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Newport Academy

The Latest On How Social Media Affects Teenagers The Latest On How Social Media Affects Teenagers
The Latest On How Social Media Affects Teenagers Social media has both an upside and a downside for teenagers. In the pro column, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat can be lifesavers for teens who feel isolated or marginalized—including LGBTQ+ teens and those struggling with mental health issues. Research shows positive effects of social media on friendships. But there are also plenty of cons associated with frequent use of social media: cyberbullying, negative self-image and body image, social media addiction, and less time spent doing healthy, real-world activities. Social Media and Teen Mental Health A large bo…
Nature Or Nurture? A Q&A On Epigenetics And Mental Health With Dr. Jennifer Dragonette Nature Or Nurture? A Q&A On Epigenetics And Mental Health With Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
Nature Or Nurture? A Q&A On Epigenetics And Mental Health With Dr. Jennifer Dragonette Epigenetics is a new and groundbreaking concept in the field of psychology and mental health. Research is revealing that our genes can actually turn on or turn off in response to what happens in our life and how our environment affects us. This understanding has finally put to bed the age-old debate regarding nature vs. nurture—in other words, whether who we are is determined by our genetic makeup or by our life experiences. Epigenetics makes it clear that they work in tandem to impact both physical and mental health. Newport Academy Executive Director Dr. Jennifer B. Dragonette, PsyD, who…
An Integrated Approach To 2020 New Year Goals And Resolutions An Integrated Approach To 2020 New Year Goals And Resolutions
An Integrated Approach To 2020 New Year Goals And Resolutions Every year, well-intentioned people make resolutions as New Year’s Eve approaches…and end up failing to achieve them. According to Psychology Today, 80 percent of people who set New Year goals abandon them. That’s because making behavioral changes is one of the toughest things a person can do. Breaking old patterns and creating new, healthy habits take time and dedication. This year, why not try preparing for the new year by making New Year goals and New Year’s resolutions that are both meaningful and realistic? You can foster positive and proactive New Year goals by taking an integrated ap…
Types Of Mental Health Treatment For Teens And Young Adults Types Of Mental Health Treatment For Teens And Young Adults
Types Of Mental Health Treatment For Teens And Young Adults World Mental Health Day on October 10 is designed to bring awareness to mental health, help reduce stigma around mental health challenges, and provide education on treatment options. Information and support is vital for families in light of the current teen and young adult mental health crisis. Today, one in five teens has a diagnosable mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Moreover, many adolescents don’t get the mental health treatment they need. In fact, six out of 10 teens with depression and eight out of 10 teens with anxiety don’t receive treatment. Assessment is the…
The Facts About Teen Suicide And How to Prevent It The Facts About Teen Suicide And How to Prevent It
The Facts About Teen Suicide And How to Prevent It September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Tuesday, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. And this year, it comes on the heels of new research showing that more adolescents and young adults are dying by suicide than ever before. Released in June, the new analysis of teen suicide statistics shows that the youth suicide rate in the United States is currently the highest in recorded history — 14.46 per 100,000 for young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Moreover, suicide is the second most common cause of death in the United States among youth ages 10–19, and the number…
Identifying Signs And Symptoms of Parental Burnout Identifying Signs And Symptoms of Parental Burnout
Identifying Signs And Symptoms of Parental Burnout Let’s face it: Parenting is hard. Even in the best of circumstances—when co-parents work well together, support is available, and the children are happy and healthy—raising a human being is a daunting task. So it’s no surprise that researchers have identified a syndrome known as parental burnout. Like job burnout, parental burnout comes with a set of specific symptoms. But what makes the problem worse is that parents are often ashamed and guilty about being burnt out. There’s a stigma associated with parental burnout. As a result, parents hide what they’re going through, and don’t reach ou…
Newport Academy Offers Information On Yoga For Anxiety And Depression Newport Academy Offers Information On Yoga For Anxiety And Depression
Newport Academy Offers Information On Yoga For Anxiety And Depression Today’s teens are more anxious than ever. One out of every five teens suffers from an anxiety disorder at some point. However, using yoga for anxiety and depression is an effective, all-natural approach to counteracting stress. “Anxiety is a normal part of our emotional landscape,” said Nicole Renée Matthews, Director of Yoga at Newport Academy. “But meditation and yoga are powerful tools for stress resilience and strengthening teen mental health.” Nicole Renée appeared recently on Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH to discuss the mental health benefits of yoga for anxiety. Nicole was t…
Why Parenting Support Groups Are So Important, According To Newport Academy Why Parenting Support Groups Are So Important, According To Newport Academy
Why Parenting Support Groups Are So Important, According To Newport Academy Parenting is one of the hardest and most important jobs anyone can do. Every stage along the way brings more questions and difficult choices. Yet honest conversations about the challenges of parenting are rare — especially when a parent or child is struggling. That’s where parenting support groups come in. Research shows that support groups provide healthy parenting skills, an increased sense of empowerment and a feeling of belonging. Moreover, parenting support groups can be particularly helpful for parents of teens who are coping with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. Pa…
