Internet Addiction and Teen Depression

Depression is common among teenagers; each year, an estimated 2 million teens and preteens develop clinical depression, and last year the federal government recommended that all teenagers be screened for depression. So parents may want to note the link between “Internet addiction” and depression, and keep a closer eye on children who depend on screen time as a pacifier or mood stabilizer. A recent study also found a correlation between video game use and ADHD. Like the “Internet addiction” study, no causal link has been proven, but one-third of children exceed the two hours of daily TV and computer screen time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Setting limits on screen time— and enforcing them—can really help.

Before school opens, sit down with your teenager.  Set limits, set boundaries and most importantly explain to your teen why it is important to stay healthy and how spending extended amount of time in front of a computer screen is not healthy.  Explaining that depression is not only common in teens, it is also a growing problem in adults.  The time is now to take care of their emotional health.

Signs of teenage depression:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability, anger, or hostility
• Tearfulness or frequent crying
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Restlessness and agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens! 

Communication is key! Start talking today!

Parents' Universal Resource Experts Joins Facebook

Are you struggling with a teen that was always a good kid – now making some horrible choices?

Are they hanging out with kids that are questionable?

Did you get a report card that was less than acceptable?

Have you seen evidence of them smoking or using other substances?  Maybe drinking?

Don’t be parent in denial! You are only prolonging them getting the help they may need.  You don’t want to see them get arrested – you want to see them get back on a positive road to a bright future.

Join us on Facebook - and LIKE our community of professionals, parents and educators that want to help.

Also visit www.HelpYourTeens.com for a free consultation.

Sue Scheff: Teens Helping Hurting Teens - To Save A Life

TO SAVE A LIFE is now in over 400 screens in theaters nationwide. To Save A Life is a powerful Indie movie about the real-life challenges of teens and their choices. But it's more than just a movie-it's a feature-length film with follow-up opportunities like a youth group curriculum and a teen devotional centered around the biblical concept that we're never more like a Higher Power than when we are reaching out to the hurting and lonely. Watch trailer below.

At some point, every teen has to decide: "What's my life going to be about?" To Save A Life dares to bring that question into their world, encouraging them to answer it with boldness and honesty.

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE

An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend. Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard.

The movie asks...

• How far would you go?
• How much would you risk?
• How hard would you fight...TO SAVE A LIFE

To Save A Life has also created a website for resources for parents. Teen depression is very real. Parents need to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms.

There are several symptoms of teen depression. Among them are:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Losing interest in social and extracurricular activities
• Displaying a lack of energy, Feeling tired most of the time
• Anxiety, Irritability, Anger,Feelings of sadness for much of the time
• Significant weight fluctuations
• Sleep pattern changes
• Physical pains and aches, or sickness, even though there is nothing physically wrong
• Indifference about the future
• Uncharacteristic pessimism,Guilty feelings
• Lowering self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts

There are two main types of teen depression. These include:

• Major depression: This type of teen depression is of short duration, although it is quite severe. It is possible to have a bout of severe depression, feel fine for a few months (or even years), and then have another bout. For teens, though, even one bout of severe depression can feel as though it will never end and prompt a suicide attempt.
• Dysthymia: Dysthymia lasts much longer than major depression, and the feelings are not as severe. Some teens have this low level depression plague them for years without having it diagnosed. This type of depression can also lead to teen suicide if the teenager becomes discouraged with never feeling happy.

Another type of teen depression has to do with life changes. It is called adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and it can be the result of the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a different town, or even changing schools. This, too, can lead to teen suicide if the teenager feels hopeless, and that the feeling will never end.

This film helps educate parents, teachers, and others that work with today's teenagers as well as will bring an awareness to teens and allowing them to know that we do care. Growing up today is not easy; Peer pressure, drug abuse, gangs, trends, sex and more is what many kids are facing on a daily basis.

Currently To Save a Life is playing at Regal Cypress Creek Station 16 in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information and theaters near you, visit http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/tickets/ .

Watch the trailer. Be an educated parent - you will have safer and healthier teens. Read more on Examiner.

