It is not so unusual, in this age of high pressure living, for children to experience at some time in their lives emotional issues. Combine  school work, peer group pressure,  family expectations & huge hormone fluctuations & kids these days can flounder with mixed up emotions. The problem is ..... they often don't ask for help. Here you will find various ways of getting the help they need before the issues arise. Prevention & knowledge is the key.

Ned's Talk to Teens  
This is a VERY powerful document for Teens to read. It could even become the focus of a class discussion so that all kids know what to do if they need help. Click here to read Ned's Bio. Edward Hallowell is one of the USA's leading psychiatrists regarding mental health issues and ADHD.

Your Children & Stress

My Child Has a Problem   Stress & Trauma

How To Identify Specific Problem Behaviours and Environmental Factors

About Anxiety Disorders.  
Anxiety is a normal, natural emotion experienced by most human beings. However, a youngster with an Anxiety Disorder experiences anxiety more strongly and more readily than others, and has excessive worry to a degree that interferes with the rest of his or her life.

The Kids' Health Website  
This is a website for kids and about their health written in a way that kids can understand. Great site for kids who are trying to sort through problems but have the attitude "don't really need any help ..... leave me alone!". I think you get the picture! Put it in your Favourites.

Ideal Lives Project - Stress Management.  
This site is good to get you back on track if feeling stressed ........ suitable for parents and teachers!

About Our Kids     
A child and adolescent mental health and parenting resource . A "top of the list" site that has a huge list of childhood disorders information! It is run by the New York University Child Study Center.

Rx for Overall Health: Friendship.      
Friendship = less stress. Less stress! I could do with a little in my life!

Let's Talk About Depression.
This is another link that explains depression to teens from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Straight forward and easy to understand. This is a subject that is not discussed enough with kids ...... kids are so good at hiding behind attitudes & peer group pressure. By this I mean they will put on an "I'm okay" act with big smiles because they don't want their peers, or parents,  to think they need help.....

NIMH - Depression .
This is more aimed at adults, very informative. I am right in presuming that there are adults reading this ... right? :o)

What to do When a Friend is Depressed.     
But what about those times when a friend's activity and outlook on life stay "down" for weeks and begin to affect your relationship? If you know someone like this, your friend might be suffering from depression. As a friend, you can help. Everyone who is a friend should read this ....... so I guess that means everyone.

Illinois Association of School Social Workers.  
This one is a site that has many, many links & is in  be topic groups (IASSW) . If you are involved in pastoral care, a year co-ordinator, social worker or welfare worker, this site is one you will find extremely useful and should be put in your Favourites folder!

FREE e-books

Hypericum and Depression . 
This e-book gives a thorough understanding of the treatment of depression using the herb St. John's Wort. If you are interested in natural treatments for depression, then this is a great place to start! Very comprehensive. They sell more of this herb in Europe than they do traditional anti-depressants .... and yes, it does work!

Nutrition & the Mind  
Okay, if you want to look at an alternative route to treating problem behaviours, attention deficits etc., then have a look at this e-book. It may help, it may not. I do believe, however, there is a place for natural therapies in treatment and that all areas of a child's life needs to be looked at in treatment. He does raise some valid points, but the view is very one sided. Luckily there is no 'hocus pocus', moon baying or collecting of herbs by Tibetan monks on  the eighth Wednesday after the equinox! Take note of the Fluoride argument.