April 28, 2022

Adrienne’s House

(228) 762-8267

http://www.gccfn.org/

Adrienne’s House is the secondary domestic violence shelter of the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, offering temporary emergency shelter; individual counseling for adults and children; group counseling for residential and nonresidential clients; case management; legal/court advocacy and a civil legal services legal clinic.

 

Advanced Psychotherapy Associates

(228) 897-7730

www.facebook.com/pages/Advanced-Psychotherapy-Associates/148268688550197

Specializes in psychology and psychiatry.

 

Alexa Morales clinical social work/therapist LCSW, ACSW

(228) 331-3310

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexa-morales-gulfport-ms/75367

Morales is a social worker and therapist specializing in social work, psychotherapy and more.

 

Ascend Counseling Services

(228) 351-9484

www.ascendcounselingservices.net/

Ascend Counseling Services offers individual and family counseling services in numerous areas of treatment.

 

At the Root Counseling and Wellness

(315) 317-2537

https://www.attherootwellness.com/

At The Root Counseling & Wellness takes a holistic approach to individual, couples and group counseling.

 

Back Bay Mission

(228) 432-0301

https://thebackbaymission.org/

Back Bay Mission offers many ministries serving the poor and marginalized people of the Coast, including emergency assistance and supportive housing.

 

Biloxi Treatment Center

(228) 207-1248

www.newseason.com/clinics/biloxi-treatment-center/

Biloxi Treatment Center provides opioid addiction treatment and recovery services to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

 

Bloom Wellness

(228) 382-3107

www.bloom4wellness.com/

Bloom Wellness offers individual, couples and family therapy and specializes in working with tweens, teens and adults.

 

Bolt Counseling Services

(228) 382-3138

www.boltcounselingservices.com/

Bolt Counseling Services offers individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling and EMDR therapy.

 

Bridgewater Psychiatry

(228) 331-3310

www.bridgewaterpsychiatry.com

Bridgewater Psychiatry is a private outpatient facility that works with children, adolescents, and adults to treat most major mental health disorders; services include medication management, psychological testing and both individual and couples psychotherapy.

 

Bruce Professional Counseling Services LLC

(228) 207-0725

www.bruceprofessionalcounseling.com

Bruce Professional Counseling Services LLC offers services for adults and children.

 

Bryan Keith Ballard, LPC

(228) 594-9010

Bryan Keith Ballard offers professional counseling services.

 

Building Behaviors Counseling Services LLC

(228) 424-3427

www.facebook.com/BuildingbehaviorsCounselingServices

Building Behaviors serves children, adolescents and adults through counseling, anger management and parenting skills training.

 

Building New Tomorrows LLC

(228) 374-7854

www.facebook.com/BuildingNewTomorrows/

Specializes in helping individuals, couples and families during times of stress and turmoil.

 

Canopy Children’s Solutions

(228) 863-4992

https://mycanopy.org/

Canopy Children’s Solutions is a nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational and social service solutions.

 

Caring Hearts Counseling Services

(228) 591-1442

www.facebook.com/CaringHeartsCounselingServices/

Caring Hearts specializes in treatment of children, adolescents and families who are experiencing mental, emotional and/or behavioral issues.

 

Catalyst Counseling and Therapy Services

(228) 284-2644

www.catalystcounselingandtherapy.com

Catalyst Counseling and Therapy Services is a strengths-based mental health counseling service that helps individuals, couples and families get back on track with their lives.

 

Charla Wilson Counseling Services PLLC

(228) 456-3222

https://charlawilsoncounseling.com

Charla Wilson Counseling Services PLLC offers counseling services for individuals, couples, families, adults, adolescents and children.

 

Choices Coordinated Care Solutions Inc.

(318) 613-7026

choicesccs.org

Choices Coordinated Care Solutions, Inc. is a national non-profit organization committed to supporting youth with significant behavioral and emotional challenges.

 

Claveau Counseling Center

(228) 222-5858

lclaveau.wixsite.com/claveaucounselingctr

Claveau Counseling Center offers services for individuals, couples and families for a variety of emotional, behavioral and psychological disorders.

