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LGBTQ Issues

by | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

LGTBQ Issues

LGTBQ is an acronym used to represent different sexual and gender identities. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian (a woman attracted other women), Gay (a man/woman who is attracted to other men/women, respectively), Bisexual (someone who is attracted to both men and women), Transgender (a person whose gender identity does not correspond with their birth sex), Queer (an umbrella term for someone in the LGBTQ community) and Questioning (someone who is questioning their sexual or gender identity). LGTBQ is sometimes written with a plus sign at the end, representing other sexualities and gender identities, including pansexual, polyamorous, non-binary, and more.

 

LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk for mental health issues than their non-LGBTQ identifying peers due to stigma and discrimination against their sexual or gender identities. Research has indicated that LGBTQ youth are more likely to suffer from depression, and LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to seriously consider suicide than their peers.

 

Studies have also demonstrated the positive impact that supportive home and school environments can have on LGBTQ youth mental health. Strong family bonds, safe schools and supportive adults can protect against depression and suicidal ideation in LGBTQ youth.

 

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center offers a safe space of LGBTQ struggling with mental health issues and other difficulties related to their sexual or gender identity.  The Guidance Center provides a combination of individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and young adults struggling with emotional, social or family issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

 

National Resources:

Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

 

Read more in our blog:

Sexuality ‘Cheat Sheet’

He Said, She Said, They Said: A Look at Gender

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

A Welcoming Space for LGBTQ Clients

 

Sources:

HRC: Mental Health and the LGBTQ Community

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

by | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

 

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. These disorders are more intense than the “baby blues,” which describes the common fatigue, sadness and worrying of new mothers after giving birth. Postpartum depression is the most common PMAD, but other examples include perinatal panic disorder, perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, perinatal bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis.

 

Nearly one in seven new mothers experience significant symptoms of postpartum depression and other PMADs. Common symptoms of mothers experiencing such disorders include anger, sadness, irritability, guilt, withdrawal from loved ones, feeling distant from the baby, anxiety and sometimes thoughts of harming the baby or herself. Symptoms may first present themselves during pregnancy as well as after childbirth.

 

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center offers the Diane Goldberg Maternal Depression Program, which provides rapid response and diagnosis for mothers suffering from maternal postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

 

Related programs:

Diane Goldberg Maternal Depression Program

 

Read more in our blog:

When It’s More Than the Average Baby Blues

Postpartum and the Pandemic

Katherine’s Story: Healing from Postpartum Depression

Ask the Question

 

Sources:

CDC: Depression During and After Pregnancy

Postpartum VA: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Physical and Sexual Abuse

by | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Physical and Sexual Abuse

 

Abuse and neglect can have a long-term impact on the well-being of children and teenagers. Common types of abuse include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, which is a failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs.

 

Vital warning signs of abuse include withdrawal from friends or usual activities; behavior changes; depression; anxiety; apparent lack of supervision; frequent school absences; attempts at running away; reluctance to leave school activities; defiant behavior; and self-harm. Parents may be at a higher likelihood of becoming abusive if they have a history of being abused/neglected as a child, physical or mental illness, developmentally or physically disabled child, financial stress or unemployment, substance abuse issues or social isolation.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in seven children have experienced some form of child abuse and/or neglect within the past year. In 2017, an estimated 1,720 children died from abuse or neglect. Abuse during childhood and adolescence can contribute to a higher risk of health issues in adulthood. Victims of child abuse are vulnerable to developing depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

It is crucial that child and adolescent victims of physical or sexual abuse seek mental health treatment. Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

 

National Resources:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

Prevent Child Abuse America: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)

If in need of immediate medical attention, call 911.

 

Local Resource:

The Safe Center LI

 

Read more in our blog:

Keeping Teens Safe from Dating Violence and Abuse

 

Sources:

CDC: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect

Mayo Clinic: Child Abuse – Symptoms and Causes

Childhelp: Child Abuse Statistics & Facts

School Refusal

by | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

School Refusal

School refusal is when a child or teenager refuses to go to school on a regular basis or has trouble staying in school. These students may complain of physical symptoms such as a headache or nausea, which often disappear if they are allowed to stay home. Younger children may throw tantrums or have meltdowns on school day mornings. School refusal can be incredibly frustrating and difficult for parents, and it could have long-term effects on the child’s social, emotional and academic development.

 

Often, school refusal is a sign of a larger problem with a child or teenager. School refusal may be in response to stressful life events or a fear of something at school, such as bullying or academic anxiety. About 2% to 5% of children refuse to attend school because of anxiety or depression. Younger children may suffer from separation anxiety contributing to school refusal.

 

Mental health services can assist with school refusal in children and teenagers. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training and systemic desensitization can all help school-refusing students.

 

If your child is experiencing school refusal, mental health services at each of the three sites of the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center can be incredibly helpful. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

 

Read more on our blog:

How to Handle School Refusal

 

Sources:

ADAA: School Refusal

Psychology Today: School Refusal

Self-Mutilation

by | Jan 19, 2021 | Problems We Address

Self-Mutilation

 

Self-mutilation refers to any form of intentional violence that can cause injury to the self, including cutting and suicide. Other forms of intentional self-injury may include head-banging, self-biting or self-scratching.

 

Adolescents have the highest rates of self-harm, with around 15% of teenagers reporting some form of self-injury. Some studies also note a higher rate among college students, in particular.

 

Children and adolescents with developmental disabilities are more likely to engage in acts of self-mutilation. Additionally, those with depression, anxiety and conduct disorders have a higher chance of self-mutilation and suicidal ideation. Though those who engage in non-suicidal self-injury don’t intend to complete suicide, it is possible that they could cause more harm than intended, resulting in medical complications or death.

 

Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

 

Sources:

CDC: Self-Directed Violence and Other Forms of Self-Injury

MHN: Self-injury (Cutting, Self-Harm or Self-Mutilation)