In July, we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. As we move between these two events, we should remember that they are connected: the legacy of slavery (and of colonialism) means that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Americans continue to experience inequity in mental health care.

Individuals on the autism spectrum are characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and in restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Up to 35% of autistic youth identify as LGBTQIA+, making them an important part of the queer community. The National Autistic Society provides more information on the relationship between gender identity and autism.

June is Pride month. But from a mental health perspective, creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people has to be something we focus on year-round. Written by our own Psychologist, Molly Hedrick.

Spending more than three hours per day on social media puts teens at double the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other negative mental health related outcomes. There may be an especially high risk for worsening mental health symptoms for teen girls and those who already struggle with their mental health when using social media.

One in five Americans has a mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in.

It is hard to find, is strong evidence for the protective factors against suicide.  What are the traits, the mindset, and the patterns of action, for youth who may struggle with anxiety or even depression, but do not consider suicide at all?

When you tell someone that you are a nurse, most people think about bedside nursing in a medical hospital setting. Psychiatric nursing is different. When I tell people that I work at Bradley Hospital, I am usually asked, “What’s that like? What do you do?”

This team of providers meets daily to discuss all teens in our program.  All staff members run group therapies so everyone on the team know the participants in multiple settings.  Our team of providers truly love and enjoy our work and serve as a model for healthy relationships and communication

Psychology is a part of everyday life; we just don’t typically stop to think about it. It encompasses how we think, feel, and act. It involves important aspects of our lives such as language, memory, perceptions, and even dreams. Psychology is basically what makes us who we are

Parents and schools know that America’s teens are struggling. They also know how hard it is to access any kind of mental health care, no matter how dire your situation. Though providers and parents desperately want to help, for most families there are not many options. Understanding the gaps in access to mental health for teenagers is crucial to taking the next step.