struggling with “school issues.” This translates into meltdowns, tantrums, anxiety, loneliness, difficulty focusing, and more. Are you noticing these issues in your kids too?

What’s Causing So Many School Problems?

School is such a fundamental part of a child’s life. In 2020, when the lockdowns and social distancing requirements were put into place, parents were scrambling to figure out how to navigate this new normal. Human brains don’t like change. We prefer—and need—some level of predictability in our lives. Children need this even more. When schools switched to online learning, that transition was faced by kids and parents alike. Not only were some of the moms and/or dads having to work from home, but they also became the classroom supervisors too. This helped to give them a close look at the adjustment issues and behavior problems a lot of kids were developing as they accommodated these changes.

5 Unprecedented School Challenges Children are Facing

  1. Many kids are still in either hybrid programs or remote learning for school. This has led to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection from their friends.
  2. Children are experiencing stress and anxiety from trying to learn in new formats under frequently changing circumstances, as schools continue to adjust their programming.
  3. With few or no extra-curricular activities available for them to do with classmates and friends, it can feel like all work and no play.
  4. Many sports programs are on hold which limits the amount of body movement and exercises a lot of kids are getting.
  5. Distractions are everywhere! Without the kind of boundaries and rules that classrooms usually have, it can be much harder for certain kids to stay focused at all.
While children can seem remarkably resilient at times, it’s important for parents to pay attention to any significant behavior changes they see in their children, especially ones that have been magnified during the pandemic. For instance, don’t overlook behaviors such as these: If you have concerns, talk to your kids about what you see and get them the help they need. Did you know that most parents wait about a decade after symptoms first emerge before reaching out to a mental health professional? The right treatment can make all the difference in the world for getting your kids back on track—even in these trying times. There are also things you can do to support the mental and physical health of your whole family. Most kids don’t see a mental health professional until a decade after symptoms first emerge. The right treatment can make all the difference in the world for getting your kids back on track—even in these trying times.
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5 Ways to Boost Your Kids’ (and Your Own!) Resilience Now

  1. Establish regular schedules and routines—including sleep—that provide daily structure, especially for the kids.
  2. Being sedentary increases depression, so plan times each week to go outside with your family and play a game, take a walk, or go for a hike together. The exercise and bonding will promote happier brain chemicals.
  3. Comfort food might be making things worse! Make sure everyone is getting plenty of fresh produces and clean protein, and don’t indulge in sugary treats—the spikes and dips in blood sugar increases stress, anxiety, and irritability. And avoid foods with artificial dyes like Red Dye 40, which has been linked to hyperactivity and other adverse reactions in some children. You don’t need any more of that!
  4. Limit screen time for kids, who are on it enough as it is. Help them develop new hobbies that involve things that interest them.
  5. Be sure to take care of your own mental health! To be a good messenger, you must model the message, so if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, or an overload of stress, make the effort to get help for yourself.
School issues, behavior problems, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues in children can’t wait. During these uncertain times, mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make a child’s symptoms worsen over time. Love & Logic, the trusted leader for parenting skills, has recently become part of the Amen Clinics family because they understand that having a healthy brain is a requirement for successfully implementing parenting strategies and raising respectful and responsible children. At Amen Clinics, we offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for parents and children. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Raising children has always been a challenge. Parenting in the age of COVID has made everything harder. How can you know if you’re doing it right or getting it all wrong? Based on 30-plus years of child psychiatrists treating children and their parents at Amen Clinics and on the science-backed techniques from Love & Logic, here are 7 parenting mistakes that can ruin your children’s lives and make your life miserable.   Raising children has always been a challenge. Parenting in the age of COVID has made everything harder. How can you know if you’re doing it right or getting it all wrong?
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7 Parenting Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Children’s Lives

1. Notice what’s wrong.

When we get stressed or feel scared and depressed, we tend to zero in on the negative. Focusing on what your child is doing wrong is one of the worst things you can do to them. Kids crave attention, and if the only time you give them attention is when they’re doing something you don’t like, you’re basically training them to become a little monster. The Fix: Notice what they’re doing right. Jim and Charles Fay of Love & Logic suggest writing down “I noticed that…” and then finding something positive about your kids that you can mention to them at least once a day. It could be, “I noticed that you like to draw” or, “I noticed that you shared with your sister.” Follow that up with eye contact, a smile, and a light touch.

2. React immediately any time your child makes you upset.

When your child has pushed your buttons and you’re feeling angry, frustrated, or highly emotional, it’s actually the wrong time to dole out consequences. In stressful times, you’re more likely to yell, scream, or make rash decisions. Modeling this behavior teaches your child to act out in similar ways. The Fix: When your kid makes you crazy, take a deep breath and gather yourself. Let your child know that there will be consequences for their actions and that you’re going to think about what they will be. This way, when you do deliver those consequences, you’ll be in a calm and composed state.