 

 Co-ACTive Families

(228) 337-0084, (228) 313-3106

www.donnaburrowespysd.com

Co-ACTive Families is the independent private practice of Dr. Donna Burrowes, who specializes in evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents and families. Her practice is located inside Colorful Minds, a therapy program that provides Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to children with autism.

 

Coastal Family Health Services

https://coastalfamilyhealth.org/

877-374-4991

Coastal Family Heath Services offers mental health assessments, brief counseling and/or referrals for more intensive levels of treatment, substance abuse assessments, brief counseling and/or referrals for detox and more intensive levels of treatment.

 

Dr. Conrad Anderson

(228) 365-3552

Dr. Anderson is a counselor specializing in counseling, clinical social work and more.

 

CONTACT the Crisis Line

(601) 713-4099

www.contactthecrisisline.org

CONTACT the Crisis Line is a 24/7 helpline/crisis line/warm line that has been providing free confidential, compassionate help to anyone in need of emotional support since 1971.

 

Crossroads Recovery Center

(228) 213-5909

www.facebook.com/CrossroadsRecovery/

Crossroads recovery center offers alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention services and substance abuse services.

 

DreamTree Enterprises, LLC

(228) 239-4193

mentalhealthms.com/dreamtree-enterprises-llc/

DreamTree Enterprises, LLC offers services for children and youth.

 

Elizabeth McQueen LPC

(228) 897-7730

Elizabeth McQueen specializes in counseling.

 

Dr. Ethel W. Hetrick

(228) 467-2424

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ethel-wiest-hetrick-bay-saint-louis-ms/128500

Dr. Hetrick has extensive training and experience in the assessment of learning disorders of all types, as well as ways to treat and remediate the problems.

 

Dr. Gerald Steve Barrilleaux

(228) 863-1132

Dr. Gerald Steve Barrilleaux specializes in clinical psychology.

 

Gulf Coast Behavioral Sciences LLC

(601) 850-8663

www.gulfcoastbehavioralsciences.com/

Gulf Coast Behavioral Sciences LLC offers professional counseling and applied behavioral analysis services to individuals and families.

 

Gulf Coast Family Counseling Agency

(228) 875-6113

https://gulf-coast-family-counseling-agency.business.site/

Gulf Coast Family Counseling Agency is private, nonprofit counseling center that is United Way affiliated.

 

Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence 

(228) 435-1968 (Harrison County), (228) 762-8267 (Jackson County/Adrienne’s House), (228) 252-1999 (Hancock County), (800) 800-1396 (crisis line)

http://www.gccfn.org/

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence offers services and programs for children, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, loved ones of homicide victims and others.

 

Gulf Coast Mental Health Coalition

(251) 404-3924

The goal of the Gulf Coast Mental Health Coalition is to bridge the Gulf on mental health through a process of “communicate, educate and legislate.”

 

Gulf Coast Play Therapy Clinic LLC

(228) 224-2258

www.gcplaytherapy.com/

Clinic specializes in play therapy, which lets children express difficulties and resolve life challenges through the language of play.

 

Gulf Coast Psychotherapy

(228) 388-2900

www.gulfcoastpsychotherapy.net/

Gulf Coast Psychotherapy is a full-service mental health and substance abuse counseling center providing a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services.

 

Gulfport Behavioral Health System

1-800-831-1700

www.gulfcoastbehavioralsciences.com/

Gulfport Behavioral offers treatment programs and services designed to stabilize patients’ emotional or mental health issues and promote long-term recovery and mental wellness.

 

Home of Grace

(228)-826-5283

www.homeofgrace.org/

The Home of Grace, a Christ-centered recovery program, helps individuals battle various types of addiction.

 

Imagine Counseling Center

(228) 452-6023

https://imaginecounselingcenter.com/

Imagine Counseling Services offers counseling services for children, adolescents and families.

 

Islands Counseling

www.islandscounseling.com/

Offers confidential, therapeutic and professional services provided by licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers.

