Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

Did you know that Dr. Ellen Braaten has a mild form of dyslexia and had to work really hard at reading when she was a child? Did you know that Dr. Gene Beresin has always struggled with math?We all have challenges. We all have differences. But some of us have greater challenges than others, and this can be difficult at times for both kids and their families.In the Season 1 finale of Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Dr. Beresin, Dr. Schlozman, and Dr. Braaten share a conversation sparked by our short documentary, Greatest Strength: Challenges Met with Courage. The film features the stories of five incredible young people with various differences and disabilities as they showcase their greatest skills and talents.Through both personal reflections and professional experience, the docs talk about ways for families to embrace challenges as both weaknesses and strengths, rather than problems, to help build resilience in kids. They also discuss how learning to accept ourselves for who we are – whether a

Did you know that many young people forego college and go into the workforce after high school? In fact, going to college right away has declined to 66% of high school grads, in recent years, and only 46% of those under age 30 complete an associates degree or higher.There are many different paths to take after high school, but the social pressures that adolescents face during this time can be stressful no matter which road they take.Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steven Schlozman break down the myths associated with attending college or working after high school. They also touch upon changes in relationships with peers and parents as teens grow older. Fortunately, parents can encourage healthy decision-making to make the transition a little easier.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question about the period after high school for teens and families that we didn't answer, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us at: contact @ mghclaycenter.orgReading list:-- Where Are All the High

Recently, youth-driven marches such as 'March for Our Lives' have received extensive media coverage. While many kids and teens are participating in these marches, what happens to those who want a different outlet? Have adults pressured youth into marching?On this episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman are joined by Dr. Ellen Braaten to discuss the effects of activism on adolescence, particularly in a world of media mania. Tune in as they advocate for more student narratives, and highlight ways for kids and teens to be heard beyond marching.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question about youth activism that we didn't answer, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us at: contact @ mghclaycenter.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're not going to pretend it isn't so. If you're seeking mental or behavioral health services for your child, it can be tricky and frustrating trying to navigate the system. But resources are available.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman to offer advice on things parents can do to get the appropriate mental health help for kids who are struggling. Some of this includes is broadening your network "treaters," educating yourself while waiting for an appointment, and advocating for a better system.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question about navigating the system that we didn't answer, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us at: contact @ mghclaycenter.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is creativity important for human relationships? We don't just think so, we know it! Think about it, yourself: What does it mean when you watch a movie with family or create music with friends?On this episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman delve into all things creative, including the biological and social impacts of creativity on individuals, kids, and communities. Join the conversation as they weigh in on why humans desire to make things, and how family bonds are strengthened when we spend time being creative together.Want more? Read Dr. Beresin's blog on the benefits of music in, "The Power of Music: To Feel, Heal, and Connect."Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question about creativity that we didn't answer, we’d love to hear from you! Write to us at: contact@mghclaycenter.orgSubscribe to our channel and connect with us online:*http://www.mghclaycenter.org*https://www.facebook.com/massgeneralclaycenter*https://twitter.com/mghclaycenter

A lot has changed over the years in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including that we’re getting better at understanding how to recognize it early in kids. And the earlier treatment starts, the more beneficial and effective it will be for children with ASD.But what is ASD, and why do we now consider it a spectrum disorder instead of multiple, separate diagnoses, like Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder? What services exist to help children living with autism at all ends of the spectrum?In today’s episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Gene Beresin, Dr. Steve Schlozman, and Dr. Ellen Braaten take a deep dive into all of these details and more, including how parents can get access to different services – like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or school accommodations – and specific examples of early developmental signs of ASD of which parents and pediatricians can be aware.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. If you have a question about ASD that w

Does turning 18 mark the start of adulthood, or is this milestone simply a cultural construct? These days, researchers say that legal adolescence should continue into the mid-20s.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman break down this phenomenon, its origins and cultural contexts, and how adolescent development and behavior definitely persists beyond the age of 18.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We’d love to hear from you! Send your questions to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At 14 years old, in the 1980s, Kathleen began seeing Dr. Beresin, an experienced clinician with expertise in eating disorders. Though eating disorders can be potentially deadly, over many years of working on it, Kathleen conquered her anorexia nervosa.In this episode of Shrinking It Down, Kathleen joins Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman to share her story of finding herself, including what gave her hope through many horrible years and a lot of sad stuff. Kathleen talks about the importance of her connections to others struggling with anorexia, her journey with treatment, and how theater helped her along the way. *** Note: This person’s account of his/her personal experience has been published with his/her consent to support the mission of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, and let others in similar situations not feel so alone.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy a