3. Stay on top of their homework.

If you’re convinced it’s your job to ensure that your child’s homework is done, but if you do so, you’re sabotaging their development. When you hold all the anxiety for them, it derails their ability to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own lives. The Fix: Let your children know that their homework is their responsibility, not yours. Inform them calmly that if they don’t do it, there will be consequences, such as their teacher being upset with them. This allows youngsters to hold the anxiety for their own homework and teaches them responsibility.

4. Be permissive.

You may think that letting your children be free to do as they please is a surefire way to make them love you. Wrong! Permissiveness is bad for developing brains. Children need routine and authority. The frontal lobes—which are involved in decision-making, judgment, and impulse control—aren’t fully developed until a person’s mid-20s. The Fix: You need to act as your child’s frontal lobes until theirs develop by being firm and kind and creating structure.

5. Tell your child what to do.

Hey, parents, here’s a tip: you talk too much! So many moms and dads are constantly lecturing their kids and telling them what to think, what to say, and how to act. Sometimes more important than what you say to your young ones, however, is listening to what they have to say. The Fix: As Charles Fay says, “If you don’t want a mess, say less!” At Amen Clinics, our child psychiatrists encourage parents to engage in active listening with your child. When they are speaking, don’t interrupt. Then repeat back what you heard to make sure you understood them correctly. This helps your child feel heard.

6. Skip self-care to cater to your kids.

During the pandemic, parenting has gotten so much harder. You may be tempted to avoid workouts, meditation, journaling, and other forms of self-care so you can focus all of your attention on your children’s needs. This is a big mistake because if you aren’t taking care of your own brain health and physical and psychological well-being, you won’t be at your best to care for them. The Fix: Schedule time for yourself into your day. This will help you feel better, and it also models healthy behavior for your little ones. If they see you taking care of yourself, they will learn that self-care isn’t about being selfish.

7. Don’t worry about screen time.

If you use tablets, phones, or TVs as pseudo-babysitters, you’re in for trouble. Screen time has gotten out of control, and new research shows that using screens for long periods changes children’s brains in a negative way. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health performed brain scans of 4,500 children. Those who had daily screen time usage of more than 7 hours showed premature thinning of the cortex, the outermost brain layer responsible for processing information from the physical world. Other studies show that too much screen time is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues. The Fix: According to Charles Fay at Love & Logic, “Let your kids know that you allow screen time… as long as it doesn’t hurt relationships in the family.” Set limits on screen time and stick to those limits. If you need help raising healthy children or if your kids are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues, don’t wait. During these uncertain times, waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make problems and symptoms worsen over time. Amen Clinics has partnered with Love & Logic to bring you the best science-backed tools to help. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for parents and children. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. If your child fell down and hurt their arm badly, you’d take them to the ER or an urgent care facility for an X-ray. The images would help the physician diagnose whether or not the arm is broken and would guide the treatment plan. Broken bone? That’ll be at least 6 weeks in a cast. Just a sprain? That’s more likely the “RICE” protocol—rest, ice, compression, elevation. Without imaging, your doctor wouldn’t know whether or not the bone was broken, and if they made the wrong guess, it could lead to prolonged pain for your child or a bone that doesn’t heal correctly and could cause problems for a lifetime. Why are mental health and behavioral health problems treated differently? In traditional psychiatry, mental health professionals typically never look at the organ they treat—the brain. This means psychiatrists and psychologists must guess when making a diagnosis based solely on symptoms. This results in many children being misdiagnosed and treated with the wrong plan. And that leads to unnecessary suffering. At Amen Clinics, which uses brain SPECT imaging as part of a complete evaluation, we see many children who have been previously misdiagnosed. Based on tens of thousands of patients, here are some of the most common misdiagnoses in children.

1. Symptom: Inattention

Commonly diagnosed as: ADD/ADHD Inattention is one of the classic symptoms of ADD/ADHD. When a child has trouble focusing, is easily distracted, or frequently daydreams, parents and clinicians often suspect that it’s due to this common condition. But not all inattention is due to ADD/ADHD. Some of the other causes of inattention include:

2. Symptom: Sadness, negativity, fatigue

Commonly diagnosed as: Depression All kids go through periods where they feel blue or lethargic, but when sadness, negativity, or fatigue last for longer periods of time, it can be diagnosed as depression. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the accurate diagnosis. Some of the other causes of sadness, negativity, and fatigue include:

3. Symptom: Anxiousness, panic, fear

Commonly diagnosed as: Anxiety Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems seen in children, tweens, and teens. But having anxious thoughts, feeling panicky, or being especially fearful can be related to many other things. Some of the other causes of anxiousness, panic, and fear include:

4. Symptom: Anger, argumentative, disruptive behavior

Commonly diagnosed as: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) Some kids never seem to outgrow the “terrible twos.” They remain oppositional, have a short temper, and can explode into a rage, which often leads to a diagnosis of ODD or IED. But there may be other underlying issues at play. Some of the other causes of anger, argumentative, and disruptive behavior include: Inattention, sadness, anxiousness, anger, and disruptive behavior in children 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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. As the pandemic and lockdown drag on, kids and teens are experiencing more emotional and behavioral issues. An estimated 1 in 6 children (17%) ages 2-8 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder, according to the CDC. And 20% of adolescents and teenagers 13-18 live with a mental health condition, according to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). With the pandemic, it’s getting worse. A recent study in Pediatrics suggests that since March 2020, 14% of children are experiencing worsening behavioral health. Another study in JAMA Pediatrics on 2,330 schoolchildren in China found that after a single month of lockdown, nearly 23% reported depressive symptoms, 19% had symptoms of anxiety, and over 37% said they were “quite worried” about being infected with COVID-19. This means more youngsters may be living with undiagnosed issues that can affect every aspect of their lives—academic performance, relationships, self-esteem, and more. You may be aware of some of the classic symptoms of mental and behavioral health problems in children—hyperactivity, prolonged depression, debilitating anxiety—but there are many other subtle signs that often go overlooked. Especially now, it’s important to be on the lookout for these telltale signs.

Most Common Mental Health Problems in Children

At Amen Clinics, which has treated tens of thousands of children, the most common issues our neuropsychiatrists see in children, adolescents, and teens include: Other conditions that affect young people include: Since the pandemic began, more children are developing symptoms related to these issues and many children who have already been diagnosed are experiencing more severe symptoms.

SUBTLE MENTAL ILLNESS SIGNS THAT ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED

Pay attention to the following 10 signs that are commonly seen in mental and behavioral health problems.
  1. Changes in sleeping habits: Keep an eye on your child’s sleep routine. Sleeping much more than usual or requiring far less sleep may be cause for concern.
  2. Persistent nightmares: Occasional bad dreams are normal, but research in the British Journal of Psychiatry shows that children who have recurring nightmares or night terrors are more likely to experience psychotic episodes later in life.
  3. Physical aches and pains: Headaches, stomachaches, muscle pain, and other forms of physical discomfort are commonly seen in anxiety and depression. If your child has frequent physical symptoms with no apparent cause, it may be time to investigate.
  4. Difficulty making friends: Kids who have trouble relating to their peers or developing friendships may be showing signs of behavioral or developmental disorders.
  5. Changes in appetite or diet: If your young one suddenly loses their appetite or makes big changes to their daily diet, it could mean they’re having trouble.
  6. Mood swings: You may think moodiness is typical behavior for young people, especially teenagers, but having emotional outbursts, temper tantrums, or crying spells can be a sign they’re struggling.
  7. Poor school performance: Having trouble in school can be a red flag warning that a child is having some form of issue that’s keeping them from performing up to their potential. Taking a long time to complete homework that should only take a short while is another indication that there may be an underlying issue.
  8. Avoiding or missing school: Pay attention if children or adolescents are skipping school, as it can be a sign that something is troubling them. This is also a common sign of substance abuse.
  9. Persistent boredom: Tired of hearing your child say “I’m bored” all the time? Everyone feels bored from time to time, but chronic boredom is associated with mental health issues, like ADD/ADHD and depression.
  10. Argumentative, aggressive, and oppositional behavior: The “terrible twos” when a child says no to everything, stomps their feet, and throws tantrums are cute for a 2-year-old. It isn’t cute in older children or teens. This type of behavior deserves professional attention.
ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. Kids with behavioral disorders or emotional issues can be so challenging—disruptive, defiant, argumentative, impulsive, inattentive, nervous, negative. Parents know it can be exhausting, frustrating, and stressful. Many parents assume that prescription medication is the only way to improve symptoms that are associated with conditions, such as ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, or autism. But a growing body of scientific evidence shows that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improves the quality of life and mental health status in children with emotional and behavioral issues. Aa growing body of scientific evidence shows that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improves quality of life and mental health status in children with emotional and behavioral issues.
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Here’s what the current research reveals about children, mental and behavioral health, and omega-3 fatty acids. First, let’s take a quick look at the basics of omega-3s.