 

Dr. James Edward Hightower

(504) 613-6835

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/james-edward-hightower-diamondhead-ms/368094

Dr. Hightower offers a variety of counseling services for individuals, couples and families.

 

James Hite, LPC

(228) 696-9224

Hite offers licensed professional counseling services.

 

Jim Soriano LMFT, LPC

(228) 547-6459

http://jimsorianolpc.com/

Soriano offers individual counseling services, addiction counseling, marital/family counseling, trauma counseling and more.

 

Kimila R DeFlanders, therapist/licensed clinical social worker

(601) 651-4804

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kimila-r-deflanders-gulfport-ms/382077

DeFlanders uses a unique and individually tailored blend of cognitive behavioral and client-centered therapy to provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.

 

Kari Rusnak Counseling

(228) 860-3727

www.karirusnakcounseling.com/

Offers relationship counseling online in Mississippi, Colorado and Utah.

 

Leah Gaddis, LPC  

(228) 696-9224

Leah Gaddis offers professional counseling services.

 

LSL Psychological Services

(228) 265-5144

www.lslpsychologicalservices.com/

LSL Psychological Services provides a range of evidence-based treatments, including psychological assessment/testing services and diagnosis/treatment for a wide variety of issues for children, adolescents, adults, and families.

 

Millcreek

(228) 868-5112 (Long Beach), (228) 474-7589 (Moss Point)

https://www.millcreekofmagee.com/

Millcreek provides care for emotionally disabled and developmentally delayed children and adolescents.

 

Mental Health Association of South Mississippi

(228) 864-6274

https://msmentalhealth.org/

The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi works to support and empower people who suffer from mental illness with resources and support services.

 

Mindful Matters

(228) 284-4651 or (228) 284-4652

www.msmindfulmatters.com/

Mindful Matters services include adult psychiatric evaluations, pediatric psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and mental health support groups.

 

Mississippi Behavioral Health Services

1-800-834-9348, Gulfport location (228) 897-7465, Pascagoula location (228) 712-8024

msbehavioralhealth.org

Mississippi Behavioral Health Services offers a network of providers across the state to provide counseling services and treatment resources for children, adolescents and adults suffering from mental illness, emotional and/or behavioral disturbances.

 

Mississippi Centers for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities

(228) 396-4434

https://thebackbaymission.org/

MCARDD exists as a service provider and referral source for those individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and as a clearinghouse for all who work with them.

 

Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

(855) 334-6120

www.mississippidatc.com/

Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center offers individual care with emphasis on family healing, with residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs available.

 

Mississippi Sound Counseling Services

(228) 547-2250

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/mississippi-sound-counseling-services-gulfport-ms/261660

Mississippi Sound Counseling Services offers help for those with problems with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, teen issues, family conflict, co-parenting , anger management, codependency, addictions, eating disorders and crisis management.

 

Myrtis Austin

(228) 437-5653

Austin specializes in marriage and family therapy.

 

NAMI – Mississippi

(601) 899-9058 or (800) 357-0388 (non-crisis line); 1-800-950-NAMI (NAMI national information hotline)

namims.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Mississippi is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.

 

New Life Harmony

(228) 223-7115 or (228) 860-3002

www.newlifeharmony.com

New Life Harmony is a unique clinic based on a mind, body and spirit perspective, offering counseling and transformational therapy.

 

Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation

(734) 992-7211

NurturingWellnessGroupFoundation.org

Terri Brinston RN, MA, CLNC, is the chief executive officer of Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation, which serves teens and young adults ages 12 to 25 who are struggling in school and in life due to stressors.

 

Oasis Mental Wellness LLC

(228) 456-3116

www.oasismentalwellness.com/

Oasis Mental Wellness provides individual and family counseling to those who feel overwhelmed.

 

Oceans Healthcare/Oceans Behavioral Hospital

(228) 324-0474, (228) 388-0600

https://oceanshealthcare.com/biloxi

Oceans provides a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options, with individual and group programs available.

