Summer is a time to relax and recharge, but it can also be a period where children and teens struggle to maintain balance. While it’s important for young people to have freedom from the rigid structure of school, too much unstructured time can lead to feelings of boredom, isolation, or even anxiety. According to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a balanced life includes opportunities for growth, both mentally and emotionally. Haidt’s research emphasizes the importance of providing structure...

Anxiety is a natural and ancient part of your body’s survival system. It’s closely tied to the fight-or-flight response —the mechanism that kicks in during emergencies to keep you safe. At its core, anxiety acts as a warning signal, alerting you to potential danger. However, this system isn’t perfect. Sometimes, your brain misinterprets non-threatening situations—like a math test, a presentation, or even a date—as life-threatening. When that happens, anxiety can feel overwhelming, even though...

Today I had my regular bi-weekly on-line conversation with a colleague. Usually there are 3 of us who meek regularly to talk about difficult cases. We also talk about kids, partners, hobbies, interesting articles or movies – pretty much everything becomes a learning experience as we seek to become better at our craft. I almost cancelled today because I was in a funk. It’s been raining for days on end, and I’d had an unpleasant conversation with my partner earlier that morning. I just...