WHAT ARE OMEGA-3s?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that children (and adults) need for optimal physical, mental, and cognitive health. There are 2 active compounds in omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Children (and adults) need both. Omega-3s are considered essential fatty acids because the human body doesn’t produce them naturally. They can only be derived from food or dietary supplements, such as fish oil.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

A 2020 study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements involved 942 children ages 6-12 with behavioral disorders, including conduct problems, inattention, nervousness, hyperactivity, trouble concentrating, and learning issues and poor school performance. For the 3-month study, the youngsters were split into 2 groups—one group received supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids while the other group did not. By the end of the study period, children who had been taking omega-3 dietary supplements health status, quality of life, and scores on Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires improved significantly. The researchers concluded, “Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation alone or in combination with other nonpharmacological treatments is effective in improving children’s mental health.”

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND ADD/ADHD

In an analysis of 10 studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers summarized 10 trials involving 699 children. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a small but significant effect in improving ADD/ADHD symptoms. EPA dose within supplements was significantly correlated with supplement efficacy. They concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly with higher doses of EPA, was modestly effective in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. A 2017 review of 16 studies found that omega-3 fatty acids improved impulsivity, hyperactivity, attention, visual learning, and working/short-term memory. These are all symptoms often associated with ADD/ADHD.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND MOODS

Although there is an abundance of research on omega-3 fatty acids and depression in adults, the research on children remains sparse but encouraging. In a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry involving 20 depressed children ages 6-12, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids showed highly significant improvements in depressive symptoms. Omega-3 supplementation produced a large advantage compared with the placebo. In addition, a 2017 study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health on 38 children ages 11-17 found significant reductions in depressive symptoms in the participants taking omega-3 fatty acids.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT OMEGA-3s AND AUTISM

A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to a meta-analysis of 6 trials in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. These studies showed that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy (movements such as body rocking), which are common in children with autism.

THE HEAVY TOLL OF LOW LEVELS OF OMEGA-3s

Having low levels of EPA and DHA have been linked to mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as suicidal behavior, ADD/ADHD, cognitive decline, and other behavioral and emotional issues. Unfortunately, most Americans have low levels of EPA and DHA. In 2016, Amen Clinics tested the omega-3 fatty acids levels of 50 consecutive patients who were not taking fish oil (the most commonly used source of EPA+DHA) and found that 49 had suboptimal levels. In another study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the Amen Clinics research team correlated the brain SPECT scans of 130 patients with their EPA and DHA levels and found those with the lowest levels had lower blood flow (the #1 predictor of future brain problems) in the right hippocampus and posterior cingulate (one of the first areas to die in Alzheimer’s disease), among other areas. On cognitive testing at Amen Clinics, low omega-3s correlated with decreased scores in mood. To find out if your child has low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, there is a simple test called the Omega-3 Index. It measures the total amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in red blood cells and directly reflects their levels in the brain. The test is a clinically validated biomarker of the health of the brain. Aim for a level above 8%.

BOOSTING OMEGA-3 LEVELS IN CHILDREN

Getting adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids is critical for children. If your child has low levels of omega-3s or simply has behavioral or emotional symptoms, it’s a good idea to increase the intake of this important nutrient. Increase healthy fats. To raise omega-3 levels in children, be sure to include foods in their diet that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as: Try high-quality omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil. At Amen Clinics, the recommended dosage for children is about 800 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily for every 40 pounds of body weight. Look for a ratio of approximately 60/40 EPA to DHA. Your child’s mental, emotional, and behavioral health lays the foundation for their overall well-being and happiness in life. ADD/ADHD, depression, and other emotional and behavioral problems can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, believe in using the least toxic, most effective treatments, including natural solutions.. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for children as well as their parents. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. Talk about stress. If you’re working from home, supervising distance learning for your children, and dealing with the anxiety of the pandemic, it can be overwhelming. At Amen Clinics, there’s been a big increase in people asking for help to cope with it all. The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics have come up with the following 10 brain tips to keep you (and your kids) from getting frazzled, frustrated, or fed up.

10 Brain Tips to Keep You (and your kids) From Getting Frazzled, Frustrated, or Fed Up

1. Look for the positive.

The human brain is hardwired for negativity and during stressful times, like now, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong with your life. You need to train your brain to look for the positive to enhance your moods. An easy way to do this is to start each day by saying “Today is going to be a great day.” This causes the brain to search for reasons why it will be great. End each day with “What went well today?” This is also a very easy lesson to teach your kids that will help them maintain a more positive outlook.

2. Fuel your brain.

Feed your brain high-quality foods and start the day with some protein for better focus and energy. Also, be aware that your brain is comprised of 80% water, and being even mildly dehydrated can negatively impact your moods—making you feel more anxious, tense, depressed, or angry—in addition to sapping your energy levels and lowering your ability to concentrate. Being dehydrated by just 2% impairs performance in tasks that require attention, immediate memory skills, and physical performance, according to research in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. This can be especially important for kids with ADD/ADHD who struggle with attention and concentration.