Emotional eating occurs when we use food as a coping mechanism to deal with the stresses in life. Oftentimes, feelings of shame and regret follow patterns of emotional eating.Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman break down what emotional eating is, where it comes from, and how parents can help their children learn how to use healthy coping mechanisms when faced with stress.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While relationships with family, friends, and even pets can be challenging, learning how to balance our needs with the needs of others can lead to meaningful, loving relationships.Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman are joined by Dr. Ellen Braaten to celebrate the joys of love, and to discuss how raising independent, caring children can help our kids have loving relationships in the future.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

According to a 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, 2/3 of Americans feel stressed about the future of our nation, including a majority of each Democrats and Republicans. But who needs a survey to point that out – even our kids can tell how tense we are. So, what gives?Dr. Ellen Braaten joins co-hosts Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman to explore what the heck is going on in our world to cause so much anxiety in everyone, and to contemplate solutions for alleviating our stress and minimizing the negative effects on our children. This episode of Shrinking It Down was recorded April 27, 2017. We are releasing it now, as the conversation is still relevant today.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Films foster empathy and can even promote social action. Sharing stories of mental health through video allows viewers to deeply connect with storytellers. When we watch and listen to stories, we begin to expand our own perspectives and understand the lived experiences of others. Filmmaker Eric Lu (Looking For Luke, Can Kids Get Mental Illness?) joins co-hosts Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman to emphasize the importance and healing power of storytelling through film. Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Whether they have fur, scales, tail or no tail, pets can improve the mental and emotional health of children, teens, and our entire families. They love us unconditionally through hard life lessons. It's no wonder we love them, too!Today, Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman discuss the importance of pets through the lens of both child psychiatrists and proud animal parents who've experienced the benefits first hand.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Differing viewpoints, feelings of frustration. We're all constantly on edge today, and families can be home to a wide range of beliefs, which only adds stress to "together" time. But who has the energy for negativity? And what message are we sending to our kids when we don't even try to be civil? Dr. Ellen Braaten, who's family is the perfect melting pot when it comes to different POVs,  joins co-hosts Beresin and Schlozman to help listeners try and shift to a more positive attitude when it comes to surviving the holiday season.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. Send your thoughts to: contact@mghclaycenter.org. We look forward to hearing from you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode, Dr. Ellen Braaten, psychologist and associate director of the Clay Center, joins co-hosts Beresin and Schlozman to address common questions parents have when they notice changes or differences in their kids' behavior: Is this typical? Does my child need to see a professional?In this discussion, we navigate these questions together - how to assess and make decisions about what's ordinary and not, and when to intervene - through a composite look at the many families the team has worked with over the years.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation. We look forward to hearing from you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mental health made simple? Who are we kidding? It can be really complicated. Just take a look at our short film, "Can Kids Get Mental Illness?'': https://youtu.be/halx1H-mvnw But openly talking about the challenges we face -- from mental, to behavioral, to emotional health -- is a great place to start in better understanding ourselves and those we care for, so we know what steps to take next.Thank you for joining us in this journey and conversation as we launch a brand new season! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Gene and Steve today to process the recent terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert, as both shrinks and parents. This attack felt different from others because it targeted kids. Join as they share different points of view on how our kids might be feeling, and how to move forward in our lives in a healthy way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, Gene and Steve talk about a really difficult and in many ways scary topic: Teen suicide. Suicide rates are on the rise for the entire US population. It's currently the 2nd leading cause of death among 18-26 year olds & 3rd leading cause for 15-18 year olds. All during a time in which we've become more aware of mental illness and have more services available. So why is this happening? We owe it to ourselves to try to understand. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gene welcomes members from Addiction Free Futures Project to discuss some of their latest initiatives related to Screening, Brief intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), tools for prevention of substance use by youth and for identifying substance use early if experimentation has already begun. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Drs. Gene Beresin and Steve Schlozman discuss the growing concerns around the mental health of our teens and young adults in college today.Read the accompanying blog post here:http://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/6752/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.