Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

At the Clay Center, we often stress the importance of creativity for supporting healthy youth development and community relationships. So, we’re thrilled to have socially engaged multimedia artist Elisa H. Hamilton join Gene and Steve in today’s episode! Elisa is a visiting artist with the Clay Center. Since January, she’s been developing a project to help everyday families and communities become more aware of and engage with young people around issues of mental health. All of this using art as the entryway to these conversations. Tune in for more and stay tuned for the launch of her project in Fall 2019! Thank you for joining in this conversation. Have questions or ideas you’d like to share about art and mental health? Write to us at mghclaycenter@partners.org! We’d love to hear from you. Media List Creativity Gives Our Brains a Boost (MGH Clay Center) Elisa H. Hamilton, Multimedia Artist Emerson College,

Did you know Ellen enjoys boxing for self-care, and that Gene depends on daily interactions with his dog, Bear? This week is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week! What better way to celebrate than by focusing on self-care, and on building resilience in young people from the earliest ages? When we help them work self-care into their routines now, they’ll have it to fall back on as they enter adulthood.Self-care can mean different things depending on the stage of child development, family dynamics, and more. Gene and Ellen talk through it all in today’s episode. Thanks for joining in the conversation. What do you do for self-care? E-mail us!Media ListApril 2019 Saw The Most Days With Rain In Boston Since 1872 (WBUR)National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (SAMHSA)Association Between the Release of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and Suicide Rates in the United States: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis (Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)Investigating harmful and helpful ef

We all get distracted and disorganized. Today, it seems more than ever with digital media consuming our lives. We bet you’ve even wondered, at some point in your life, whether you might have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Heck – do we all have some form of it? Like all things in mental health, it’s complicated. Not all that’s inattentive is ADHD. In today’s episode, our co-director Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Gene to really delve into what ADHD is, what it’s not, the different ways it can present in kids, and things we can do to manage it.Thanks for joining in the conversation! If you have questions or comments about ADHD, write to us at mghclaycenter@partners.org.Media ListDriven to Distraction (Edward Hallowell, MD)Doctors in the US have less time to treat patients (Univerzita Karlova)What is ADHD? (Video – Massachusetts General Hospital for Children)How Do You Measure Executive Function Skills in Kids? (MGH Clay Center)Intro to Processing Speed (MGH Clay Center)What If My Child Has an Anxiety

Flowers are blooming. People are smiling. On the surface, it seems like spring is the sweetest season of all. And while it is rejuvenating and joyful in many ways, it’s also associated with the highest rates of psychiatric issues. Gene and Steve take a closer look at why this might be, from research to theories to their own clinical experience. They also talk about steps you can take to manage this time of year if your child or you are struggling. With the right strategies and supports, we can get through this together. Thank you for joining us in this conversation.If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, write to us at mghclaycenter@partners.org. Media ListNod to National Poetry Month: The Waste Land (T.S. Eliot)Seasonality of Suicidal Behavior (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)Spring Suicide: An (Un)Likely Combination? (MGH Clay Center)Study: Many Anti-Inflammatories Show Antidepressant Effect (Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network)There Ar

We'll be back next week with new episodes! Dr. Gene Beresin shares a glimpse of the topics to come, including ADHD, self-care, and more. Stay tuned... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s not the most fun part of the job, but parents know they have a responsibility to discipline their kids when they do something that’s not right – stealing, hitting, staying out past curfew. But how do you make the punishment fit the crime, and help your kid to process the situation after the fact so that it doesn’t happen again? Also, why might a psychologist or psychiatrist ask a child about discipline measures at home? In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Gene and Steve put their heads together to think about discipline, punishment, and what makes sense for children and teens.Have questions or comments about this episode or another child mental health topic? Write to us at mghclaycenter@partners.org.Media List·     Happy Spring! (MGH Clay Center)·     Discipline Shouldn’t Lead to Tears (Fatherly)·     Giving a 2-Year-Olda 15-Minute Time-Out (MGH Clay Center)·     A 9-Year-Old Has No Remorse for Stealing

On today’s show, Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Gene and Steve to think deeper about our American culture that’s contributed to issues like the recent college admissions scandal, and also less extreme (and less fraudulent) measures we take to ensure our kids succeed at a level that’s well above-average. What message does it send to young people when we have expectations of true perfection and even take actions that suggest they’re not good enough to succeed on their own?We’ll discuss this and more. Write to us with your thoughts at mghclaycenter@partners.org.Media ListCVS pharmacy plans to change music played when your call is put on hold (Good Morning America)30 Fast Facts About The College Admissions Scandal (Forbes)Academic Testing Accommodations for ADHD: Do They Help? (Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal)IDEA Act (US Department of Education)Use of ‘smart drugs’ on the rise (Nature)We Can’t Talk About The College Admissions Scandal Without Discussing Mental Health (Huffington Post)High School Juni