3. Exercise to boost blood flow to the brain.

Even though your brain, which weighs about 3 pounds, makes up only 2% of your body’s weight, it uses 20% of the oxygen and blood flow in your body. Anything that impairs blood flow hurts your brain and impairs function. Brain SPECT imaging measures blood flow in the brain and low blood flow on SPECT has been seen with ADD/ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, suicide, and more. One of the best ways to promote healthy blood flow to the brain (and to your kids’ brains) is to exercise on a regular basis. Exercise enhances moods, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases focus and energy.

4. Create a physical space for work and school.

This way, when you (or your kids) enter that space—even if it’s just a desk in the corner of the living room—it signals to the brain that you’re in work mode (or your kids are in learning mode).

5. Give your brain a break.

The ideal amount of time to work on a single task is 75-90 minutes, according to Bob Pozen, author of Extreme Productivity and a lecturer at MIT. Taking mini-breaks during the day boosts productivity. To reset and re-energize, try a brief meditation session (improves focus and attention), deep breathing (relieves stress and anxiety), or a quick walk (a natural mood booster).

6. Share the load.

Depending on your anxiety level, consider creating a learning pod or “pandemic pod.” Pods are small groups of children—about 3 to 10 kids—who learn together in person. Some pods hire a tutor to teach the children while others let the parents split the duties. This means your brain gets a break from classroom time so you can focus on your own work. It also creates a sense of community, which is beneficial for the brain.

7. Practice mental hygiene.

In a pandemic, mental hygiene is just as important as washing your hands. If you find yourself (or your kids) saying things like, “Things will never go back to normal” or “We’re all going to get COVID and die,” it’s time to eliminate the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that steal your happiness. Whenever you or your children have a thought that makes you feel sad, mad, nervous, or out of control, write it down and talk back to it. This can be so helpful for moods and behavior.

8. Encourage active listening at home.

To make sure all family members know what their role is in the household, practice active listening. This is when you repeat back what you’ve understood when another person is talking. This helps avoid the miscommunication and conflicts that can harm relationships. When we have great relationships, our brains tend to do much better.

9. Tell your brain it’s time to relax.

At the end of the day, put your work materials out of sight, if possible. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to power down and relax. To promote relaxation, inhale calming scents, such as lemon, lavender, honeysuckle, rose, jasmine, or vanilla.

10. Stick to a sleep schedule.

While you’re sleeping, your brain is hard at work performing some very critical functions necessary to keep it operating at optimal levels. For example, during sleep, your brain cleans or washes itself by eliminating cellular debris and toxins that build up during the day (basically taking out the neural trash), consolidates learning and memory, and prepares for the following day. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children ages 6-12 get 9-12 hours and teenagers 13-18 years old get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep improves attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, moods, and mental health. Create a sleep routine for yourself and your children and stick to it. Anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health conditions 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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Are you frustrated that your adult offspring doesn’t have a job, isn’t in college, and isn’t in a job training program? Resentful that they aren’t making an effort to get their life together? Fearful they will lose their friends and become a recluse? Tired of footing the bill? Desperate to help them gain their independence and move out? Join the club.

The “failure to launch” (FTL) syndrome is reaching epidemic proportions. Nearly 10 million U.S. Millennials ages 24-34 still live at home with mom, according to a 2016 analysis of American Community Data by Zillow. The rate of working-age young adults living with mom has been on the rise for over a decade, jumping from 13.1% in 2005 to 21.4% in 2014. Increasing housing costs and longer education times are only partially to blame for the trend.

The Failure to Launch Syndrome

Failure to launch has been described as “a dysfunctional adult offspring” who doesn’t take the necessary steps to achieve independence combined with at least one parent who feeds the problem by “providing age-inappropriate services.”

Young adults are stigmatized and viewed as lazy and overly pampered. The shame they feel when comparing themselves to their peers who are starting new jobs and moving into apartments can be so paralyzing it keeps them mired in their situation. On the flip side, parents face scrutiny from their own friends and family for pandering to their adult children.

It’s a difficult situation for both sides.

Symptoms of Failure to Launch

Recognizing the signs of this syndrome in an adult child is a critical step in overcoming the problem. Look for these signs:

Understand that FTL isn’t solely your child’s problem. It’s a two-way street. As a parent, it is especially important to acknowledge that you may be enabling the situation with your behavior. Ask yourself if any of these signs apply to you:

This codependent relationship can have lifelong consequences for everyone involved.

