I have worked with children and teens for over 15 years as well as families and adults that have symptoms of depression as well as diagnosis in depressive disorders.

There are many components that can impact a child’s mood and behaviors and it is vital to look at all elements to best facilitate change and manage a child or teens or adults mood.

My assessment looks at all aspects of an individuals life. Is the client receiving adequate sleep? Sleep has a huge impact on mood and depression. What is the amount of sleep and is it a high quality sleep?

Is the client eating healthy balanced meals throughout the day or is client skipping meals? Nutrition is important in relation to a client’s mood and emotions.

What is the client’s and families medical history? Is there a genetic predisposition to mental health issues ? What is the families mental health history?

What is the client’s medical history that might impact his mood? What medications is the client taking? Substance use ?

What stressors are currently going on with the client? What were past stressors or past trauma or pain that may be impacting the client today that was never addressed? Grief and loss that is unresolved can impact mood and depression? Divorce?

I look at a child’s self esteem and their thought process. I look at helping a child or adult express their thoughts and feelings that may be stuffed or repressed in healthy ways.

I look at a client’s balance in their family life, social life, and what activities they are participating in? Is exercise on regular basis involved? Is the client spending too much time on: social media? Phone? Video Games? texting? What healthy activities is the client participating and involved in? How much time are they spending with family? Extracurricular activities?

Helping a client find balance is  very important for youth as well as for adults daily

CBT is very important in looking at what messages and thoughts one plays throughout the day. Unhealthy thoughts or thoughts that are distorted or irrational will impact mood and behavior and this is why CBT is very important in looking a moods and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is evidence based and is used world wide.

There is as much evidence for cognitive behavioural therapy as there is for medications to treat mild and moderate depression, as well as evidence that they have a synergistic effect,” says Dr. Gratzer. “In other words, for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians struggling with depression, Internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy offers a cost-effective and empowering way of accessing an important treatment.”

One of the most common types of mental health disorders that children, teens, and women experience is depression. We all have times when we feel: down, low, unmotivated and lack energy however when symptoms occur for over two weeks it may be sign of a depressive disorder, grief and loss and more.

Major depression occurs twice as frequently in women as major depression occurs in men. Depression is a persistant state that will negatively affect ones physical well being and health as well as how one performs, behaves, and ones mood.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in society however it is not diagnosed due to a number of reasons and it needs to be looked at by a professional in order to help alleviate symptoms that impact ones life.

Many things contribute to depression: grief and loss, loss of friends, changes in relationships, new schools, new life transitions, negative thinking, financial stress, bullying, social issues, low self esteem, family stress, abuse, trauma, genetics, biological predispositions, environmental factors, negative self talk feeds negative moods and much much more.

Treatment for depression can include: counseling, coaching, psychotherapy, meds, or a combination of some of the above or all of the above.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based treatment used in therapy to help with depression and anxiety as well as other disorders. CBT looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at thoughts to see if the thoughts have distortions in them. By identifying unhealthy thoughts we can change them to healthier thoughts. These healthier thoughts will impact our feelings as well as future behavior in a positive manner .

An example of some cognitive distortions follow :

Black or White Thinking: you look at things in black n white and see little shades of gray or other colors in your spectrum .

Mind Reading: you read others minds and jump to a conclusion that is not supported by facts .

Magnification or minimization: you blow things out of proportion or you shrink their importance .

Labeling: instead of stating you made a mistake you call yourself names .

CBT is a powerful form of therapy that has evidence and research to support it.

CBT is based on the fact that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors not external things, like people, situations and events. CBT is a research based therapy w evidence to show positive results. It is rapid in terms of results obtained compared to other therapeutic techniques .

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is considered a brief type of therapy .

The average number of sessions is 15.

CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy makes use of homework and is highly instructive in nature. Rapport with the therapist is important in CBT however the focus is on teaching rational self therapy skills.

Learning what goals you desire and helping you achieve those goals is part of CBT.

CBT is just one of many techniques used to create changes in moods and depression.

www.LifeWorksaz.com counseling provides therapy and psychotherapy for adults , families, and teens in phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale AZ, Cave Creek Az, Glendale AZ, Peoria AZ, Chandler Az.

Boys are taught not to cry many times by men or women that teach this to youth and youth grow into adults that do not know how to manage: ,loss, grief, pain, disappointment etc. The problem with this is when a child hears this often he or she learns to stuff their emotions and or numb out their emotions. This is a time BOMB waiting to happen. It may show up in the form of drug addiction, substance abuse, Rage and Anger , depression, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness. We must change tis mentality to prevent Suicides and a life of depression and more. Healthy humans deal with emotions on a daily basis . Ignoring pain is a catch 22. It may stop initial pain but the pain and mental health problems can be exponential down the road.