 

Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources 

Harrison Mental Health Center: (228) 213-5888, Hancock Mental Health Center: (228) 220-5454, crisis stabilization unit: (228) 213-5900, Crossroads Recovery Center: (228) 213-5909, Gulf Coast IDD: (228) 284-5525, Biloxi satellite offices: (228) 207-8617

www.pbmhr.org/

Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources has offices in 13 Mississippi counties and provides a range of mental health services from 68 locations.

 

Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services

1-888-574-4673

www.pinegrovetreatment.com

Since 1984, Pine Grove has offered a continuum of services ranging from outpatient to inpatient and residential treatment.

 

Practical Solutions Counseling and Consulting PLLC

(228) 314-3626

https://practicalsolutionscounseling.com/

Practical Solutions provides mental health and consulting services to the local community.

 

Premier Professional Counseling Services

(228) 220-4226

www.premiercounselingservices.net/

Premier Professional Counseling offers family therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, supervised visits/child exchange program and more.

 

Psycamore LLC Psychiatric Programs

(228) 385-7744

https://psycamore.com/

Psycamore is a licensed, private, freestanding psychiatric intensive treatment program for highly functional individuals suffering from serious mental disorders, resulting in psychosocial, work or school impairments.

 

Ray of Light Counseling Service

(228) 260-0675

rayoflightcounselingservices.com

Jennifer Mayne, licensed clinical social worker, and her therapists have over 20 years of experience treating adolescents to adults. They specialize in developing tailored solutions for their patients that educate and support them in the most effective ways to take care of body and mind for a well-rounded life. Appointments are available in person and via telehealth.

 

Renew Counseling Services

(228) 219-4738

http://renewcounselingms.com/

Renew Counseling Services provides mental health counseling rooted in Christian beliefs for individuals and couples, addressing issues ranging from depression to marital struggles.

 

Resilience Psychotherapy PLLC

(888) 464-1811

https://moreresilient.com/

Resilience Psychotherapy works with clients to set personal goals, explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, and work through painful memories and trauma.

 

Restoration Counseling Services LLC

(601) 385-1235

lynneasabian.wixsite.com

Restoration Counseling Services LLC, owned by Lynne Sabin, offers therapy services for children and adults.

 

Right Track Medical Group Mental Health Clinic

(228) 232-0890

www.righttrackmedical.com/biloxi

Right Track Medical Group offers help for a number of mental health disorders, including anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, depression and postpartum depression.

 

Rivers Psychotherapy Services

(228) 206-3632

https://www.riverspsychotherapyservices.com/

Rivers Psychotherapy offers therapy to those struggling with numerous issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to grief and interpersonal trauma.

 

Safe Harbor Clinic

(228) 200-0720

safeharborclinic.com/

Safe Harbor Clinic offers services for addiction treatment, psychiatry, counseling and therapy and state-of-the-art depression treatment using transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS (coming soon).

 

Seeking Other Solutions LLC

(601) 806-5593

www.seekingothersolutions.com/

Seeking Other Solutions offers cognitive behavioral therapy to address a variety of needs.

 

Serenity Coast Counseling

(228) 860-9302

serenitycoastcounseling.com

Serenity Coast Counseling works with clients to address an array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD.

 

Shanti Yoga & Counseling LLC

(228) 284-2337

http://www.shantiyogaandcounseling.com/

Shanti Yoga & Counseling is a holistic center providing integrative healing services combining psychology, yoga and meditation, for mind-body balance and emotional wellness.

 

Simone and Associates PLLC

(228) 604-0099

Simone and Associates PLLC offers individual therapy for adults, adolescents and children, as well as couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy/classes and psychological evaluations.

 

Singing River Behavioral Health

singingriverhealthsystem.com/areas-of-care/behavioral-health/

Singing River Behavioral Health provide both inpatient and outpatient care for a number of mental illnesses and conditions.