The Missing Link That’s Holding Young Adults Back

Focusing solely on fixing the symptoms associated with FTL is a mistake. You need to go deeper to find the root cause. What many people don’t realize is that hidden brain dysfunction and mental health issues among adult kids and/or the parents are often contributing to these symptoms. Issues that can keep young people from achieving their potential and make parents enablers include:

Tackling these root causes can help you and your adult offspring overcome FTL syndrome.

How to Break the FTL Cycle

Many well-meaning parents try a variety of things—such as threats and lecturing—to prompt their adult children to move out, but in many cases, these efforts end up aggravating the problem. What can parents do?

In a 2016 study, Dr. Eli Lebowitz, who has been researching the phenomenon for years, suggested it would be better for parents to stop calling it a “failure to launch” and start thinking of it as an opportunity for growth, change, and development.

To spark that growth and break the cycle, follow this process.

1. Start with tiny habits.

Recognize that changing habits can be a difficult process and don’t expect major improvements immediately. Making small changes can lead to big results.

2. Adopt rational thinking.

As a family, learn to kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that keep you and your adult child locked in this unhealthy pattern. Whenever you or your child feels mad, sad, or frustrated, write down your thought and ask yourself if it is true. Then talk back to the ANT to kill it.

Example:

ANT: My kid will never get a job.

Is this true? No, I can’t know that it will never happen.

Kill the ANT: My young adult child can learn the skills necessary to land a job and keep it.

When you adopt this kind of thinking, it helps you and your child feel empowered to do something about your situation rather than feeling stuck.

3. Stop blaming and start taking responsibility for your part in the problem.

Don’t view this as your child’s fault. Admit if you are enabling the situation and look for ways to change your behavior. This helps you feel empowered to be part of the solution rather than a helpless victim.

4. Help your child find their purpose.

Knowing their “why” can boost their motivation to set and achieve goals. One of the most effective ways to improve goal setting and motivation is an exercise called the One Page Miracle. On a sheet of paper have your young adult write down what they want out of life in terms of education, career, finances, social life, and family. Then before making any decisions, they should ask themselves, “Will this help me get what I want out of life?”

5. Encourage accountability.

Write a contract that spells out what you will pay for, what services you will provide, and what is expected from your adult offspring, and have all parties sign it. Think of this as an agreement between adults, similar to a contract with a tenant. Making a signed commitment increases the chances of success.

6. Enhance brain health to ensure better follow-through.

In order to successfully follow through on these steps, everyone in the family needs to optimize their brain health. This includes treating any mental health issues or past head injuries and making simple lifestyle changes can also boost brain health, including eating a healthy diet, daily exercise to boost blood flow to the brain, practicing stress-management techniques, and taking nutraceuticals to support brain health.

At Amen Clinics, we take a unique brain-body approach to diagnosis and treatment that includes brain SPECT imaging, as well as laboratory testing to check physical health, and other important factors that could be contributing to symptoms. By getting to the root cause of symptoms, we can create a more effective, personalized treatment plan.

If you want to join the tens of thousands of people who have already enhanced their brain health, overcome their symptoms, and improved their quality of life at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

At Amen Clinics, a global leader in brain imaging related to psychiatry, we have helped tens of thousands of patients from over 120 countries enhance their brain health and get well. By the time our patients reach out to us for help, they’ve typically been suffering for quite a while. On average our patients have 4.2 diagnoses and have failed 3.3 providers and 5 medications before they come to us.

We routinely ask patients what drove them to seek our help, what was the last straw that made them pick up the phone. With the pandemic, it’s clear that people are experiencing a whole new array of issues that are driving them to ask for help.

Based on patients at Amen Clinics, here are 14 of the most common pandemic-related reasons why people say they are seeking psychiatric treatment now.

1. Nothing to distract from mental health issues.

Without the typical daily distractions, such as going to school or to the office, there is nothing to shield people from their struggles or the reality of their mental illness. It’s now front and center on a daily basis and demands attention.

2. Once-controlled problems are re-emerging.

People who had stabilized their mental health condition are now experiencing a return of symptoms they used to have under control. They need adjustments to treatment plans and additional strategies to help them through this challenging period.

3. Relationship issues have become inescapable.

Due to quarantine, couples are spending more time together at home with no respite from their relationship problems. This has led to more marital conflict, more frequent fights, and a more immediate need to address long-standing issues.

4. Kids’ ADD/ADHD can no longer be ignored.

Now that kids are stuck at home, their ADD/ADHD symptoms are becoming glaringly apparent to their parents. And if parents are doing homeschooling during the lockdown, they are seeing first-hand that their child’s learning challenges may be far more significant than they realized.

5. Youngsters’ issues are exacerbated.

For many young children, adolescents, and teens, it’s their friends, sports, and other extracurricular school activities that help keep them mentally stable. Without that support network and without the activities they love, their underlying mental health problems are becoming unbearable.

