I love working with adolescents; I consider it one of my niches. I used to think I was young and cool, but the teens I work with make me feel otherwise. They’re pretty kind to me and help me better understand their world. After all, it’s a very different world than the one I grew up in.

Many adults overgeneralize kids these days and refer to them as “lazy” or “unmotivated.” I’m even guilty of it myself and at times have caught myself generalizing today’s youth. What I’m about to say may not be the most popular but hear me out: kids today have it harder than we ever did. Nothing about growing up in today’s world is easy.

Stats agree. According to the CDC, two of the three leading causes of death among adolescents ages 15-19 are suicide and homicide. That’s scary. Likewise, the death rate due to drug overdose among adolescents aged 15–19 more than doubled from 1999 (1.6 per 100,000) to 2007 (4.2).

I’m not sure if mental health concerns are more common now-a-days or possibly society is just more open to discussing it. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 live with a mental health condition—half develop the condition by age 14 and three quarters by age 24. Fortunately, statistics also show that many more people are seeking help from a mental health professional than every before.

Help is available. Here are a few resources I’d like to pass along. You never know when you or someone close to you may need them.  

NAMI Helpline: 800-950-6264

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Wake County Mobile Crisis: (800) 510-9132

UNC WakeBrook: (984) 974-4800

** If danger to self or others, contact 911 (request a CIT officer) or go to your nearest emergency room

Oh, and one more resource. This one comes from one of my adolescents.

Dodie Clark: Mental Illness

Parenting is hard. So many questions; so many (different) answers. Let’s talk Post-Partum.

What does it feel like to have postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety?  What are the signs/symptoms? How do you know when you have it? And if you do have it, what should you do?

These are all great questions. Let’s first talk about symptoms.

Sadness. Irritability. Guilt. Anger. Resentful.  Bouts of Crying. Confused. Scared. Numb. Impatient. Empty. Hopeless. Disconnected. Worried. Afraid. Panic Attacks. Decreased appetite. Increase appetite. Difficulty sleeping. Too much sleep. Too little sleep. Difficulty waking up. Insomnia. Thoughts of harm to self. Thoughts of harm to baby. Stressed. Alone. Tearful. Fatigued. Worthlessness. Mood Swings. Overwhelmed. Difficulty bonding. Withdrawn.

Ok, that’s enough to make anyone feel pretty crummy. Here’s the reality: it’s estimated that about 10-15% of women experience PPD. That’s a lot of women! Also, remember – these numbers are based on women who report symptoms. In reality, many women feel shame and guilt which leads to under-reporting symptoms. Or maybe they lack a support system. Or maybe don’t know how to get help. Or maybe… (I could go on and on).

Here are some important things to remember about PPD:

•  You may not be experiencing all of the symptoms listed or even most of them. Postpartum depression and anxiety are not “one-size-fits-all” illnesses.
• We all have bad days. Postpartum depression and anxiety are not just bad days. Women with PPD or anxiety have symptoms like these most of the time, for a period of at least 2 weeks or longer, and these symptoms make it feel very hard to live your life each day.

So, what about baby blues?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH),  up to 80 percent of new mothers experience the baby blues which is described as an emotional state of tearfulness, unhappiness, worry, self-doubt, and fatigue. The baby blues typically begin a few days after delivery and go away on their own within a week or two.

Why is it important to seek treatment?

Treatment provides the support you need to keep you from slipping into a deep depression that's harder to get out of. Also, having a therapist and health care provider who understand your condition can help you feel less alone and feeling better means you can bond more easily with your baby and be able to take better care of him/her.

Don’t wait to get help. Talk to someone. Therapy is great for so many reasons. You’ll get dressed, out of the house, talk with another adult, and work on you. Self-care is so important! Hesitant? Let’s talk! I offer free 15 minute phone consults. I’m passionate about helping other moms.

Final Thought..

Remember, you created a human. Give yourself credit for the life you brought into this world and the commitment you made when deciding to become a parent.

As someone once told me, if you’re worried about being a good parent, you already are!

If you or someone you know needs help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).