Newport Academy Examines The Effects Of Helicopter Parenting Newport Academy Examines The Effects Of Helicopter Parenting
Newport Academy Examines The Effects Of Helicopter Parenting The term “helicopter parenting” describes parents who are overinvolved in their children’s lives. They hover close by and swoop down to help at the first sign of trouble. And helicopter parents don’t change their behavior as their kids get older: they continue to hover as teens enter high school and even when they head off to college. As parenting teenagers has become increasingly complicated, helicopter parenting has become more prevalent — along with so-called “lawnmower parents” and “snowplow parents,” who not only hover but also mow down or plow away any obstacles in a child’s or teenag…
Create Healthy Holiday Connections Through These Self-Help Tips Create Healthy Holiday Connections Through These Self-Help Tips
Create Healthy Holiday Connections Through These Self-Help Tips Although the holidays are often a time for cheer, thankfulness and positive reflection, the season can also be a difficult time for those suffering from seasonal stress, despite being surrounded by loved ones. In the busy holiday season, people tend to neglect self-care. The holidays are more enjoyable when you’re feeling rested and peaceful, so try and prioritize taking care of yourself. Not sure where to start? Here are five ways to practice self-care during the holidays. Ask for help Many people have a long to-do list during the holiday season, but it's important to remember that y…
Newport Academy Tackles The Ins And Outs Of Raising A Teen Newport Academy Tackles The Ins And Outs Of Raising A Teen
Newport Academy Tackles The Ins And Outs Of Raising A Teen Parenting teens can be challenging, but it can also bring immense joy. However, during difficult situations, turning to time-tested, evidence-based strategies for parenting can be helpful, regardless of age. Whether parents are dealing with the “terrible twos” or with a teen mental health crisis, having a toolkit for keeping calm, creating a harmonious household and relating to their children in positive ways can be invaluable. In order to help raise a healthy, well-rounded and respectful teen, parents must remind themselves that they are the role models for their children. The way they cond…
Newport Academy Examines Teens, Sports And Mental Health Newport Academy Examines Teens, Sports And Mental Health
Newport Academy Examines Teens, Sports And Mental Health Teen sports can have a major positive impact on a child's quality of life, especially in the area of mental health. There are a variety of ways to reap exercise's benefits, from dance, yoga and hiking to basketball, baseball and other team sports. In addition to promoting a healthier body, youth athletics also boost self-esteem, hone teamwork skills and allow athletes to develop a close community of peers and supportive adults while they break a sweat. The mental benefits of playing sports have been well documented; according to a Canadian study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health,…
Is Your Teen Suffering From Anxiety? Newport Academy Explains Signs Is Your Teen Suffering From Anxiety? Newport Academy Explains Signs
Is Your Teen Suffering From Anxiety? Newport Academy Explains Signs Unfortunately, teen anxiety disorders are increasingly common among adolescents, with roughly 25 percent of American teens between the ages of 13 and 18 having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point. Teens with anxiety disorders experience particularly high levels of anxiety and often struggle with feelings of tension and fear. As a result, these emotions can interfere with daily activities at work and school, as well as affect relationships with peers and family members. Teens can be diagnosed with various types of anxiety disorders, the most common of which is generalized a…
Get Out! Newport Academy Helps Teens Seize Summer At Adventure Camp Get Out! Newport Academy Helps Teens Seize Summer At Adventure Camp
Get Out! Newport Academy Helps Teens Seize Summer At Adventure Camp This summer vacation, Newport Academy is helping teens truly reset and recharge through its one-of-a-kind Adventure Camp in Darien, Conn. Designed to help students practice self-care, build life skills and stay engaged and healthy during the unstructured summer months, the two week day camp will offer attendees the chance to experience the outdoors and foster adventure to promote lifestyle changes.  Comprised of equal parts physical and mental rejuvenation, the camp will provide teens the chance to experiment with meditation, music therapy and yoga, as well as enjoy hiking, gardening and ot…
Newport Academy Shines Light On The Darkness Of Teen Suicide Newport Academy Shines Light On The Darkness Of Teen Suicide
Newport Academy Shines Light On The Darkness Of Teen Suicide In the wake of several recent celebrity deaths, a renewed attention to mental illness and the tragedy of suicide has been brought to public focus. Although these high-profile deaths have involved middle-aged victims, the motivating illnesses impact people of all ages, especially a growing number of youths and teens. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of teen deaths after accidental deaths -- which include overdoses. The same study showed that teen suicides increased by 56 percent in 2016, bucking what had been a steady decline throughout the late 20th century. For inst…
Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good? Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good?
Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good? With teen depression on the rise, medication may seem like the easiest and quickest way to treat struggling or suicidal teens. However, the results of these treatments have been mixed, and in some cases, ultimately cause more harm than good.  How Antidepressants Work To some extent, depression and its effects on the brain are a mystery. However, the simplest explanation for how antidepressants work is that they impact the behavior of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are released to send messages between nerve cells that trigger serotonin, dopamine and norepi…