Sue Scheff: Stop the Silence - Stop Child Sexual Abuse

Take the time to be an educated parent, which leads to a prepared parent and a safer child.
Source: Stop the Silence

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse (CSA) constitutes a broad range of behaviors occurring along a continuum from voyeurism to rape, and usually happens over an extended period of time. CSA is possible due to differences in power and control between the offender and the victim

How common is it?

CSA is occurring in pandemic proportions and causes grave physical and psychological trauma, along with social havoc. In the U.S., CSA affects one-third of girls and one-sixth of boys by the time they are 18 years old.* Many countries have not yet conducted the research to identify the extent of CSA, but, from the research available, we know that it is a worldwide pandemic and that prevalence rates have been identified as high as 60 percent in some places, and as low as 2 percent in others.

It is difficult to know the true extent of CSA; most CSA is never reported (due to shame, fear, stigma, and other factors). The information that does get reported can look quite different depending on who is reporting it—for example, whether recounted by a child to various authorities as opposed to by an adult who has found out as a result of trauma or pregnancy. Also, authorities often minimize or dismiss the abuse reported, blame the victim, and/or protect the abuser. Only one in 10 children in the U.S. actually let someone know that it has occurred. We also know that more than two-fifths of women and more than one-third of men who have been sexually abused never disclose the experience to anyone.

What are the consequences?

We all privately or publicly know survivors who have not only survived, but thrived; it has taken work for them to get there. CSA often has extremely severe consequences. They include:

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological problems
Anti-social behaviors
Decreased school performance and delinquency
Substance abuse
Promiscuity
Teen pregnancy
Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
Prostitution
Homicide and suicide
Incarceration

Decades of research documents that adults who were sexually victimized as children have a higher likelihood of being negatively impacted in their adulthood by numerous types of psychological and physiological ailments and sociological pathologies, including post traumatic stress disorder, self-destructive and violent behaviors, and even chronic disease. CSA has been definitively implicated as a precursor to, and a part of, the commercial sexual exploitation of children. CSA costs the nation billions of dollars each year between medical and psychiatric treatment, social services, special education, and legal and judicial and incarceration costs.

Learn more at www.stopcsa.org

Sue Scheff: What do you do if your teen is cutting?

If you discover that your teen is cutting, there are several important keys to remember. First and foremost, approach your teen with a level head. Address your teen calmly and supportively. Do not react angrily or upset your teen in any way. Experts warn that overreacting or reacting loudly or angrily can often push your teen further away and increase the cutting or self injuring behaviors. Your teen needs to know you are open to hearing what she has to say and getting her the help she needs. You should also tell your teen that you are not upset with her, love her, and know she is in a lot of pain.

Counseling for a teen that cuts is crucial. It can often take many years of therapy before your teen is willing or able to uncover the reasons she cuts herself. Schools, pediatricians and emergency rooms can be extremely helpful at providing resources for teens that cut. Often there are local support groups for parents who feel guilty or unsure of how to deal with a teen that cuts. A great resource specifically for self injurers and their families is S.A.F.E (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Alternatives, an organization dedicated treating victims of self abuse.

Learn more here.

Sue Scheff: Teen Depression

Be aware of your teens emotional needs. During the summer can be a difficult time if they don't have goals, plans and activities. Get them involved. If they don't have a job, encourage them to volunteer at Nursing Homes, Humane Societies, etc. Building their self esteem can help them feel good about themselves.

There are many causes of teen depression. The most common causes are:

•Significant life events like the death of a family member or close friend, parents divorce or split, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or moving to a new school/area.

•Emotional/Physical neglect, being separated from a nurturer, abuse, damage to self esteem.

•Many changes happening too quickly can cause depression. For some teens, any major change at one time can trigger symptoms.

•Stress, especially in cases where the teen has little or no emotional support from parents, other family members, or friends.

•Past traumatic events or experiences like sexual abuse, general abuse, or other major experiences often harbor deep within a child and emerge in the teen years. Most children are unable to process these types of events when they happen, but of course, they remember them. As they age, the events/experiences become clearer and they gain new understanding.
•Changes associated with puberty often cause emotions labeled as depression.

