Teenage girls feel a lot of stress as they grow and navigate their lives. According to the CDC, 57% of U.S. teen girls feel "persistently sad or hopeless". That is double the rate of boys. Here are some factors that may contribute to girls’ distress: Social factors: They may feel they are treated differently because of their gender. They may not feel equal to boys. Girls are more likely to experience sexism, violence, and harassment. It makes them uncomfortable, upset, and frustrated. Outside pressures: Teenage girls face more pressure to be perfect. They may be worried about how they look,…

Menopause occurs at the end of a woman's reproductive years. It can have a significant impact on mood. It can also impact emotions and mental well-being. Women going through menopause might experience any of the following: Mood swings Anxiety and/or depression Poor sleep Trouble thinking clearly Stress and irritability Decreased self-esteem Negative body image Not all women will have these mental health effects during menopause. For women who do experience mental health challenges during this phase of life, there are several strategies to consider. Strategies to Improve Mental Health During Menopause Stay physically active: Regular exercise can have a positive…

When I was working in an inpatient mental health unit, I began an effort to focus groups on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We needed a topic that busy nurses could lead on Sunday nights. We picked one that was simple, but very useful: automatic negative thinking traps (ANTs).  Many group members were new to the concept of ANTs, but I noticed that people remembered it. Even if they forgot everything else, ANTs stuck.  What ANTs Really Are ANTs aren't the same as the emotion-causing thoughts, like I'm going to fail this test or they don't respect me. They are…