I just read an article today about a starting QB for the Washington State Cougars a PAC 12 football team that competes with Arizona State Sun Devils and Oregon Ducks etc. The QB committed suicide and this is truly a huge tragedy. An athletic and successful young adult ended his life and no one understands why? Athletes are taught to be mentally tough and not show weaknesses when it comes to physical pain however feeling depressed or down or anxious is looked at as a weakness and this MUST change!

Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among those ages fifteen to twenty four. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the whole United States of America. Many mental health issues are under reported and so is suicides so numbers may likely be a lot higher than reports state.

Children, Teens and young adults are reporting feeling more hopeless and useless between 2010 and 2015. The teen suicide rate also increased during tis time period as well. The National survey accounted for socio economics and different demographics, all ethnic groups, etc. The research was from every type of background. The number of teens with clinical levels of depression rose and was more visible among girls in this large national study.

The largest changes in children and teens lives was the use of social media and smart phones according to researchers in this study. Adolescent teenagers that spent the greatest time on screens being : texting, social media, video games, you tube, internet were also more likely to show depression and have significant risk factors for suicide such as having a plan to hurt themselves or an attempted suicide attempt.

Research shows that social media use leads to unhappiness. The rise in smart phone use and social media are potentially two reasons your teen or child is feeling depressed. Popularity is important to teen girls and girls tend to ruminate more than boys. Rumination can contribute to depression and depressive reports.

A decrease in sleep for girls as well as boys is on the rise due to smartphone and social media use. This is a huge reason why teen mental health is suffering. The blue light from the screens is impacting melatonin rates and making it harder for youth to sleep . Lack of sleep is a huge component for mental health : depression, anxiety, performance, behaviors, moods, relationships and more.

There are many things parents can do to help there children and teens manage there mood and find balance in their lives. Finding a balance is vital for children and teenagers.

Children and teens are using social media to express their deep feelings and fears at times and even let people know they are planning suicide. Parents and friends should not assume they are posting for attention. Recently two teens killed themselves in Colorado after posting suicide plans on their social media accounts . It was to late and they passed.

Children and teenagers need a safe and supportive individual to discuss their daily lives, stress, and problems. www.lifeworksaz.com has been working with youth and families for over 15 years in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona. The trauma is great for a teen who loses a friend to suicide.

Social media has created more connections with a click as an alleged friend however it has created fewer relationships that are real where a child or teen can talk to a real loving and supportive advocate.

Children and teens are communicating through : instagram, snapchat, Face book, and more and many times they want people to know how they feel and so they post it.

Child and teen depression is real. Many children and teens have taken their lives due to depression.

Children feel : sad, lonely, and have pain and stress just like adults, however, many children do not have the skills and maturity or the tools to cope with depression.

Experts state social media does not bring people together and many times it simply isolates youth and young adults. Using more than two hours of social media per day doubled the chances a youth or young adult would fill lonely or isolated.

Many children and teens are depressed or have signs of depression. Many children and teens are struggling with : family issues, divorced families, academics, blended families, low self esteem, poor social skills, peer pressure, hormonal changes, grief and loss. Many times teens will stuff their thoughts and feelings . Some teens hide in their room and avoid communication. Some teens are on their Smart Phones, TV, Netflix, and Video games. Too much of anything is not ok and parents can ask themselves is my son or daughter in balance or out of balance with their habits? Below is a story of a Tempe Teen that was depressed and it ended tragically. The good news is there are signs of depression and the sooner one gets help the better. After the article there is a list of some red flags your child may be depressed. There are experts in treating child and teen depression through counseling and therapy and other treatments.

I have worked with thousands of teens with depressed moods and depression. Moving to a new school, change, academic pressure, not getting along with mom or Dad, negative thinking, low self esteem, social dynamics, past challenges are being carried around by children and teens and these items need to be addressed to create health and balance.

A tragedy happened at a Tempe, Arizona High school yesterday . A student athlete committed suicide at a Tempe High school not far from Arizona State University.

Teen and child depression is on the rise and can not be ignored. Depression is not an adult disorder . Millions of children and teen adolescents feel depressed and there are a slew of reasons today that impact a child or adolescents mood.

A child or teen does not have to have had a traumatic childhood in order to be depressed . A teen can have loving parents and spiritual parents and feel depressed.

