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Category Archives: Depression
How well should medication work for my child’s condition?
Medication typically isn’t a panacea for kids and teens experiencing mental illness, and in general, the more serious the symptoms of mental illness experienced by children and teens, the lower the likelihood is that medication will lead to an ongoing remission of the child’s symptoms. Continue reading
When should parents consider non-medical treatment first?
Many mental health conditions are commonly seen in kids for which medication generally isn’t the first step in a well-developed treatment plan. Today, we’ll look at some situations when parents and clinicians might consider non-medical treatment alternatives first. Continue reading
Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Controversies, Depression, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health
Tagged ADHD, anxiety, children, Depression, families, mental health, non-medical treatment, OCD, Parents, PTSD, teens
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Why does it seem so many kids are on medication?
Should we be surprised so many kids are prescribed medication given what we know about the design of our mental health care delivery systems, our expectations for academic performance, the breakdown of so many families and the values of our culture? I think not. Continue reading
Posted in ADHD, Depression, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health
Tagged academics, ADHD, broken families, kids, medication, mental health delivery system, Parents, productivity, questions, trauma
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Are teens “undermedicated” for mental health disorders?
There is very little evidence in this study to suggest that large numbers of teens are getting psychiatric medications that they don’t need. Continue reading
Joe Padilla…The Church Response to Families Impacted by Depression
The church can consider having biblically based mental health support groups for these families. We (Mental Health Grace Alliance) have designed Family Grace Groups for family members who have a loved one affected by mental health difficulties and disorders. The groups are led by non-professionals and work in any church. The groups follow a faith-structured curriculum of topics to help understand and navigate challenges and even learning their own self-care. Continue reading
Posted in Advocacy, Depression, Families, Mental Health, Strategies
Tagged church, Depression, families, Joe Padilla, Key Ministry, Mental Health Grace Alliance
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Understanding depression in kids and teens…an epilogue
We’ve put together a resource page for pastors, church staff, volunteers and parents with interest in the subject of depression and teens. Continue reading
Does depression result from a lack of faith?
Isn’t it possible, perhaps likely that God might use our suffering to strengthen our faith and to draw us into closer relationship with Him? Continue reading
Families impacted by depression…How can the church help?
How can churches help families impacted by depression to experience the love of Christ? Here are some thoughts…
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If this were your kid, would you give them an antidepressant?
First, I’d point out that the potential benefits of medication appear to outweigh the potential risks, especially for kids with anxiety, but in my experience the risk of an increase in suicidal thoughts/behavior associated with antidepressant medication appears to be greater than zero. In fact, if I had to guess, the risk may be a little higher than what the data has led us to believe up to now. Continue reading
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for kids with depression…pros and cons
The kids I treat are prone to what one of our therapists refers to as “stinking thinking”…automatic, irrational thoughts pop into their heads in the course of day-to- day living that trigger negative emotions and lead to patterns of self-defeating behavior. These patterns of self-defeating behaviors often reinforce their cognitive misperceptions and lead to a downward spiral resulting in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sometimes, suicidal thoughts or plans. Continue reading
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