Welcome to today’s “pot-cast”! Marijuana is on everyone’s mind, especially the parents of tweens and teens, as it becomes legal in more states – not just for medicinal use, but for recreation. We’ve learned from alcohol that teens are going to have easier access to cannabis the more state laws ease up, even when the age minimum is 21. But pot today and pot in the 70s are almost like two different drugs. And the truth is, we don’t know all the ways that it affects teen development because it hasn’t been studied for that long.So, what do we know about weed and its effects on the teen brain? Gene and Steve welcome special guest Jodi Gilman, PhD, a neuroscientist at The Center for Addiction Medicine at Mass General Hospital, to discuss. Her research focuses on the effects of alcohol and cannabis on the brains of adolescents and young adults – be sure to check out her most recent study at the top of today's media list.Media ListOne Month of Cannabis Abstinence in Adolescents is Associated With Improved Memory (Jou

* Want the visuals to go with the talk? Watch this special episode on YouTube *Why on earth are two child psychiatrists talking about the 2019 Academy Awards? It’s not just for fun, even though it’s fun, too. But, rather, because there is so much in this year’s nominated films – from Black Panther to Bohemian Rhapsody – that relates to coming of age in today’s America. We live in a time of cultural turmoil and a search to rediscover identity as a country and as individuals. Many of these films are opportunities to help us reflect on these issues, in addition to enjoying the actors, action, and great entertainment.Tune in to this special episode of Shrinking It Down as Gene and Steve discuss the Oscar-nominated films and how movies can help us to feel connected and make sense of the world.Media List@JuddApatow: "On a plane. I will be answering all of your questions..." (Twitter)Michael B Jordan Says He Went to Therapy After Filming Black Panther: It Was Tough for Me’ (People)‘BlacKkKlansman’: A Sobering Remind

Almost every parent has been there. Whether your child is age two or twenty-two, we’re all familiar with the “T” word. Out-of-control meltdowns on the way to school, embarrassing moments in the supermarket. Tantrums can feel like a nightmare. But understanding what’s going on in your toddler’s mind – in addition to what you may bring to these interactions from your own personal experience – can be a really helpful starting point in honing survival strategies.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, our co-director Ellen Braaten is joined by special guest Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD, author of the new book The Tantrum Survival Guide. Tune into the show for some great advice on “tuning into your child’s mind to calm the craziness and make family fun again.”Media List·     The Tantrum Survival Guide (Rebecca Schrag Hershberg | The Guildford Press)·     Tantrums: Parenting Reset (Good Day New York, Fox5)·     How to Survive Your Child’s Epi

Intimacy. Is there anything else in the teenage brain? It’s a wonder they make it through school after adolescence hits! We’ll be honest, we didn’t know what direction this conversation would take, but it turned out a great example of how talking helps us to process some of the trickier issues in life.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Gene and Steve to pick apart what goes on inside the adolescent mind, developmentally, when it comes to attraction, relationships, and delayed gratification. Don’t forget to check out our media list for this one!Media List·     Woman’s hair freezes in Iowa (YouTube)·     The Intense Power of Love on Our Kids (MGH Clay Center)·     8 Tips for Parents on the Modern Tween and Teen’s Culture of Hooking Up and Hanging Out (MGH Clay Center)·     Cognitive and attentional mechanisms in delay of gratification. (Mischel, Ebbesen, Raskoff Zeiss, 19

Did you know that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based psychosocial treatments we have for mental health issues? Today, its use goes beyond treatment for anxiety disorders and depression to application for a wide range of challenges including psychosis, body dysmorphic disorder, ADHD, and even for coping with aspects of medical illnesses.Simply put, CBT is about giving people skills or tools to cope with challenges they’re having in their lives. And if you’re willing to put in the time, it can be incredibly effective. In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Gene and Steve are joined by special guest Susan Sprich, Ph.D., Director of the CBT Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Tune in to learn more about CBT as they discuss how it works, and what practice actually looks like, in clinical sessions and on your own.Media ListWhat Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (MGH Clay Center)Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program (Massachusetts General Hospital | vidscrip)Maste

What’s the difference between a “resolution” and an “evolution”? In the context of New Year’s, even though they begin with the best intentions, resolutions often come with a lot of pressure to follow through. But an evolution allows you to grow and adapt within your personal environment – including the various people in your life, as well as non-negotiable life demands that may come from home or from work. In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Gene and Steve try to move beyond resolutions to something that will have a more meaningful impact in our lives. That, and—have you watched the new interactive episode of Black Mirror??Do you have any new year's evolutions you'd like to share? Send us your thoughts and questions! We may read them on the air.Media List:Growing Together in the New Year (MGH Clay Center)January Newsletter: New Year’s Evolutions (MGH Clay Center)JOMO: Joy Of Missing Out (@christinaelmoussa via @scarymommy)Episode edited by Sara RattiganSpecial music by Gene Beresin and Jim Mayer See acast.c