6. Increased substance use.

Due to the stress and anxiety of the pandemic, some people with addiction issues who had been sober are using again or thinking about using again and need help to combat those urges. In addition, some people who had previously been light or moderate drinkers are now developing a drinking problem and others are turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.

7. Job loss and financial insecurity.

The stress from a lack of work or unexpected financial instability is pushing some people over the edge and creating mental health problems or making existing ones worse.

8. Overwhelming uncertainty.

Feeling like everything is up in the air, that there is nothing you can count on, and that you can’t make any plans is extremely difficult to handle and is ramping up anxiety, depression, and other issues.

9. Suicidal thoughts.

For some people, the events of 2020 have been so traumatic that they are beginning to have suicidal thoughts and need professional help.

10. Loss of routine.

Daily schedules have gone out of the window, leading to a variety of lifestyle changes, such as sleep problems that exacerbate anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues.

11. Emotional eating.

Quarantine has triggered a host of changes in eating patterns—giving up on healthy eating habits, overeating, consuming more sugary baked goods—all of which make mental health issues worse.

12. Irrational fears.

Months of being told that we are “safer at home” has led to agoraphobia, which is a type of anxiety in which you have an irrational fear of specific places, situations, or spaces. In some people, this phobia stems from the fear of contacting COVID-19 or passing it to a loved one.

13. Have tried it all, but nothing’s working.

Some people say they have “tried everything” to control their mental health issues, but they are still struggling and are looking for alternative approaches to treatment.

14. “Hitting the wall.”

A growing number of people are saying they’ve hit the wall with the pandemic, and they feel that they’ve reached the limit of their coping skills and need professional help.

Do you recognize yourself in these reasons? Have you reached the point where you could benefit from professional help? You’re not alone. No matter how impossible or unbearable your situation may seem, understand that there is hope. With the proper brain-centered treatment, you can overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss and learn to thrive—even in the most awful situation.

Anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, 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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

The pandemic has brought so many losses to so many people. For some, it’s the absence of sports that’s the hardest to cope with. And for student athletes who have seen their school sports axed, it’s taking a devastating toll on their mental well-being and cognitive function.

Over two-thirds of high school student athletes say they are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety since sports were canceled due to the pandemic, according to a nationwide survey. The researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that 68% of students surveyed reported mood and anxiety issues at levels typically indicating a need for medical intervention. That’s 37% higher than previous levels.

Athletes at the college level are feeling the pain too. A majority of student-athletes reported high rates of mental distress in the NCAA Student-Athlete COVID-19 Well-being Study, which surveyed over 37,000 participants. Over 25% of the athletes who responded reported feeling a sense of sadness and loss while 1 in 10 said their depression levels were so high it made it difficult to function “most every day” or “constantly.”

For student athletes with ADD/ADHD, the lack of school sports is leading to increased struggles with symptoms associated with the condition.

At Amen Clinics, a global leader in the use of brain imaging in psychiatry, the number of student athletes (and their parents) seeking help for depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and other issues is on the rise.

HOW THE LOSS OF SPORTS AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH

Missing out on organized sports negatively impacts an athlete’s life in many ways. 

Depletes neurotransmitters:

Exercise increases the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Multiple studies show that physical exercise has strong antidepressant and antianxiety effects, with some reports showing it can be as effective as antidepressant medication. The UW study found that physical activity levels among high school student-athletes were 50% lower than pre-pandemic. Without that jolt of neurotransmitter production thanks to exercise, there’s an increased risk of feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reduces focus and attention:

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, which can heighten focus and attention in people with ADD/ADHD. In the thousands of ADD/ADHD patients treated at Amen Clinics, there is a direct correlation between the level of exercise a person gets and the severity of their symptoms. When Amen Clinics patients who play sports, such as basketball which involves intense aerobic activity, they do better in their classwork at school. Decreasing activity or adopting a sedentary lifestyle makes people more prone to symptoms of ADD/ADHD, including trouble with focus, inattention, impulsivity, disorganization, difficulty with follow-through, and lack of motivation. That lack of motivation creates a downward spiral—less drive to exercise, fewer benefits from physical activity, even less motivation—that makes it even harder to get off the couch.

Social isolation:

Missing out on the social aspects of team sports lowers moods and can cause depression to set in.

Dealing with uncertainty:

Everyone is dealing with a greater sense of uncertainty due to the pandemic. For students who play sports, that feeling may be more acute. Plans for the return of organized sports at the high school and college level are largely up in the air, meaning athletes are trying to prepare for seasons that may or may not take place. Uncertainty can trigger anxiety in anyone.