•Abuse of drugs or other substances can cause changes in the brainÕs chemistry, in many cases, causing some types of depression.

•Some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism are believed to affect hormone and mood balance. Physical pain that is chronic can also trigger depression. In many cases, depression caused by medical conditions disappears when medical attention is sought and treatment occurs.
•Depression is a genetic disorder, and teens with family members who have suffered from depression have a higher chance of developing it themselves.

Learn more.

Sue Scheff: Help Stop The Choking Game

WHAT IS THE CHOKING GAME?

It’s not a game at all—just an act of suffocating on purpose.

Adolescents cut off the flow of blood to the brain, in exchange for a few seconds of feeling lightheaded. Some strangle themselves with a belt, a rope or their bare hands; others push on their chest or hyperventilate.

When they release the pressure, blood that was blocked up floods the brain all at once. This sets off a warm and fuzzy feeling, which is just the brain dying, thousands of cells at a time.

Help GASP stop the Choking Game before it hits close to home

The Choking Game is a misunderstood activity causing death and suffering for thousands of families worldwide. It often begins with high-achieving teens choking each other as a way to get high without the risk of getting caught with drugs or alcohol. It ends with thousands of kids dying or suffering permanent brain damage each year.

Set up by families of Choking Game victims, GASP is a global nonprofit campaign that fights this “game” with the most powerful weapon at our disposal: education. Most people have no idea how dangerous the Choking Game is until it hits close to home—but we can prevent suffering by publicizing the danger in our schools and homes.

Together, we can stamp out this deadly game in your community.

Learn more: http://www.stop-the-choking-game.com/

Suicide Prevention Day

Today is April 22, 2009 which is Suicide Prevention Day at the Capitol is a statewide event in which the Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention and the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition are joined by advocates, survivors, grassroots organizations, youth and other state agencies to bring suicide to the forefront as a public issue. This year, the actual day is Wednesday, April 22 but we are holding several activities throughout the week of April 20th - 24th. Below, you will find the tentative schedule of events, but I encourage you to continue checking our website for the most current updates as they become available.

(http://www.helppromotehope.com/events/index.php). Please see the attached flyer and Governor’s proclamation.

If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, please reach out for hope by calling:1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)24 hours a day; 7 days a week

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

April 22, 2009 at 9:00 AM, Capitol Building Plaza RotundaEducational Display Booths and Legislative Advocacy

April 22, 2009 at 2:00 PM, Capitol Building Cabinet RoomSuicide Prevention Day Press Conference featuring:Director Bill Janes, Florida Office of Drug ControlSecretary George Sheldon, Florida Department of Children & FamiliesSenator Evelyn Lynn, Florida District 7

April 23 – 24, 2009; from 8:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Location TBAApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (tentative)Don’t forget to also visit our portable billboard that will be in front of the Historic Capitol all week!

Please take a moment to post these events on your agency websites and forward on to your colleagues. We hope to see everyone there!

Sue Scheff Parenting Teens - Learn More About Inhalant Abuse - Talking Tips

As the new year has started, parents need to become more educated and informed about today's teens and the issues they face.

Many parents know about substance abuse, and teach our kids to say no to drugs - but do you know about Inhalants? Ordinary household items that can be lethal to teens looking for a quick and inexpensive high? More importantly, sometimes deadly high.

Parent learn more about Inhalant Abuse.

Here is a great "talking tips" page from The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) - take the time to learn more today. You could save a child's life.