 

Singing River Services

(228) 497-0690; mobile crisis line, 1-866-497-0690

singingriverservices.com/

Singing River Services offers aid for children and adults. Teams consist of mental health professionals who can provide support to those experiencing a mental health, alcohol and drug, or intellectual and development disabilities crisis. Teams are available in all 82 counties in Mississippi 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. 

(228) 896-1228

www.scscy.org

Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. serves and equips vulnerable children and youth, assisting them in the process of becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of society.

 

South Mississippi Regional Center

(228) 868-2923

https://www.smrc.ms.gov/

South Mississippi Regional Center supports those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

 

Specialized Treatment Facility

(228) 328-6000

www.stf.state.ms.us/

Specialized Treatment Facility (STF) provides psychiatric residential services for Mississippi adolescents who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

 

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

www.voa.org/supportive-services-for-veteran-families

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program awards grants to private entities, which help eligible veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits.

 

Teri L. Gaethe LPC

(614) 477-5467

Teri L. Gaethe offers mental health counseling services.

 

Victoria L Scott, LPC

(228) 900-9962

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/victoria-l-scott-biloxi-ms/350407

Scott helps clients struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues and more.

 

Will’s Way LLC Pediatric Behavioral Psychology

(228) 731-3500

https://www.willswaybehavioral.com/

Will’s Way provides behavioral solutions for at-risk children and their families throughout Mississippi.

 

Youth Villages

(228) 354-9700

youthvillages.org

Youth Villages offers home-based services for children and families through MYPAC: Mississippi Youth Programs Around the Clock.

By Nicole Bedsole

We are our own worst critics and our own best cheerleaders. Self-esteem plays a vital role in how we see ourselves, not only when we are alone, but when we are at work or with friends and family. Wherever we go, there we are — with our self-esteem in tow.

We learn what to feel about ourselves and develop thoughts and opinions about ourselves early in life, from family, friends, teachers, co-workers, clergy, strangers, etc. If a person has low self-esteem, it can be difficult to change the way he or she thinks. However, change is possible.

The first thing someone may want to know and keep repeating to himself or herself is that no one person is better than the next. We may live different lives and have different values, but we are all human. We all share good and bad experiences, causing us to have periods of high and low self – esteem.

Keeping our self-esteem balanced is key. Psychology Today shares some signs that a person has the right amount of confidence:

• Knows the difference between confidence and arrogance
• Is not afraid of feedback
• Does not people-please or seek approval
• Is not afraid of conflict
• Can set boundaries
• Can voice needs and opinions
• Is assertive, but not pushy
• Is not a slave to perfection
• Is not afraid of setbacks
• Does not fear failure
• Does not feel inferior
• Accepts who he or she is

What if you need help boosting your confidence? So many techniques are available that you might get overwhelmed. Here is a brief list of what I do to combat low self-esteem: 

• Stay away from all-or-nothing thinking and seeing things as only good or bad.
• Stay away from negative thoughts. If I start to have negative thoughts, I replace them with an affirmation.
• Identify my feelings and talk to someone about them.
• Stay away from negative people. I tend to avoid people who have a problem for every solution.
• Journal — when I get my thoughts and feelings down on paper, they become real to me, and I can focus on what changes I need to make.

These tips are just the tip of the iceberg. Finding what works best for you will set you on the right track. Always remember to do the best you can and give yourself a break. You are only human, and you can do it!

Nicole Bedsole is a certified peer support specialist with the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. Reach her at nbedsole@msmentalhealth.org.

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Self-harm: fact versus myth

“If you or someone you know is engaged in self-harm, don’t suffer in silence. Start by talking to a trusted adult, friend or medical professional who is familiar with the subject. Several types of therapy are available to help those who are struggling, and this can allow them to establish healthier coping mechanisms.”

Kay Daneault, executive director of the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi 

By Terri Brinston

Parenting is hard! I remember the overwhelming fear I had when they handed me this small, fragile and delicate little baby, wrapped tightly in a thin blanket. I immediately fell in love but thought, “How do I do this?” Everything comes with an instruction manual of some sort, step-by-step directions for how to make it work, prevent injury, and so on — everything, that is, but parenting. 