As a safety measure parents should lock up all pills , medications , guns, knives , blades , weapons at all times regardless of a child’s mood. Parents should lock up all alcohol as well . Parents should monitor social media, smart phones , video game dialogue , texting , and be as involved as they can with their child or teen . Some parents would say it is an invasion of privacy however better safe than sorry . Children state they are excelling in the classroom and passing all classes however parents must still verify and look at report cards and look at missing homework assignments. Teens spend a lot of time w electronic devices and those that are in their room and not communicating daily with parents . They must get off these devices and communicate with parents about their day in detail . If not a parent has no idea why is going on mentally , physically , and emotionally with ones children .

Setting limits and boundaries and requiring family interaction is vital . Spending one on one time with your teen is important and will help find out what is going on in their lives . Make it a requirement before they use their : video games , computers , smart phones etc . Schedule one on one time with each child and this lets them know they are important as well as they are more likely to share information with you than in front of the whole family . Most children will not share their true pain or depressed mood in front of the whole family or at dinner .

I find wonderful children and teens that have very negative thought processes about themselves . Children that are excellent students and athletes still can be very depressed . Many suffer from low self esteem and many suffer from social or peer challenges . Many are depressed about family dynamics and school pressures.

The best approach is to have someone who works w children and parents guide you to help create balance and learn tools to manage depression , anxiety , self esteem, family issues and more .

Teens face a myriad of pressures , from changes in development to questions about who they are and where they are going w peers, school, and their future. The natural transition toward adulthood can bring parental challenges and conflict as the adolescent teen pushes for their independence .

It is not simple to differentiate between depression and teen mood swings . Some teens that are depressed are not sad or withdrawn . Many depressed teens are angry , full of rage , defiant, and irritable and this may be depression.

Some signs of depression in teens are: sadness , hopelessness , irritability , anger , hostility , frequent crying or tears , withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in activities , change in eating habits or sleep habits , agitation, restless , guilt, worthless feelings , concentrating issues , thought of death, suicidal thoughts and more.

It is best to have a professional assessment from a professional who has expertise in teen and children .

There are many signs that may indicate your teen is down or depressed or is suffering from depression.

Some red flags that should not be ignored are: sadness , crying, tearfulness, hopelessness, a decrease in activities , inability to enjoy activities that were enjoyable.

Low energy, isolation, poor communication and a lack of connection w family and friends is a sign that something is going on that needs attention. Increased irritability and anger and rage are common w depressed children and teens.

Physical complaints : stomach aches , pain , etc are signs your teenmay be depressed. Changes in sleeping habits and or eating patterns is a red flag as well .

Self destructive behaviors, suicidal thoughts, self harming, drug andalcohol abuse are signs your child need help asap!

Parents should seek professional help if any of the above are going onas soon as possible. Depression is a very serious condition that impacts : thoughts, mood,

and behaviors. Teen depression can be treated .

Teens face many stressors and pressures. Transitioning from child to an adult. Figuring out who they are and what they want to do with life . Hormonal changes and wanting to fit in socially are just a few. Teens with depression do not always appear sad. Many teens display anger and irritability and aggression. Long lasting changes in mood, behavior, personality are all huge red flags that your teen needs professional help.

Some common symptoms for teen depression are: hopelessness , sad, blue, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from friends and family , crying and frequent tears, changes in eating , changes in sleeping, agitation , restlessness, little motivation , lack of energy or excitement , fatigue , difficulty concentrating , thoughts of death , suicide or self harm.

There are many excellent counseling tools to help elevate mood and treat depression. CBT therapy looks at unhealthy thoughts that have no facts to support them and how these thoughts impact mood. DBT has a few elements: awareness/mindfulness, distress tolerance/mood regulation, interpersonal effectiveness. These are all research based and evidence based counseling techniques that have been used for decades with positive results. There are many other effective techniques that can be used to create health and balance for your child or teenager.

Lifeworks Az has a specialization in child , teen, and adult depression counseling and therapy, child adolescent counseling, family counseling, family therapy in Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona and serves valley wide. See testimonials at www.lifeworksaz.com

The rise in the number of people with weight issues and obesity has ignited and epidemic with type 2 diabetes.

Sugary drinks are connected with obesity and with an increased risk of developing diabetes . There are many other things that are connected with weight gain and obesity .

Some areas that impact obesity and weight gain are unresolved : trauma , stress, unhealthy habits , poor sleep, limited exercise , addictive behaviors , sitting around all day playing video games , sitting watching tv for long periods of time , sitting for long periods of time on the Internet ( I pad) ( smart phone ) etc.