Sue Scheff 2008 Recommended Websites and Books for Parents

Well, 2008 is finally behind us! Many would say it was not the best year economically, with stress of finances, the frustrations of getting our kids/teens to comprehend the serious of it all. Personally I am very excited about 2009 - especially this fall, my second book will be released and it is going to be HOT! It is hush hush for now, but it will be explosive for sure!Let's take a look at 2008 and some of the great parenting sites and books we have:

ADDitude Magazine - All about ADD/ADHD!
PE4Life - Teaching our Kids the Importance of Physical Education
Connect with Kids - Great Articles and DVD's for Parenting of all ages
Inhalant Abuse - Learn more about this growing problem among teens.
Love Our Children USA - Great information on keeping our kids safe today.
iKeepSafe - Promoting Parenting Education on Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace
Feingold Program - Fantastic information on alternative ways to treating ADD/ADHD
Education.com - It's all about kids of all ages!
Safe Teen Driving Club - Learn how to keep your teens safe on the road.
Next Generation Parenting - What's next?OnTeensToday - Vanessa Van Petten has great insights on teens today.
Thinking Forward - A parent's guide to middle school years.
Break Free Beauty - Teen Body Image by Sarah Maria

Beautiful Boy by David Scheff
It All Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
A Relentless Hope - Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression by Gary Nelson
You're Grounded by Vanessa Van Petten
Parent Survival Training - Dr. David Lustig
SOS - Students Guide for Saying NO to Cheating - by Lisa Medoff
SOS - Students Guide for Peer Pressure - by Lisa Medoff
Preventing Addiction by Dr. John Fleming

There are many more - read through this Blog and you will see many helpful sites and books.

Oh, don't forget my own book release in July 2008 - Wit's End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-Of-Control Teen published by Health Communications, Inc. Watch for fall 2009 as they release my second book!

Sue Scheff: Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is more than just bad moods or broken hearts; it is a very serious clinical illness that will affect approximately 20% of teens before they reach adulthood. Left untreated, depression can lead to difficult home situations, problems at school, drug abuse, and worse, violence toward themselves and others.

Certain young teens suffer from depression as result of situations surrounding their social or family life, but many are succeptable to the disease regardless of race, gender, income level or education. It is very important for parents to keep a watch on their teens - and to maintain a strong level of communication. Understanding the causes and warning signs of the illness can help parents prevent their teens from falling in to depression.

Learn more click here.

Drinking Alcohol Before 15 Years Of Age Is Risky

It may seem like a minor point, but it matters when someone takes their first drink of alcohol relative to later development of alcohol problems. A new study of the relationship between age at first drink (AFD)....

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Exercise Reduces Drug Use

“Studies show that children that are involved in activities and have less time on their hands tend to stay away from drugs easier than kids than kids that have nothing to do after school.”– David Karol Gore, Phd., Psychologist

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The Pros and Cons of Teen Partying

Parties are a regular occurrence during the course of a teenager’s high school career. They typically involve bad DJing, a lot of red plastic cups, and plenty of people. They can be a lot of fun, but they can also have unfavorable endings if you don’t act responsibly.

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Teens Surviving the Storm

What a powerful video to help educate parents on Teen Depression - a must watch! As a parent advocate (Sue Scheff) - if you are a parent of a teen or pre-teen, take a few minutes to listen to this.

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Plain Talk & Straight Answers For Parents With Troubled Teens

Wit's End; Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen, by Sue Scheff, is an indispensable guide for parents who want to be active and empowered participants in their child's therapy.

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Teen Depression -- Hope for Healing

A RELENTLESS HOPE: SURVIVING THE STORM OF TEEN DEPRESSION - Some studies list suicide as the number two cause of death of teenagers in our society. Since depression and related illnesses are the driving forces behind most suicides, it's easy to see why I call them potential killers.

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A Cry for Help - Teens Self-Cutting

Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) Self Mutilation is a very serious concern parents needs to learn about - watch for the warning signs. Read this tipsheet and article to find out more.

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Inhalant Abuse Among Teens and Pre-teens is growing

Parents Universal Resource Experts is active in keeping parents informed about todays concerns with children. As a parent advocate (Sue Scheff) Inhalant Abuse is a very serious issues parents must be aware of.

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Sex Ed Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Parent's Universal Resource Experts is proactive in educating parents today on the issues surrounding our kids - teenage love and sex education is part of today's teen society. As a Parent Advocate, (Sue Scheff), I believe we have to keep informed on what is going on in our child's life outside our home.

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