As I reflect on raising my children, I think my best description of my parenting approach was trial and error. It was rewarding when I got it right, but extremely frustrating when I got it wrong. 

I consider it an extreme honor to have played a part in raising two wonderful children, but while doing so, I often wondered if I was doing enough and paying attention to the right things. I always thought, “I have one opportunity to get this right, and my choices could have a major impact on their lives.” — no pressure (yikes!). But I quickly realized that no one is perfect, and I don’t always get the last say. All any parent can do is his or her best and pray everything turns out OK.  

Doing your best includes educating yourself on how to support your child. As parents, we have an important duty to monitor our children and their activities. This allows us to decipher what paths they are heading down. When you just focus on punishment and not the root of the issue, you could be missing a call for help. It is important to recognize when your child needs help. When you know there is a problem, you are more apt to assist and get your child back on track.  

Here are some of the common signs that your child may be in trouble:

1. Declining grades

If you notice your teen has lower grades one semester compared to previous semesters, you should take notice. It may mean that he or she is going through a challenging time, or it might not be anything to worry about. On the other hand, having lower grades for consecutive semesters might indicate something more significant. For instance, teen depression, anxiety, ADHD and ADD are characterized by of lack of concentration. This can influence a teen’s ability to do well in school and establish a healthy relationship with his or her peers.

2. Abnormal desire to be alone

A lack of social interaction in childhood may result from a variety of causes, including social fear and anxiety or a preference for solitude. From early childhood through adolescence, socially withdrawn children are at risk for a wide range of negative adjustment outcomes, including socio-emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, low self-esteem, depressive symptoms and internalizing problems), peer difficulties (e.g., rejection, victimization, poor friendship quality), and school difficulties (e.g., poor teacher-child relationships, academic difficulties, school avoidance).

3. Extreme mood changes

Everyone experiences occasional moodiness. Teenagers with exploding hormones are especially prone to emotional highs and lows. Frequent and unexplained fearfulness and sadness, alternating with an overly expansive and happy mood without apparent reason, are a potential concern and need watching, particularly if the mood cycling is frequent within a day. 

Various causes can be relevant, ranging from the onset of mental illnesses (like bipolar disorder or depression) to a response to adverse experiences (like sexual or physical trauma) to, perhaps in some cases, “normal” identity crises.  How can you tell what’s what? Trust your intuition. If the behavior feels abnormal, it probably is. The most common mistake in our culture today is for parents to dismiss behavior as a phase. It usually isn’t, as many learn when it is too late. 

4. Increased disciplinary actions in school

If your teen is getting many detentions or even some in-school suspensions, take note. School is a stressful time. The American Psychological Association states that school is the biggest source of stress for teenagers. The pressure on young adults to perform well in a variety of academic, sporting and extracurricular activities is grueling. Test anxiety, exhaustion, bullying and conflict with teachers all play a major role in a teen’s academic success and behavior. It is a simple fact that if teenagers are tired, hungry, unhappy, anxious or ill, their behavior and academic performance likely will suffer.

5. At-risk behavior

Despite your best parenting efforts, unfortunately, sometimes teens engage in risky behaviors. Most teens know plenty about the dangers of risk-taking behaviors like drinking, smoking and taking drugs, but they tend to ignore what they have learned. Research on adolescent brains suggests that teenagers seek out risk-taking behaviors because their brain systems involved in decision-making mature at different times. The section of the brain most involved in emotion and social interaction becomes very active during puberty, while the section most critical for regulating behavior is still maturing into early adulthood. This explains why teens are so susceptible to peer pressure and why education and prevention efforts designed to keep teens from engaging in risky behaviors don’t work very well.  

Certain behaviors can be dangerous, if not deadly. Drug and alcohol usage, vandalism, shoplifting, truancy, promiscuity and other behaviors are cause for concern if they occur more than once. It is imperative that you seek help and guidance to support your fears and guide your intervention.

