???? Summer Break: Nurturing Mental Health and Building Strong Connections ?????

Your primary care provider may now ask about your anxiety during routine checkups.

Published in?American Medical Association’s?JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended guidelines aim to address the growing mental health crisis and reshape medical practices in the United States.

The task force suggests that adults aged 19-64 (including pregnant and postpartum individuals) be screened for anxiety disorders via questionnaires and other screening tools.

Previously, anxiety screening was not part of recommended routine checkups, but now there could be opportunity to prioritize mental well-being alongside physical health as a norm.

?? Leads to this week ‘Sonny’s Straw Poll’:

Are you comfortable with your doctor asking about anxiety during routine checkups?

Yes / No / Not Sure / Other (please comment below)

Remember to Vote on the Poll and Join the Conversation in the Comments!

ICYMI: Coping mechanisms to handle your loved ones’ heightened anxiety

In a past post about?The Washington Post?advice article by?Tracy Dennis-Tiwary?shares her insights about what we do understand about anxiety in relationships, along with giving four ways to cope:

?? Begin with compassion

?? Identify the patterns,

? Create consistent boundaries and

?? Scaffold instead of accommodate

“No magic bullet when it comes to living with other people’s anxiety because we can’t control what other people do or how they feel...”

Summer of Anxiety for Children?

As the school year comes to an end and our children continue to face challenges with their mental health, it's crucial for us to provide them with the support they need. Let's expand on yesterday's post (if you haven't read it yet, please do!).

A recent CNN article sheds light on helpful strategies from an interview with Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital & chief medical officer at? Modern Health , who shared valuable insights on promoting children's mental well-being this summer.

Here are key takeaways that I found:

1?? Establish a Structured Summer Routine: While the school year provides a sense of stability, we can create a more flexible routine during the summer. Encourage children to plan their days, including activities like exercise, creative projects, and spending time with friends and family. Structure brings comfort and stability to their lives, contributing to better mental health.

2?? Foster a Sense of Mastery: Dr. Chaudhary highlights that setting personal goals and working towards them can enhance a child's mood and self-confidence. Whether it's learning a new skill, picking up a hobby, or reading, the pursuit of mastery empowers children and allows them to exercise agency over their lives.

3?? Teach Coping Skills: The slower pace of summer presents an excellent opportunity to help children develop coping skills. Encourage them to identify what triggers their emotions and explore healthy ways to manage stress. Techniques like deep breathing, finding distractions, or engaging in physical activity can help children regain control over their emotions and reduce anxiety.

4?? Prioritize Play and Fun: Scientific research affirms that playful, joyful activities significantly contribute to brain function, reduce stress, and build self-confidence. Parents, caregivers, and children themselves should make time for play. Being playful during the workday, as Dr. Chaudhary mentions, can enhance mental well-being for everyone.

5?? Deepen Relationships: Nurturing meaningful connections is essential for mental health. Encourage children to spend intentional time with friends, family members, or neighbors. Engaging in shared experiences strengthens bonds and fosters vulnerability, ultimately promoting healthier relationships. Maintaining these connections becomes more challenging once school starts, so summer is a prime time to invest in them.

While these strategies can be helpful, it's important to remember that professional help is always available. Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes the importance of seeking support from doctors or counselors if necessary. Regular checkups during the summer can ensure proactive monitoring of mental health throughout the upcoming school year.

As we empower our children to prioritize their mental well-being and provide them with the tools they need for a healthy and successful school year ahead, remember to also give them (and ourselves) some grace and self-compassion during this summer break.

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