Is This Normal?

One of the most common questions Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Steve Schlozman hear from parents, as adolescent psychiatrists, is: “How can I tell if my kid is struggling with a mental health issue?” All kids go through behavioral phases and changes at different stages of life. But when it comes to teens, in particular, it can be hard to tell the difference between typical irritability, withdrawal, and fatigue and something more problematic. When is it cause for concern? The answers to these questions are not crystal clear, but in today’s episode Gene and Steve provide tips and guidance on how to know if your child could use some help. Plus, we’ll share info about an incredible Youth Mental Health First Aid resource for parents and other adults who support young people.

Thank you for joining in this conversation. Have thoughts or questions on today’s topic? Write to us! We’d love to hear from you.

Media List

• Big Hair Ballads (YouTube)
• Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (IMDB)
• Most parents struggle to distinguish teen angst from depression (Reuters)
• What’s Wrong With Our Daughter’s Mood? (MGH Clay Center)
• What If My Child Has Depression? (MGH Clay Center)
• What If My Child Has an Anxiety Disorder? (MGH Clay Center)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid USA (National Council for Behavioral Health)
• Lady Gaga Announces Expansion of Teen Mental Health Program (Rolling Stone)
• There Aren’t Enough Mental Health Providers. And Kids Are Paying the Price. (HuffPost)
• Former President Jimmy Carter recovers from surgery to relieve pressure in brain (CBS News)
• The Carter Center: Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

Episode produced by Sara Rattigan

Music by Gene Beresin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.