Natalie

As technology becomes more prevalent in our day to day lives, it leaves some people asking if anyone or anything can break our smart phone addiction. One company - Boundless Mind - based out of California is trying to do just that. In an article in Time Magazine, writer Haley Sweetland Edwards explains how Boundless Mind is trying to help our tech-addicted world. "The headquarters of Boundless Mind looks as if it were created by a set designer to satisfy a cultural cliché. The tech startup is run out of a one-car garage a few blocks from California’s Venice Beach. On the morning I visited, in March, it was populated by a dozen screens–phones, tablets, monitors–and half as many 20-something engineers, all of whom were male and bearded, and one of whom wore a cowboy hat. Someone had [...]

You are what you eat ... right? With the rise of mental health issues, it begs the question - does what we eat effect our mental health? Experts believe that what we consume can directly effect not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. This study, put out by the Mental Health Foundation discusses just that. We encourage you to make choices that will have positive effects on your life. If you, or a loved one is struggling with depression call Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC at (678) 297-0708 for an evaluation, and to discuss the best treatment options available.

With all of our technological connections it's easy for us to feel like we are being social, and yet, many people report feeling lonelier than ever before. Other people mistaken interactions on social media as meaningful connections with others. Below Screenagers explores this social media phenomenon and how it relates to relationships. Do your kids think social media has made our society more social, or less? Plain and simple we all will benefit from looking deeply and honestly at this question. This week alone I heard two stories about social media and disconnection as well as one story of a teen who decided to limit her social media to promote connection. The first story came via an email that a high school counselor wrote me, “I had a conversation with my students yesterday about friendship. [...]

When families are faced with mental health issues it is hard to know where to turn for help and what kind of questions to ask when you get there. The Royal College of Psychologists, based in London, England put together a helpful list for parents in this situation. Researching and speaking to professionals can be overwhelming at first. Whether you are questioning what issue you might be facing, or you are experiencing a first time hospitalization or medication issue this list is helpful to parents and family member. To find the list click here, or copy and paste this link into your browser http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/partnersincarecampaign/checklistforparents.aspx. Another helpful resource is engaging with an Educational Consultant to help guide you through a difficult time. If you have loved one who is struggling call Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC at (678) 297-0708 for [...]

Throughout the United States students are struggling with mental health issues, which is unfortunately being demonstrated with school shootings, bullying and rising suicide rates. Educators and parents are grappling with what can be done for these students. Earlier this year Ashville Academy and the Hillside Center in Atlanta co-hosted a luncheon to discuss continual care for students to help administrative professionals and counselors understand the many options available to help this youth mental health crisis. Tamara Ancona was asked to participate in the panel discussion and offered the perspective of an educational consultant and an expert opinion on the process families go through to get their student the right kind of help. Attendees walked away with a clearer understanding about options available, choosing the correct program and where students fit into the continuum of care. [...]