6. Changes In Sleep and Eating Habits

Being a child can feel turbulent and unstable. To deal with stress, eating disorders can emerge. With these dysfunctional coping strategies, food can easily be replaced by drugs, alcohol or cutting as a way to control feelings of fear, anxiety and insecurity, and immediate attention is needed. 

7. Personality changes

Puberty is bound to bring on some personality changes. Shifts in behavior, attitudes, likes and dislikes may happen throughout childhood, but the biggest changes occur when kids enter pre-adolescence and adolescence. Be aware of the rapidity of that change. When a generally upbeat kid becomes more pessimistic, or an outgoing kid becomes quieter, something is driving the negative shift. These are the sudden changes that may stem from trauma and substance abuse.   

If substance abuse is involved, behavioral changes can occur very quickly— perhaps within a week or two. Bullying also may prompt personality changes. When your child is a victim of ridicule and rejection, it can be very traumatic. You also can see a teen’s behavior change when they have been sexually abused by a stranger or someone familiar. This personality change is often drastic. Children who have been molested often become more isolated and withdrawn. Their grades go down, and they become more fearful of people and places. Although personality changes are common in teens, don’t ignore their implications. 

The teenage years can be the most difficult for a parent, especially without an instruction manual. During this time, many changes occur that make it hard to know how and when to intervene. It may even be difficult to identify when there is a problem and when your teen is just being a teen. Listen to your instincts, and get involved. Ask questions, and act if you feel your teen is struggling. Early intervention is the key to success; prolonging the problem may lead to more difficulties.

Terri Brinston, RN, MA, CLNC, is chief executive officer of Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation. Reach her at myschoolnursellc@gmail.com.

The parent-child bond is a unique experience that lasts a lifetime. This experience may be both positive and negative to the parents and the children. Your daily interaction is important, especially how you as the parent communicate with your child. Yes, mom and dad, effective communication may be a new language for you, but the more time and patience you take in positive parenting, the more effective communication becomes in creating a positive mental health effect in your children.

The good news is that effective communication methods and techniques today are no different than parenting experts from decades ago shared with your parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. The four consistent keys are being calm and loving, taking time to explain, taking time to listen and being a good role model. 

Being calm and loving is a choice in your behavior. The tone and delivery of your voice in talking to your children can determine whether they really listen to what you are saying. Do you hear your own voice when you speak to your children? Speak in calm tones, even during the heat of a disagreement or discussion. Sometimes your voice must be more commanding, but 95 percent of your verbal interactions with your children do not require an authoritarian approach. How would you feel if the only voice you heard repeatedly was your parents’ loud, forceful one? How did you interact and respond when your parents spoke to you in such commando style?

Communication in my household always was like a foreign language. My mother spoke to me in commanding tones from early childhood to adulthood. Her forceful, condescending voice instructed me to “tell my father dinner was ready,” yet he was within earshot and could hear her. This type of communication did not work well in forming a loving, kind relationship.

Also recognize that not every interaction with your children is an opportunity to teach a lesson. Take time to stop and just be in the moment with each of them, one at a time. What a joy to get to know your child’s gifts and talents and the struggles they really want to share with you.

Finding time can be a challenge in our fast-paced times, but families always have been busy; the type of busy just changes. As technology progresses, one-on-one verbal and non-verbal interactions decrease. It really is beneficial in the lifetime mental health script you write for and with your children to practice what you preach. Children learn their communication skills from you, their parents. 

Above all, listen! More specifically, become an observer listener. This means stop and sit down at your children’s level to talk with them. Give them your full attention. Turn all electronics off. Observe your children’s non-verbal behavior. Listen to your children’s ideas and show you care about them and their point of view.  

Communication does not always come easy and is not perfect all the time. The mental health of the family requires consistency in conversation, both verbal and non-verbal. Smile lots. Hug your children. Tell them you love them in words and actions. They do not always ‘know’ how their parents feel about them. Yes, even millennials want time with their parents and family members one-on-one.

It is not a new language; it is a lost language. 

Sher Graham is co-chair of the Gulf Coast Mental Health Coalition. Reach her at gulfcoastmhc@gmail.com.