Here we are, in the peak of the holiday season. Do you feel joyful? Do you feel down? Are you simply overwhelmed? Whatever it is you’re feeling, it’s okay, and we guarantee you’re not alone. The holidays mean different things for different folks and families. But if you want to make the most of this season, let Gene and Steve talk you through a few strategies to mix in some moderation and self-care. What do you love or hate about the holidays? We'd love to hear from you. Write to us!Media ListHow to Survive the Holidays With Teens (MGH Clay Center)Mending a House Divided: Bringing Peace and Good Will to the Holidays (MGH Clay Center)What if My Family Doesn't Celebrate the Holidays? (MGH Clay Center)22 Simple Habits That Relieve Holiday Stress and Anxiety (Reader's Digest)10 Tips for Dealing With Family Estrangement During the Holidays (SELF Magazine)8 Holiday Survival Tips for Adults With Divorced Parents (BuzzFeed) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s cold. It’s gray. It’s dark. This time of year, a lot of folks feel pretty blah. And not just those with depression or other mental health disorders. It can affect anyone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. But if you don’t like the way it makes you feel, there are real things you can do about it.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Gene and Steve talk about the signs and symptoms of SAD, and ways to help you and your family cope.Have a question about SAD that we didn’t cover? Write to us!Media List·     Baby, It’s Gray Outside: Coping With Seasonal Affective Disorder (MGH Clay Center)·     Spring Suicide: An (Un)Likely Combination? (MGH Clay Center)·     Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole (Mountain Apple Company Inc.)·     Resources – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rewards. Punishments. Incentives. What parent hasn’t used one or all of these when trying to navigate challenging behavior in their kids? These might be great strategies when the root of the problem is a lack of motivation. But in reality, that’s not often the case. The truth is, for most kids – and even adults – “bad behavior” isn’t about a lack of will, but rather a lack of skills like flexibility, tolerance, and problem solving.The great thing about skills is that we can practice and acquire new ones! In this episode of Shrinking It Down, co-hosts Gene and Steve welcome Dr. Stuart Ablon of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital to talk about his new book, Changeable, and how parents can help their kids to overcome challenging behavior.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question or comment about this episode, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us here.Media List·      Changeable (J. Stuart Ablon, Ph.D.)·    

“I couldn’t get off the computer ‘cause I was about to kill that final thing in ‘Call of Duty’ and if I didn’t kill it I’d have to fight it all over again and it just isn’t worth my time!”Who doesn’t love a good video game? Whether it’s Fortnite or Candy Crush Saga, it’s pretty easy to get sucked in, sometimes for hours. But is there such a thing as Gaming Disorder? The World Health Organization says yes, but the American Psychiatric Association is still considering. Regardless of if it technically qualifies as a mental health disorder, what parents really want to know for their kids is: When does it cross the line from casual pastime to problem territory? In this episode of Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Steve tackle the issue of gaming disorder, including how much is too much – of anything.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question or comment about gaming that we didn’t cover, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us here.Media List· &n

At the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, we think a lot about helping kids as they’re growing up with all sorts of challenges. Most families will experience some kind of challenge along the road of life, whether behavioral, psychiatric, chronic, or living with a disability. Dr. Ellen Braaten's family is no different, and in this episode of Shrinking It Down she joins. Dr. Steve Schlozman as a co-host to welcome a very special guest: her brother, Robert.Robert, who has Down Syndrome, joins today's conversation to help other families and children understand: "Don't worry about anything." With family and community support, we all can thrive. Tune in as Steve, Ellen, and Robert talk about life. They look back to what it was like for him as a child facing bullies and learning in school, then focus on all he's doing today, from playing sports to working and living on his own.Thank you for joining in this journey and conversation. If you have a question or comment about growing up with a disability that we didn't

Last season, we talked about the benefits of pets for our kids' mental health. That unconditional love helps our children build skills and navigate important life lessons. What we don't tend to think about, though, is that one day our pets will be gone. When that happens, do we try to shield our kids from the pain? Would it have been better not to have a pet at all? In this episode of Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple, co-hosts Gene and Steve kick off our new season in celebration of our furry (and non-furry!) friends. They point out that while losing a pet is really, really sad, it doesn't have to be grim. And even after they're gone, our pets can help to guide our children through one of the biggest challenges we all face at some point in our lives: the loss of a loved one. Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question or comment about pets that we didn't cover, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us.Media ListShrinking It Down, The Importance of Pets (Clay Ce

In research that's been done about kids' fears, one of the most frightening things is losing or being left without a parent.Through the events at the U.S. southern border over the past weeks, we have watched migrant children live out their worst nightmares in the most deliberately traumatic way. There are millions of other children who are also watching these events and experiencing their worst fears played out, day after day, through news media and adult conversations. The rest of us have been left feeling emotionally and conscionably horrified, and helpless about what to do next. It is important to be aware of and to discuss how these events have affected, and will continue to affect, the children and families who have been separated from each other. We must also address how it is affecting us as a nation. In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Drs. Gene Beresin, Steve Schlozman, and Ellen Braaten process all of this, including what we -- individuals, communities, a nation -- can do to ge