The average child between the ages of 8 years old and 18 spend more than 8 hours a day on electronics . This is like a full time job being it is approx 40 hours a week on technology . Typically this means each child or teenager is not exercising or doing much physically which is vital for physical , mental , and emotional health .

Heavy media consumption in children and teens was associated with ; health issues , weight gain , diabetes , behavior problems , low grades and much more .

There is a relationship between heavy media use and children feeling : sad or bored, getting in trouble , not getting along with parents .

Children connected to media in heavy doses are losing out on social interactions and interpersonal skills . Children are not signing up for after school activities : sports , clubs , church groups , dance , exercise , and other extracurricular activities .

Girls and boys that are spending heavy amounts of time on media and electronics describe themselves as less happy and less comfortable in social situations .

Research suggests that youth need to experience the whole range of communication skills which includes face to face interactions to build self esteem and feel good about their social skills .

Parents can make a difference setting rules and limits with all electronic devices.

Teachers have noticed sharp escalation of disruptive behaviors in the classroom. There is a rise in : emotional , mental , and behavioral problems in the school.

The schools believe there is a lack of boundaries at home, parents are not home enough do to work, there is a lack of positive role models at home or in the child’s life, more families are divorced and there are millions of single parents raising children and balancing work and other obligations . Children have low self esteem and are seeking attention at school because they are not receiving the attention needed at home .

Aggressive behavior, verbal abuse , property damage , bullying physically and emotionally , disrespect to teachers, social media bullying, stealing , abuse toward teachers , not paying attention , smoking , and more is on the rise .

Family counseling combined with individual counseling and therapy can help modify unhealthy behaviors , teach healthy boundaries to parents and children , learn mood regulation, learn stress management skills , learn to boost self esteem , learn healthy communication skills , build social skills , change negative thinking and behaviors , learn to manage anger at home and at school, teach children problem solving techniques as well as work on creating healthy life skills .

Exercise at school has been reduced and is not a priority at most schools and childhood obesity is skyrocketing .

Drug abuse is pervasive with almost 70 percent of teens exposed to marijuana use . Alcohol use is on the rise and is easily accessible for youth.

Cyber bullying is on the rise with social media and it is impacting children in many negative ways . Many children have committed suicide do to online and in school bullying .

Creating structure and modeling healthy behaviors is a beginning to help your children.

Lifeworks Arizona provides therapy and counseling to kids , youth , children , adolescents, teenagers, in Phoenix , Ahwatukee, Scottsdale , Tempe Arizona

Children and adolescent teens need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day. Exercise is important for the mind and body.

Exercise for child or teen will help them with: sleep, mood, anger management, and more.

Parents can model daily exercise and should set limits on : video games, Internet, TV,Cell Pone use, and texting.

If limits are not set unhealthy behaviors are likely to ooze out and disrupt the family and school and more.

Lifeworksaz.com looks at the mind and body. Lifeworksaz.com takes a holistic approach to health looking at : stress management, communication, self esteem, mood regulation, anger management, social skills, Parenting skills, sleep, healthy thinking vs unhealthy distorted thoughts, positive affirmations, stress and relaxation techniques, sports mental training and more to create balance and health in children and teens in Phoenix Arizona and valley wide.

Sixty percent of sunscreen products on store shelves are unsafe or ineffective. Many sunscreen products contain hazardous chemicals or inadequate protection from the sun according to a Washington DC research group.

A majority of sunscreens contain oxybenzone which is a chemical that can penetrate the skin and interfere with hormonal development.

The biggest offenders are some of the industry’s biggest names in the marketplace.

We would benefit from researching the elements that are placed in the products we consume or use and testing LONG TERM effects of these products before they are sold in retail stores.

How safe are the products we use daily: shampoo? soaps? household items? lotions? Makeup? deodorant? Toothpaste? Foods we consume? products to preserve foods? chemicals in foods? medications?

It is vital that we have qualified researchers study the impact of these chemicals on our long term health. We need someone to let us know what is healthy or unhealthy especially when there are a million ingredients and chemicals we know nothing about typically. If we place a product on the market without long term research and later find out it is unsafe after people get sick or die then we are not really looking out for society.

Many studies last only 8-12 weeks for a wide variety of products we consume. The reality is we use these products for years if not decades. Prevention is the biggest element that is missing in our health care reform.

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Prevention can benefit people: healthy diets, exercise, sleep, boundaries, healthy communication, coping with grief, coping with anger, coping with mood, learning tools to cope with anxiety and stress, stress management and more…