A mother and son talking to a doctor about an ADHD and depression diagnosis.

The Link Between ADHD and Depression in Adolescents

Depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both common mental health conditions that young adults and adolescents experience. However, while they share some common symptoms, they are different things. A diagnosis of ADHD does not automatically mean a depression diagnosis – however, the two are often comorbidities.

Understanding the link between ADHD and depression – and the differences between the two – can help you or your loved one find the proper mental health care needed to manage the symptoms of either disorder.

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Parents playing a game with their children.

6 Ways Parents Affect a Child’s Mental Health

Parenting is not an easy job. There are endless things to think about and keep track of when you have children. Aside from the obvious ways that having a child impacts your life (like sleep deprivation), there are also mental health factors that come into play — and those factors ultimately affect your children. In fact, our interactions can have a profound impact on each child’s mental health as well as their emotional well-being for the rest of their lives. Let’s look at how parents affect mental health of children — and what you can do to ensure their well-being.

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A mother and her young adult daughter spending time together outside.

The Recent Rise of Mental Health Issues in Youth: What You Need to Know

Childhood and adolescence is a hard time for most. The mind and the body are both developing rapidly, and this often comes with stress and other unique challenges. Some growing pains – both physical and emotional – can be expected and are even essential to a child’s development.

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in children and adolescent mental health issues, so much so that the rise of mental health issues in youth is a concern to most healthcare providers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic is not completely to blame for the increase in poor mental health in young adults. In fact, the mental health crisis in children and teens has been going on for much longer than you would expect.

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School students receiving mental health support from a behavioral health provider.

School Mental Health Supports: Help Your Child Navigate The Years Ahead

Mental health issues in schools have been on the rise, and, unfortunately, school-based mental health services aren’t always equipped to deal with the students’ needs. If you’re worried that your child is struggling with their behavioral health, it can be hard to know how to support them when they’re outside of the house for the majority of the school year.

While it takes a licensed mental health professional to make a diagnosis and design a treatment plan, it’s important to be aware of the state of mental health in schools and understand the warning signs of a child who is struggling with mental health issues.

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A young child and loved one smiling during a positive activity.

“I am Strong” – Using Positive Affirmations To Fuel a Child’s Mental Health

It’s natural to want the best for our children and ensure they are always happy and healthy. But, as their lives become increasingly complex, there are often times when they need a bit of extra support.

One way to help improve your child’s mental health is through positive affirmations – an effective tool that can be used to cultivate self-esteem in children while also creating strong social bonds and improving mental health.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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Teenager with a counselor in a psychotherapy session.

Taking a Look at the 5 Most Common Mental Health Disorders in Children

Mental health disorders in children are hard to detect because they often struggle to express their feelings. Understanding the common mental health challenges your child may face is the best way to support them as they navigate treatment and work to understand their emotions. Here are the 5 most common mental health disorders in children, along with their symptoms and treatment options.

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Integrated health care services available at Meridian.

What Does Integrated Healthcare Look Like in 2023?

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so does the concept of an integrated healthcare system. In 2023, integrated healthcare is poised to take on an increasingly important role in health care delivery, as healthcare providers seek to improve outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and contain costs.

The integration of physical and mental health care, emphasis on providing whole-person patient care, and the use of technology to facilitate communication among healthcare providers are just a few of the trends that are shaping the future of integrated healthcare.

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Child going through a mental health evaluation with a counselor.

What Is A Child Mental Health Evaluation? The Info You Need To Know

When your child struggles in school or at home, it can be difficult to know why. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help, so a qualified professional can offer the expert insight that you’re looking for into your child’s mental health needs.

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Caregiver talking with their child about mental health.

Understanding and Explaining Mental Health To A Child: Know the Signs & How To Help

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s repeat that together; mental health is just as important as physical health!

Now more than ever, parents and caregivers need to talk to their children about what it means to have good mental health. Mental illness is a serious condition that affects mood, thinking, and behavior. It can make it hard to do everyday tasks and enjoy life. So, how do you maintain an open line of communication with your kids? Here are some ways to get the conversation started when it comes to explaining the importance of mental health to your child. Read more