Even as adults, we sometimes struggle with managing our emotions and mood (just think of the last time you met someone who had road rage or was impatient- or the last time you irritably lost control…). And yet, as parents, we may find ourselves getting frustrated with our children when they fail to control themselves.Continue reading “Tantrums? Refusal to listen? Anxiety? Help your child develop self-regulation.”
Tag Archives: depression
Stress and Anxiety in (Hong Kong) Children
According to a 2015 study, 27.8% of Hong Kong’s primary school children have anxiety symptoms so severe that professional help is warranted. 5-year-olds complaining of tummy aches without apparent cause, 8-year-olds having trouble falling asleep or suddenly refusing to go school, 10-year-olds facing bullying and hostility (in person and for older kids, on social media)-Continue reading “Stress and Anxiety in (Hong Kong) Children”
Lack of face-to-face interaction almost doubles depression risk
We all know the importance of staying connected and in touch with others, but it turns out not all forms of contact are equal. A recent study has found that adults aged 50 or above who rarely see friends or family in person are almost twice as likely to develop depression compared with those whoContinue reading “Lack of face-to-face interaction almost doubles depression risk”
Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria
There is now strong evidence that links conditions such as autism and depression to the the gut microbiome, i.e. the microorganisms that live in the gut. Recently, neuroscientists presented evidence for this link in a symposium at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington DC called “Gut Microbes and the Brain: Paradigm Shift in Neuroscience”. Earlier this year, Dr.Continue reading “Autism, depression, brain health- linked to gut bacteria”
Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?
New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”
Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it
The promise of a new year brings optimism and hope to many, but throws others into abject misery. Whether or not you’re aware, someone you know is suffering from depression. Depression is a common but serious illness. People with depression (also known as clinical depression, major depression or major depressive disorder) find that their state interferes with daily life. DepressedContinue reading “Happy new year? Understanding depression and what you can do about it”
Do happy children become happy adults?
Happiness may actually start in childhood. British researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK) report an association between a positive childhood and well-being in adulthood. In the study, a “positive” childhood was based on teacher evaluations of students’ levels of happiness, friendship and energy at ages 13 and 15. The researchers then linked these ratings to the individuals’ mentalContinue reading “Do happy children become happy adults?”
How’s your sleep? (part one)
Insufficient sleep can pose a problem to your health and safety. Studies have linked sleep deprivation to relationship problems, poor job performance, memory problems, mood disorders and car accidents. Some even suggest that sleep disorders may contribute to heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Are you getting a good night’s rest? Or do you suffer fromContinue reading “How’s your sleep? (part one)”
Divorce: the impact on grown-up children
Adult children of divorce, otherwise known as ACODs, are becoming a wide-spread phenomenon as couples choose to split later on in life. Though most current studies concerning the effects of divorce discuss the responses of younger children to divorce, those that look at the impact on adult children indicate that the event may still produce some negativeContinue reading “Divorce: the impact on grown-up children”
FDA drug alert: anti-depressant celexa (citalopram)
Citalopram (Celexa) is an anti-depressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety and other disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning: this drug should not be used in high doses because of concerns that it may cause damage to the heart. Dosages of 40mg/ day or higher has been found to cause problems withContinue reading “FDA drug alert: anti-depressant celexa (citalopram)”