For some kids, anxiety can be short-lived nervousness at the start of the school year. For others, school can be a constant source of stress that can lead to intense anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, school-related anxiety affects 2 to 5 percent of children and teens, commonly between ages 5 […]
Mental health supports mom and baby
They say a baby changes everything but, as any mom knows, those changes begin long before baby’s arrival. There are obvious physical changes, but in the process of going to check-ups and preparing for baby, there are also psychological and emotional changes mom experiences that are often less talked about or, worse yet, kept silent. […]
Thoughtful, consistent response after suicide may prevent other deaths
Mental health experts at Akron Children’s, in partnership with colleagues throughout the community, have been working on solutions to prevent suicide. Now the concern is even greater given the COVID-19 pandemic and the way it has disrupted lives on a vast and historic scale. With so much trauma due to the virus – the death […]
How to talk to our kids about racism
Trying to navigate conversations with children about race and diversity can be tricky. But they are important conversations to have. “Kids need to be able to have frank conversations about the world we live in — period,” said Dr. Geoffrey Putt, a pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s. “It’s not so much that now is any […]
Akron Children’s hosts open house at its new Behavioral Health Center in Boardman
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Akron Children’s hosted a community open house to celebrate the expansion of its Behavioral Health Center at 6614 Southern Boulevard, Building E, on the hospital’s Beeghly campus in Boardman. The event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks from the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer Lisa Aurilio, who recognized Akron Children’s commitment to providing access […]
Helping teens tame that negative inner voice
It’s a struggle sometimes to shut down that voice of negativity in your head. Vulnerable teens especially can fall into the trap of seeing everything through a pessimistic lens. But you can help your teen see things differently, said Akron Children’s psychologist Kevin Triemstra. Reframing negative thinking can have a positive impact on emotional health […]