Feeling cheated:

When you’ve worked toward a goal, such as earning the right to play a sport in college, and it suddenly gets taken away, you can’t help but feel cheated. You may feel a knee-jerk reaction to blame somebody, but that is the number one way to ruin your life. Blame is an ANT (automatic negative thoughts) that can make you feel like a helpless victim, which increases symptoms of depression.

ENHANCING MENTAL WELLNESS AMONG STUDENT ATHLETES

What can student athletes do to boost their psychological and cognitive well-being? These strategies can help keep anxiety and depression at bay and can improve focus and attention.

Stick to an exercise routine.

Even if you can’t play your sport, maintain a training regimen that will keep you in shape and that will fuel your brain for better mental health and cognitive function.

Connect with teammates.

You may not be able to huddle with teammates on the playing field, but you can connect on social media or via Zoom. Encourage team Zoom meetings or create a group page where you can connect, express challenges, and share strategies with each other. Social connection is critical for reducing depression.

Eat foods that boost feel-good neurotransmitters.

Foods that increase dopamine and serotonin include proteins (such as turkey, salmon, and eggs), probiotic foods (such as sauerkraut, kimchee, and kefir), and nuts and seeds. Most people with ADD/ADHD (except people with Overfocused ADD/ADHD) do better with a diet that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.

Challenge your thoughts.

If your mind is filled with blaming ANTs, learn to talk back to them and start taking responsibility for your life. Stop dwelling on the things that are out of your control and focus on what you can do to make your life better.

Seek help if you need it.

If symptoms of depression, anxiety, or ADD/ADHD become overwhelming or get in the way of day-to-day life, it’s time to seek professional help. Understand that brain SPECT imaging studies at Amen Clinics show that each of these conditions has multiple types, so giving everyone the same treatment plan will never work. Each type requires a personalized treatment plan. Finding out which type you have is the key to getting the most effective treatment.

Anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, 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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

“So what, mom, it’s just a few beers.”

Have you ever heard that refrain from your kid? If so, it’s time to talk about drinking. You may think you’re powerless to put a stop to underage drinking, but did you know that parents are the #1 reason why kids decide not to drink alcohol?

What you say to your kids about drinking can change their life for the better.

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF UNDERAGE DRINKING

There’s no doubt that teenage drinking is fraught with trouble—drunk driving, car accidents, risky sexual activity, and stupid decisions. These are just some of the familiar short-term consequences associated with alcohol intake during the teenage years.

What many parents don’t realize is that drinking also comes with many long-term emotional, cognitive, and brain health consequences. For example, did you know that heavy drinking as a teen is associated with an increased risk of:

These issues can have devastating impacts on your teen’s future. They can keep your child from reaching their academic potential, prevent them from getting into the college they want, or deprive them of a scholarship they might have earned. They can also be detrimental to relationships, future career opportunities, and overall well-being. In short, it can ruin their life.

THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE TEENAGE BRAIN

A growing body of brain imaging research shows that teenage drinking also has damaging effects on the brain, which is undergoing rapid development up until the age of about 25. Here are some of the ways it can impact the teen brain.

HOW TO TALK TO TEENS ABOUT DRINKING

Talking to your teen about drinking is so important. Here are 6 tips to help you do it.

1. Start early and don’t stop.

It’s important to start talking to kids about alcohol before they enter the teen years. But it’s equally important to think of this as an ongoing conversation rather than a one-and-done deal. Continue talking to them about drinking when they are in junior high, high school, and beyond.

2. Show, don’t just tell.

Seeing is believing. Showing young people the brain scans of healthy people versus those who are moderate drinkers or alcoholics can be an eye-opener. This article on “5 Scary Ways Alcohol Can Damage the Brain” shows a brain scan of a drinker and can provide you with some good talking points.

3. Encourage kids to love their brain.

Share the knowledge that loving and caring for their brain will help them be happier, get better grades, be more successful, have stronger relationships with their friends, and have a better love life. The Amen University online course “Brain Thrive By 25” is taught in high schools around the country and can help kids learn how to love and care for their brain.

4. Pay attention.

Show your child that you care about them by paying attention to them. Be on the lookout for behaviors that may be signs they are drinking and talk to them about it. Kids are more likely to drink when they believe their parents won’t find out, so be present and be aware. And talk to them about what you notice.

5. Be a good role model.

Don’t take the “do as I say not as I do” approach. If you are routinely having alcoholic beverages when your child is around, they will learn that drinking is okay. Think about the behavior you are modeling for your kids.

6. Get help early.

If your youngster is developing a drinking problem, don’t wait to seek help. Talk to them about seeing a professional who can help them regain control of their life.

Addictions, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, 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. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.