May you be well, may you be healthy!
Dear all,
How are you? I hope you often take the time to think about the deep meaning of that question, and find the answer reflecting how you are really doing and feeling these days. You can question yourself and people you love around you. Today we’ll review a few easy tips to implement that can increase your “feeling good” state, including for children and adolescents.
Amongst the things we’ve learned during this pandemic is that health matters, and also that mental health truly matters. We already said this before but living this challenging experience has changed our perspectives about health for good, hopefully. In theory, we all have become more health-aware individuals.
Speaking of awareness, last week was ‘mental health awareness week’. Still, it’s really every day that we should keep in mind that mental health matters now more than ever.
Let’s check out the latest scientific discoveries about mental health:
Precision medicine and mental health: blood tests to diagnose depression and other mood disorders
“Mood disorders affect up to 1 in 4 individuals in their lifetime. Depression in particular is the leading cause of disability for ages 15–44, a prime productive and reproductive age. Due to the lack of objective tests and the perceived presence of stigma, mood disorders are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, sub-optimally treated, can lead to self-medication with alcohol and drugs, and may culminate in some cases with suicide”.
This pioneering study identified blood biomarkers related to several gene expressions related to mood disorders.
Another very recent and promising study using big data in psychiatry allows us to better understand how the brain creates behaviour bringing more hopes for new therapies and interventions.
Languishing: Feeling ‘blah’ during pandemic
You may have never heard of this word before this article of Adam Grant published recently in New York Times. So, what ‘languishing’ is?
“It’s the void between depression and flourishing — the absence of well-being. You don’t have symptoms of mental illness, but you’re not the picture of mental health either. You’re not functioning at full capacity. Languishing dulls your motivation, disrupts your ability to focus, and triples the odds that you’ll cut back on work. It appears to be more common than major depression — and in some ways it may be a bigger risk factor for mental illness”
Loneliness, Anxiety and Loss:
the Covid Pandemic’s Terrible Toll on Kids
Several studies, more to come, have already shown that pandemic took a toll also on kids and teenagers’ mental health, how this article of WSJ explain it: “The crisis has hit children on multiple fronts. Many have experienced social isolation during lockdowns, family stress, a breakdown of routine and anxiety about the virus. School closures, remote teaching and learning interruptions have set back many at school. Some parents have had job and income losses, creating financial instability—and exacerbating parental stress.
Particularly delicate are the years from 8 to 14. The years around puberty are ones of greater neuroplasticity, when the brain is particularly sensitive to external events and learning experiences. It is when children begin to form their identities and start to separate from their parents. It is also when mental-health issues such as depression and eating disorders can emerge.
The good news is that in children this age, troubling trajectories can be relatively easily reversed with positive experiences and by supporting kids through challenges, says Dr. Dahl. These kids also are generally more receptive to guidance from caring adults compared with older adolescents. Psychologists and pediatricians say the majority of children will likely bounce back from the pandemic’s challenges, but some might struggle for years.”
Here what American Academy of Pediatrics recommend about mental health of children during pandemic:
“Invite your child to talk about how they are feeling. Feeling depressed, hopeless, anxious, and angry may be signs they could benefit from more support during this difficult time. Keep in mind that adolescents and young adults may try to hide their struggles because of fear, shame, or a sense of responsibility to avoid burdening others. Younger children may not know how to talk about these feelings but may show changes in their behaviour or development.
Signs Your Child May Need More Support:
Infants, toddlers and young children... may show backward progress in skills and developmental milestones. They may also have increased problems with:
fussiness and irritability, startling and crying more easily, and more difficult to console.
falling asleep and waking up more during the night.
feeding issues such as frantic nippling, more reflux, constipation or loose stools, or new complaints of stomach pain.
separation anxiety, seeming more clingy, withdrawn, or hesitant to explore.
hitting, frustration, biting, and more frequent or intense tantrums.
bedwetting after they're potty trained.
urgently expressed needs while seemingly unable to feel satisfied.
conflict and aggression or themes like illness or death during play.
Older children and adolescents may show signs of distress with symptoms such as:
changes in mood that are not usual for your child, such as ongoing irritability, feelings of hopelessness or rage, and frequent conflicts with friends and family.
changes in behaviour, such as stepping back from personal relationships. If your ordinarily outgoing teen shows little interest in texting or video chatting with their friends, for example, this might be cause for concern.
a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Did your music-loving child suddenly stop wanting to practice guitar, for example? Did your aspiring chef lose all interest in cooking and baking?
a hard time falling or staying asleep, or starting to sleep all the time.
changes in appetite, weight or eating patterns, such as never being hungry or eating all the time.
problems with memory, thinking, or concentration.
less interest in schoolwork and drop in academic effort.
changes in appearance, such as lack of basic personal hygiene (within reason, since many are doing slightly less grooming during this time at home).
an increase in risky or reckless behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol.
thoughts about death or suicide, or talking about it (see “A word about suicide risk," below).
More to read about this topic in this article from Unicef and expert adolescent psychologist, Dr. Lisa Damour : “How teenagers can protect their mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19): 6 strategies for teens facing a new (temporary) normal”
Miscellaneous:
Adam Grant’s videoTed (my preferred take away term: ‘confident humility’): What frogs in hot water can teach us about thinking again and his new book: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Improve your financial wellness with Vestpod/Emilie Bellet
Power of music and health- new insights
Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding by Daniel E. Lieberman
Until next time, stay healthy and enjoy the flourishing beauty around you!
Love,
Lavinia 💚
Dr Lavinia Ionita
Functional Medicine Doctor | CEO Akesio
lavinia@drionita.com